BOOKING INFO
PAY WHAT YOU CHOOSE SAVE BIG WITH A THEATRE OR STUDIO SUBSCRIPTION
We want everyone to experience the joy of live theatre! Choose from Open Concession (no need to show ID), Standard (please book this rate if you can) or Pay It Forward (subsidise two Open Concession tickets).
ALL BOOKINGS CARRY A £1 PER TICKET FEE
Pay ahead for a balance of 6 tickets (£66 Studio; £126 Theatre), then use up to 2 tickets on any applicable show. Theatre Subscription limited to Mon & Tue evenings and midweek matinees. See website for full T&Cs.
Members, Ticket Subscribers and Schools benefit from fee-free booking.
BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST PRICES GROUPS SAVE 15%
Prices are subject to availability and may vary as the show gets closer. Book early to get the best choice of seats and prices. Join as a Member to get priority (and fee-free) booking for as little as £5 per month.
BRISTOL NEW TIX
Bring a party of 8+ to selected performances and save 15% on your booking! Discount automatically applies at checkout and is valid on Standard tickets only.
New to Bristol Old Vic? We’re offering 100 free tickets to first timers for selected performances of Kiss of the Spider Woman, An Ideal Husband, Lanny and Cinderella: A Fairytale. Create an account and enter code BOVNEWTIX100 when booking. See website for full T&Cs.
QUESTIONS?
Call the Box Office on 0117 987 7877 or email tickets@bristololdvic.org.uk
ACCESS & RESPECT
IT’S OUR TOP PRIORITY THAT EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME AND COMFORTABLE WHEN VISITING BOV.
For general access info, including booking access tickets, disabled parking, washroom facilities, the lift, wheelchair spaces and more, please visit bristololdvic.org.uk/access
For accessible performance listings (including BSL-interpreted, Captioned, Audio Described and Relaxed performances), head to bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on .
OUR RESPECT CHARTER
Bristol Old Vic is working to be an inclusive, anti-racist space where everyone feels welcome and respected. Please therefore continue to be respectful and kind when you visit. Find out more at bristololdvic.org.uk/our-respect-charter
QUESTIONS?
Call the Box Office on 0117 987 7877 or email access@bristololdvic.org.uk
TAKE PART
From our expansive Young Company (ages 2–30) and popular Summer Schools (7+) to Young SixSix (12–20) and our work in schools and communities via Young Company City (8–16+); from industry Work Experience (14–17) and our Technical Youth Theatre programme (ages 14–18) to our resident Made in Bristol training scheme (18–25) and intergenerational groups Adult Company and Oi Polloi (both 18+); plus Family Days (all ages) and more… we use the transformative power of theatre to harness imaginations and build creative experiences for all.
There’s a space for you here.
BECOME A MEMBER
BOV Members get priority, fee-free booking, discounted tickets, and a discount at the bar. Membership also supports our arts education and artist development programmes.
Associates’ and Directors’ Circle Members also enjoy invitations to ‘In Conversation’ events, tech/dress rehearsals, press nights and season launches; creative insights, website recognition and personalised booking.
SCAN TO JOIN OUR SUPPORTERS
29 APR – 16 MAY
Obsession or salvation? One kiss from the Spider Woman can change everything.
From legendary songwriting duo Kander and Ebb, the creators of Cabaret and Chicago, thrilling musical Kiss of the Spider Woman returns in an electrifying new production starring George Blagden (Versailles, Black Mirror), Anna-Jane Casey (Cabaret, Billy Elliot) and Fabian Soto Pacheco (Dear Evan Hansen, Guys & Dolls) and directed by Paul Foster (A Little Night Music, Kiss Me Kate).
Adapted for the stage by Terrence McNally from Manuel Puig ’s unforgettable novel, the original Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
A CURVE, BRISTOL OLD VIC AND MAYFLOWER SOUTHAMPTON CO-PRODUCTION
AN IDEAL HUSBAND 10 – 20 JUN
‘I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics.’
