Watch: Behind the scenes at the Bristol Old Vic's refurbishment

We were given a sneak peek behind the scenes at the Bristol Old Vic as work on its refurbishment begins.

A multi-million pound redevelopment project is taking place at the 250 year-old theatre, with building contractors Gilbert-Ash beginning to demolish the 1970s sections of the building. The mezzanine and box office areas have been taken out and 40 tonnes of rubble are being removed from the site each day.

The Georgian theatre's exterior wall is being uncovered and the brick revealed, showing the many ways the building has changed over the years.

Architect Steve Tompkins said the revealed brick and stonework, only previously seen through archive images, was "more beautiful than I had dared hope, like a mortar tape-recorder documenting each alteration and change made to the theatre over time, and something that will form the heart and soul of this redevelopment".

People can donate to the Bristol Old Vic redevelopment in a variety of ways, including online or by ringing the box office.