Swallows and Amazons hijack ‘the Matthew’

Saturday saw Bristol Old Vic embark on a daring act of piracy to celebrate their Christmas show Swallows and Amazons, based on the classic children’s adventure story.

Bristol’s famous Tudor merchant ship The Matthew, which was chartered by the Long John Silver Trust, engaged in a pitched battle against 40 Swallows and Amazons from Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company in the dock opposite the Arnolfini.

They were joined by a crowd of children dressed as pirates, and also a few adults who were big kids at heart, all wanting to follow the salty sea-dogs in their warm up for the Christmas plank-walking, treasure hunting and adventures at Bristol Old Vic!

The Bristol Old Vic Christmas show is the world premiere of a new musical adaptation of the classic adventure story by Arthur Ransome.

With music from The Divine Comedy’s front-man Neil Hannon, directed by War Horse director Tom Morris and movement from Toby Sedgewick (War Horse olivier-winner, Nanny McPhee) this should be something quite special to mark the final show in the historic Georgian theatre before it’s long-awaited refurbishment begins in the new year.

SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, Bristol Old Vic – 1 Dec – 15 Jan