More Bristol Woes as Tobacco Director Leaves???

Sorrows come not as single spies to Bristol's troubled theatre scene, where two of its major venues - Bristol Old Vic and the Tobacco Factory - recently launched major fundraising appeals in order to stay afloat (See The Goss). On top of the existing financial problems (See The Goss), internal disagreements at the Tobacco Factory were revealed with the announcement that the long-standing artistic director, Dan Danson, is to step down due to irresolvable differences with the board about the long-term vision for the venue. He commented, "The way the organisation was developing, as led by the board, wasn't the route I wanted to take and I had a difficult … Essentially my plan was about furthering our vision and theirs was about consolidating, so they were quite fundamental differences. I wanted to build our capacity and develop new work." However, he insisted the split was amicable. Elsewhere, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has launched its own fundraising appeal; it needs £4 million to refurbish its current premises just off Clifton Downs.

Update: The Stage reports today that the Tobacco Factory has now made its “first step towards financial sustainability”. The theatre has now been granted £55,000 by the Arts Council England in response to their fundraising appeal, which, along with £10,000 from Bristol City Council, puts the venue over halfway towards the total amount needed. A new financial director is to be appointed to oversee expenditure and hopefully get the theatre back on track. Helen Palmer, head of the Tobacco Factory Arts Trust, told the paper that “with the esteemed Bristol Old Vic ‘going dark’ for a period of 18 months, Bristol cannot lose another theatre”. The fund reportedly needs another £50,000 to be raised to reach their target.

To donate to the Tobacco Factory Arts Trust, call 0117 902 0345.

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