The Tobacco Factory, Bristol, will name its new studio space the Spielman Theatre after a major gift from The Spielman Charitable Trust.
A transformation programme, including the creation of the new small theatre, due to open in October 2018, will start immediately after the close of its Christmas shows on Sunday 14 January.
The Spielman will sit alongside the existing Factory Theatre and provide contrasting and complementary programmes of work under one roof. The state-of-the-art multi-purpose flexible studio theatre will unlock potential for increased children’s workshops, artist development and community activity.
In the meantime, the Tobacco Factory will present its first company season from February to May with a new resident professional ensemble appearing in productions of Macbeth and A View from the Bridge.
The Spielman Charitable Trust has played a significant role in the development of the cultural sector in Bristol over the last 20 years, and this gift will see one of the city’s most iconic venues transform its theatre spaces, said Tobacco Factory executive director Lauren Scholey.
“We are overwhelmed by the major contribution that The Spielman Charitable Trust has made to our redevelopment project. We are also indebted to the many other donors who have joined the appeal in order to make this project a reality and complete the vision for Tobacco Factory Theatres in its iconic South Bristol building," she said.