Present day. London. Sir Robert Chiltern is riding high on the very best that life has to offer a man of his impeccable taste and pristine reputation... until the arrival of the crafty Mrs Cheveley whose secrets spilled threaten disgrace, betrayal and public embarrassment.
How far will he go to prevent his downfall? Scandal is trending. Forgiveness is optional. And perfection comes at a price. This season, Oscar Wilde’s classic gets a bold new twist, directed by Nicholai La Barrie (God of Carnage). “Uproarious farce” The Stage on God of Carnage
LANNY
16 OCT – 7 NOV
Not far from Bristol, there is a village.
A community built on ancient soil, shelter to generations of lives and the tales they tell. For all time, Dead Papa Toothwort has walked amongst them all. Now, he is drawn again from his slumber, drawn to something new and precious. The boy. Lanny.
By the author of Grief is the Thing with Feathers, Max Porter’s spectral novel Lanny rocked the literary world in 2019. Described as “a joyously stirred cauldron of words” (The Guardian) that is “magically beguiling” (Financial Times), it intertwines reality and imagination to thrillingly eerie effect.
Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Bea Roberts (And Then Come the Nightjars), and directed by Nancy Medina (The Beautiful Future Is Coming; A Good House; Choir Boy), this dark and powerful story of folklore, fable and the nature of belonging is the flagship production of our 260th year.
Artwork Rosanna Morris
CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE
27 NOV 2026 – 2 JAN 2027
Sally Cookson and Adam Peck’s much-loved adaptation of Cinderella is back in Bristol, re-imagined for 2026.
After the death of her mother, free-spirited Ella seeks solace in the woods, enchanted by the birds that roost peacefully in the trees. When her father remarries, Ella’s life is turned upside down by a host of new – and most unpleasant – relations. Her feathered friends begin to feel like her only true family, until a mysterious boy stumbles upon her woodland hideout. And he has in his hand an invitation to the Royal Ball...
But Ella’s cruel and scheming Stepmother has other ideas. Will Ella ever make it to the ball? And is there more to her chirping chums than meets the eye?
Join us this festive season for an enchanting ensemble retelling of one of the best-loved fairy tales of all time. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm story, this dazzlingly original take will set your heart aflutter with live music, modern mischief and festive joy.
“A magnificent festive treat”
Broadway World on Cinderella: A Fairytale, The Lyceum 2025
“An absolute triumph”
Bristol Live on Treasure Island, Bristol Old Vic 2025
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 4 – 21 MAR
To escape a society ruled by tyrannical law, four young lovers flee to the forest beyond the city walls. Unbeknownst to them, the woods have been unsettled by a fierce battle between Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, over the ownership of a stolen child. Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong shine light on the shadowy underbelly of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays.
“Mesmerisingly unusual reading” The Stage
A PRODUCTION BY BRISTOL OLD VIC, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE AND HEADLONG, WITH LEEDS PLAYHOUSE
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) 24 – 28 MAR
The worldwide comic phenomenon returns with this updated and reinvented rollercoaster ride through all 37 of the Bard’s plays. After nine years in the West End, two TV specials, and performances in over 20 countries, the Reduced Shakespeare Company are rebooting this classic comic masterpiece for a new generation of audiences.
“Stupendous, anchorless joy” The Times
THE THEATRE CHIPPING NORTON AND SELLADOOR WORLDWIDE PRESENT REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
THE WOMAN IN BLACK 21 – 25 APR
One of the most successful and longest running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping production is a brilliant study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror. Now seen by over 8 million people worldwide, Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
“The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter” Daily Telegraph
PW PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
PARTY SEASON 21 – 23 MAY
From the multi-award-winning creators of Education, Education, Education and The Last of the Pelican Daughters, comes a sugar-fuelled, bobbin-winding fever dream where class identities collide, social niceties unravel, and underslept parents do their best to hold it together.
The Wardrobe Ensemble’s Party Season is a razor-sharp new comedy about privilege, party rings and the pressures of being a parent. RSVP!
