THE CITYist

Nancy Medina recently unveiled her joyous first season as Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic, resetting the theatre’s civic role in the city and heralding a season of joy, resilience and community which celebrates the culture in us all. At a time where the world faces a racial reckoning, a climate emergency and a society that has become more polarised and intolerant, she introduced a season which demonstrates the power and joy in meeting challenges not as individuals, but together.

Nancy will direct Choir Boy by Academy Award-winning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight) as her first production for Bristol Old Vic (12 October – 11 November). Nancy described Tarell as “one of the greatest playwrights of our time” and is thrilled to be able to bring this tender, intimate and uplifting story of identity and community to Bristol Old Vic’s stage.

Choir Boy spearheads a season woven through with music and joy, beginning with the runaway Edinburgh hit Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! (13 – 30 September), a hilarious whodunnit from the Olivier Award-winning team behind Fleabag, which set the Edinburgh Fringe alight in 2022.

This winter, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without a Bristol Old Vic spectacular. From 23 November – 6 January, the theatre will be lit up with a modern reimagining of Arabian Nights from writer Sonali Bhattacharyya (Chasing Hares – Young Vic; TwoBillion Beats – Orange Tree Theatre).

Taking us into the new year is a collaboration between Bristol Old Vic, Antic Productions, Longshot and Playtone for the World Premiere of brand-new musical StarterforTen, adapted from the hilarious novel by best-selling author David Nicholls and the cult 2006 film.

• For the full Autumn/Winter 23 season programme and to book tickets, visit: bristololdvic.org.uk