Newly appointed Bristol Old Vic artistic director Nancy Medina has revealed her debut season, with a focus on “resetting the theatre’s civic role in the city” and a “community which celebrates the culture in us all”.
The season is spearheaded by Choir Boy, a Tony-nominated play written by Oscar winner Tarell Alvin, from 12 October to 11 November 2022. It will be directed by Medina, who described Tarell as “one of the greatest playwrights of our time”.
Tarell said: “I wrote this play in 2009 as a reminder of how far we’d come, but it serves today, still, as an immediate lament on how very far we have to go, and Nancy’s keen eye for everyday justice and sure hand for intoxicating productions will serve us a powerful gathering around this necessary story.
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! (13–30 September), a whodunnit from the Olivier Award-winning team behind Fleabag, set the Edinburgh Fringe alight in 2022 and will drop by Bristol on its current UK tour in an expanded new version.
In the winter, a modern reimagining of Arabian Nights from writer Sonali Bhattacharyya (Chasing Hares—Young Vic; Two Billion Beats—Orange Tree Theatre) will feature from 23 November to 6 January.
Heading into the new year is a collaboration between Bristol Old Vic, Antic Productions, Longshot and Playtone for the world première of brand-new musical Starter for Ten, adapted from the novel by best-selling author David Nicholls and the cult 2006 film.
Starter for Ten will have a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions. The '80s-inspired original score and lyrics will be composed by queer pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen (who recently supported Self Esteem on UK tour with their debut album, Body Building) and Hatty Carman.
Writer David Nicholls said, “nearly 20 years after publication, it’s such a thrill that Brian’s misadventures are being brought to the stage, and by such a brilliant, dynamic team.”
Medina, who has replaced Tony and Olivier winner Tom Morris after 14 years in the role, said, “the programme of work for autumn / winter is my first invitation to Bristol to join me as we work out together what this theatre means to its city and beyond. Charlotte Geeves, our Executive Director, and I hope it reflects our values and our team’s intention to create spaces and opportunities for meaningful and celebratory connection.”