In a challenging time for the arts, Bristol’s theatrical offering is standing firm.
From Oliver Twist set in the cost-of-living crisis to Poirot in Peter Pan, there’s plenty to watch at theatres across the city this Christmas.
Many of the productions have adapted classic tales that are staples at this time of year and set them in the modern day.
Locally casted talent are plentiful too, which one key player in the city’s art scene told Bower News was really important.
Director of Oliver Twist – and Artistic Director of the Tobacco Factory – Heidi Vaughan said that Bristol’s “fabulous theatrical heritage” was crucial to honour in the casting process.
Heidi added “artists are part of our city’s creative infrastructure” so by supporting them, “we all win”.
Explaining the decision to set their rendition of the Charles Dickens classic during the current cost-of-living crisis, Heidi said that the story’s power allows Oliver Twist to “live beyond the era” it was written in.
The Tobacco Factory in Southville only receives 5% of its income from public funding, so Heidi said it’s necessary for the theatre “to make work people want to see” and “exceed expectations”.
Meanwhile, at the Bristol Old Vic, their Christmas production is Arabian Nights.
Star of the show Saikat Ahamed told Bower News that the production’s “modern sensibility” made it relevant and important today.
In the traditional tale, the plot is a more conventional love story, but Saikat said this adaptation from writer Sonali Bhattacharyya gives the female lead significant “agency” from a tyrannical King and brings it into the 21st century.
Bristol Old Vic, which is funded partly by the council, has its financing under threat as a result of the local authority having its cultural investment programme slashed.
There are household names in the city this Christmas too: Poirot star David Suchet is playing villain Captain Hook in the Bristol Hippodrome’s Christmas pantomime, Peter Pan, throughout this month.
Though the future may seem tough for these cultural institutions, the picture is not completely bleak.
The Tobacco Factory has been “blown away” by a surge in ticket sales for its Christmas play, and Arabian Nights has been lauded by critics as a must-watch this December.
Arabian Nights runs until the 6th of January at the Bristol Old Vic.
Oliver Twist runs until the 21st of January at the Tobacco Factory.
Peter Pan runs until the 31st of December at the Bristol Hippodrome.
