Bristol Old Vic have revealed plans for a £12 million redevelopment of the theatre’s front of house areas and studio.
The ambitious plans include a brand new studio theatre in what is currently the front of house area.
The refurbishment of the 18th century Coopers’ Hall will see it returned to its original purpose as a function space.
And for the first time, the historic theatre’s 250-year-old Georgian front wall will be exposed to the foyer and be visible from King street:
Architects Haworth Tompkins, also responsible for London’s Royal Court and Young Vic, and the egg in Bath, say that their new foyer design is inspired by the openness of an Italian piazza, with natural light filling the space through high-level windows and a glass roof.
“We want to create a new public space for everyone in Bristol – whether or not you’re seeing a show,” said Bristol Old Vic artistic director Tom Morris.
“You’ll be able to relax with a book, meet for a business lunch, or bring the kids. There will be tables and sofas over three floors of nooks and open spaces. We hope everyone can find their own space here.”
A major fundraising appeal will be launched next year to pay for the redevelopment, with £5 million already earmarked from Arts Council England.
Watch a virtual tour of how the theatre might look by 2016 here:
Was the new foyer designed by M C Escher?
Nope. The original concept – with a sheet of glass as the front wall – came from the mind of award winning Andrzej Blonski Architects who had worked on the award-winning interior refurbishment of the 18th century playhouse, and made many new discoveries yet to be published. With no notice, Andrzej was replaced by a new architect who took Andrzej’s concept and adapted it very slightly. This new Escher style design is the sad result. And it’s not “Bristol Old Vic” it’s Bristol’s Old Vic – it belongs to us.