Can You Save Bristol Old Vic??? Here’s How!

Bristol Old Vic has officially launched the public phase of its £7 million refurbishment appeal (See The Goss, 13 Jun 2007). The theatre closes on 1 August in order to begin 18 months of essential building work, but unless the “Save Bristol Old Vic” succeeds in raising the remaining £2 million from donations, the oldest continuously working theatre in the country may not ever reopen.

To avert that eventuality, a number of high-profile theatre figures have leant their names to the campaign, including actors Thelma Barlow, Jean Boht, Samantha Bond, Peter Bowles, Richard Briers, Simon Callow, Julian Glover, Miriam Margolyes, Bill Nighy (who reckons “this famously distinguished theatre should be on the National Health!”), Tim Pigott-Smith, Jenny Seagrove, Donald Sinden, Patrick Stewart, Timothy West and Susannah York, directors Stephen Daldry and Richard Eyre, and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah.

The people of Bristol, and the rest of the country, have been issued a call to action. Donors can contribute at a range of levels – from sponsoring a seat to buying commemorative silver tokens. For further information, visit the www.savebristololdvic.co.uk or call the donations hotline on 0845 882 2799.

Got some goss? Contact gossip@whatsonstage.com

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