Old Vic Exhibition opening

Press release issued: 6 June 2003

The Friends of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection had their Annual Open Evening at the official opening of the summer exhibition, The A-Z of Bristol Old Vic, last night.

The Friends of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection had their Annual Open Evening last night (Thursday 5th June), with the official opening of the summer exhibition, The A-Z of Bristol Old Vic.

The exhibition was opened by Simon Reade, one of the new artistic directors of Bristol Old Vic. The event was also attended by the actress Stephanie Cole, Honorary Graduate of the University of Bristol, Stella Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and staff of the Bristol Old Vic, past and present.

Simon Reade said "It's great seeing these rare backstage photographs, showing the people in their daily roles. Since I have been working at the Bristol Old Vic I have come to realise that it is these people who really make theatre happen."

Marjorie Avery, Chairman of the Friends of the Theatre Collection "The Theatre Collection is in a unique position to put on a retrospective view of Bristol Old Vic, as it has a stunning archive of photographs. Visitors are really going to enjoy identifying the famous faces."

The A-Z of Bristol Old Vic exhibition runs from 10th June until 30th September 2003, open Monday to Friday between 10.00am until 4.00pm (Closed Bank Holidays). Admission is free.

The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is based at 21 Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LT. All are welcome and admission is free.

Further details can be obtained from the Theatre Collection's website www.bristol.ac.uk/theatrecollection or by phoning 0117 954 5464.

The Friends of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection are a group of volunteers who help out with special Volunteer projects in the Theatre Collection. If you would like to become a member, please contact Jo Elsworth on 0117 928 7836.

The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is a Fully Registered Museum and research centre dedicated to the study of British Theatre History, holding a vast collection of original documents, photographs and artefacts from theatres, actors, designers and much more. We welcome visitors locally and from all over the world.

The exhibition contains about 60 images, mainly drawn from the Bristol Old Vic Archive, that is held by the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, based in the Department of Drama.

Further articles of interest relating to individual items on display can be made available throughout the run of the exhibition between 10th June - 30th September 2003.