Bristol Old Vic | What’s On Apr ’23 – Mar ’24

I’m thrilled to be here and working alongside Charlotte to lead Bristol Old Vic into an even brighter future. We, alongside the whole team, are working to create a place where everyone feels they belong; a place where we can connect with others and feed our creative curiosity.

My first season is all about belonging, connectedness and the power of storytelling. It’s filled with warmth, joy, song and music – a programme I hope will lift all our spirits high, including...

Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney, one of our greatest living playwrights, is my directorial debut for Bristol Old Vic. I promise, it will move you. Arabian Nights by Sonali Bhattacharyya will invite us to lean into magic and dreaming this winter; I’m already looking forward to nestling in with my family to see this one. I fell in love with Nkenna Akunna’s lead character Gemma in cheeky little brown and it marks our first co-production in The Weston Studio with our friends, tiata fahodzi. The Colour Of Dinosaurs is a fantastic show for young audiences – who doesn’t want a mash-up of cool, scientific dino facts, theatre and music? Starter For Ten, based on the British rom-com, is a funny, pacy new musical with evocative 80s’ punk and pop; such a treat.

Affordable theatre remains top of our agenda because we want to welcome you to all of our shows! Our new Season Ticket offers great savings when you book for more shows than you might normally. Better still, join us as a Member and unlock even greater savings. Our Open Concession tickets also remain available to all, no questions asked.

See you in the theatre, a workshop or the foyer very soon,

Charlotte Geeves Executive Director

Nancy Medina Artistic Director

It’s such a privilege to say hello and welcome you to my first season as Artistic Director.

CHEEKY LITTLE BROWN

21

SEP – 14 OCT

THE WESTON STUDIO AAAA

How do you break up with your best friend?

Lady is in the middle of crashing (and ruining) her best friend Gemma’s birthday party. The two haven’t spoken for six months.

cheeky little brown, by the Papatango Prizewinning playwright Nkenna Akunna (Some of Us Exist in the Future), is a failed night out, a musical, a show about heartbreak, tending to a body, and the shifting realities of the city they call home.

A TIATA FAHODZI, BRISTOL OLD VIC AND BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY CO-PRODUCTION

BY NKENNA AKUNNA | DIRECTED BY CHINONYEREM ODIMBA

Illustration Sarah Tanat-Jones

“A beautiful ode to Black society and home”

The Guardian on Black Love, written and co-directed by Chinonyerem Odimba

CHOIR BOY

12 OCT – 11 NOV

THEATRE AAAA

The Guardian (Choir Boy on Broadway, 2019)

AAAA

The Guardian (Choir Boy at Sydney WorldPride, 2023)

From Academy Award-winning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight), comes the exhilarating story of Pharus, a young, queer student leading the legendary gospel choir at his elite, all-boys prep school in America.

When Pharus’ pride is sullied by one of his fellow students, we’re sent on an electrifying voyage through the growing pains of humanity, as the boys navigate sexuality, race, identity, and brotherhood in their journey to becoming men.

This tender, coming-of-age story is threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns and spirituals. It is a beautiful, joyous play which rejoices in all that it means to march to your own drum.

Choir Boy marks Nancy Medina’s directorial debut for Bristol Old Vic as Artistic Director.

A BRISTOL OLD VIC PRODUCTION, IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHUCHU NWAGU PRODUCTIONS

WRITTEN BY TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY | DIRECTED

BY

NANCY MEDINA

“The songs bring the house down”

“A tender meditation on Black queerness told through sublime music”

Illustration Sarah Tanat-Jones

THE COLOUR OF DINOSAURS

20 – 28 OCT THE WESTON STUDIO

A rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages.

Picture a dinosaur roaming through an ancient forest... millions of years later, a scientist called Jakob discovers its amazing fossilised remains and tells its incredible, colourful story, revealing secrets we could never have imagined.

SEE OUR OTHER FAMILY SHOWS ON P14 & P15!

Join five musicians and palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs with soaring music, catchy songs and mind-blowing science.

A recipient of an Unlimited and Polka Theatre Partnership Commission, catch this Fermentsupported, studio-sized version of The Colour of Dinosaurs in Bristol before it expands and premieres with Polka…

P.S. bring your own dinosaur!

