BOX OFFICE: 0117 902 0344 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM
WELCOME Over the coming year public subsidy of the arts is falling fast and many arts organisations around the country are worried about their future. Bristol however is booming. The Bristol Old Vic is shortly to reopen after many frustrating years, exciting new venues are popping up all over the city and shows created in Bristol are playing all over the world: as I write Tristan Sturrock is in America, Translations is in Hong Kong, Action Hero are in Greece and Adam Peck’s Bonnie and Clyde is about to open in Australia. Nowhere is this boom better exemplified than at the Tobacco Factory Theatre. Our funding may be at a lower level than it’s been since 2007 but we’re still thrilled to be able to present a programme that includes, among others, an Olivier winner (La bohème), household names (Miriam Margoyles and Les Dennis), excellent contemporary writing (DNA), a stunning new dance work (Made in Heaven) and what I believe to be one of the most important theatre companies in the world (Belarus Free Theatre). We are able to keep such excellent and exciting work coming to our theatre with the help of a huge number of partners but the most important is you. Whether you’re a participant of one of our TF+ events (p28 & 29), a donor or corporate sponsor (p33), a volunteer or an audience member at any of the wonderful range of shows we programme, we thank you for your continued support and hope that you enjoy this season with us.
Ali Robertson Director
WHAT WE DO The Tobacco Factory Theatre produces and presents excellent art in unique, intimate and visceral spaces. We present a jam-packed programme in both Factory and Brewery Theatres of diverse and exciting shows, workshops and events, from international comedy acts to opera, family shows to modern classics and timeless masterpieces plus an extensive TF+ programme of post-show events, artist training and classes for our young audiences. Talk to us : www.facebook.com/bristoltheatre @tftheatre
WHAT YOU THINK... “THERE SHOULD BE MORE PLACES LIKE THE TF IN THE WORLD!” Clare, Miguel and family
“THE QUALITY OF THE SHOWS YOU PUT ON CANNOT BE FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE; I REALLY FEEL IT IS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS” Philip, Factory Fan for Life
“THE TOBACCO FACTORY HAS BECOME AN ESSENTIAL THEATRE. IT WORKS WONDERS WITH LITTLE MONEY; WITH MORE INVESTMENT IT WOULD PERFORM MIRACLES” Susannah Clapp, The Observer
Design pelotondesign.co.uk Tobacco Factory Arts Trust Registered Company no: 04536120 Registered Charity no: 1097542
Small Talk Page 05
MAY/AUG 12
HOW TO FIND US Both theatres are situated just south of the river in the heart of bustling Southville. Tobacco Factory Theatre Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF
BY FOOT
The Brewery 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP
We are just a 15 minute walk from the Centre (Arnolfini/MShed area) and a 30 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads and Bedminster train stations.
(NB All tickets must be collected from the Tobacco Factory Theatre Box Office)
BY BUS
Bus numbers 25 or 24 from North Bristol, Broadmead, the City Centre and Redcliffe Hill stop outside the Tobacco Factory. Currently the last bus leaves at 10.42pm Monday – Sunday from outside Aldi.
BY BIKE
Both Theatres are very accessible by bike from all areas of Bristol and we have bike racks inside the Tobacco Factory, on the wall of the Factory, on the corner of Raleigh Road and North Street and outside The Brewery.
PARKING
There is plenty of on street parking in the surrounding area and an Aldi supermarket car park next door usable after 7pm, but please note: Aldi has a 2 hour parking restriction if you park before 7pm with a 4 hour no return period and a hefty £70 fine!
Our friendly Theatre Bar with exhibition space, stage area, intimate lighting, Wi-Fi, private bar and catering options is now regularly used during the day and evenings for children’s parties, private parties, conferences, meetings, wedding receptions, launches and music events. 02 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
So if you’ve got something special coming up and need somewhere to hold it, why not have it here? Call Dave Dewhurst on 0117 963 0941 or email david@tobaccofactory.com for more details.
Photo: Camilla Adams
HOLD YOUR NEXT EVENT HERE!
WHERE TO FIND WHAT... With so many shows to choose from at the Tobacco Factory Theatre, we’ve split this brochure up into sections so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
SHOWS: PAGES 08-19
COMEDY: PAGES 21-23
FAMILY: PAGE 20
SIGN UP TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER
MAYFEST: PAGES 04-07
EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFERS
Receive all our latest show news and ticket offers. Email: tickets@tobaccofactory.com with ‘e-newsletter’ in the subject or sign up at www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com
TF+: PAGES 28-30
SPECIAL OFFERS! Look for these offers and symbols throughout the brochure: This season, some Brewery show opening night tickets are £5! See show pages for details and get booking.
EUGENE ONEGIN
Tobacco Factory Opera 16 – 27 October Book by 01 June and save up to £5 See p26 for details
HANSEL AND GRETEL Christmas 2012 05 December – 13 January
Book by 01 August and save up to £5 See p27 for details
Business Club & Fans 241 Offer Business Club members and Fans who join by Direct Debit can get 2for1 tickets on certain dates (see calendar) to shows with this symbol. See pages 32 & 33 for Business Club and Fans information. Suck it & See! offer Making it easier (and cheaper!) for you to explore the range and breadth of our programme. Date restrictions apply. Please call Box Office or visit our website for full details.
Buy a full price ticket for... Made in Heaven (p07) DNA (p09) Dancing at Lughnasa (p09)
and see this for just £5 Small Talk (p05) Concrete Jungle (p15) Dolphin Crossing (p17) WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 03
AYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAY
Mayfest returns to the Factory and Brewery Theatres for another ten days of mind-blowing theatre. Highlights include the incredible Belarus Free Theatre with the urgent and powerful Minsk, 2011, a truly stunning portrayal of life behind that last scrap of the iron curtain, and the return of maverick genius John Moran with the world premiere of his new work John Moran: The Con Artist. Make a night of it and catch a show at 7.30pm at the Factory Theatre followed by a 9pm show at The Brewery, or head over to the festival hang-out The Blind Tiger at Bristol Old Vic from 9pm. See show listings for individual timings. www.mayfestbristol.co.uk @mayfestbristol Fri 18 – Sun 20 May 9pm Venue Brewery Theatre
Mayfest is produced by MAYK in collaboration with Bristol Old Vic and in association with partners across the city.
The Guardian
04 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
JOHN MORAN:
TICKET OFFER
See Hit ch and Crunch on the same for £15 night /£12
THE CON ARTIST New York composer and performer John Moran gives us the premiere of a new solo work of music-theatre that combines his seamless mixture of movement, sound and a musical approach to realism.
Save Me by Search Party, Mayfest 2011 Photo: Claudio Ahlers
“Few festivals sizzle quite so deliciously as Mayfest, which always succeeds in feeling both very local and completely universal”
John Moran is regarded as the protégé of composer Philip Glass. In 2003 Glass was quoted as saying, “I am convinced that there is no more important composer working today, than John Moran.” Moran’s works have featured performers such as Uma Thurman, Iggy Pop, Allen Ginsberg and he has been touring internationally since 2007. Tickets Full £10 / Concession £7
YFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFE
Tue 22 – Thu 24 May 7.45pm Signed show Wed 23 May Venue Brewery Theatre
Tue 22 – Thu 24 May 9.15pm Signed show Wed 23 May Venue Brewery Theatre
HITCH
CRUNCH
On the 8 July 2009, the leaders of the eight most powerful countries met in Italy to make plans for the future of our planet.
