Bristol Old Vic has announced its new season for Autumn and Winter 2025 & 2026, offering a vibrant mix of musicals, classic comedies, and thrilling dramas, alongside beloved festive productions and exciting partnerships.
The season kicks off with the return of Starter for Ten (10 Sep – 11 Oct 2025), a record-breaking musical based on David Nicholls’ novel. Following its acclaimed 2024 premiere, the show welcomes back Mel Giedroyc as Irene Jackson, Brian’s mum. The musical, co-produced by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films, and Playtone, will transfer to Birmingham Rep Theatre (22 Oct – 1 Nov) after its Bristol run. Giedroyc expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m beyond thrilled to be reunited with Starter for Ten! The first run was glorious, and I cannot wait for even more people to see it!” Read more about Starter for Ten at the Bristol Old Vic.
Tanuja Amarasuriya directs Noël Coward’s classic comedy Private Lives (28 Oct – 1 Nov 2025). The Octagon Theatre Bolton, Mercury Theatre, and Rose Theatre co-production, presented in association with Northern Stage, will feature Amarasuriya’s signature style. She described the play as “funny, sexy, shocking – and full of bittersweet truths about the complex difficulties of relationships.”
A revival of Jack Thorne’s award-winning play Let the Right One In (4 – 15 Nov) promises to bring an eerie chill to the stage. Adapted from John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel, the production is a revival of the Royal Exchange Theatre’s 2022 hit. Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Motive and the Cue), a Bristol native, said, “It is my home theatre, and I am so excited to bring this story of love and acceptance here.”
For the festive season, Bristol Old Vic will present Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure (4 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026). Written by The Great British Bake Off Musical creators Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, this swashbuckling tale follows Jim Hawkins’ quest for hidden treasure. The musical’s creators, both Bristol University alumni, called the production “a full-throttle new musical adventure.”
Families can also enjoy Antarctica, a winter-themed children’s show from the award-winning Little Bulb (dates TBC). The company returns to Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio after their Olivier Award-winning success with Wolf Witch Giant Fairy.
Frantic Assembly will mark its 30th anniversary with Lost Atoms (13 – 24 Jan 2026), a new play by Anna Jordan (Succession, HBO; One Day, Netflix). At times hilarious, at times devastating, Lost Atoms explores how memory impacts the way we look at love, and asks what makes a truly “successful” relationship? The production is co-produced with Curve, Mayflower Southampton, and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
The Weston Studio will also feature The Paper Dolls (28 Oct – 1 Nov), a Little Angel Theatre and Polka co-production based on Julia Donaldson’s beloved children’s book. Meanwhile, Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho (15 – 18 Oct), and the comedy parody Yippee Ki Yay (22 – 25 Oct) will bring alternative theatrical experiences to the venue.
Bristol Old Vic’s Sunday stand-up series will continue, featuring comedians such as Kieran Hodgson, Josie Long, and Jen Brister.
Tickets for the newly announced productions are on general sale from 27 March 2025.
Related News
9 Best new shows opening in London in May 2026
Jill Halfpenny to star in Noël Coward’s Private Lives in Manchester directed by Blanche McIntyre
Casting announced for Starter for Ten in Bristol & Birmingham
Let the Right One In UK tour cancelled
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