CREATED BY LLOYD COLEMAN & OTIC. AN UNLIMITED AND POLKA THEATRE PARTNERSHIP COMMISSION, WITH SUPPORT FROM BRISTOL OLD VIC FERMENT.

Illustration Sarah Tanat-Jones

WORLD PREMIERE

STARTER FOR TEN A NEW MUSICAL

29 FEB – 30 MAR THEATRE

Fingers on buzzers! Here’s your Starter for Ten…

What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at Bristol University, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…

Adapted from the hilarious novel by bestselling author David Nicholls and the cult 2006 film, Starter for Ten is a bright, big-hearted new musical. Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the 80s, this coming-of-age comedy is about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom.

The book and lyrics are co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, with a 1980s-inspired original score and lyrics by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen. Directed by Charlie Parham.

Illustration Sarah Tanat-Jones

ARABIAN NIGHTS

23 NOV – 6 JAN THEATRE AAAAA

The Telegraph on Sonali Bhattacharyya’s Chasing Hares

An Arabian Nights for modern times, with a daring heroine, captivating songs, and a timeless story of wonder and hope.

Schere has the quickest wits, greatest courage and most marvellous stories. Now she plans to liberate every young woman in the Kingdom from the greedy, tyrannical King. All through the power of her storytelling. But can she really do this alone? And is the first person she has to turn to really her annoying younger sister?

A

BRISTOL OLD VIC PRODUCTION

WRITTEN BY SONALI BHATTACHARYYA

DIRECTED BY BLANCHE MCINTYRE

As their mission grows more complicated, the sisters turn to the people of the Kingdom to join their cause. Working together, they overcome old grudges and petty disputes to find their collective voice. Together, they light up the Kingdom with magic, excitement, unity and hope in the festive season.

Illustration Sarah Tanat-Jones

“Sparkling dialogue”

FOUR SEASONS

1 DEC – 7 JAN

THE WESTON STUDIO

AAAA

The Stage on Little Bulb’s The Night that Autumn Turned to Winter

A theatrical love letter to nature for children and families.

We begin in Winter, where frost crunches underfoot, icy winds blow, and snow is softly falling all around. Much of nature seems to be asleep. But somewhere, preparations for something truly wonderful are underway.

Join our intrepid team of magical gardeners as they tend to the marvellous menagerie of flora and fauna at every stage of nature’s miraculous journey. Four Seasons is a celebration of the wonder and weirdness of nature and our place within it, all set to an exciting score of seasonally inspired tracks including, of course, Vivaldi’s iconic piece.

Expect an enchanting and innovative show featuring puppetry, physical theatre and clowning fun – everything we’ve come to expect from Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (Hibernation, CBEEBIES’ The Nutcracker).

Illustration Louise Boulter

CONCEIVED AND CREATED BY LITTLE BULB, DEVISED IN COLLABORATION WITH HANORA KAMEN, VIC LLEWELLYN, SHAMIRA TURNER AND KIRSTY HARRIS

“Captivating”

Your Season Ticket

SEE IT ALL FROM THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE AT A BIG SAVING!

Book 3 or more shows in a single transaction and benefit from our Season Ticket Offer. The more you see, the more you save… Enjoy a discount of up to 20% – or 35% if you’re a Member (head to p20)!

Simply choose your seats for the shows you wish to see, add them to your basket and the discount will automatically apply at checkout.

Shows included: cheeky little brown, Choir Boy, The Colour of Dinosaurs, Arabian Nights, Four Seasons and Starter for Ten

DID YOU KNOW?

We have flexible Pay What You Choose pricing to suit any budget. Plus, if you’re new to Bristol Old Vic, we’re offering 100 free tickets to Preview performances of Choir Boy, Arabian Nights and Starter for Ten. All you need to do is set up a new account to claim your free tickets!

Available on any seat and in any price band. Maximum 2 free tickets per new account.

Image The Other Richard|Feast

13 –

30

SEP THEATRE AAAAA

“I

The I AAAA “Comedy gold”

Time Out AAAA

“A thrilling foray into silliness”

The Guardian

“This is impossible! We’ve got no motives. No suspects. We don’t know anything! Who knew solving a murder would be so hard?”