Gary’s got a good feeling about you.
KIERAN HURLEY / TRIGGER
Kieran Hurley hitched a lift from Glasgow, alone, to be there too. Hitch is an intimate piece of contemporary storytelling. It asks questions about the purpose of political protest and the possibility of change. Humorous, thought provoking and ultimately hopeful, Hitch is a story of global leaders, compassionate strangers, a young man and his thumb. Performed by Kieran Hurley with music by Over The Wall. “The best performance I’ve ever seen” Chris Goode, The Observer
Photo: Matthew Andrews
Photo: Dave Arthur
Photo: Flora Pitrolo
Page 03
Fri 25 & Sat 26 May 9pm Venue Brewery Theatre
SMALL TALK
GARY MCNAIR / TRIGGER
PROBE / ANTONIA GROVE / WENDY HOUSTON
Two pre-eminent dance artists at the peak of their profession collaborate on a fresh new piece of dance theatre.
He believes that you’ve got it in you to be a winner. He believes that you’ve got what it takes to complete his five-step programme.
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants” Coco Chanel.
He believes that you can be liberated from the tyranny of money forever. Is it a lecture? Is it a test? Is he really serious? Crunch is a solo performance by Gary McNair. “A very smart hour worth something more than money: your time” **** The Guardian
Stand-up singing, sit down talking, monosyllabic dancing and fast talking movement come together in this virtuosic display of disguise and derangement performed by “dance goddess” (The Times) Antonia Grove, created by Wendy Houston. “There’s a sinewy roundness to her dances which calls to mind the paintings of Matisse” The Observer
Supported by National Theatre Scotland.
Supported by the Arches.
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £7
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £7
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £7 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 05
AYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAY
Page 03
ts Various even Page 28
Made in Heaven
Minsk, 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker
06 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
YFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFEST/MAYFE Fri 18 – Sun 20 May 7.30pm Venue Factory Theatre
Mon 21 – Sat 26 May 7.30pm Venue Factory Theatre
MADE IN HEAVEN MINSK, 2011: BATH TIME A REPLY TO KATHY ACKER MARK BRUCE COMPANY IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE
Following the critically acclaimed Love and War and Sea of Bones, the Mark Bruce Company present its new, savagely beautiful dance theatre production.
Merging ancient themes with the dystopia of contemporary life, Mark Bruce creates a surreal world ruled by a blinded cop and a malicious virgin, where a prairie girl dreams of other lives, and a chain-gang dances on the edge of an inferno. With music ranging from Debussy and Leadbelly to Queens of the Stone Age and The Black Keys, this dark, sometimes comic piece interrogates the very idea of heaven. Mark Bruce has choreographed, directed and danced internationally for over 20 years. His work includes collaborations with Bern Ballet, Rosas, PJ Harvey, Igloo, Probe, Introdans, DJazzex and The Royal Exchange Theatre. “A stunning piece of work” What’s On Stage (on Love and War) “A compelling evening of dance theatre” The Guardian (on Sea of Bones) Running time 1hr 10mins Age recommendation 13+
OXFORD PLAYHOUSE
FUEL AND BELARUS FREE THEATRE
Devised by Belarus Free Theatre Adapted and directed by Vladimir Shcherban
A provocative and heart-breaking show from possibly the most important revolutionary theatre company in the world. Welcome to Minsk – the sexiest city in the world! Strip clubs, underground raves and gay pride parades pulse beneath the surface of a city where sexuality is twisted by oppression. If scars are sexy then Minsk must be the sexiest city in the world. A love letter to a home that exiles those willing to fight for it, Minsk, 2011 celebrates and mourns a land that has lost its way. Belarus Free Theatre was founded in 2005 in Europe’s last surviving dictatorship; the company is one of the most outspoken critics of Belarus’ repressive regime. Because of this, many company members have served time in prison, lost their jobs, gone into hiding or been exiled. Despite this, the company continues to develop awardwinning work with the support of artists around the world. Performed in Russian with English surtitles. “What makes it heart-rending is the knowledge that the events described are true” ***** The Telegraph “This remarkable company shares its experiences with such wit, intelligence and theatrical imagination” **** The Scotsman Running time 1hr 15mins
MBE, Director, Swindon Dance
A very shiny jewel of a dance company whose work is always of the highest quality.
Tickets Full £13 / Concession £11
BOV Marketing Manager
Loud, angry and ripped with muscular beauty, the extraordinary Minsk bulldozes into your brain and refuses to budge.
Tickets Full £13 / Concession £11 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 07
event Post-show 28 e ag P
DNA
Dancing at Lughnasa
08 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Thu 10 – Sat 12 May 8.15pm Matinee Sat 12 May 2.45pm Venue Brewery Theatre
Mon 11 – Sat 23 June 7.30pm (no show Sun) Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm Venue Factory Theatre
DNA
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
HULL TRUCK THEATRE
A group of teenagers do something bad, really bad, then panic and cover the whole thing up. But when they find that the cover-up unites them and brings harmony to their otherwise fractious lives, where’s the incentive to put things right? First performed at the National Theatre in 2008, this startling play is fast becoming a contemporary-classic with young audiences and has recently become a core set-text on the GCSE English syllabus, studied by 400,000 students nationwide each year. This brand new touring production directed by the National Theatre’s Anthony Banks features a cutting-edge design and soundtrack and an exciting cast of young actors. James Alexandrou (EastEnders) is joined by George Brockbanks, Leah Brotherhead, Emily Butterfield, Tom Clegg, Rhys Jennings, Daniel Francis-Swaby and Elexi Walker. Dennis Kelly has also written Osama the Hero (Hampstead Theatre), Pulling (BBC3), The Gods Weep (RSC) and is currently receiving critical acclaim for his adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical at the RSC and in the West End. “Anthony Banks’s snappy production sets the temperature at chilling” **** The Sunday Times “Dennis Kelly’s short, sharp shocker of a play cleverly piles on the twists” **** The Guardian
BRISTOL OLD VIC THEATRE SCHOOL Written by Brian Friel Directed by Sue Wilson
August 1936 in the fictional town of Ballybeg in Donegal and the adult Michael Evans recounts growing up in his aunts’ cottage when he was seven years old. These were the late summer days when love briefly seemed possible for three of the five Mundy sisters. The family welcomes home their frail elder brother, returning mysteriously from a life as a missionary in Africa. Set against the Celtic Harvest Festival of Lughnasa, Gerry, Michael’s father, stirs up the sisters’ emotions, with his dancing and his dreams. But this Pagan festival proves to be a time for reaping what has been sown. “Friel has the Chekhovian gift of simultaneously seeing his people from the outside, feeling them from the inside and knowing what they are thinking about each other even when they are silent...there is no doubting we are in the thrall of as masterly a dramatist as the theatre possesses” The Times Running time 2hr 40mins
“Tension so gripping you could almost taste it. Highly recommended” **** What’s On Stage Running time 1hr 10mins Age recommendation 13+
COCB Tutor
A ‘full on’ dark comedy from a ‘spot on’ young company. A fast moving, provocative shocker.
