Bristol Old Vic Theatre: Fairytales, Stand-Up, and New Year Celebrations
Bristol Old Vic is pulling out all the stops this Christmas, with an eclectic programme designed to bring audiences together—whatever their age.
Family Shows & Children’s Theatre
Leading the festive charge is Cinderella: A Fairytale, a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. devised by Bristol artists Sally Cookson, Adam Peck, and the Original Company, this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation returns to its hometown fifteen years after it was first staged. The brand-new production runs from 27 November to 2 January and is directed by Bristol Old Vic’s Lisa Gregan. Expect a fresh take on one of the world’s best-loved stories, packed with theatrical magic and festive fun—making it the perfect excuse to get everyone together for a trip to the theatre.
For the tiniest theatregoers, Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio offers something altogether more intimate with The Snowy Day (28 November–3 January). A gentle, immersive introduction to theatre based on the award-winning picture book by Ezra Jack Keats, it is inspired by the magic and wonder of snow and created especially for young children and their grown-ups.
Comedy & Evening Entertainment
Once the bedtime stories are over, Bristol Old Vic’s festive programme has plenty to keep the adults entertained:
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Closer Each Day (4–19 December): Fans of drama with a difference can catch this gloriously unpredictable improvised soap opera, where the cast creates the storyline live in front of the audience. Like all the best soaps at Christmas time, expect scandal, romance, betrayal, and outrageous plot twists—with no one knowing what happens next.
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Christmas Comedy Crackers (13 December): A night of premier stand-up comedy uniting household names Russell Kane, Eva Bindeman, and Lindsey Santoro for an evening of big laughs. Whether planned as a night out with friends, an alternative office party, or a quick escape from the seasonal frenzy, the showcase promises top-tier stand-up.
Ringing in 2027
The party continues as Bristol Old Vic’s New Year’s Eve House Party returns to see out the year in celebratory style on 31 December. For the fourth year running, the theatre transforms into a vibrant venue where audiences can swap Christmas jumpers for dancing shoes and welcome the new year together.
Whether it is a first trip to the theatre, a family tradition in the making, or a much-needed night out with friends, Bristol Old Vic invites audiences across the city and beyond to make the theatre part of their Christmas.
See the latest What’s on in Bristol at https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/whats-on-bristol/