BFFs Kathy and Stella host Hull’s least successful true-crime podcast. When their favourite author is killed, they are thrust into a thrilling whodunnit of their own! Can they crack the case (and become global podcast superstars) before the killer strikes again…?

A hilarious murder mystery musical from the Olivier Award-winning team behind Fleabag, Baby Reindeer and A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad)

defy you not to fall in love with it”

10 – 20 JAN THEATRE

In their first new show since 2019, Frantic Assembly and Lemn Sissay OBE collaborate on this thrilling new adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis.

Combining the fluidity and lyricism of Sissay’s adaptation and Frantic’s uncompromising physicality, this promises to be an unmissable retelling of Franz Kafka’s shocking tale of cruelty and kindness; a visceral and vital depiction of humans struggling within a system that crushes them under its heel.

25 JAN – 10 FEB THEATRE

In a struggling and divided nation, tearing itself apart, the Macbeths see their chance at the crown – why shouldn’t they take it?

But things don’t go according to plan. Dreams quickly turn to nightmares, humanity erodes, nature stirs. As society strives to make sense of the darkness within it, how long will it take people to fight back against the endless cycle of violence and corruption?

ETT’s visceral and contemporary new production of Shakespeare’s tragedy speaks to today’s world; why has Macbeth haunted our fears and nightmares for centuries, and what lesson is this cautionary tale still urgently trying to teach us?

Design Studio Doug

Photo Perou|Design Paul Reardon

A FRANTIC ASSEMBLY PRODUCTION, CO-PRODUCED WITH THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH, CURVE, MAST MAYFLOWER STUDIOS AND LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE

AN ETT PRODUCTION, IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRISTOL OLD VIC ORIGINALLY CO-PRODUCED BY ETT, SHAKESPEARE NORTH, NORTHERN STAGE AND THÉÂTRES

12 – 17 FEB THEATRE AAAA

The Times AAAAA

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

Broadway Baby

Photo Peter Dibdin

PRESENTED BY JAMES SEABRIGHT | WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY APPHIA CAMPBELL

“Moving portrayal of determination and survival”

“Nothing short of sensational”

Access

It’s our top priority that everyone feels welcome and comfortable when visiting Bristol Old Vic.

For general access information, including booking access tickets, disabled parking, washroom facilities, the lift, wheelchair spaces and more, please visit bristololdvic.org.uk/access

And if you have any questions, we’d be more than happy to help. Please email us at access@bristololdvic.org.uk

Check out our upcoming Accessible Performances below:

More accessible performance to be announced soon for Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, Arabian Nights, Metamorphosis, Macbeth and Starter for Ten. Check bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on for the latest.

COMEDY SPOKENWORD &

THROUGHOUT 2023 – 2024

The best in British stand-up. Current line-up includes Suzi Ruffell, Tim Key, Phil Wang, Jayde Adams, James Acaster and Lucy Beaumont – with more announced all the time.

Plus, dive into a world of words with Something Rhymes with Purple on Stage based on Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent’s award-winning podcast.

Head to bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on for the full programme.

FABULOUS FAMILY FUN

25 – 27 JUL THEATRE

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend. Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding Jurassic adventure, live on stage. AAAAA

“Great fun”

What’s Good to Do

Photo Robert Day

3+ 28 – 30 JUL

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated smash-hit show returns.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, singalong songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!

“Delightful”

What’s on Stage

Illustrations © Kerr-Kneale Productions Ltd 1968

BESTSELLERS REIMAGINED

9 – 20 MAY THEATRE

Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, this is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.

AAAAA

What’s Good to Do

DAVID PUGH PRESENTS THE TRON THEATRE COMPANY, THE ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE EDINBURGH AND BLOOD OF THE YOUNG’S PRODUCTION, WITH CO-PRODUCERS BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE, BRISTOL OLD VIC, LEEDS PLAYHOUSE, NORTHERN STAGE AND OXFORD PLAYHOUSE

31 AUG – 2 SEP THEATRE

It’s midnight, and Orpheus is once again amongst the grime of Bristol: broken glass, graffiti and late-night ravers. He stands older, wiser maybe, trying to remember a moment of importance, of love… Join Orpheus as he descends into the Underworld, for one final time.