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £8
TFT Fan for Life and Volunteer
It’s always joyous to see BOVTS putting their hearts and souls into energetic, entertaining performances. Never fails!
Tickets Full £15 / Concession £10 / Opening night £10 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 09
Coelacanth
event Post-show 28 Page
Dickens’ Women
10 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Thu 21 – Sat 23 June 8.15pm Venue Brewery Theatre
COELACANTH SHOW AND TELL
From the imagination of Ben Moor, one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s most lauded comedy writing talents, comes an extraordinary tale of love, loneliness, tree climbing and deeply oblivious fish. She’s a rising star in the sport of competitive tree climbing; he’s a quiet nonentity. How they fall in love isn’t the story. Staying together when the world is filled with imaginary flat mates, underground Compliment Clubs and Satanic Jazz bands – that’s the story. Coelacanth (pronounced see-la-kanth) was adapted for BBC Radio 4, won a Herald Angel Award and earned Ben Moor a Best Actor Award nomination from The Stage. “Storytelling as funny as it is beautiful” **** The Guardian “Irreverent, inventive and hauntingly beautiful” **** The Times “Surreal and charming... clever and witty without being overbearing. This is a show of quietly confident quality with a poignant ending full of resonances. This is thought-provoking stuff” **** The Metro Running time 1hr Age recommendation 14+
Mon 25 – Wed 27 June 8pm Matinee Wed 27June 2.30pm Venue Factory Theatre
DICKENS’ WOMEN RICHARD JORDAN PRODUCTIONS LTD IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANDREW MCKINNON AND PW PRODUCTIONS
Devised and written by Miriam Margolyes and Sonia Fraser Directed by Sonia Fraser Performed by Miriam Margolyes Original music and arrangements by Michael Haslam
As part of this year’s celebrations for the bi-centenary of Charles Dickens, Miriam Margolyes reprises her Olivier Award nominated one-woman play, portraying 23 of Dickens’ best-loved characters. This production, especially created for the Dickens 2012 celebrations, gives audiences the unique opportunity to witness the extraordinary passion and talent of Miriam Margolyes as she portrays over 23 of Dickens’ best-loved characters, from doe-eyed young heroines and browbeating old harridans, to men and midgets. A stunning demonstration of versatility and acting performance, she sets out to discover the man himself, revealing everything from the raucous humour of his characterisations to the darker, more sinister, aspects of his life and work. Funny, moving, affectionate and informative, Dickens’ Women is a show for young and old, whether they are familiar with Charles Dickens’ writing or are just discovering him. “I’ve been a great admirer of Dickens, a passionate admirer all my life – I want to share with you my relish in his humour, variety and vitality” Miriam Margolyes “Hilarious” The Independent “Highly entertaining… riveting… a virtuoso display” The Guardian “Miriam Margolyes strikes gold from Dickens” Financial Times Running time 2hr 15mins
Olivier Award winning writer
Who else can show you the beauty of the world, and make you laugh at 100 creaky puns? Nobody.
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £8 / Opening night £5
SATTF Director
Miriam is a gem, and her Dickens a must!
Tickets Full £15 / Matinee £13 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 11
Photo: Farrows Creative Photo: Idil Suka
Short Shrifts
I’m an Aristocrat, Get Me Out of Here!
12 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Tue 26 June – Sat 07 July 8.15pm (no show Sun & Mon) Venue Brewery Theatre
Thu 28 & Fri 29 June 8pm Venue Factory Theatre
SHORT SHRIFTS
I’M AN ARISTOCRAT, GET ME OUT OF HERE!
ATTENTION SEEKERS
Beautiful, grotesque, absurd – an elusive journey of surprising twists and turns; two people lost in a desert, a ventriloquist and his dummy, a bite of cannibalism... all this in twelve short plays by Peter Oswald. Acclaimed poet Alice Oswald, versatile performers Peter Oswald and Josephine Larsen (with seventeen years of experience in erotic dance, film, theatre and cabaret in Europe), and skilled musician Nemo Jones (of Faithless) combine poetry, live music, drama and dance in performances that embrace the realms between the forms. Oswald’s large scale work for Mark Rylance at The Globe and for the National Theatre has hugely influenced this small scale work which weaves together the extremes of physical theatre with language. After successful runs at the English Theatre Berlin and Soho Theatre, London and advisory direction from Tim Supple, Attention Seekers is overjoyed to bring Short Shrifts for two weeks to The Brewery. Running time 1hr 30mins
GONZO MOOSE
A swashbuckling comedy adventure inspired by the legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel from the brilliant Gonzo Moose. Paris, 1792. Revolution grips the city and the secret police march traitors to their deaths. No one is safe. Everyone is a suspect. Paris needs a hero, someone who can deliver it from this terror and restore freedom and justice. Will such a hero emerge? Yes. Hot off the back of a very successful stint at Pegasus Theatre last Christmas where the physical theatre trio delighted audiences and critics with their family show Grimm and Grimmer, this new devised adventure promises to be just as inventive as their last offering and is complete with the company’s trademark visual comedy, verbal wit and slapstick. “Typically wild, crazy, inspired and devilishly funny” The Oxford Times (on Grimm and Grimmer) “Anarchic comedy theatre at its best” **** Fringe Reviews (on Is That a Bolt In Your Neck?) Running time 1hr 15mins
TF+ Officer
Superb contemporary writing performed so close you can see the whites of the actors’ eyes. Thrilling.
Tickets Full £9 / Concession £7 / Opening night £5
TFT FOH Manager/Producer
Gonzo Moose make irreverent, witty, sharp, fun shows – for a good time, go see this!
Tickets Full £13 / Concession £9 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 13
Much Ado About Wenlock
Page 03
event Post-show 28 Page
Concrete Jungle
14 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Thu 05 – Sat 07 July 8pm Venue Factory Theatre
Tue 10 – Sat 14 July 8.15pm Venue Brewery Theatre
MUCH ADO CONCRETE ABOUT WENLOCK JUNGLE VAMOS THEATRE
LUDERE PRODUCTIONS
A theatrical tale of Olympian feats… it’s a winner!
One year on from the riots, gang culture is on the increase, the Government is on the defence, British society is becoming ever more fragmentised and Thatcher’s outcry ‘that there is no such thing as community’ is finally a modern day reality.
