Bristol Old Vic
The Equity Council has placed on record its outrage at sudden closure of the Theatre Royal Bristol and the consequent loss of employment for members. Equity has demanded a full and rigorous investigation and a clear statement from the Bristol Old Vic Trust about its plans for the future of the theatre.
The theatre world was taken by surprise at the sudden announcement that the Bristol Old Vic would close on 1 August for £7 million refurbishment. So sudden was the announcement that a number of Autumn shows had to be cancelled including the run of Simon Schama's Rough Crossings, a co-production between Headlong Theatre and the Lyric Hammersmith, and Ivanov, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh. Following the announcement of the closure Artistic Director Simon Reade resigned.
Some commentators have expressed fears about the future of the Old Vic, including that its days as a producing house may be over.
Rupert Rhymes, Chairman of Trustees at the Bristol Old Vic, said: "Of course the decision to close the theatre is a difficult one, but at the end of the day we had very little option given the deteriorating state of the building, issues of health and safety and the need to improve the comfort for audiences in the future. There is much work to be done and unfortunately this cannot be carried out while the theatre is in operation." You can read the full statement from the Bristol Old Vic Trust here http://www.bristol-old-vic.co.uk/general/news_item.php?id=102
The Equity Council is encouraging members to write letters of concern and protest to:
Rupert Rhymes,
Chairman of Trustees,
Bristol Old Vic,
King Street,
Bristol
BS1 4ED