A BRISTOL OLD VIC ENGAGEMENT PRODUCTION

WRITTEN BY OLIVIER AWARD-WINNER ADAM PECK

DIRECTED BY LISA GREGAN

From our mighty Young Company to our Community Choir, there are all sorts of ways you can get involved. Find out more at bristololdvic.org.uk/interact

Image 2022 cast photograph by Mihaela Bodlovic

“A raucously irreverent romp”

Image Ben Robins

BESTSELLERS REIMAGINED

7 – 24 JUN THEATRE + LIVE BROADCAST

Tolstoy’s masterpiece reimagined. A heartbreaking story of relationships, marriage, and betrayal, Lesley Hart’s boldly theatrical adaptation brings the language bang up to date, while Polina Kalinina’s direction sweeps you up in the breathtaking pace of the story and places no limits on opulence, decadence and, above all, passion.

When her brother’s affair is discovered, Anna Karenina crosses the country by train to help save his marriage. But on her arrival at the station, a charged encounter with a dazzling young cavalry officer sends her on a course of action that could destroy her own marriage and tear her life apart.

Meanwhile, rejected by his beloved, Kostya Levin vows never to marry. As Anna opens herself up to love, Kostya tries in vain to shut himself off from it. Kindred spirits, Anna and Kostya are torn between desire and duty, sexual and parental love, self and society – and they won’t live a lie.

In a world of fakery, public shaming and patriarchal oppression, they are compelled to live truly – or not at all. AAAA

The Guardian on Polina

“Thrilling work”

Kalinina’s Romeo and Juliet

Photo Mihaela Bodlovic | Design madeby.DO

12 & 13 MAY THE WESTON STUDIO

Ace is 22, trans, queer and sofa surfing –just for now!

To keep a sofa requires you to act small, smiling, and polite. But no one is perfect and eventually everyone messes up – which would be a lot easier if you weren’t also unexpectedly growing fluffy ears and a tiny tail.

A celebration of queer community, full of heart, youth and pan pipes.

23 – 27 MAY THE WESTON STUDIO

Meet Mrs: an old lady who goes into outer space… in search of her own orgasm. Isn’t that where all orgasms go?

Told through one woman and a live DJ, with projected animation and captions, STARS is a moving and joyful, sensitive yet funny, Afrofuturist odyssey for all.

TAMASHA AND INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS PRESENT

STUDIO MULTI-BUY OFFER

CARDBOARD CITIZENS, ALPHABETTI THEATRE AND THEATRE 503 PRESENT

Image Ciaran Walsh at Ciwa Design

Illustration

Candice Purwin

WE NEED NEW NAMES

30 MAY – 3 JUN THE WESTON STUDIO

Paradise. Home of 10-year-old Darling and her friends: four children on the edge of innocence. A playground overflowing with mischief and games where they imagine countries a luxurious life away from theirs in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. But when Darling moves to Michigan, the Western world she encounters as a teenager is far from the American utopia of her dreams…

Based on the novel by the first Black African woman and first Zimbabwean to be Booker Prize-shortlisted, this defiant coming-ofage story is full of exuberance, humour and humanity.

A FIFTH WORD AND NEW PERSPECTIVES CO-PRODUCTION

BY NOVIOLET BULAWAYO, IN A NEW ADAPTATION BY MUFARO MAKUBIKA

DIRECTED BY MONIQUE TOUKO

CAttS

16 – 20 MAY THE WESTON STUDIO

From ‘acclaimed clown’ (To Do List London) and emerging idiot Frankie Thompson, an anarchic one-woman adaptation of Cats (the musical). But not about cats, not about musicals, not about Cats the musical.

CAttS is a lip-sync ballet through the distractions and obsessions that help us cope with an increasingly dystopian reality. Because after all, wouldn’t we rather think about cats?

AAAA

The Guardian

“Wonderfully, confoundingly funny”

Photograph C.W. Griffin Design Suzanne Dean

Image Erin Hopkins

Thank you to our supporters

Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters. Thank you.

PRINCIPLE SUPPORT

PROGRAMME SUPPORT

Together with The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, Annett Charitable Trust, Antonia Watson Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Garrick Charitable Trust and Wingate Foundation.

Head to bristololdvic.org.uk/support-us for a full list of our supporters, and to find out about the many ways in which you can support our work and be more closely involved in the life of the theatre.

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