On your starting blocks! Vamos Theatre, in association with The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, presents its new production, Much Ado About Wenlock, a play about health, sports, a reforming doctor and a runaway chicken! In 1850, the Shropshire market town of Much Wenlock hosted its very own ‘Olympian Games’, an inspiration for the modern Games. In a captivatingly comic production celebrating the Games’ unlikely UK roots, Much Ado About Wenlock reveals a local doctor’s determination to improve the health of all. Will Dr Penny Brookes inspire the workers to swap tipple for triple jumping? Will schoolmistress Beatty win over the cynical Reverend Benedict Wayne? Will little Eddie Sankey triumph over the bullying butcher’s boy, Archibald Blockley? And will our national love of the underdog be satisfied in this heroic piece of theatre? A glorious full mask show, with original music, physicality, and choreography, Much Ado About Wenlock is an adventure for audiences from 8 to 108! We are thrilled to have Vamos Theatre back after their wonderful run of Nursing Lives here at TFT in 2010. “If you’ve seen Trestle Theatre Company in days of yore, you’ll know what to expect because Vamos have taken over their mime mantle with panache” Chris Eldon Lee, Radio 4 “An affecting, heartfelt production that is funny and touching in turn” The Guardian (on Nursing Lives) Running time 1hr 45mins
Set on one of the UK’s roughest estates, Concrete Jungle follows a group of young people in their daily battle for survival, respect and something more than just existence. Written by Olivier Award winning writer Bola Agbaje and based on true stories from interviews with gangs, police, politicians, prisons and our next generation of ‘elders’, we embrace the daily problems young people face as they strive to better their circumstances. Concrete Jungle explores the many layers of British society, including race, creed and cultural differences, penetrating the sensationalism of the media and discrimination of our government. It questions the system that entraps; the cycles that prevail and looks at the substitute for the modern family unit. Concrete Jungle delves fearlessly to the core of the problem with particular focus on women’s roles within gang culture. A provocative, original, witty, daring and entertaining new play from one of the country’s hottest young playwrights. “An absolutely gripping play, insightful, intelligent and sensitive. It was subtle, uncliched, funny and heart wrenching. The best piece of theatre we’ve seen all year”Audience feedback at The Roundhouse Running time 1hr
TFT Theatre Manager
Funny, skillful and beautifully performed mask theatre that sends you home with a smile on your face.
Tickets Full £12/ Concession £8 (no conc Sat)
TFT Director
I was utterly gripped by this thrilling new play from a wonderful writer and look forward to seeing it brought to life.
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £8 / Opening night £5 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 15
La bohème
Illustration: Mike Dowling
Page 03
The Dolphin Crossing
16 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Fri 13 & Sat 14 July 8pm Venue Factory Theatre
Tue 17 – Sat 28 July 8.15pm (no show Sun & Mon) Venue Brewery Theatre
LA BOHEME
THE DOLPHIN CROSSING
OPERAUPCLOSE
OperaUpClose burst onto the opera scene in 2009 with this fresh and brilliantly youthful production of Puccini’s masterpiece La bohème. It opened in a pub theatre in London before transferring to the West End, winning the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera and the Whatsonstage.com Award for Best Off-West End Production. We are thrilled to welcome OperaUpClose to the TFT this season. Follow the ups and downs of idealistic students Rodolfo and Marcello and their girlfriends Mimi and Musetta, as they bicker, party, try to make ends meet and follow their dreams. The comedy of the first half of this hugely popular production heightens its tragic ending, with theatre-goers saying this 21st century bohème affected them like no other. Now for the first time, Bristol audiences have the chance to experience the show that changed the face of opera. We are delighted to have started programming opera in the TFT Spring/Summer season, to complement our perennially popular annual Opera Project slot in October. A departure from the more traditional, OperaUpClose use young professional singers, a piano and a completely fresh look at one of the most popular operas ever written that we guarantee will leave you wanting more. “A madly brilliant re-imagining… youth only adds to the emotional punch of the staging” The Times “Fizzes with fun and fabulousness” Metro “The most ingenious staging ever devised… a huge artistic success” The New York Times Running time 2hr 5mins
BLUE BROOK PRODUCTIONS
An exhilarating story of two plucky heroes who sail the Channel to rescue the British Army from Dunkirk. “This is no kids’ game. You would be sailing into the middle of a battlefield...” 1940. The British Army is on the brink of disaster. Two boys with the aid of their motorboat The Dolphin join several destroyers, half a dozen trawlers and a great swarm of tiny boats to cross the English Channel and rescue the British Army stranded in Dunkirk. These plucky heroes soon realise war isn’t like the comic books they’ve been reading. They’ll need a ton of Dunkirk spirit and a lot of luck to make it back alive. Vivid characters, thrilling battle-action sequences and powerful storytelling combine to bring to the stage the tale of a remarkable friendship in the midst of the dramatic rescue of thousands of British and French soldiers. Based on the book by Jill Paton Walsh and adapted by Ed Viney, whose previous adaptations include the Edinburgh Fringe hit Candide and whose directing credits include Hard Times at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and the first major revival of Arthur Miller’s Danger:Memory! “Ed Viney’s revival is deft and delicately acted” The Times (on Danger:Memory!) “The script is clever and pacey probing with irony the notion that everything is for the best” The Scotsman (on Candide) Running time 1hr 15mins
TFT Marketing Manager
The most real and relevant production of this opera I have ever seen, absolutely brilliant!
Tickets Full £20 / 10 x £10 concessions available for under 21s for each show. Must be booked in person and have proof of age.
BOVTS Principal
A timely reminder of the power of camaraderie in the face of overwhelming odds – the “miracle of the little ships” retold.
Tickets Full £10 / Concession £8 / Opening night £5 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 17
Sun 06 May & Sun 03 June 7.45pm Venue Brewery Theatre
Sun 27 May & Sun 24 June 7.30pm Venue Brewery Theatre
STORYTELLING SUNDAYS
INSTANT WIT
BRISTOL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
A creative collaboration between Bristol Storytelling Festival and the Tobacco Factory Theatre to present cutting-edge storytelling for adult audiences in The Brewery. Chime Child Sun 06 May A moonlit wish for a lover unravels evocative stories and songs inspired by Somerset landscapes and folklore. Celebrated storyteller Jane Flood performs with virtuoso musicians Martin Solomon (harp) and Fiona Barrow (fiddle). Stories from Black Mountain Sun 03 June Venture into the vibrant and liminal world of Breton fairytales – a landscape filled with strange companions, bizarre marriages and ruthless atonement. Michael Harvey retells these grown-up tales of wonder with a disarmingly light touch. “Mesmerising” (The Sunday Times).
Instant Wit is the quick fire comedy improvisation show. Fresh and inventive, the perfect pick-me-up tonic! Instant Wit is completely improvised and based around audience suggestions and so always takes the form that you want it to take, be it sketches, songs or just general silliness. How about a musical number where we sing a folk song about dental floss? Or a game where you decide where a teenager has misspent their evening? Go on then – your wish is their command! Good suggestions get flying packets of custard – the best wins a bottle of wine. Fast paced and hilarious, these very ‘unusual suspects’ are forever on the run from the comedy police. It would be a crime to miss them. “This superlative comedy troupe continue to amaze packed houses with extraordinary skills... Instant Wit are a joy to behold, a dream topping of an evening!” Venue
www.bristolstoryfest.co.uk Tickets Full £10 / Concession £8 18 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Tickets £10
The Tobacco FacTory STage iS yourS. For Five minutes.
What would you talk about? What idea would you share? What issue would you raise? Ignite speakers talk on a huge range of subjects. To find out more about submitting an idea for a talk, or simply being part of the audience, visit us at ignitebristol.net
Ignite Bristol returns to the TFT on Friday 1st June 2012 This is a free but ticketed event.
