WELCOME

Welcome to Bristol Old Vic, and to Anna Karenina, our co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh.

Simply put, we fell in love with Lesley Hart’s script on first reading. Full of heart and soul, Lesley, together with director Polina Kalinina, has taken the spirit of Tolstoy’s masterpiece, which was so anti-establishment in its day, and let it free with a new, earthy vigour, seen through the female lens.

By brilliantly reframing the story, Polina and Lesley hold a mirror up to contemporary society where the continued condemnation of women, particularly those who don’t conform to perceived cultural norms, continues.

If you’re new to the story, or familiar with it, we’re sure that you’ll be enthralled by this powerful retelling.

And if this production makes your heart race just that little bit faster, we hope our season of work this autumn will have even more to tempt you back as we shine a light on the stories and people who make this theatre a place of discovery, understanding and joy.

Each of our autumn shows is about the power in belonging, as characters search for meaning and purpose – whether that is Kathy and Stella who have few opportunities in life, but make something special together; or Choir Boy’s young black boys discovering how to be men in a world that creates more barriers than opportunities, with Pharus leading the way in how to be your authentic self; or Starter for Ten’s Brian – who is working out if where he comes from is good enough.

It’s a joyous season full of music, stories and belonging – which is our open invitation to you too. I hope we can welcome you back very soon.

Thank you for coming to Bristol Old Vic today. Your support of live theatre means a great deal us.

Nancy Medina Artistic Director