Bristol Old Vic | What’s On Apr ’24 – Mar ’25

WELCOME

We’ve had a buzzing 12 months at Bristol Old Vic. The place has felt so alive with audiences, participants and new creative voices. It’s been heartening to see so many new bookers through our doors, and more of you coming more often.

Our new Ticket Subscriptions will make that even easier. Alongside our always accessible ticket prices, a Subscription will make multiple visits in a year at least 15% cheaper for Standard ticket buyers. See page 16 for details.

We’re certain you’ll find plenty to entertain and move you over the coming months. Get a first look at our brand-new play A Child of Science by Gareth Farr, and directed by Matthew Dunster, in June. Tom Felton leads our ensemble cast that includes Jamie Glover, Meg Bellamy, Adelle Leonce, and Sonoya Mizuno. It powerfully charts the creation of IVF and the army of women whose bravery helped achieve the impossible. Make sure to book early!

Christmas promises old-school delight and wonder. A long-awaited new version of The Little Mermaid, directed by Bristol’s Olivier Award-winner Miranda Cromwell, will play in the Theatre, and Little Red (& other winter tales) by our writer in residence Florence Espeut-Nickless will be directed by Lisa Gregan in the Studio.

One of theatre’s vital contributions to society is the mirror it holds up to us, and our Studio line-up is alive with provoking stories. Talawa Firsts, High Steaks and Some Demon are just some of the powerhouse shows in the season that help build our understanding of the world. Plus, the arresting augmented reality experience Museum of Austerity asks us to consider what role humanity must play in policy making. Find out more on pages 14 – 15.

Our critically acclaimed production Wonder Boy returns in the autumn before a major tour. We’re delighted for Bristol-based playwright Ross Willis – Wonder Boy deserves to be seen nationwide! Forthcoming collaborations include a new adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, a revival of the fantastic Play On!, and a new interpretation of Romeo + Juliet.

Thank you for coming out for live theatre; we’re grateful for your support.

SUMMER ’24

Mayfest: The Dan Daw Show

Mayfest: The Making of Pinocchio

Talawa Firsts

A Child of Science

Museum of Austerity

High Steaks

Some Demon

RUSH: A Joyous Jamaican Journey

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

King Arthur

Anna Hibiscus’ Song

AUTUMN/WINTER ’24/ ’25

Wonder Boy

How I Learned to Swim

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show

Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz

Little Murmur

Never Let Me Go

The Little Mermaid

Little Red (& other winter tales) Play On!

Find out about our Pay What You Choose ticket pricing, Groups Offer (NEW!), Ticket Subscriptions and more on page 16.

In 1978, Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards, and Jean Purdy changed the world as we know it – and most people don’t even know their names.

Bruntwood Prize-winning writer (Britannia Waves the Rules) Gareth Farr’s brilliant new play tells their pioneering story, and those of the army of women from all over the UK whose immense bravery helped them achieve the impossible – to create human life in vitro.

Faced with fierce criticism and hostility, and hounded by the media for “playing God”, trials were kept largely under wraps.

But their determination to give hope to the thousands of families struggling to conceive eventually led to one of the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of our time: the birth of a baby girl and the creation of IVF, a procedure which has supported the birth of over 12 million babies worldwide over the last 45 years.

Directed by the highly acclaimed West End director Matthew Dunster (Hangmen, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Shirley Valentine) and starring Tom Felton (Harry Potter), Jamie Glover (Waterloo Road, Casualty), Meg Bellamy (The Crown), Adelle Leonce (Fool Me Once, Black Mirror), Sonoya Mizuno (House of the Dragon), and more, A Child of Science is about determination, dreams, hope and courage. It’s a celebration of life.

AAAA

“Gritty, well researched... a real tour de force”

WhatsOnStage on Gareth Farr’s Britannia Waves the Rules

STAGE TALK WED 26 JUN

Playwright Gareth Farr is joined by Louise Brown, the first ever IVFconceived baby, and now a figurehead and passionate advocate for fertility. Further panellists to be announced.

A Child of Science is a fictionalised account of the true story of the events that led to the first ‘test-tube’ birth of a baby and the invention of IVF. The play is based on research and interviews over many years with embryologists and fertility doctors, some of whom worked closely with Bob Edwards, as well as those whose lives were affected by and enabled by those events. It features characters inspired by real-life individuals, and some entirely imagined by the writer.

