about us...

Bristol Old Vic is a theatre company founded in 1946 and based in a complex which includes the unique Theatre Royal, opened in 1766, the oldest theatre auditorium in the UK which many think the most beautiful. Bristol Old Vic is also unique in its close working relationship with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

We are embarking on a new chapter to build on this unique heritage.  During 2008 we formulated a development plan designed to make Bristol Old Vic a centre of theatre activity in 21^st century Bristol. The plan is the result of wide consultation and discussion. We launched the development plan at a public meeting on 10^th July 2008 and a summary is published here. 

The rethinking of the BOV and its role is an opportunity to renew relationships and to open up the theatre for the challenges of the new connected century.  The strength of this opportunity is derived from the physical spaces, it's location in a city with creative vigour, the ardour of those involved in the development and the loyalty of the artists and people close to the theatre.  The nature of this renewal is one characterised by generosity, a spirit of adventure and a doggedness to see the challenge through.

With sufficient investment, strong management and an artistic drive that harnesses local creative power, BOV can:

• Become a centre for creativity in live performance in the Bristol city region - producing excellent theatre and providing the support that others in the area need to achieve excellence themselves
• Entertain, stimulate and engage audiences both as spectators and participants and position live performance as a focus for public debate
• Provide pathways for talented individuals to develop their creative skills and experience and become active contributors to the creative economy
• Provide a long-term return on public investment through its contribution to the knowledge economy and by attracting investment into the region
• Export Bristol-produced theatre around the world enhancing the region's reputation for creativity and innovation in the arts

We are taking a three phase approach to this journey. The first phase begins in January 2009 with a programme of work in King St and beyond designed to re-activate BOV, to engage with our city region's talent and to reinforce creative relationships. To develop our programme approach we have been assisted by Tom Morris as Programme Advisor, Sharon Clark to deliver ‘script in hand' and Seth Honnor to develop our response to "Bristol Live" A performance culture of ambition

We are currently recruiting new Artistic and Business leadership. With a new executive team in place we will develop programming to explore our new vision and test our re-development plans. The second phase will see the building re-furbished and re-developed while the third phase will begin with Bristol Old Vic re-opening the re-developed King Street complex and fully articulating our new vision.

Our development trajectory will carry inherent risk. The intention is to work with the risk not against it, to build on the shared passion of audience and artist, to respect and include both while always pushing innovation and surprise. Bristol Old Vic seeks to be an open institution and we welcome your feedback. Please join in through our email list, our blog and our public meetings.