IMPROBABLE AND TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE HOST:
THE DEVOTED AND DISGRUNTLED 2012 ROADSHOW Venue Factory Theatre Sat 30 June 10am – 6pm Sun 01 July 10am – 4.30pm
What are we doing about theatre in 2012 and beyond? Join a nationwide conversation for anyone interested in theatre, whether you make it, produce it, watch it, love it or long for it to be different... “Everyone is there on equal terms … this is a place where expertise and experience are shared with real generosity and no strings attached” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian All tickets are free, book from 26 April via: www.devotedanddisgruntled.com WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 19
Illustration: M. Twinn 1973, Child’s Play (International) Ltd
Wed 06 – Sun 10 June 11am & 2pm Venue Brewery Theatre
Sun 08 July 11am & 2pm Venue Factory Theatre
MUTTNIK THE FIRST DOG IN SPACE
THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY
Muttnik is a stray. She lives on the streets of Moscow, cold and hungry until one day she is captured.
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly...
To her surprise she finds herself in a new home with food, water and adventures better than dreams; she is living at the Russian space centre and will be the first dog in space!
But the People’s Theatre Company do!
NIKI MCCRETTON
She learns to fly a rocket, to dance in zero gravity and to go where no dog has gone before. Will she skate on the rings of Saturn, what will be her first message home and what will it be like to dig holes on the moon? Told with dance, music and puppetry, this enchanting tale feeds the imagination and gives a refreshing slant on what happened to Laika, the dog sent into space aboard the Russian Sputnik 2 rocket in 1957.
PEOPLE’S THEATRE COMPANY
And now you can too as they bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life for the very first time. Presented by the team behind How The Koala Learnt To Hug, this magical new show has been written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, so come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales with a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heartwarming family fun. Age recommendation 4+
Age recommendation 3+ (and childish adults) Tickets £6 20 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Tickets £6
Sun 27 May 8pm Venue Factory Theatre
Mon 28 May 8pm Venue Factory Theatre
TOM STADE JIMEOIN
(TOUR EXTENSION) LOVELY! (TOUR EXTENSION) THE COMEDY BOX
THE COMEDY BOX
“An insider’s tip for comedy greatness... “Brilliant... It gets comic riffs of monumental no better than this... proportions” Metro Hilarious!” Time Out Co-star and co-writer of Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights (Ch4) and as seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1). Don’t miss hugely talented Canadian émigré Tom Stade in his debut nationwide tour, which returns to Bristol for another date on his current tour.
Stunning world-class stand-up comedy from Jimeoin, star of TV’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow; Jason Manford’s Comedy Rocks; Just For Laughs and Best of Edinburgh Comedy Festival. No gimmicks, just pureand-simple great craic.
His magnetic stage presence, irrepressible charm and first-class story-telling have established him as one of the most sought after performers on the UK and international circuit and one of the finest stand ups around.
“Inspired ramblings” The Independent
Tickets £15
Tickets £14
“Sublime” Chortle.co.uk Twitter: @Jimeoin www.jimeoin.com
Thu 31 May, Sun 24 Jun & Sun 15 Jul 8pm Venue Factory Theatre
PETER’S FRIENDS PETER CLIFFORD
“Do anything you can to get tickets!” Derren Brown Magical mastermind Peter Clifford returns to the TFT with some of the best magical performers in the country. See magic in the best way possible – up close and personal. In a full evening of fantastic entertainment you will be thoroughly bamboozled by two great acts from the current cream of the conjuring community. Past performers include Derren Brown, John Archer, Pete Wardell, Nick Einhorn, Marc Paul, Nigel Mead, Chris Cox, Rob James and Richard McDougal. “Peter’s Friends will blow your minds... 9/10” Bristol Evening Post Tickets £12 / Concession £8 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 21
ROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHA
bristol
brou haha! comedy festival
TUE 17 JULY 8PM WED 18 JULY 8PM Where do all the new top comedians come from, you might ask. Well, you might want to start looking here at the fourth Bristol BrouHaHa comedy festival. Back for another year with a stack of Edinburgh Fringe previews from some of the best talent in the UK.
NATHAN CATON
GET RICH OR DIE CRYIN’
HAL CRUTTENDEN Edinburgh Preview
From last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, this is the show that helped award-winning comic Nathan Caton get his first Radio 4 sitcom commissioned. In this hilarious show, he tackles everything from race to school yard jokes, combining confessional material with social and political anecdotes.
Hal Cruttenden is one of the UK’s fastest rising comedy stars and at BrouHaHa he presents his own unique comic vision. It’s a show jam-packed with middle class liberal moaning washed down with lashings of hypocrisy. Warm-hearted, quickwitted and intelligent observations.
“Compelling, well-observed stand up” The Guardian
“Hugely talented” The Times
PAPPY’S
CARL DONNELLY
Edinburgh Preview
Edinburgh Preview
CHRIS McCAUSLAND
Pappy’s are Ben Clark, Matthew Crosby and Tom Parry and have been hailed as “the funniest sketch troupe on the Fringe”. Their high energy shows are a cornucopia of quick-fire gags, recurring characters, and snappy songs. A jaw-dropping, laugh-a-second spectacular.
Carl Donnelly has quickly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting young comedians. His conversational, silly sense of humour saw him win a host of awards and become a regular at all of the finest comedy clubs in the UK and Ireland.
MON 16 JULY 8PM
“Best in their genre” The Mirror PLUS One more act TBC Double bill £10 22 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
“Excellent, fast-rising comic with pacy anecdotal routines” Sunday Times
Double bill £10
NOT BLIND ENOUGH Edinburgh Preview Held in high esteem by the national media, award-winning comedian Chris McCausland is the only professional comedian in the UK and probably even the world who is blind. This only serves to make his particular brand of observational comedy all the more unique. Double bill £10
AHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BROUHAHA/BR
bristol
brou haha! comedy festival
THU 19 JULY 8PM FRI 20 JULY 8PM SAT 21 JULY 8PM
IMRAN YUSUF
LLOYD LANGFORD RICHARD HERRING
Star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Imran Yusuf is renowned for his super-high energy performance. He has a unique voice stamping his mark for positive, uplifting comedy at every turn. Intelligent, thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny.
Edinburgh Preview
“The birth of a new comedy star” Time Out
PLUS One more act TBC
Richard Herring is one of the UK’s most prolific comedians. He annually produces a brand new show at the Edinburgh Fringe including the acclaimed Hitler Moustache and Christ On A Bike. This year he revives his 2002 Fringe retort to the Vagina Monologues.
Double bill £10
“Herring is a superior comedian... hilarious” The Guardian
TALKING COCK
As seen on BBC1’s Ask Rhod Gilbert, Lloyd Langford is proving himself to be a highly talented act with his striking combination of natural wit undercut with a playful curiosity. Expect an ever-evolving mixture of personal anecdotes, memorable one-liners and topical material.
Edinburgh Preview
FURTHER INFORMATION LUCY PORTER Edinburgh Preview For more than a decade Lucy Porter has been a huge hit with comedy audiences with her distinctive, bouncy, feel-good comedy. There’s always a philosophical element to her shows. And this brand new show will be no different. “This is get happy comedy at its very best” Time Out
Double bill £10
All BrouHaHa shows taking place in the Factory Theatre are just £10 for each double bill.
