Young SixSix

Young SixSix, supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, is an ensemble that meets regularly at Bristol Old Vic to make and watch theatre.

Young people are drawn from across the centre and north of Bristol to take part in the project through schools and youth clubs. The aim of the project is to offer pathways into theatre for young people who may not have considered it before. Young people that take part in Young SixSix go on to take part in Bristol Old Vic productions and Young Company sessions.

The ensemble is led by professional directors and facilitators Julia Head and Xahnaa Adlam and recognises the power of theatre to bring people together, increase confidence and become more understanding of others and the world around you.

Young SixSix offers support to young people for transport and expenses.

If you think that you would like to take part in this project or you would like to refer a young person, please contact engagement@bristololdvic.org.uk        

Past Young SixSix Productions

Acts of Resistance: Garden of Earthly Destruction

As part of Headlong Futures
In a production of Antigone, a young black boy raises his hand, looking at his palm. Behind him, four young people sway, holding large sheaves of wheat.

Antigone

with Bristol Old Vic Young Company
Two young people playing Romeo and Juliet lie bleeding in a bull ring

Romeo & Juliet

With Bristol Old Vic Young Company

Lysistrata

Young SixSix presents

The Young SixSix Library

We are still not seeing enough Black stories in our theatres, our school, or in our media. But we, the Young SixSix, are changing that with the Young SixSix Library of Black Writing.

Located in Bristol Old Vic's foyer, the Young SixSix Library is a place to chill out and enjoy some of the best plays, poetry and books by Black writers from Britain and around the world. 

All of these books are free for you to read and borrow. No strict deadlines, no fines, no pressure. To borrow one, just find a member of Bristol Old Vic staff.

You can read them on your own, share them with your friends, or come and talk to us about them afterwards. The main thing is that you bring them back when you’re done so that someone else can enjoy them too.

Be part of rewriting the narrative. Join us.

Browse Our Online Catalogue

Supported by Nick Hern Books and Bloomsbury Modern Plays. Stock purchased from New Beacon Books, a Black-owned bookshop in Finsbury Park, London.

A young Black girl reads a book in front of the shelves of the Young SixSix Library
Credit: Manoel Akure

SUPPORT THE YOUNG SIXSIX LIBRARY

If you would like to support the Young SixSix Library of Black Writing and help contribute to its ongoing catalogue, you can make a donation using the buttons below. 

Whether your donation is big or small, you'll be helping us to continue to amplify Black writing.

ONE-OFF DONATION

A £3 donation will supply the library with a zine or short story, a £7.99 donation will provide a Paperback, a £16.99 donation a hardback, and a £100 donation will supply a whole shelf of literature!

MONTHLY DONATION

If you'd like to contribute a number of books to the library throughout the year, please select from the below options.




And if you'd like to suggest which books we buy with your money, you can tell us using the form below!

We currently stock the following categories: 

  • Fiction of all genres
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Plays
  • Children's books/Picture books
  • Non-fiction incl. autobiography, essays and more
A photo of the shelves of a well-stocked library. In view are titeles including Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez, Girl Woman Other by Bernadine Evaristo and Trumpet by Jackie Kay.
Credit: Manoel Akure

Do you have recommendations for the library?

Send us your suggestions by filling out our Google Form.

Take Part

Theatre classes for everyone, family activity and lots of free things to explore. Take Part at Bristol Old Vic