As it approaches its 260th anniversary, Bristol Old Vic has announced a bold 2026 season that balances heritage with a radical commitment to the future of South West storytelling. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Nancy Medina and Executive Director Rebecca Dawson, the theatre is doubling down on regional talent and systemic change within the industry.
Lanny: A Flagship Folk Horror Premiere
The centerpiece of the autumn season is the world premiere stage adaptation of Max Porter’s Man Booker-nominated novel, Lanny. Adapted by multi-award-winning West Country playwright Bea Roberts and directed by Medina, the production runs from 16 October to 7 November 2026.
The story follows a young boy who awakens the mythical "Dead Papa Toothwort" in a West Country village—a dark, polyphonic tale where folklore meets contemporary life. Porter, whose work has recently seen star-studded adaptations featuring Cillian Murphy and Benedict Cumberbatch, described the collaboration as a "dream come true," praising Roberts for capturing the novel's wild essence.
A Magical Homecoming
For the 2026 festive season, the theatre brings the Olivier Award-nominated Cinderella: A Fairytale back to its Bristol roots. Originally devised by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck, this new production will be directed by Lisa Gregan, promising a "feral and mischievous" reimagining of the classic story for a new generation.
Championing New Voices
To mark the 260th milestone, Medina outlined several initiatives to address industry inequalities:
Rikki Henry joins as Associate Artistic Director via the RYTDS Fair Play scheme to support working-class theatre-makers.
Made In Bristol 260 will see young theatre-makers tour local secondary schools with two new plays by Muneera Pilgrim and Sam Parker.
Early Career Writers and Associate Artist programmes continue to offer free, year-long support to diverse voices across the region.
The season is bolstered by visiting work, including Bryony Kimmings’ Bog Witch (June) and the global phenomenon Juliet & Romeo by Lost Dog (September).
Tickets go on general sale Thursday 12 February 2026.
