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New Directors Lay Out Ideas for the Future

This evening Bristol Old Vic’s new Artistic and Executive directors, Tom Morris and Emma Stenning, hosted their first public meeting. In front of an auditorium of Bristol based artists and members of the public keen to hear an outline of their plans for the theatre, the message to Bristol was: we are open and we need to know what you think and what your hopes are for the theatre.

Although Tom Morris’ first season of work won’t be announced until the end of October, he did give an insight into the way in which the programming will be approached.  He spoke of the extraordinary ferment of activity from the artistic community within the city and how Bristol Old Vic aims to give opportunities to that community through collaboration. Alongside this is a wide range of opportunities for young people within the theatre and an invitation for non-professional of all ages to also get involved. Complimenting this nurturing of local talent, Tom Morris is in the process of extending an invitation to artists at the top of their field from outside the region to come and create work with and for the people of Bristol.

Tom and Emma went on to clarify the company’s current position regarding the building and the ongoing fundraising project.  The work will be carried out in three stages:

Bristol Old Vic is currently in the middle of the first stage of investigation into the historic Theatre Royal auditorium. A series of architectural experiments will be taking place over the coming months to determine ways in which the space can be used to its full potential. A series of temporary interventions will be made to the space to try and connect it to its past - from altering the audience entrance points, raising the stalls floor level to extending the forestage for the forthcoming production of Uncle Vanya.

The second stage is extensive work to the backstage areas, allowing them to be modernized so they can work more flexibly, and the third stage is improving the Front of House area to create a more welcoming experience for audiences and artists. Throughout this period, the principle will be to continue to create work.

Further announcements and details regarding the Capital project will be made before the end of the year, but the announcement tonight that the Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded the campaign £250,000 – doubling their investment in the project - provides a huge boost to the appeal.

Tom and Emma then took the opportunity to thank Dick Penny on behalf of the company for ensuring Bristol Old Vic’s survival. He took on the challenge of becoming Executive Chair after tremendous public support and has been instrumental in getting the theatre to this point. He now steps into the role of Chair of the Board to focus fully on the refurbishment project.

Tom Morris then spoke about their first project for the city. Bristol Jam – the UK’s first festival of improvisation- will run from 16 -24 October and sees Bristol Old Vic throw open its doors to a maverick week of improvised performance in all forms; from classical drama, comedy and storytelling to music, beatbox and film.

Tom and Emma concluded the meeting by urging the Bristol public to participate in making the theatre a truly cultural hub for the city, through becoming ambassadors or sharing their memories and experiences of this truly remarkable place.