More live theatre to come at Bristol Old Vic in September
Posted on: 26 Aug 2020Get ready for an 'unhinged' version of Romeo and Juliet, plus new works-in-progress by South West artists.
Bristol Old Vic has started to host live theatre again, thanks to a further easing in lockdown measures.
In recent weeks, poetry, comedy and classical music have been performed upon Bristol Old Vic’s new stage, located inside the foyer.
Now the theatre has added more live theatre events, set to take place throughout September. Here’s a quick rundown.
First up, over the Bank Holiday weekend, young theatre makers Leave the Light Ensemble will present a new show, Buffering.
It's based on the pandemic; it’s a show about 'being apart, but together, but apart'. Buffering is now sold out, but there’s more shows to enjoy.
ON SALE NOW: More live theatre! ????????
— Bristol Old Vic (@BristolOldVic) August 25, 2020
5–6 Sep @HandleBards's unhinged and bonkers Romeo & Juliet: https://t.co/9iQUNAcQ74
9–13 Sep @BristolFerment's The View From Here Takeover featuring 5 brand new works-in-progress by South West artists: https://t.co/0eOqrb8Lqp pic.twitter.com/WpXanBwBsG
On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, get ready for an ‘unhinged and bonkers’ version of Romeo & Juliet.
So, how did this laugh-out-loud version of the Shakespearian love story come about?
Three actors, known as The HandleBards theatre company, cooped up together during the lockdown, fuelled by cabin fever.
In 2013, The HandleBards pedalled Twelfth Night to twenty UK venues in 2013, they’ve become internationally-renowned for their adventurous brand of Shakespeare.
Expect music, mayhem and loads of costume changes upon Bristol Old Vic’s Garden Stage. (Yep, it’s outdoors, so come prepared.)
Next up, Bristol Old Vic’s artist development programme, Ferment, will take over the building to share new works-in-progress.
Usually, in July, the theatre hosts Ferment Fortnight, which sees Ferment-supported artists interact with the public to explore ideas in development.
Ferment Fortnight couldn’t take place in the usual way this year, so the Bristol Old Vic launched an open call for five seed commissions, to support artists in creating work as the world changed.
The September Ferment Takeover will see these five seed commissions shared inside the theatre’s Café Bar, with the opportunity for audiences to share their thoughts.
We are so thrilled to announce the five artists and companies that will be sharing their works-in-progress as part of our @BristolFerment Takeover:
— Bristol Old Vic (@BristolOldVic) August 19, 2020
Black Women Let Loose
Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Dee Hassan & Ivy Corbin
Pete Yelding & Sura Susso
Pravanya Pillay
Saikat Ahamed
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On Wednesday 9 September, Bristol-based Bangladeshi writer and performer Saikat Ahamed will share a new long-form verse exploring feelings of isolation and connection.
The piece will take several months to write and will be filmed in bitesize chapters, eventually touring as a live poetry performance.
Saikat is also working with Bristol-based film-maker Toufique Ali. At the moment, the pair are figuring out the style of the piece.
Next, on Thursday 10 September, the Bristol-based Black Women Let Loose Theatre Company will present Ama’s Tides.
It’s a work-in-progress exploring the harsh impact of 2020 events; from COVID-19 to the environmental crisis, to racism and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Head over to the Bristol Old Vic website to discover more Ferment-supported artists set to share their brilliant new works with Bristol Old Vic next month.
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