17 – 18 MAY THEATRE

A show about care, intimacy and resilience, about letting go and reclaiming yourself.

After having spent a lifetime being an inspiration to others, Dan is finally seizing the moment to inspire himself. Taking ownership of the beautiful mess that encompasses all that he is, Dan lets go of who he once was to make room for who he wants to be.

Nominated for multiple dance awards, The Dan Daw Show is a peep into the shiny and sweaty push pull of living with shame while bursting with pride.

AAAA

“Unapologetic, vulnerable, brilliant”

The Stage

MAYFEST PRESENTS

24 – 25 MAY THEATRE

A true tale of love and transition told through the story of Pinocchio.

Set in a fictional film studio, you are invited to go behind the scenes of Cade & MacAskill’s creative process and their relationship, and question what it takes to tell your truth.

Artists and lovers Rosana Cade and Ivor MacAskill have been creating The Making of Pinocchio since 2018, alongside and in response to Ivor’s gender transition. Their tender and complex autobiographical experience meets the magical story of the lying puppet who wants to be a ‘real boy’.

AAAA

“Testifies to an evolving love”

The Stage

MAYFEST PRESENTS

THROUGHOUT ’24 –’25 THEATRE

The best in British stand-up, the hottest podcasts live on stage, and more.

Line-up currently includes:

Iain Stirling

All Killa No Filla – Live!

Morgan Rees

Ruby Wax

Miles Jupp

Sofie Hagen

Richard Herring

Uncanny: I Know What I Saw

Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Carol Vorderman: Out of Order

Fern Brady

Sarah Keyworth

Larry Dean

Ivo Graham

Shaparak Khorsandi

Jenny Eclair

Wed 1 May

Thu 2 May

Fri 3 May

Sat 4 May

Sun 30 Jun

Tue 9 Jul

Sat 13 Jul

Tue 16 – Thu 18 Jul

Sun 1 Sep

Sun 15 Sep

Sun 22 Sep

Sun 20 Oct

Sun 27 Oct

Sun 3 Nov

Sun 17 Nov

Sun 6 Apr 2025

More announced all the time. Check bristololdvic.org.uk for updates.

12 JUL THEATRE

Get ready to dance!

The story of Reggae music from the arrival of the Windrush Generation to the present day, evolving through the decades to take the world by storm. Written and narrated by comedian John Simmit, and featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae, get ready to dance to the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Lord Kitchener, Millie Small and many, many more – all played live by the JA Reggae Band...

AAAA

“Energising and uplifting… a truly wonderful show”

Audience Comment

RUSH THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

21 – 23 JUL THEATRE

Back by popular demand!

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? A big, stripy, tea-guzzling tiger! Don’t miss this Olivier Award-nominated family show; packed with oodles of magic, singalong songs and clumsy chaos.

AAAAA

“Delightful”

WhatsOnStage

NICOLL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS | WRITTEN BY JUDITH KERR | A MUSICAL PLAY

ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY DAVID WOOD

24 – 27 JUL THEATRE

Calling all brave heroes!

Enter a magical world of myths and legend... Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Just don’t wake the Dragon… Another spellbinding adventure from the creators of international smash hit Dinosaur World Live!

AAAAA

“Fantastical adventure for kids of all ages”

WhatsOnStage

NICOLL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

29 JUL – 3 AUG THEATRE

Camelot is in trouble...

King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten. But when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy… a legend is born. The award-winning Le Navet Bete (Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers) is back.

AAAAA

“Left us crying with laughter”

Bristol Post on Treasure Island

28 – 31 AUG THEATRE

“Today we offer you a story of happiness. Of self-discovery. Of song. And of dance!”

This is the story of a young girl named Anna Hibiscus. Anna is so filled with happiness that she feels like she might float away. And the more she talks to her family about it, the more her happiness grows! There’s only one thing to do... Sing!

Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling, this theatrical adaptation of Atinuke’s much loved children’s book will have you beaming from ear to ear.

