Bristol Old Vic launches new legacy campaign with help from theatre newcomers and legends alike
27 Jan 2020
Bristol Old Vic today launched a brand-new legacy campaign with a powerful new film showing the impact individuals can have when they decide to leave a gift in their will.
The campaign will directly support the work Bristol Old Vic does across the city, supporting young people and those from less-advantaged communities to find their creative voice, develop their self-confidence and make meaningful change in their lives.
One young person who has benefited from Bristol Old Vic’s work with young people is Joe Langdon, who is the face of Bristol Old Vic’s legacy campaign.
Joe is a young actor who first encountered Bristol Old Vic when he was in a young offenders’ institution and he was encouraged to take part in a project being run by the theatre’s engagement team. Through this, Joe found a passion for theatre which ultimately led him to working with Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company and provided him with support to apply to drama school - leading to his career working as an actor today.
Watch Joe Langdon's video here.
Alongside this, theatre legend Tim West, who has spent a lifetime championing the work of Bristol Old Vic, lent his voice to the cause, speaking powerfully about the importance of ensuring the next generation of artists are nurtured and supported.
Tim West said: “We have to look to the next generation who I hope are already affected by the idea of seeing a live show amongst their fellow citizens and sharing other people’s ideas. It’s vital to bring together people from all walks of life into that community. Young people are keen to embrace those opportunities, but they need a bit of help”.
Watch Tim West's video here.
Bristol Old Vic's Head of Development, Zoe Crick-Tucker said:
“We wanted to give our audiences an opportunity to continue to support the important community work Bristol Old Vic does when they consider writing their will. Providing a legacy to Bristol Old Vic is a meaningful way to support young people like Joe, inspire future generations and champion the artists of tomorrow.”
Bristol Old Vic’s work is far reaching – not only creating inspiring work on stage, but also changing lives within our communities in the city and inspiring young artists of the future.
To find out more about how you can support this vital work, get in touch via email: development@bristololdvic.org.uk or through our website: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/legacy
Bristol Old Vic is the longest continuously running theatre in the UK, and celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2016. The historic playhouse aims to inspire audiences with its own original productions, both at home and on tour, whilst nurturing the next generation of artists, whether that be through their 350-strong Young Company, their many outreach and education projects or their trailblazing artist development programme, Bristol Ferment.
They use their funding to support experiment and innovation, to allow access to their programme for people who would not otherwise encounter it, or be able to afford it, and to keep their extraordinary heritage alive and animated.
On 24 Sep 2018, Bristol Old Vic completed its 2-year multi-million pound redevelopment project, which transformed its front of house space into a warm and welcoming public building for all of Bristol to enjoy, created a new studio theatre and opened up its unique theatrical heritage to the public for the first time.