Bristol Old Vic is a British theatre company based at the Theatre Royal, Bristol. The present company was established in 1946 as an offshoot of the Old Vic in London. It is associated with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which became a financially independent organisation in the 1990s. Bristol Old Vic runs a popular, and highly successful Young Company for young people aged 7–25.
The Theatre Royal, the oldest continually-operating theatre in England, was built during 1764–66 on King Street in Bristol. The Coopers' Hall, built 1743-44, was incorporated as the theatre's foyer during 1970–72. Together, they are designated a Grade I listed building by English Heritage.
The theatre complex has just undergone a £19 million refurbishment, increasing seating capacity and providing up to ten flexible performance spaces. Besides the main Theatre Royal auditorium, the complex includes the Studio theatre and the Side Stage, Paint Shop and Basement performance areas. Whilst the theatre was closed, the company continued to present work in the Studio and Basement spaces, as well as at other sites around Bristol. The Theatre Royal re-opened in autumn 2012 with Wild Oats.
Read more about Bristol Old Vic: History of The Theatre, Formation of The Bristol Old Vic, Refurbishment, Touring, Artistic Directors of The Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
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