Bristol Theatre News

Tobacco Factory Theatres Opens The Spielman Theatre Next Month

Tobacco Factory Theatres New The Speilman Theatre Ready:

The redevelopment of Tobacco Factory Theatres has almost reached completion, with a new theatre space opening next month and fundraising targets achieved.

The arts space will be introducing The Spielman Theatre, a brand new 84-seat performance space as well as a new-look theatre bar and improved backstage spaces.

The new theatre will open on Wednesday 24 October with Ellie Dubois No Show, followed by Shôn Dale-Jones in The Duke.

It is anticipated a further 360 performances will take place in the new space by 50 companies to 30,000 audience members.

The theatre has strived to reach a fundraising target of £225,000 from the public as part of a £1.6M campaign total, which also saw contributions from The Spielman Charitable Trust and Arts Council England.

“It’s thrilling to be leading the artistic vision of Tobacco Factory Theatres as this bold new chapter takes shape, and with a state-of–the-art theatre with the capability to produce and present the very highest quality theatre,” Artistic Director Mike Tweddle said.

“The community that surrounds us in Bristol has supported us so generously during this evolution; without them we wouldn’t have been able to make this vision a reality. It’s now our chance to welcome those audiences, artists and supporters into the completely reimagined Tobacco Factory Theatres and start making this a living breathing creative space.

“The new Spielman Theatre will usher in a rich variety of national and international touring work to Southville as well as acting as an engine room for new ideas and a creative and learning space for all ages.”

Tweddle is directing a 25th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing which will open on Thursday 11 October.

There are plenty of opportunities for local people to get involved, including Young Theatre Maker groups, Young Produced Scheme and a brand new Adult Company for 20 people from south Bristol.

Bryony Roberts leads Tobacco Factory Theatres’ Get Involved team. She is encouraging people from both the local area and wider city to take advantage of the many opportunities the venue offers.

She says: “We have more places for young people to engage in arts and creativity during term time, and we’ve extended our school holiday activity too. Alongside this we’re starting the Adult Company that will work alongside the artistic team to develop their own production for the Spielman Theatre.

“We’re developing these initiatives based on feedback from participants, and in response to communities across Bristol who are looking for ways to tell their own story and explore their own creativity. The redeveloped Tobacco Factory Theatres is a great resource for South Bristol communities in particular and it’s giving us more scope to build meaningful relationships with groups from across Bristol.”

For more information about Tobacco Factory Theatres, opportunities and events, visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

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