JARRED CHRISTMAS
For more information about all BrouHaHa shows at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and the Hen & Chicken go to www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com or www.BristolBrouHaHa.com.
bristol
brou haha! comedy festival
LET’S GO MOFO Edinburgh Preview
An electric hour of arse-kicking comedy. You’ve seen him on Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Argumental, Dave’s One Night Stand, dancing as Madonna on Let’s Dance For Comic Relief. Fast, funny and in-demand. Let’s Go MoFo! “Robustly funny” The List Double bill £10
WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 23
HOSTED SHOWS As well as presenting a programme of professional theatre, dance, comedy, opera and festivals, this season we continue our Hosted Shows. These are shows by passionate and valuable local, community, education and amateur groups that we are proud to support at the TFT and hope you will be too. This season’s shows in The Brewery include:
TALES OF THE TRICKSTER BEYOND THE BORDER INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Mon 21 May 7.30pm Tickets Full £9 / Concession £6 An evening of trickster tales with leading UK storyteller Ben Haggarty and others.
THEATRE MEDIA PERFORMANCE DEGREE SHOWCASE LOL@999.com/wtf Wed 30 & Thu 31 May 8.15pm Final year students Epsom Downs Fri 01 & Sat 02 June 8.15pm First year students Tickets Full £6 / Concession £4 This degree is a collaboration between City of Bristol College and Plymouth University and run at the Tobacco Factory Theatre.
UWE NEW WRITING FEST Tue 12 – Sat 16 June 8.15pm Tickets Full £9 / Concession £7 / Opening night £5 Following the success of 16 at The Brewery, UWE will produce new plays from their Drama with Creative Writing Programme. 24 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
MUSICSPACE ANNUAL BENEFIT GIG Sun 08 July 7.30pm Venue Factory Theatre Tickets Full £12 / Concession £10
MusicSpace is hosting its annual benefit gig at the Tobacco Factory Theatre to raise awareness and much-needed funds. MusicSpace is a music therapy charity working with disabled children, young people and adults to help develop communication and self-expression. Following the success of last year’s benefit, this year’s line-up includes Balkan fusion from Eastpole Orchestra, South African percussionist and singer Risenga Makondo, tango-inspired duo Truffleshack and the pinking marvellous Ambling Band. “Making music puts you totally in the moment which is a beautiful place to be – open and in communication with those around you... please support MusicSpace to continue their wonderful work” Andy Sheppard
Mon 20 – Sat 25 August 8pm Matinee Sat 25 Aug 2.30pm Venue Factory Theatre
Wed 29 August – Sat 08 September 8pm (no show Sun) Matinees Sat 01 & Sat 08 Sep 3pm Venue Factory Theatre
THREE MEN IN A BOAT
JIGSY
THE ORIGINAL THEATRE COMPANY
First published in 1889 this classic tale of boating misadventure has become the quintessential example of the charm and wit of Victorian England. Originally intended as a guide to boating on the Thames, Jerome’s ripping yarn of youthful friendship, mischief and folly encapsulates the very essence of Britishness. In this imaginative new adaptation, the acclaimed Original Theatre Company takes this definitive tale by the scruff of the neck. Full of energy, song and just three actors playing all the characters along with a handful of props creates all the high jinks and hilarity of the most famous boating holiday in history! “A modern classic, a rich and heady brew utterly enthralling” Whatsonstage
Tickets Full £13 / Concession £9
BY TONY STAVEACRE JIGSY PRODUCTIONS LTD
Les Dennis returns to the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Tony Staveacre’s blisteringly funny and moving play. ‘So cheerio, you’ve been a grand audience, it’s always nice to play to yer own. See you again after the bingo.’ Jigsy is a jobbing comic. Over the last 30 years he’s worked with all of them – and he’ll tell you the stories to prove it. With sweat, smoke and failure clinging to his faded dinner jacket, he now works the dying Liverpool club circuit. Jigsy relives his tale – with the glamour and grit of his younger days, and the demons that now haunt him in the career he never had. “Gold... very funny, very warm and very thoughtful... make sure you catch it” ***** Whatsonstage.com “Compelling... a remarkable achievement” 9/10 Bristol Reviews Tickets Full £14 / Concession £10 / Fri & Sat eve £15 WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 25
Tue 16 – Sat 27 October 7.30pm (not Sun, Mon or Thu) Venue Factory Theatre
EUGENE ONEGIN
OPERA PROJECT
Based on Pushkin’s masterpiece of Russian literature, Tchaikovsky’s great opera tells of the fated love between the innocent Tatyana and the worldweary cynic Eugene Onegin. The opera includes the famous ‘letter scene’, a tour-deforce of the soprano repertoire, in which Tatyana declares her true love for Onegin, a love that is tragically rejected. The ensuing maelstrom of emotions ends in a duel between Onegin and his best friend, the poet, Lensky, which leaves Lensky dead. Years later, at the St Petersburg Ball, Onegin, by chance, meets Tatyana once again and realises his mistake, but now the married Tatyana is unable to accept Onegin’s love. For their tenth year at The Tobacco Factory Theatre, Opera Project presents a delicious exploration of life, death, love, convention and passion with this lyrical masterpiece. The brilliant Australian baritone Grant Doyle sings the title role and Michael Bracegirdle (Cavaradossi, Tosca 2008) returns to take on Lensky. Sung in English, with orchestra, this promises to be an absolute highlight of the season. “Opera Project + Tobacco Factory = Heaven” Venue
2011 sell-out hit La bohème. Photo: Graham Burke
“One of the best small-scale opera companies in Britain” New York Times
EARLY FER OF TICK16E&TWed 17££3206 20 Tue & Sat Fri 19 1 June 0 y b Book
Tickets Tue 16, Wed 17, Tue 23 & Wed 24 Oct £28 Fri 19 & Fri 26 Oct £33 Sat 20 & Sat 27 Oct £35 26 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
CHRISTMAS 2012 Wed 05 December – Sun 13 January 2013 Venue Factory Theatre
HANSEL AND GRETEL EARLY FER OF TICKETicket £32* T t Family Augus by 01hows on k o o B plies to s Ap
Dec 07–21
NEW INTERNATIONAL ENCOUNTER AND TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE
After the runaway success of Cinderella: A Fairy Tale, the Tobacco Factory Theatre brings you another delightful interpretation of a Brothers Grimm story brought to festive life through enchanting storytelling, multiple languages and live music.
Original production co-produced with The Junction, Cambridge. Photo: Claire Haigh
In the middle of a snow-covered forest sits a tiny cottage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Its roof is made of gingerbread, the walls are made of chocolate cake, the door is made of boiled sweets and the windows of clear sugar glaze, but what’s inside? This Christmas, follow Hansel and Gretel into the frozen forest... and find out. Especially created for the Factory Theatre and Bristol audiences, the Tobacco Factory Theatre and International award-winning theatre company New International Encounter (NIE) join forces to bring you an enchanting show that will transform the Factory into a magical winter woodland. Adapting the classic fairytale with a blend of live music, clowning and storytelling, this is a beautiful new Christmas show for all the family to enjoy. “The Factory’s Christmas shows are a firmly established and rightly-loved Bristol institution” Venue “A folksy affair, done with just the right touch of nastiness and warm-hearted playfulness” The Guardian Age recommendation 6+ Tickets 05 & 06 December All Tickets £7 07 – 21 Dec, 02 – 04 Jan, 09 – 11 Jan Full £12 / Concession £9 / Family Ticket £37* 22 – 30 Dec, 05, 06, 12 & 13 Jan Full £15 / Concession £11 / Family Ticket £47* *2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children
WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 27
Photo: Josie Pearson
FOR AUDIENCES POST-SHOW EVENTS There will be facilitated Q&As after the following performances: DNA Hull Truck Theatre Thu 10 May (see p09) Made in Heaven The Mark Bruce Company Fri 18 May (see p07) Dickens’ Women starring Miriam Margolyes Wed 27 June matinee (see p11) Concrete Jungle Ludere Productions Wed 11 July (see p15)
OPEN REHEARSAL Made in Heaven Fri 04 May 12pm – 1.30pm / FREE, booking required
FOR FULL DETAILS OF THESE AND FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED, VISIT: WWW.TOBACCOFACTORY THEATRE.COM/PLUS 28 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as our Associate Dance Artists, The Mark Bruce Company, rehearse their brand new show. Limited capacity; booking essential.
