8 – 10 June Read our review 9 June
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is thrilled to announce a summer takeover of popular arts venue The Wardrobe Theatre. From Thursday 25 May to Friday 17 June, graduating actors, directors, designers and technical students will collaborate on a cutting-edge programme of contemporary writing, presenting a double bill of plays each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, as well as Saturday afternoons. The plays have been penned by a pool of outstanding contemporary writers from the UK and beyond. They include Mercury Prize-winner and poet Kae Tempest; screenwriter Abi Morgan, best known for her work in film and television including Suffragette, The Split, The Hour and The Iron Lady; and award-winning writer and actor, Tom Basden, whose writing credits include comedies Plebs, Fresh Meat and The Wrong Mans.
Matthew Whittle, Artistic Director and CEO of The Wardrobe Theatre, commented, “We are delighted to be welcoming back the students of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Each year they bring with them bags of energy and an eclectic mix of plays. For 2023 there’s something to please everyone: side-splitting comedies, psychological thrillers, and celebrating stories from diverse communities.
The Brink by Brad Birch
Anxious teacher Nick confides his fears to a student in this psychological thriller
Substitute teacher Nick is struggling. Working at an overstretched and under-resourced comprehensive, the teacher is plagued by a recurring nightmare which would have catastrophic consequences for the school. Can he find somebody to confide in before it’s too late? Brad Birch’s provocative, psychological thriller will leave you teetering on the edge of reality.
Directed by Daniel Preciado
Designed by Marta Sitarz
UK playwright and Pinter Prize winner Brad Birch from Wales. Previous works include Missing People and Black Mountain.
The Brink is showing as part of a nightly double bill with The Ugly One by Marius Von Mayenburg.
Running Time: 60-90 mins (no interval)
Suitable For: Ages 14+
The Ugly One by Marius Von Mayenburg
A cautionary tale for the Instagram-age. Is it possible to become too beautiful?
The importance of beauty never seems to fade away but is it possible to become too beautiful? How much does your image shape your identity, and who are you really behind the veil of your physical self? For years, Lette has been blissfully unaware of his unusual appearance, but when the extent of his ugliness is pointed out, Lette feels he has no other option but to go under the knife. The Ugly One is a savage social satire which unravels in an absurd world where everyone begins to look the same.
Directed by Natalie Simone
Designed by Vyshnavi Krishnan
Hailing from Germany, damaturg and playwright Marius Von Mayenburg’s work has been translated in over 30 languages.
The Ugly One is showing as part of a nightly double bill with The Brink by Brad Birch.
Running Time: 60-90 mins (no interval)
Suitable For: Ages 14+
The Old Market Assembly’s bar and restaurant is also getting in on the action, by offering audiences an exclusive deal to add on a food and drinks combo when purchasing theatre tickets.
info@thewardrobetheatre.com | The Wardrobe Theatre, The Old Market Assembly, 25 West Street, Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0DF
Box Office – 0117 902 0344 / tickets@tobaccofactorytheatres.