“A great mix of energy, chaos and passion” The Times on Education, Education, Education
BOG WITCH 5 – 6
JUN
Following a hugely critically acclaimed London run, legendary performance artist Bryony Kimmings’ Bog Witch follows a part of her real-life story… this time the journey of uprooting her and her son’s life to live in a tumbledown cottage in the wilderness… to plug back into nature as a last-ditch attempt to be happy and sane.
“Haunting and hilarious” The Guardian “No one else makes autobiographical theatre like this” The Stage
AVALON ENTERTAINMENT LTD PRESENTS
FRANKIE GOES TO BOLLYWOOD 24 – 28 JUN
This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are massproduced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. Featuring original Bollywood songs and showstopping choreography.
“Powerful and colourful” Metro
“Electric throughout” Musical Theatre Review
RIFCO ARTS PRESENTS
STILL ALIVE AND KICKING 14 JUL
Haunting, raw, uplifting and life affirming, this extraordinary show is a celebration of being alive, a transformative journey masterfully told by artist and London 7/7 bombing survivor, Gill Hicks Acclaimed musicians frame her soulful jazz voice and powerful projected artworks to leave audiences spellbound.
“Laugh-out-loud funny” Evening Standard “Life-enhancing” The Barefoot Review
JAMES SEABRIGHT PRESENTS
BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE 15 – 18 JUL
Following a sell-out run in 2024, Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live, returns to Bristol Old Vic.
“Nothing short of sensational” Broadway Baby “Hauntingly beautiful” Theatre Weekly
JAMES SEABRIGHT PRESENTS
MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE 16 – 19 SEP
Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready as Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are back with their multiple sell-out improvised comedy for your sleuthing pleasure.
“Hilarious… the show is a riot” Scottish Daily Mail “Outstanding performances” Three Weeks WILDPARK TOURS LTD PRESENTS
JULIET & ROMEO 22 – 26 SEP
Forget everything you thought you knew about Shakespeare’s starcrossed lovers. What if they didn’t die? What if they got married, had a kid and now – deep in their 40s – are wondering if it was all a huge mistake? Lost Dog Dance’s Juliet & Romeo is a wildly original, deeply relatable and utterly hilarious exploration of what happens after ‘happily ever after’.
“Pure pleasure. Smart, subversive and sexy” The Guardian
“Superb. Devastating realism and dark humour” The Stage LOST DOG PRESENTS
TOP GUNCHAINED 30 SEP – 3 OCT
From the creative team behind global smash hit Yippee Ki Yay, comes a jet-powered tour through all the romance and action of Tom Cruise’s aerial blockbuster – celebrating its 40th anniversary this year – alongside the heartfelt story of father and son superfans who can’t agree on anything except their favourite film. Essential viewing for Top Gun veterans and rookies alike.
“Brilliant parody” Broadway World on Yippee Ki Yay
JAMES SEABRIGHT PRESENTS
EVITA TOO 11 – 14 NOV
During Isabel Perón’s time in power (before she was overthrown in a military coup), Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote a blockbuster musical about her dead husband’s even deader ex-wife. And now, nobody remembers Isabel. Coincidence? Sh!t Theatre are here to right that wrong. Truth! Justice! Songs! Wizards?! Yes, wizards. And if you play your cards right, naked roller-skating.
“Unforgettable” The Stage
“An absolute riot” The Reviews Hub
JUDITH DIMANT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
THE LAST PICTURE 24 – 28 FEB
On a school trip to a photography exhibition, Sam – an emotional support dog – gently guides a group of young people through images from Europe during World War Two. A difficult conversation begins about the history of the Holocaust, empathy, and what it means to witness harm – or to look away. Told entirely by one performer, The Last Picture invites audiences to think, feel and imagine together.
“Moving and delicately executed drama” The Stage
A YORK THEATRE ROYAL, ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE & AN TOBAR AND MULL THEATRE PRODUCTION
A GRAIN OF SAND 3 – 7 MAR
A one-woman show that takes an intimate look at war through the eyes of a child, blending Palestinian folklore with real-life testimonies from children in contemporary Gaza. A story of resilience, hope and the right of children to be children.