FOR ARTISTS REGULAR CLASSES
FOR DANCERS
Providing space and time for professional performers to learn new skills and develop their craft. Classes run for 8 weeks from 07 May.
In 2010 The Mark Bruce Company premiered Love and War at the TFT to critical and popular acclaim. This year our Associate Dance Artists are back to develop and rehearse their brand new show, Made in Heaven, right here in our Brewery Studio. We’re delighted to be providing so many opportunities for dancers (and audiences – see opposite) to engage with both the company and the show as it takes shape.
The Utility Room with Amy Rose Mondays 6pm – 8pm / £65 The Meisner Technique with Jack Price Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm / £65 Butoh for Beginners with Thomas Bacon Fridays 6pm – 8pm / £65
MASTERCLASSES Opportunities to learn from the best of our visiting artists. Vamos Theatre: Full Character Mask with Honor Hoskins Fri 06 July 10am – 1pm / £18
HOW TO TAKE A SHOW TO EDINBURGH Sun 22 July 6pm / £5
Company class Mon 09 – Fri 13 April & Mon 30 April – Fri 04 May 10.15am – 11.30am / FREE, booking required Suitable for professional dancers and students in their final year of a full time BA dance programme. Classes will be either ballet or contemporary. Watch company class Sat 05 May 10.15am – 11.30am / FREE, booking required An opportunity for anyone who has ever wanted to know about the physical challenges of being a professional dancer to observe a class and ask questions about dance training.
Our tried and tested guide to producing on a show at the world’s biggest arts fest is back due to popular demand. WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 29
Photo: Josie Pearson
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SUMMER SCHOOL 2012 In association with Fairground Theatre and Kompany Malakhi with support from the Creative Youth Network Mon 30 July – Fri 03 August 10am – 5pm Age recommendation 13+
The Tobacco Factory Theatre’s hit summer school is back – even bigger and better than last year! If you’re aged 13 or over, then you won’t want to miss this.
The Tobacco Factory Theatre Summer School is led by Tid (Artistic Director of Fairground Theatre and former director of Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company) and Kwesi Johnson of the awesome dance collective Kompany Malakhi. They’ll be working with ace designer Katie Sykes (who’s work includes Cinderella and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves at the TFT).
Join us for the experience of a lifetime, working with top theatre professionals to explore physical and visual storytelling techniques. Over this exhilarating and inspiring week you’ll discover your potential as a performer and develop your confidence, whilst making friends you’ll keep forever.
Limited availability! Book now to avoid disappointment – call Box Office on 0117 902 0344.
The whole experience will be captured in a docufilm, which will be screened for friends and family. Visit the TF+ minisite to watch the docufilm of last year’s Summer School now. www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com/plus
30 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Feedback from Summer School 2011:
“It was the best drama experience I’ve ever had” Jade, 13
Cost £175 (subsidised places are available; please get in touch)
GRAPEVINE
Local businesses working together to spread the word about what they do.
LA RUCA
ST WERBURGH’S CITY FARM HAMILTON HOUSE
A family-run health food shop and café in the vibrant Gloucester Road area of Bristol. laruca.co.uk
A charity working with the local community to provide high quality educational services. swcityfarm.org.uk
A thriving cultural hub in Stokes Croft providing space for dance, exhibitions, creativity, workshops, and events. hamiltonhouse.org
THE LOUNGES
PAPER VILLAGE
It’s like all the comfort of home but better. Unless you have a bar in your lounge. And a chef. thelounges.co.uk
A shop and workshop with a focus on creative activity, selling unique arts and crafts materials. www.thepapervillage.co.uk
DURDHAM DOWN BOOKSHOP Supplying books to its customers in Bristol for over 30 years. durdhamdownbooks.co.uk
If you’d like to join the Grapevine, contact Carrie on 0117 902 0345 or email theatre@tobaccofactory.com to find out more.
WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 31
IN 2011, OVER 85,300 PEOPLE SAW 643 PERFORMANCES AT THE FACTORY AND BREWERY THEATRES…
WE’D LIKE TO THANK
OUR FANS Photo: Mark Benham
To play our important role in Bristol to the best of our ability now costs the Theatre in excess of £1.4m a year. We proudly earn a huge 85% of this ourselves and gratefully receive a modest amount of public funding towards the difference. However, this still leaves us with a financial need every year and we simply couldn’t exist to do all we do without the kind support of people like you and the organisations and businesses around you.
FACTORY FANS
JOIN NOW
Become a Factory Fan to join our fantastic community of friends and be responsible for helping the Theatres stay alive and kicking! Receive:
Annual ‘FANship’ starts at just £30 although many choose to give more ranging up to FANBASSADORS who also receive extra acknowledgments, personal booking service, premium hospitality and to share input and feedback to help shape the future of the Theatres.
• Advance season information and priority booking • ‘First-to-hear’ e-bulletins and notices of activity at the Theatre including offers, events and announcements • Regular FANmail newsletters and ‘behind-thescenes’ updates • Invitations to season launches and social events • 2for1 ticket offers on selected performances each season *
• Entry into a prize draw (see website for details) * • Double value donation: 2012 instalments will be matched pound for pound * 32 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
Sign up online at tobaccofactorytheatre.com/support, pick up a form at the Theatre or contact Anna Charlett on anna@tobaccofactory.com or 0117 963 0946.
* for Fans joining by Direct Debit – see opposite page for more details.
PS.DID YOU KNOW...
that Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory also run a Friends’ scheme? Contact holly@sattf.org.uk.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN OUR FUTURE? CHOOSE DIRECT DEBIT FOR EXTRA VALUE
Set up an annual Direct Debit for your FANship donation and take advantage of even more perks in exchange for your long-term support in the TFT.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our current Business Club members:
All the normal benefits of being a FAN (see previous page).
BELLWIND EDIS LTD
• 2for1 ticket offers on selected performances each season • Entry into an exciting prize draw (see website for details) • Double value donation: 2012 instalments will be matched pound for pound, making your contribution twice as helpful to the Theatres now • No renewal admin each year! Making a pledge to support us regularly each year allows the Theatre to plan ahead with confidence, directly resulting in the development and sustenance of the work we do and helping to secure our future.
TO START YOUR DIRECT DEBIT:
Photo: Pangottic with our164m2 PV system that provides over 33% of our total energy requirements
Set up online at tobaccofactorytheatre.com/support, pick up a form at the Theatre or contact us for more information.
