John James Bristol Foundation receives prestigious Gold Ticket from Bristol Old Vic

L-R) Councillor Estella Tincknell (Labour) Lockleaze, Deputy Mayor, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture, Strategy, Democracy and the International, Joan Johnson Chairman, John James Bristol Foundation and Julia Norton Chief Executive, John James Bristol Foundation

The John James Bristol Foundation has been presented with a rare Gold Ticket by Bristol Old Vic in recognition of its support of the recent and current redevelopment of the much loved Theatre.

The Gold Ticket was minted last year as part of the Silver Ticket Fundraising initiative. This saw 50 silver tickets created in recognition of the 50 citizens who funded the building of Bristol Old Vic’s Georgian Theatre in 1766. They were each given a silver ticket in exchange for their contribution of £50. These silver tickets entitled them to a ‘sight’ of any show in the theatre forever – as do the newly minted ‘silver tickets’, which cost £50,000 each.

A number of the original silver tickets were referred to as ‘gold’ tickets as ownership was transferable to others. To commemorate this, Bristol Old Vic made the decision to mint real gold tickets, with the same rights.

The Gold Ticket was presented to Joan Johnson (Chairman, John James Bristol Foundation) and Julia Norton (Chief Executive, John James Bristol Foundation) by Councillor Estella Tincknell, Deputy Mayor of Bristol and Bristol Old Vic Board Member, in recognition of their ongoing support of the Theatre.

Speaking at the presentation, Joan Johnson said: "The John James Bristol Foundation is delighted to receive a Gold Ticket in recognition of its support of the recent and current re-development of the much loved and treasured Bristol Old Vic Theatre.”

Emma Stenning, CEO of Bristol Old Vic expressed her pride in the close relationship between the Theatre and the Foundation to ensure a brilliant legacy for John James: “We are particularly pleased to be able to use the gift from the John James Bristol Foundation to help transform our front of house to create a bright welcoming space, which will be completely accessible and able to support our engagement activity for young people and the community at large. Bristol Old Vic works with young people from across every ward in the city, encouraging them to use the Theatre as a vital resource for their own creative development is crucial to us.”

Since the launch of the Silver Tickets in 2016, 48 of the 50 silver tickets have been purchased in support of the Theatre’s redevelopment.

The holders of the new silver and gold tickets range from theatrical greats such as actor Sir Daniel Day Lewis and co-creator of Les Miserables, John Caird, to creatives including Aardman co-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord. Business leaders and philanthropists who have bought silver or gold tickets include Andrew & Anne Nisbet of Bristol catering supplies firm Nisbets, the Society of Merchant Venturers and Lady Sylvia Macara, the wife of the late Sir Alexander Macara, the Bristol-based former chairman of the British Medical Association.

If you would like more information about how you can support Bristol Old Vic, please contact the Development Team on 0117 317 8654