AAAA

“Bursting with happiness”

The Stage

A UTOPIA THEATRE AND SHEFFIELD THEATRES PRODUCTION

30 OCT – 2 NOV THE WESTON STUDIO

Back by popular demand!

Watch bodies and words fly like flocks of birds, a murmuration, a little murmur... Little Murmur is a dance theatre show that features groundbreaking projection, an extraordinary soundscape and a blizzard of paper and confetti.

Combining visual design and technology with dance and humour, Little Murmur explores the warped and exaggerated realities of living in a world you struggle to process. Based on Aakash Odedra’s hugely moving show Murmur 2.0, this stunning visual treat is an honest and heart felt conversation about the trials and tribulations of living with dyslexia, facing challenges and overcoming the odds.

AAAA

“Superb animated sequences... supremely eloquent movement”

The Scotsman

A UTOPIA THEATRE AND SHEFFIELD THEATRES PRODUCTION

6 – 21 SEP

THEATRE AAAAA

“An audaciously inventive, sparky yet sensitive, giddily enjoyable new play that deserves to be packed to the rafters” The Guardian

Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the criticallyacclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of Wonder Boy by Ross Willis, a heartwarming and inspiring story about the power of communication.

Sonny is twelve. Living with a stammer, he’s finding his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and let’s not forget the biggest beast of them all – small talk. Sonny’s only friend is Captain Chatter, a comic book hero of his own creation, but in the real world, language is power and Sonny must find a way to be heard.

When cast in the school production of Hamlet by the Headteacher, he finds the real heroes are closer than he thinks. Packed with playful humour, dazzling visuals and thrilling original music, this innovative production includes live creative captioning on stage throughout. Winner of the 2023 Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play.

Artwork Jenny Nicholas

6 – 23 NOV

THEATRE

AAAA

“Brilliantly paced, impeccably performed”

WhatsOnStage on Christopher Haydon’s Remains of the Day

You were brought into this world for a purpose. And your futures – all of them – have been decided.

Kazuo Ishiguro’s international best-selling novel arrives on stage in this world premiere of Suzanne Heathcote’s gripping new adaptation.

What if you discovered your whole reason for being was not about your life but about making someone else’s possible? Your dreams, your desires, your love for another, all of them irrelevant in a world that values only what you give, without question or condition, to someone you’ve never met and will never know.

Memory and reality collide in this stunning new staging directed by Rose Theatre’s Christopher Haydon, that challenges us to think about what it means to be human. What it means to have hope and heart — to love and to lose.

5 DEC –11 JAN THEATRE

AAAA

“Sparkling dialogue”

The Telegraph on Sonali Bhattacharyya’s Chasing Hares

AAAA

“An electrifying revival”

The New York Times on Miranda Cromwell’s Death of a Salesman 7+

You don’t have to be big to make a big difference.

Dive into a magical underwater kingdom this Christmas with Bristol Old Vic’s bold and breathtaking re-imagining of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale about love, hope, and how no one is too small to change the world.

Full of joyous original songs, circus and dance, award-winning writer Sonali Bhattacharyya (The Jungle Book, Chichester Festival Theatre; Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic; Chasing Hares, Young Vic) and Bristol’s own Olivier-Award winning director Miranda Cromwell (Death of a Salesman, Young Vic/West End/Broadway) make a welcome return to Bristol Old Vic for the next extraordinary chapter in its series of festive family productions.

6 DEC –12 JAN

THE WESTON STUDIO AAAAA

“A beautiful and beguiling Christmas show… It really is perfect”

Bristol 24/7 on Belle and Sebastien, a Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic co-production

What big eyes you have… all the better to see, my dear.

A red coat moves swiftly through the snow-covered woods, an important gift to deliver.

A pair of red shoes dance their way past, spinning, leaping, unable to stop.

A flame flickers on Christmas Eve, bringing warmth and magic each time a match is struck.

This Christmas, join Little Red in the deep dark woods for music, adventure and overcoming the monsters.

A story of absent parents, dance-offs and finding the heart of Christmas.

16 – 25 JAN THEATRE AAAAA

“Flawless production”

The Guardian on Michael Buffong’s All My Sons

What does it take for a woman to make it in a man’s world?

