public meeting announcement

The Board of the Bristol Old Vic can confirm that they are in active discussion with the Arts Council England (ACE) regarding future funding of the theatre past 31 March 2008. A final decision over the level of ACE funding will not be made until the end of January 2008.The Board is working hard over the Christmas period to secure the future of the Bristol Old Vic. As a first step, the resignation of chair and board member Rupert Rhymes allows the Board to look for new leadership to take the theatre forward. An offer has already been extended to Dick Penny, who runs the successful Watershed development, to join the board and take over as its Chair in the longer term. Commenting on the offer, Dick Penny said:"I am daunted by the offer, it is an amazing challenge. I have total faith in the will of Bristol to regenerate its unique performing arts hub. I am up for the journey provided that I can be useful, make a positive difference and unite the energies of Bristol behind the re-invention of the Bristol Old Vic for Bristol in the 21st century. I plan to consult widely with the Bristol community before taking up this offer."The Board of the Bristol Old Vic supports Dick in this important consultation process and will jointly host a public meeting to share proposals. The meeting will take place at the Theatre Royal on Thursday 10th January starting at 6.00pm. The Board and Dick Penny encourage everyone to attend the meeting to show their support for the future of the theatre. During the consultation period Jos Moule, partner at law firm Osborne Clarke, will take over as acting chair.Any queries, please contact: Scott Rogers tel: 0117 907 2685