Download BRISTOL OLD VIC PUBLIC MEETING – Thursday 16 April Bristol

BRISTOL OLD VIC PUBLIC MEETING – Thursday 16 April
Bristol Old Vic today held a public meeting introducing its new
Artistic Director, Tom Morris, and Executive Director, Emma Stenning
to the Bristol public and to update the progress of the last year’s
activities.
A year on from regaining public funding, Bristol Old Vic’s historic
Theatre Royal was the venue for Bristol audiences to share their
thoughts on the past 12 months and what they’d like to see from
Bristol Old Vic in the future.
Dick Penny began the meeting with a review of the last year’s
activities, both onstage and behind the scenes. The targets were: to
open the theatre and begin making work; recruit new executive
leadership; and build relationships within the region.
Dick Penny also used the meeting to give an update on the
refurbishment plans. Over recent months, the first phase of
essential refurbishment has been underway, with repair work to the
external fabric of the Theatre Royal and flytower nearing
completion. Extensive research into the history of the Theatre Royal
has revealed that the auditorium is of even more importance than
previously appreciated. This is an essential part of meeting the
terms of planning permissions but also essential knowledge for the
future of the space. The company now has a long term vision of how
the complex needs to be re-developed for the 21st Century.
Bristol Old Vic’s programming decisions currently have a specific,
but not exclusive focus on showcasing regional talent. This includes
working with writers and companies. The successful work from Bristol
Old Vic’s Young Company, and the phenomenal hit show Suspension from
Bristol writer Catherine Johnson have seen Bristol Old Vic gradually
building its audience and reputation again. Bristol Old Vic’s
facilities have also been made available to help practitioners to
develop work, long-standing collaborations have been re-instated
with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Kneehigh Theatre and Travelling
Light, and from this month Theatre Bristol have moved into the
building.
Tom Morris and Emma Stenning’s appointment marks the next stage in
Bristol Old Vic’s reactivation. Tom Morris is an Associate Director
at the National Theatre where he has recently co-directed the sellout show Every Good Boy Deserves Favour and War Horse which sold out
at the NT and moved to the West End in March. He ran BAC from 1995
where he produced the first version of Jerry Springer-The Opera. He
is also a frequent Kneehigh Theatre collaborator, co-writing hits
such as A Matter of Life and Death, Nights at the Circus and The
Wooden Frock with Emma Rice.
Emma Stenning is Head of Producing at the Manchester International
Festival where she is producing several world premieres including
Rufus Wainwright’s debut opera Prima Donna. She was previously Head
of Theatre at Arts Council England, London and a 2005 Clore Fellow.
Tom and Emma, last worked together as Artistic and Executive
Directors at BAC (Battersea Arts Centre) and also founded the
“producing engine” Schtanhaus together in 2004.
They used the event to point out that the process is not a quick
fix, but a long term plan, with Tom Morris emphasizing Bristol Old
Vic’s commitment to producing, originating and developing new work,
both as an independent company and through working with other
practitioners. He also expressed an interest in collaborating with
emerging and established artists from the region and to continue to
develop those relationships which have begun during the past 12
months.
Speaking at the meeting, Emma Stenning said:
“Over the last 18months, Bristol Old Vic’s transparent and
collaborative approach to exploring and discovering its future has
been inspirational. We need to continue working in this way to
develop the theatre’s potential as an arts organization that is
truly about and for this city.”
Tom Morris said:
“Dick Penny has created the opportunity for a fresh start in
Bristol. Emma and I are delighted to lead the organisation in the
spirit of discovery and adventure that Dick has already defined We
will invite artists to engage with the city and its culture, whether
from Bristol or elsewhere, to be part of the creative ferment which
in turn encourages and nurtures emerging local talent. It’s clear
from the attendance at this meeting that this theatre is loved by
the people of Bristol - and we should be very clear that your
passion and support has been the single strongest force in keeping
the theatre alive and allowing this fresh start. I’m not sure if the
Bristol public realise the love and affection in which Bristol Old
Vic is held by the wider theatrical community, not only nationally
but internationally. I look forward to embracing that responsibility
and making sure that reputation grows and flourishes.”
For further information, please contact Amanda Adams on 0117 9494901
or email [email protected]