Bristol Old Vic

Probably one of those places that is such a Bristol institution that it gets overlooked. The few times I have been the interior alone has been worthy of a few hours worth of gawping. I can confirm that the seats aren’t terribly comfortable but I guess I should’ve been thinking more about what was on the stage. But usually the production has been so absorbing I have forgotten about my discomfort and let the hind quarters go numb.
I’m not sure after the risk of closure whether the Old Vic Theatre School is still running but one of the greatest things I saw was their production of The Vicar of Wakefield in the smaller studio auditorium. I went fearful that the school thing meant it would be full of teenage drama heads but was proved wrong (again) when I was faced with an accomplished team of grown ups who knew how to act. Very pleasant surprise and well worth giving a try. I don’t consider myself the usual theatre-​goer but I’ve never felt unwelcome at the Old Vic.

I went to see John Pilger here and realised why they were going to shut it down for renovations. The place is old and seems amazing but it has no air conditioning and the steps seemed steep and dangerous. The seats weren’t great but the place itself is wonderful. A lot of great productions are put on and I loved being near the top on the balcony.

I know the Old Vic has been closed for some time under going restoration but I hope everyone remains supportive of this place because what they are doing is ensuring we keep this little bit of history intact. The Old Vic put on some amazing performances and really supports local talent, its a great place to go and support the thriving local talent that we have in Bristol

This is a great venue and one of Bristol’s architectural highlighs. There is a lot on, keep an eye on their listings. As always, expect to pay a lot for refreshments, and it might be a bit of a scrum as everyone goes for them at once in intervals.

This is a very old place, but they put on great shows for all the family.

very nice and relaxing. all sorts to wacth here and enjoyable for all ages. I have been once and would love to go again it is for all events and interests.

Really characteristic building, went there with the school and learnt alot about maintence of the building. Brilliant plays and scripts have been acted out in this place and it is brilliant value for money!

While in Bristol one of the things you HAVE to do is go and see a play at the Old Vic. It’s a legendary venue and has been around forever. I once saw an amazing production of A Midsummer Nights Dream there, and the experience has stayed with me for years.
The seats are comfortable, although if you’re going for the high up budget ones you don’t get such a great view and have to sit on benches, best for short stays only!
They have a nice bar and the place has an amazing atmosphere!

the bristol old vic is homed to actors musicians etc… it is a theatre were people can come and watch plays and bands, some times you even get a famous comedian come and have a gig.

I visited Bristol late in 2006 and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Royal was certainly the high point of my visit. The history surrounding the Theatre is clear and easy to understand. To be able to visit somewhere that dates as far back as 1766 was truly an overwhelming feeling.
I saw a Celtic Concert at the Theatre, a wonderful selection of singers, mainly of Irish background, led by the beautiful, pure and haunting voice of Shanna Louise Nolan, accompanied by her beautiful playing of her guitar. The Theatre complimented this performance as no other could. Hearing those traditional Celtic songs performed in such an historical building, with wonderful acoustics was more than I could have asked for. Having said that, these singers could have put on this tremendous show anywhere and it would still have been an amazing variety of talent.
Having also visited the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the two Theatres still have similarities. Reading about the first performance at the Theatre Royal in 1766 and the trouble they had with obtaining the Royal Licence just added to the feeling that I was in a very special Theatre, that for so many years was shadowed by the Prince’s.
Although the rebuild in the 1970’s changed much of the original look, like the entrance hall and the stage, the building itself holds much beauty from it’s original design and as of yet, I have not been to a Theatre which even comes close to the Theatre Royal, Bristol.

The Old Vic in Bristol is the oldest — continuously — working theatre in England. It is a gorgeous Georgian theatre, well worth a visit just to sit in the auditorium. Programmes are interesting, so not difficult to find something you would fancy seeing. The atmosphere of the place is magical.