Old Vic opens its grand doors again

The oldest continuously working theatre in the Englishspeaking world is opening its doors for the first time following a multi-million-pound transformation.

The Bristol Old Vic, which was built in 1766, has undergone a radical renovation that aims to place the exquisite Georgian theatre at the heart of Bristol’s public and cultural life.

Stirling prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins have led the redesign, which includes a full-height timber and glass-fronted foyer that reveals the original auditorium facade to the street for the first time. There are also huge sun-shading shutters, incorporating the text of Garrick’s inaugural 1766 address.

The project is the second stage of a ten-year, £26 million programme.