The List

Bristol Old Vic

For nearly 250 years, the Bristol Old Vic has been at the centre of the Bristol theatre world, staging everything from tried-and-true classics to brand new, experimental productions. None other than Sir Laurence Olivier open the Old Vic's theatre school in 1946, with its professional theatre company frequently touring the UK and overseas. In 2012 the theatre underwent refurbishment to improve airflow and audience sightlines, with continuing redevelopment into 2016.

What's On @ Bristol Old Vic

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

1 Feb 2026 - 28 Mar 2026

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year's funny and moving memoir, one of Britain's most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it's cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love-letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-about-town, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain. 'More passion, urgency and relevance than ever' ★★★★ (Chortle.co.uk). 'She has plenty to say, and says it with pointedness and potency' (Guardian)
Jessica Fostekew: Iconic Breath

Jessica Fostekew: Iconic Breath

13 Feb 2026 - 16 May 2026

A monster’s guide to tolerance and temperance. Jess can feel herself becoming an emotional wildebeest right when her world (and the whole world, thanks) demands cool, collected ultra detached saint-like kindness and understanding. St. She goes digging around in her DNA for answers and finds so many beautiful horrors. Witness her effort to become a brand new, mythical, mystical ‘coper.’ OR NOT. She gets cancelled, she gets touched and she gets a dolphin-based epiphany all in one show. The silliest of comedy for the scariest of days from Edinburgh Best Show Award Nominee. You’ve seen Jess on BBC’s QI, Live at the Apollo, Celebrity University Challenge and Richard Osman’s House of Games. From Travel Man on C4 and World’s Most Dangerous Roads on Dave. You know her from her two BBC R4 series of Sturdy Girl Club plus podcasts The Guilty Feminist and Hoovering. And, of course, from new mighty smash hit Gladiator’s fan-podcast Contender Ready which Jess co-hosts with Olympic weightlifting superstar, Emily Campbell.
Chloe Petts: Big Naturals

Chloe Petts: Big Naturals

24 Jan 2026 - 6 Mar 2026

Following three sell-out shows, Chloe Petts (Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News for You) returns with a brand-new tour, and she’s delving where she’s never delved before: this is a show about sex. The problem is that she blushes every time she says that word. Expect routines about Page 3, lad culture, and most importantly, big, fat naturals.
Queer Stage: Acting

Queer Stage: Acting

19 Dec 2025 - 19 Dec 2025

Welcome to Queer Stage! A series of workshops for LGBTQIA+ folk, introducing participants to the world of theatre and performance. Our first series, Queer Stage: Acting will be held over four monthly sessions between September and December in the Equiano studio at Bristol Old Vic. These sessions are led by Queer Space Bristol Director and theatre maker, Lizzie Wiggs (she/her) and co-facilitated by theatre director Lydia Cook (she/her). These introductory level sessions are open to anyone interested in developing their acting skills, building confidence and having fun! These sessions offer participants the opportunity to: Have fun, be playful and explore your creativity Experience a range of acting techniques and performance styles Build confidence in using your body and voice expressively Be part of an ensemble, developing skills in collaboration, listening and connecting Meet people and make new friends Explore LGBTQIA+ Material: Well explore scripts, poetry and themes that reflect LGBTQIA+ experiences. Access Information: The main entrance is at street level of King Street and fully wheelchair accessible with automatic doors to facilitate comfortable access. The Equiano studio is on Level 4 and accessible via stairs and the foyer lift. There is a Resting Space located at Pit level, next to the Kiosk, and is open for all. Created in consultation with disabled artist Raquel Meseguer Zafe. BOV has both Gender Neutral and Gender Specific toilet facilities available. If you have any specific needs please let us know at the point of booking so we can accommodate you. We hope youll get the most out of these sessions by attending all four, as each month offers an opportunity to build on your experience and to connect with others. However, each session is also a stand alone event, so please feel free to come to as many as you like. There is limited capacity so advance booking is crucial. Any questions, please drop us an email at [email protected]
Andy Zaltzman

Andy Zaltzman

31 Jan 2026 - 5 May 2026

With the 3rd millennium almost 2.5% complete, Andy Zaltzman, one of the UK's leading satirical comedians, assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species–the human race. In the biggest stand-up tour of his career, Andy will attempt to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where?, and above all Why? As chair of The News Quiz since 2020, Andy has brought his inventive brand of satirical comedy to BBC Radio 4's long-running flagship topical comedy show, earning the show multiple awards, critical acclaim and a growing listenership. Andy has hosted The Bugle, one of the world's longest-running and best-loved comedy podcasts, since 2007 (alongside John Oliver until 2015, and with numerous co-hosts from numerous continents since 2016). Renowned for its unique cocktail of up-to-the-minute global satire and premium-grade hogwash, and listened to by hundreds of thousands around the world. Andy is unquestionably amongst the very best of the one-person list of Satirical Stand-Up Comedians Who Are Also Professional Cricket Statisticians. Since 2016, he has been a key member of the Test Match Special team, adding his distinctive blend of knowledge, expertise, humour and numerical inquisitiveness to the BBC's legendary cricket broadcast.
Ania Magliano

Ania Magliano

22 Dec 2025 - 11 Jun 2026

You know when you're trying to wee on a night out, and you're interrupted by a random girl who insists on telling you all her secrets even though you've never met? Imagine that, but she has a microphone. Ania Magliano is back!
Jen Brister: The Optimist

Jen Brister: The Optimist

5 Mar 2026 - 16 Oct 2026

Jen Brister is Reactive - or so she's been told. Apparently you don't have to respond to every little thing around you. Finding herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general, Brister has been told she needs to chill the hell out. Can Jen find her zen? It seems unlikely to be honest...
Michelle de Swarte: The Afters

Michelle de Swarte: The Afters

13 Mar 2026 - 30 May 2026

Michelle de Swarte is back with her entourage of trademark razor-sharp wit and no-holds-barred storytelling. After the main event's highs and lows, Michelle wonders what to do after the party. She's heading to the afters for some brutally honest oversharing about life before social media, trying to scrape the barrel of youth, how to know when too much filler is too much, breaking down the cost difference of "party powder" to powdered greens, whether tarot card readers replace actual therapy and when is a good time to pregame perimenopause. Michelle is here to share all the fu@k ups, so you don't have to.
Mike Wozniak: The Bench

Mike Wozniak: The Bench

18 Dec 2025 - 12 Nov 2026

New stand-up tour show from Mike Wozniak in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches not required. Let Mike worry about that. As seen on Taskmaster, Man Down and Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.
Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous

Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous

26 Feb 2026 - 7 Jul 2026

Her provocative, abrasive, incomparable style was - just about - kept in check by lifelong friend and A-list producer, Clive Tulloh. Together live on stage they review clips from the extraordinary shows, tell scandalous stories never before heard - and take the audience along for the ride. Featuring Ruby Wax & Clive Tulloh.

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