“A performance of breathtaking power and nuance” Good News Liverpool
“A delicate piece of work” WhatsOnStage
GOOD CHANCE PRESENTS
ALL THE HAPPY THINGS 10 – 14 MAR
Sienna is trying to deal with her grief by clinging on tightly to what she knows – in short, she’s seeing her dead sister everywhere she goes. How do you truly let go of someone when you imagined they’d be there forever?
“Packs an emotional punch” The Indiependent “Dynamic and engaging” The Rendition
SH PRODUCTIONS PRESENT
MEET FRED 17 – 21 MAR
Fred is a cloth puppet just trying to live an ordinary life – get a job, find love, be part of society. But with his Puppetry Living Allowance under threat, his world spirals out of control. Celebrating 10 years of making audiences laugh, gasp, and rethink the world around them, Hijinx’s Meet Fred is as urgent and relevant today as ever.
“Ingeniously conceived” Broadway Baby HIJINX, IN ASSOCIATION WITH BLIND SUMMIT, PRESENTS
28 APR – 2 MAY
Fresh from its five-star, sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run: a hilarious, politically sharp story of a working-class Scouser navigating Cambridge University, hiding her cleaning job, and exposing privilege with wit and charm.
“As funny as it is politically stinging” The Guardian “High-energy performance and bulldozer charm” The Telegraph
JFR PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
DYKE SYSTEMS LTD. 5 – 9 MAY
A sharp, subversive takedown of pyramid schemes, ruthless heteronormativity and corporate feminism. Equal parts corporate seminar and queer fever dream. Get ready to find your inner (D)ynamic! (Y)oung! (K)nowledgeable! (E)ntrepreneur!
“Flawless” Ed Fest Mag
“Whip-smart precision” The Stage
FAG PACKET PRESENTS
PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD 13 – 16 MAY
Part tribute act, part feminist reclamation, part fever dream, PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD is about power, patriarchy, band t-shirts, daddy issues and three sisters, who didn’t want to be a band, but it was their destiny.
“Absolutely and utterly brilliant” WhatsOnStage “Bold experimental comedy and relentless energy” Theatre Vibe
IN BED WITH MY BROTHER PRESENTS
I’M NOT BEING FUNNY 23 – 27 JUN
She’s signed them both up. Her and her husband. For stand-up comedy. Tonight, they’re locking themselves in their living room until they’ve got a ‘tight five’, delving through their past for material, with nothing but a baby monitor for an audience. But some jokes hurt and laughter isn’t always the best medicine.
A new play about hope, endings and how to survive if a knock knock joke hits you in the gut, I’m Not Being Funny is written by Piers Black (Catching Comets), and directed by Bryony Shanahan (Bloody Elle).
A unique blend of spoken word, storytelling and performance art, Suburbia is a poetic memoir. Now in his fifties, Woo is reflective and honest about secrets harboured and lessons learnt. His wit is sharp and his desire to shock and surprise is evident throughout.
“His talent and storytelling are limitless” Curtain Call Reviews
“A rip-roaring hour of cabaret, memoir and drag, delivering both sparkle and soul” Fest Mag
STAND-UP COMEDY THROUGHOUT 2026
JUST ANNOUNCED: Exceptional stand-up from Stevie Martin (pictured), Flo and Joan, Celya AB, Morgan Rees, Lucy Beaumont and Kiell Smith-Bynoe coming this Autumn, adding to the existing roster of Andy Zaltzman, John Kearns, Mike Wozniak, Jessica Fostekew, Ania Magliano, Michelle de Swarte, Suzi Ruffell, and Ruby Wax earlier in 2026.
FAMILY SHOWS THROUGHOUT 2026
Easter, Half Term and Summer Holiday entertainment sorted with stage adaptations of bestselling children’s books The Boy at the Back of the Class (31 Mar – 4 Apr), The Gruffalo (7 – 18 Apr) and The Enormous Crocodile (9 – 12 Jul), plus the Olivier Award-winning family science show Brainiac Live! (28 – 29 May), and the ever-popular Horrible Histories (2 – 5 Jul)!
“The perfect introduction to theatre for kids” The Londonist on The Gruffalo