Meet Vy, a talented songwriter looking to make it big in the 1940s’ Harlem scene. She quickly learns from her uncle Jester that women will never be taken seriously in a man’s world. But, like many a strong hero, she refuses to accept defeat. Through her gender fluid cunning, she meets club owner The Duke and sensational nightclub singer Lady Liv and is swept up in a syncopated symphony of melodies, mistaken identities and romance. Who will come out on top?

Play On! is set in the jazz scene of New York’s Cotton Club. This stylish retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong (A Kind of People, Royal Court; All My Sons, Talawa and Royal Exchange) fuses the thrilling music of Duke Ellington with street dance choreography. Prepare to be wowed by this musical spectacular that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping along with the timeless soundtrack.

“A revelation, a piece of stunning physical theatre” The Guardian on Corey Campbell’s Freeman

The original play, originally scored –with rap and R&B.

Everything that makes Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy...

But there’s an important plus one: rap.

This story shines with new, original elements of rap, soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.

Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from communities within Coventry, with music elements that reflect a collaboration with ‘That’s a Rap’ company.

WHAT’S ON IN THE STUDIO

29 MAY – 1 JUN THE WESTON STUDIO

Bougie Lanre’s Boulangerie by Kareem ParkinsBrown and Love in Gravitational Waves by Testament.

These two pieces use off-beat humour to tackle themes of extraction, temporality in people and places, (be)longing and the perils of late-stage capitalism.

TALAWA THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

12 – 15 JUN THE WESTON STUDIO

Witness the human stories of Austerity Britain in this arresting installation.

Wearing a mixed reality headset, you will enter a striking, holographic gallery that lays bare the consequences when state safety nets fail. Museum of Austerity is more than an exhibition; it’s a blend of theatre, history, and humanity.

ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE, NATIONAL THEATRE IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING STUDIO AND TRIAL & ERROR STUDIO PRESENTS

18 – 22 JUN THE WESTON STUDIO

A “soulful, profound and ultimately joyful” (The Guardian) show about labia shaming and labiaplasty (the surgery to make the labia smaller/ more symmetrical).

HIGH STEAKS is a revolt against societal body standards and a celebration of vulva diversity.

ELOINA PRESENTS

9 – 13 JUL THE WESTON STUDIO

Sam’s eighteen and her life’s about to start. Zoe’s fortysomething and hers never did. They don’t have much in common. Just a love of 80’s new wave, and an illness that wants them dead.

Thrown together in an eating disorder unit, their most intimate secrets exposed, they form a complicated bond.

PRESENTS

17

– 21 SEP THE WESTON STUDIO

Jamie can’t swim. Bit awkward when you’re 30. Fuelled by guilt and a need to mend her broken family, Jamie is taking on her biggest fear. The ocean.

With the help of a chipper swim instructor, a shady spiritual guide and one cathartic crab sandwich, she’s questioning, ‘How many lengths will wash away regret?’

Brilliantly witty, deeply heartfelt, this play explores what lies beneath the surface of Black people’s relationship to water.

Directed by Emma Jude Harris, Somebody Jones’ searing debut is “funny with fear, liberating with grief” (Fringe Review) and impossible to walk away from unchanged.

PRENTICE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

24 – 28 SEP THE WESTON STUDIO

Abigail’s mum is dead. But it turns out she can’t afford her to be.

Did you know how expensive it is to die? It’s £4,000 for the funeral. Extra for flowers. Even more if you want sausage rolls. And when a theatre suddenly pulls out of Abigail’s new project, she is asked to write about something else. Something that will bring in audiences. Something more raw. Yep. To afford the funeral, she has to write about her mum.

With power and playfulness, Kelly Jones’ new play tackles the inequalities around death, and the cost of turning your loved ones into art.

A PAINES PLOUGH, MERCURY THEATRE, BELGRADE THEATRE, LANDMARK THEATRES, AND ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON CO-PRODUCTION

15

– 19 OCT THE WESTON STUDIO

Trim? Fresh. Skin? Glowing. Vibes? Immaculate.

Nathaniel is a serious romantic who sees love as a fine art. He’s looking for the Mona Lisa to his da Vinci, and tonight is the night: his date with Destiny…’s Child.

Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022, Nathan Queeley-Dennis’ debut play is a love letter to Birmingham, exploring Black masculinity through Beyonce lyrics, techno raves and the deeply intimate relationship between a man and his barber. Directed by Dermot Daly.

ELLIE KEEL PRODUCTIONS, PAINES PLOUGH AND THE BELGRADE THEATRE PRODUCTION, IN ASSOCIATION WITH ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

THE MORE Y OU SEE, THE M ORE YO U SAV E

STUDIO SUBSCRIPTION

• Pay just £60 for a balance of 6 tickets.

• Use up to 2 tickets of your balance per Studio show*.

• Save more than 15% –buy 5 tickets, get 1 free!

TH EA TRE SUBSCRIPTION

• Pay just £120 for a balance of 6 tickets.

• These tickets are applicable on any Mon eve, Tue eve or Thu matinee performance

• Use up to 2 tickets of your balance per Theatre show *.

• Potentially HUGE savings with flat £20 tickets!

*Subscriptions are valid for 12 months from the point of purchase and can be used to book any offer applicable show within that timeframe (including those not yet on sale). Some exclusions may apply. Check the website for full details. Tickets do not need to be booked in a single transaction. Only valid on Standard tickets.

Everyone is invited to experience the joy of live theatre! On most shows, you’ll be given a choice of different ticket prices – simply select the price that suits you best:

Open Concession – Use it if you need it, no need to show ID.

Standard – Please book this rate if you can.

BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST PRICES

Bring a party of 8+ to selected performances and SAVE 15%* on your booking!

Simply add 8 tickets to any one show to your basket and the discount will automatically apply at checkout.

*Discount applies to the Standard ticket type only (Applicable shows marked on the website.)

BRISTOL NEW TIX

Pay It Forward – Each Pay it Forward ticket subsidises two Concession tickets. Thank you for choosing this price if you can. QUESTIONS? Call

PAY WHAT YOU CHOOSE

Seats and prices are subject to availability and may vary as the show gets closer. Book early to get the best choice of seats and prices. To get the best choices first, join as a Member for as little as £3.75 per month. Find out more on page 20.

GROUPS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

New to Bristol Old Vic? There are 100 free tickets for first-time bookers to Preview performances of The Little Mermaid. All you need to do is set up a new account and enter promo code BOVNEWTIX100 at checkout to claim your free tickets*!

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

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. If you have any questions, please email access@bristololdvic.org.uk or call 0117 987 7877.

The Dan Daw Show

The Making of Pinocchio

Museum of Austerity

A Child of Science

Wonder Boy

The Little Mermaid

The Dan Daw Show

Museum of Austerity

A Child of Science RUSH:

The

The

Bristol Old Vic is working to be an inclusive, anti-racist space where our team members and our city’s communities feel welcome and respected – a joyful place where everyone can belong. Please therefore continue to be respectful and kind when you visit Bristol Old Vic. Find out more at bristololdvic.org.uk/our-respect-charter.

More accessible performances TBA soon. Check bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on.

Party your way into 2025 at Bristol’s funkiest, friendliest New Year’s Eve House Party, Bristol Old Vic style.

Tickets £99, all-inclusive of food, drink and joy. Line-up to be confirmed.

Find out more at bristololdvic.org.uk/nye2024

“Such an incredible night!”

– New Year’s Eve House Party 2023 attendee

GREAT COFFEE

LUNCH,, DINNER + DRINKS

Open Mon–Fri 8.30am ’til late and Sat 9am ’til late.

bristololdvic.org.uk/eat-drink

Check out the menu

Choose your level (from as little as £3.75 a month)

Join over 500 other members and unlock the best seats at the best prices first (and a range of other fab benefits).

Enjoy up to 7 days’ priority booking, up to 15% discount on tickets and 10% off at Kitchen + Bar as a Bristol Old Vic Member.

*on selected shows

Or visit our Box Office or bristololdvic.org.uk/members

If you have any questions about Bristol Old Vic membership, please email memberships@bristololdvic.org.uk

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, Antonia Watson Foundation, The Garrick Charitable Trust and Wingate Foundation.

PROJECT SUPPORT

CORPORATE SUPPORT

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.

All information correct at the time of going to print. Please visit our website at bristololdvic.org.uk for any further details and updates.

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