City theatre announces 260th anniversary scheme

Made in Bristol productions have been a regular part of the theatre's recent years

An historic city theatre is planning to take performances into local schools as part of its 260th anniversary celebrations.

Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, is commissioning two new plays written by young people to be performed in schools.

The Theatre in Education (TIE) programme will go ahead in 2026, as the Old Vic says funding issues mean schools are now less likely to bring children to performances.

The theatre's artistic director Nancy Medina said: "We recognise the importance of children having extra-curricular opportunities and we feel it's important for us to contribute to that opportunity in every way we can."

The plays will be created using two existing schemes the theatre runs - the Made in Bristol (MIB) training programme and the Five Year Commitment Writers initiative.

MIB is a group of 18-25 year old aspiring performers and theatre workers who train at Bristol Old Vic two days a week for a year.

Bristol Old Vic first opened in 1766.

Similar to the BID scheme, the Five Year Commitment Writers initiative sees aspiring theatre writers given the chance to develop their skills at Bristol Old Vic.

Two of them, Sam Parker and Muneera Pilgrim will write the plays, to be directed by Ms Medina.

She said: "We are thrilled to be able to draw on the talents of our Five Year Commitment writers.

"To also have the opportunity to harness our longstanding Made In Bristol initiative to deliver these productions directly into schools just shows how Bristol Old Vic is filling the gaps in cultural engagement in school provision."

The TIE programme will be aimed at schools with high levels of free school meals, where historically young people are less likely to come to the theatre.

Two already earmarked for involvement are Cotham School and City Academy.

Cotham's faculty leader for performing arts, Ross Geoghegan said: "Experiencing live theatre is a vital part of a young person's education.

"By bringing high-quality performances directly into schools, Bristol Old Vic is ensuring that all students have access to that magic, not just those who can afford the cost or logistics of a trip to the theatre."