Bristol Old Vic has unveiled an exciting lineup of new productions for Autumn/Winter.
Following a record-breaking Spring season, Bristol Old Vic announced an array of new shows that will take audiences into the Autumn/Winter season.
Autumn kicks off with the revival of Bristol Old Vic’s 2022 production of Wonder Boy (6-21 Sep) by local playwright Ross Willis. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson, the show opens in Bristol before embarking on a major tour across England. Wonder Boy is the story of 12-year-old Sonny, who deals with a stammer and seeks to be heard; the show previously charmed audiences and critics with its mix of humour and an impactful message on communication.
This revival represents a key step forward for Ross Willis’ powerful play and establishes a new model of partnership between commercial producers and ACE, emphasizing new writing and accessible work to engage young audiences in the power of theatre.
In November, Bristol Old Vic collaborates with Rose Theatre Kingston, Malvern Theatre, and Royal & Derngate, Northampton to co-produce Never Let Me Go (opening at the Rose Theatre in September, then at Bristol Old Vic from 6-23 Nov). This world premiere of Suzanne Heathcote’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s international bestseller is directed by Christopher Haydon and explores themes of memory and reality, prompting us to consider what it means to be human and to experience love and loss.
The festive family production this year at the Theatre will be The Little Mermaid. Originally planned for 2021, the show features direction by Olivier-award winner Miranda Cromwell and a script by Sonali Bhattacharyya.
The New Year kicks off with Play On! (16-25 Jan), a musical romantic story inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, set in the 1940s jazz scene in New York’s Cotton Club and featuring music by Duke Ellington. Directed by Michael Buffong, the show is produced by Talawa, the UK’s leading Black British Theatre Company. Play On! will then transfer to London, playing at the Lyric Hammersmith from 28 January to 22 February 2025.
Following this is the new co-production between Bristol Old Vic, Belgrade Theatre, and Hackney Empire: Romeo and Juliet (from 13 Mar – 5 Apr). This production combines Shakespeare’s original text with rap, R&B, and soul elements, placing the young lovers in a contemporary context. It will be directed by Belgrade Theatre’s Creative Director, Corey Campbell.
Bristol Old Vic also revealed its summer and autumn schedule for the Weston Studio, showcasing fresh talent from across the UK. This includes Talawa Firsts on Tour (29 May – 1 Jun), featuring new works from the Talawa Firsts 2023 lineup. Bougie Lanre’s Boulangerie by Kareem Parkins-Brown explores life in hospitality, while Love in Gravitational Waves by Testament delves into modern dating.
In June, Museum of Austerity (12-15 Jun) presents a mixed-reality installation exploring the human impact of Austerity Britain. High Steaks (18-22 Jun) follows, with a humorous yet profound exploration of labiaplasty and labia shaming.
Later in the summer, Some Demon (9-13 Jul) by Laura Waldren examines the relationship between an 18-year-old and a forty-something in an eating disorder unit. September’s lineup includes How I Learned to Swim (17-21 Sep) and My Mother’s Funeral (24-28 Sep), offering deep and thoughtful stories about identity and life’s inequalities.
In October, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz (15-19 Oct) by Nathan Queeley-Denis takes to the stage, exploring Black masculinity through Beyoncé lyrics and techno raves.
For children, Anna Hibiscus’ Song (28-31 Aug) offers a vibrant story of self-discovery through music, dance, and African storytelling. Little Murmur (30 Oct – 2 Nov) returns in the autumn, discussing the experience of living with dyslexia, while the Weston Studio’s magical theatre for younger audiences continues with Little Red (and other winter tales) (6 Dec – 12 Jan).
These productions showcase the variety and innovation of Bristol Old Vic’s Autumn/Winter season, promising something for everyone.
Related News
Watch the new Sea Witch music video featuring Amy Di Bartolomeo
Cast announced for Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch at The Other Palace in London
New musical Sea Witch to premiere in London starring Michelle Visage, Natalie Paris & Mazz Murray
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch to return to London playing The Other Palace
Latest News
Everything you need to know about The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal in London
Nina Raine’s sweeping new adaptation of Middlemarch arrives at the RSC: See brand-new images from the production
What to expect from Pride the Musical ahead of highly anticipated transfer to the Bridge Theatre
