Frequently Asked Questions
When will the theatre be open again?
The theatre will reopen in Summer 2012, and we will be announcing an exact date early next year. In the meantime, our Studio and Basement are open as usual, and we have also been working with partners across the city, such as St Georges (Kneehigh's The Wild Bride) and Colston Hall (Coram Boy) to stage work in other locations.
So are they knocking it all down and starting again?
No. Far from it. We're working with our architects, historians and archaeologists to refurbish the theatre to make it fit for the 21st Century. Whilst the redevelopment is not a textbook historical restoration, we are uncovering clues as to how the theatre looked in 1766, and the refurbishment will use these discoveries to inform what we do with the space.
What's it going to look like? Will it be unrecognizable from the old lovely design that we know?
You may not immediately notice a huge difference to the theatre. But look closely and you'll find specially made new seats, improved sightlines achieved by raising the stalls and gallery areas and a more comfortable experience thanks to a new air movement and heating system.
Haven't you already refurbished? What happened when the theatre closed a few years ago?
When the theatre closed in 2007, we undertook some vital electrical and technical work to ensure that the theatre was fit for use. This work enabled us to temporarily re-open the theatre from 2008-2010 whilst we fundraised for the current work. The work we're doing at the moment is only the first phase. During the second phase, we will be improving the front of house and studio areas. We're currently planning when that might happen, but it is likely that it will coincide with our 250 anniversary - 2016.
Apart from refurbishing the theatre, what else are you doing?
We're completely redeveloping our rehearsal spaces, creating a productive and comfortable working environment for Bristol artists, reconfiguring our office spaces and dressing rooms, installing a lift back of house and transforming the existing Paintshop into a new rehearsal and performance space.
Are you getting new seats? Will they be more comfortable and have more leg room?
Yes, new seats are one the way. We've been working with our audiences and seat manufacturers to create bespoke seating for the theatre which is sympathetic to the design of the auditorium and which offer improved comfort and leg room. You can also put your personal mark on the new seats by sponsoring them. Get in touch with our Development Department on fundraising@bristololdvic.org.uk to find out more.
Is the theatre still open?
Absolutely. We're still offering a full programme of theatre throughout our refurbishment, including a collaboration with Colston Hall, a bubbling Ferment programme throughout the year and a packed Studio programme of productions.
What other spaces do you have?
We have a wonderful Studio theatre, which is home to inspiring visitors, Bristol Old Vic productions as well as where our Ferment programme is developing a glut of new ideas and experimentation. If you haven't experienced a show in there yet, you really should - it's intimate and you can get really close to the action. The space feels and looks different for each show we present, so it's worth repeat visits!
What will the Paintshop look like?
The Paintshop will remain a rough and ready space - we're not changing it into a ‘black box' theatre, but we are making changes that will mean it's more suitable to be a performance space. It will retain the workshop-like quality that audiences have enjoyed over the past few years.
How similar is it going to be in design to 1766?
We're not restoring the theatre to what it looked like in 1766, but are using discoveries made by our archaeologists to inform how the theatre is reconfigured.
Will the front of house and foyer area get some love?
Throughout the refurbishment we've been experimenting with what the front of house space can be, and we're continuing to work hard to make Bristol Old Vic one of the most welcoming theatres in the country. Once the work in the theatre has been completed, we'll be concentrating on a fundraising campaign for the second phase of work, which will transform the foyer and Studio spaces.
What will be the first production?
We'll be announcing our re-opening programme early in 2012. Watch this space.
Will I be able to buy a season ticket / be a member of a friends scheme?
For details of how you can support the redevelopment and our ongoing work, visit out Support Us page
How can I keep up to date with the work?
You can read about and watch the refurbishment unfolding on our blog at www.bristololdvic.org.uk/blog, and if you're on Twitter, follow the hashtag #BOVrefurb. We're also continuing to hold regular public meetings to which everyone is invited. Check the website for updates on when these meetings will take place. You can also pop into the theatre and speak to us (look out for our blue identity badges) and check out the interactive display in our foyer.