MIND BODY STUDIO
FOR MORE INFORMATION...
about joining Business Club contact Sophie Jerrold on sophie@tobaccofactory.com or 0117 963 0935. WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 33
34 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 35
FACTORY THEATRE
THE BREWERY
FACTORY THEATRE
MAY F S T W T F S F S S M T
04 06 08 09 10 11 12 18 19 20 21 22
Open Rehearsal Storytelling Sundays Isy Suttie Rich Hall Rich Hall Rich Hall Rich Hall Made in Heaven Made in Heaven Made in Heaven Minsk, 2011 Minsk, 2011
PSE
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 4pm & 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm
W 23
Minsk, 2011
7.30pm
T 24
Minsk, 2011
7.30pm
F S S M W T
Minsk, 2011 Minsk, 2011 Tom Stade Jimeoin
7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm
25 26 27 28 30 31
8.15pm DNA PSE DNA 8.15pm DNA 2.45pm & 8.15pm John Moran 9pm John Moran 9pm John Moran 9pm Tales of the Trickster 7.30pm 7.45pm Hitch 9.15pm Crunch Hitch 7.45pm Crunch 9.15pm Hitch 7.45pm Crunch 9.15pm Small Talk 9pm Small Talk 9pm Instant Wit 7.30pm
LOL@999.com/wtf 8pm LOL@999.com/wtf
Peter’s Friends
12pm 7.45pm
8.15pm 8.15pm
JUNE F S S W T F S S M T W T
Ignite
01 02 03 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa
F 15 S 16
Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa
M T W T
18 19 20 21
Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa
F 22 S 23
Dancing at Lughnasa Dancing at Lughnasa
S M T W
Peter’s Friends Dickens’ Women Dickens’ Women Dickens’ Women
24 25 26 27
T 28 F 29 S 30
THE BREWERY
JULY
PSE
I’m an Aristocrat I’m an Aristocrat Devoted and Disgruntled
8pm Epsom Downs Epsom Downs Storytelling Sundays Muttnik Muttnik Muttnik Muttnik Muttnik 7.30pm 7.30pm UWE New Writing 7.30pm UWE New Writing 2.30pm & UWE New Writing 7.30pm 7.30pm UWE New Writing 2.30pm & UWE New Writing 7.30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & Coelacanth 7.30pm 7:30pm Coelacanth 2.30pm & Coelacanth 7.30pm 8pm Instant Wit 8pm 8pm Short Shrifts 2.30pm & Short Shrifts 8pm 8pm Short Shrifts 8pm Short Shrifts 10am Short Shrifts
8.15pm 8.15pm 7.45pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 11am & 2pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm
S T W T F S S
01 03 04 05 06 07 08
T W T F S S T W T F S S T W T F S M T
10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 31
Devoted and Disgruntled
10am
Short Shrifts Short Shrifts 8pm Short Shrifts Much Ado About Wenlock Much Ado About Wenlock 8pm Short Shrifts Much Ado About Wenlock 8pm Short Shrifts There was an Old Lady 11am & 2pm MusicSpace 7.30pm Concrete Jungle Concrete Jungle PSE Concrete Jungle La bohème 8pm Concrete Jungle La bohème 8pm Concrete Jungle Peter’s Friends 8pm BrouHaHa 8pm The Dolphin Crossing BrouHaHa 8pm The Dolphin Crossing BrouHaHa 8pm The Dolphin Crossing BrouHaHa 8pm The Dolphin Crossing BrouHaHa 8pm The Dolphin Crossing How to Take a Show The Dolphin Crossing The Dolphin Crossing The Dolphin Crossing The Dolphin Crossing The Dolphin Crossing Summer School Summer School
8.15pm 8.15pm 7:30pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm
W T F M T W T F S W T F
01 02 03 20 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 31
Summer School Summer School Summer School Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Jigsy Jigsy Jigsy
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 2.30pm & 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
S M T W T F S
01 03 04 05 06 07 08
Jigsy Jigsy Jigsy Jigsy Jigsy Jigsy Jigsy
3pm & 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm
Business Club and Fans offer offer (see p3 for details) Opening night tickets £5 PSE Post-show event LT Lunch-time Talk Signed performances for Deaf and BSL users
36 BOX OFFICE 0117 902 0344
8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 6pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 10am 10am
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER 8.15pm
8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm 8.15pm
10am 10am 10am
Photo: Camilla Adams
THEATRE STAFF Director Ali Robertson Theatre Manager David Dewhurst Technical Manager Matthew Graham Technician Luke Peck
HOW TO BOOK
Marketing Manager Jo Richardson
Box Office 0117 902 0344 Online www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Email enquiries tickets@tobaccofactory.com
Marketing Assistant Joe Roberts TF+ Officer Carrie Rhys-Davies Development Directors Anna Charlett / Sophie Jerrold
BOX OFFICE
Opening Hours 10am – 6.30pm Monday to Saturday
Operations Coordinator John Mauchline
On days when performances are scheduled, the Box Office will be open until the start of the performance. If there is a show scheduled on a Sunday or during public holidays, the Box Office will be open 2 hours prior to the performance.
Administrator Rusti Macapagal
We accept all major credit and debit cards except American Express. A booking fee of 50p for 1 ticket or £1 for 2 or more tickets applies to all card transactions. We cannot offer refunds, but can exchange tickets for other performances of the same production (subject to availability). Please do be aware that a booking fee of £2.50 per transaction will be charged for online bookings. Bookings made direct with the Theatre either in person or by phone do not incur a fee other than the card-handling fee described above.
ACCESS
If you have any specific access requirements please contact the Box Office and we will be happy to discuss your visit in more detail.
SPECIAL OFFER
CAFE/BAR PRE-THEATRE ‘QUICK DISH’ Every evening there will be a quick dish available to be served immediately. With a pound off to Theatre ticket holders. Offer available evening only.
Finance Elaine Grünbaum Producer Melanie Zaalof Box Office Staff Corrinne Curtis / Simon Harvey-Williams / Joe Roberts / Ed Strong / Melanie Zaalof FOH Managers Anna Girvin / Morgan Matthews / Rhiannon White / Matt Whittle / Katie Wilkes FOH Staff Alice Boorer / Linn Broden / Tomasin Cuthbert / Ida Di Terlizzi / Ben Goodman / Amber Hards / Bob Havard / Laurie Lax / Lauren Macaulay / Jesse Meadows / Ed Strong Associate Dance Artists The Mark Bruce Company
FANBASSADORS Geoffrey & Christine Clements / Simon Davies/ Alec Ewens / John & Susan Hart / Simon Inch / Vivien Kies / Barbara King / Judith & Tim Lockwood Jones / Julian Thomas We also thank all our Fans for Life (acknowledged in the Foyer) for their early support. See p32 for details about supporting the TFT.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM WWW.TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM 37
As well as our busy and brilliant theatres, The Tobacco Factory Theatre and The Brewery also have studios, meeting rooms and bars available for you to use (when not packed full of fabulous theatre). • Two theatre spaces with full technical kit, staff support and box office service • Two spacious dance studios / rehearsal rooms with high tech sprung floor and mirror walls • Private meeting rooms with break out space and catering options in our theatre bar To hire any of our spaces please call Rusti on 0117 902 0345 or email theatre@tobaccofactory.com
Photo: Camilla Adams
Photo: FarrowsCreative
USE OUR SPACES!