Theatre / News
Curtain falls on Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory
Thou know’st ’tis common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity.
Hamlet, Act I, scene 2
Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (stf) has been alive for 21 years but will no longer be developing theatrical productions.
It’s not quite a death for the Bristol company, however, with an annual bursary being set up to enable people to realise their ambitions in theatre.
The charity has gone from playing to ten people in the early days of the Tobacco Factory Theatre to touring across the UK and internationally.
is needed now More than ever
A production in 2020 and tour plans were forced to be postponed due to Covid, with a podcast series later being developed during lockdown: ‘What would Shakespeare do in a pandemic?’
“However, over the last two years, it has become clear that we will not be able to develop our large-cast touring productions without substantial grant funding, which we don’t believe is feasible to secure at this point,” stf said in a statement.
“Therefore, it is with some sadness that we would like to share the news that the company will no longer be developing theatrical productions.”
stf chair of trustees, Kerrie Hunt, said: “Over the past 21 years, stf has done far more than merely fulfil its mission to bring great theatre to the public and grow support for the musical and performing arts.
“stf has supported new talent in Bristol, providing roles for actors, producers, musicians and technicians, which granted them national and international visibility.
“We are indebted to the talented and dedicated actors, freelancers and management teams with whom we have worked so closely during this time and proud to have helped to foster the next generation of Shakespearian theatre professionals.
“It’s been a pleasure to support the charity as a trustee for 11 years and to contribute to such innovative, powerful productions of Shakespeare plays.
“From my first experience of a production with Andrew Hilton’s Richard II to Elizabeth Freestone’s Much Ado About Nothing, our plays have been a joy and a revelation of what can be achieved with clarity, vision and a wonderful ensemble company.
“The organisation has always brought new talent into the theatre and, whilst it is with a heavy heart that we have taken this decision to bring our touring productions to a close, we are delighted that our new bursary will continue to support actors and creative practitioners in Bristol and its surrounds.”
Main photo: Graham Burke
Read more: Celebrating 25 years of the Tobacco Factory
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