Bristol Old Vic’s Birthday Brings Down Systemic Barriers
The King Street theatre has been working on bringing down barriers to the creative industry
Bristol Old Vic has been working on a range of special things for its 260th birthday year. To celebrate, it’s very much looking to the future. It’s set on championing both new theatre-makers and creating better opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. There will also be a focus on telling stories from around the South West region.
“The 260th anniversary is a moment for us to look to the future and ask what sort of industry do we want to leave behind?” the theatre’s Artistic Director Nancy Medina says.
“How do we make it more equitable and with opportunities for all voices to form part of the story – on stage and off.”
She is working in partnership with the recently appointed Executive Director Rebecca Dawson – announced at the end of 2025.
Top: Maddie Wakeling, Rikki Henry, MIB260, Isabella Monaghan-West, Fabio Campus
Bottom: Early Career Writers Ayan Philip, Alice McKee, Deanna Rodger, Alex MJ Smith, Mercedez White
The theatre has created a series of opportunities for those aiming to work in the theatre industry.
The Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS) Fair Play aims to break down barriers for working class directors and artists. Rikki Henry joins Bristol Old Vic as Associate Artistic Director for on the scheme for 18months. The placement includes working in the senior management team and deputising for Nancy Medina.
Maddie Wakeling joins as Young Company Director. The 12-month position is created by the Bristol Old Vic Future Fund. This offers a young director from Bristol the opportunity to create work with the theatre’s Young Company.
Isabella Monaghan-West joins the theatre as resident Stage One Trainee Producer. This is a national scheme offering aspiring producers a paid 12 month trainee placements for hands-on training and development at theatre companies across the UK.
The Mackintosh Foundation has enabled Bristol Old Vic to offer a paid role as a Costume Technician Apprentice. This has been awarded to Bristol-based Fabio Campus, who has joined the theatre on a two-year contract.
The 2026 cohort of Early Career Writers has been announced as Ayan Philip, Alice McKee, Deanna Rodger, Alex MJ Smith and Mercedez White. The scheme recognises new writers of any age or background. They will develop their practice through Bristol Old Vic’s Literary Department led by South West playwright Ross Willis.
The King Street theatre is now in its 15th year of Made in Bristol – now MIB260. The free scheme for local 18–25 year olds has been restructured to suit the changing needs of the industry.
Writers Muneera Pilgrim and Sam Parker will be creating two new plays for MIB260. These will be performed for free in secondary schools across Bristol during 2026.
You can find out more about Bristol Old Vic here: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/
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