Bristol Old Vic’s new season of ‘pulse-quickening theatre’ – all available online

‘Come on in’ invite the neon lights above the front door to the Bristol Old Vic foyer.

But while we still cannot do that in person, the custodians of the historic theatre are promising a new season of “pulse-quickening theatre” – all available online.

Highlights include The Meaning of Zong, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and the launch of a monthly online variety show live from the King Street theatre and the homes of artists across the world.

Bristol Old Vic artistic director, Tom Morris, said: “It is more important now than ever that we find ways to share delight, exploration, reflection and a good night out, even when places where we usually do that are closed.

“We are determined to continue to offer the city a place where our extraordinary artists and our extraordinary public can meet and collaborate through live performance.

“So here’s a season for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home, but with the spirit of community which makes theatre such a powerful and social artform.”

Giles Terera, star of Hamilton, has put together February’s edition of Five Beautiful Things, explaining why he thinks these pieces are important and worth your time – photos: various

A range of digital work running from February to May includes:

Bristol Old Vic Favourites Box Set
An online subscription season of five favourite shows from the last decade extends until the end of April with extra live events announced for those who want to delve a little deeper into how the shows were made.

Special Events
A string of Special Events – theatrical shows in digital form. Including acting legend Toby Jones, the release of Bristol Old Vic’s original 2015 production of Pink Mist and Giles Terera’s The Meaning of Zong.

The Gathering
A new monthly live, online variety show. Part-cabaret, part-conversation, each gathering will have a different theme. The first event follows the theme of love and features a host of special guests including acting legends Siân Phillips and Michael Byrne, poet Malaika Kegode, and Broadway mind-magician Chris Cox.

Digital Studio
A series of experimental digital hits. Sometimes live, sometimes pre-recorded, but always from the most cutting-edge artists from Bristol and across the UK.

Let’s…
Free workshops for all ages and abilities, diving into theatre-making and performance in all its forms. A chance to try something new and light that spark of creativity in everyone.

Just a few of Bristol Old Vic’s on-demand favourites – photos: Bristol Old Vic

Bristol Old Vic head of communications, Amanda Adams, added: “It’s a big world out there, but our individual worlds can feel pretty small right now.

“What we’re noticing is that theatre helps to open that world up, celebrate the important things and cherish the moments of joy we find in connecting; that might be sitting down as a family on a Friday night to catch Swallows and Amazons (PJs and popcorn essential) or getting together with mates on a Sherlock in Homes Zoom party, or maybe just taking an hour out of the day to explore Five Beautiful Things from an inspirational artist and see what digital moments have inspired them.

“We’re hoping this next season of work, harnessing every digital option we could lay our hands on, will bring us all a little bit closer to each other, and also show us how far we’ve come.”

For more information on all of the online shows and special events, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/at-home

Main photo: Ben Robins

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