This January, Bristol Old Vic transforms its Weston Studio into a vibrant laboratory for the future of British theatre. From 19–24 January, the venue will host a series of showcase events designed to support "early shoots" of new writing, offering audiences a rare behind-the-curtain look at scripts and performances in their rawest forms.
A Week of Raw Innovation
The week begins on 19 January with the multi-award-winning theatre company Ad Infinitum. Their new development programme, Momentum, will present five established artists—including Devaki Rajendran and Tom Marshman—each given just ten minutes to test bold, innovative ideas in front of a live audience.
Following this, the Artists Forum Open Scratch Night takes center stage. In a true spirit of community, the Literary Department has allocated six slots via lottery to South West creators, including TransMash Productions and Emma Morgan. These evenings are interactive by design; the audience is not just watching, but actively helping to shape the next iteration of the work through live feedback.
Daring New Works from CRIPtic Arts
The week concludes on 23–24 January with The Acts, a powerful residency from CRIPtic Arts. This showcase features four daring new works from some of the UK’s most exciting disabled theatre makers. Highlights include:
Caitlin Magnall-Kearns’ The Ache of It: A humorous and tender exploration of aging and desire.
Tatum Swithenbank’s REALMS: A spell-like journey blending folklore with the disabled experience.
Kathrine Payne’s body job: A dark comedy tackling the phenomenon of "lonely deaths."
SO SHA’s Pruu the Pidj: A music-led ritual about survival and finding softness.
A Crucial Testing Ground
Literary Producer Tanya Follett describes the series as a crucial step for the 15 featured artists. "We begin the year in the best way possible; by joining the creative journey of new ideas," Follett stated. "In the spirit of openness and curiosity, we are inviting everyone to come along and be part of it."
