While we eagerly await the return of live theatre to Bristol Old Vic's main stage this October, the theatre today invited audiences to take a first step towards normality with a series of live music gigs throughout September, guaranteed to raise the roof and bring some full-throttle energy back to the theatre as Autumn begins.
From 8 Sep, Bristol Old Vic will be hosting show-stopping nights of music, drinking, food and fun in The Courtyard - the theatre's award-winning foyer space - in the lead up to an autumn jam-packed with some of the hottest theatre anywhere in the UK.
The Courtyard Sessions will showcase some of the South West's finest musicians, introduce some special guests who will be performing as part of Bristol Old Vic's autumn season and also welcome back some familiar theatre faces.
The Courtyard is named after the space where audiences used to congregate before being let into the theatre over 253 years ago. On that same spot today is the Courtyard stage, perfect for an evening with friends and some of the best music Bristol has to offer.
The programme kicks off on 8 Sep with Medicine Creek - a foot-stomping, old time string band from Bristol, playing their whisky-soaked brand of bluegrass and americana since getting together in Bristol in 2010. The Chiff Chaff 4tet, led by double bass player Sol Ahmed take over the stage on 14 Sep for jazz warbling of the finest sort, closely followed by Bristol's gospel and neo-soul The Sondor Choir returning to live performance for the first time post lockdown (15 Sep) guaranteeing an emotional evening packed with sheer joy.
On 16 Sep, we're thrilled to announce acclaimed playwright, musician, author and Olivier Award-winner Giles Terera (Hamilton), joins us for one night only to perform his critically acclaimed song cycle Black Matter written during the summer lockdown and originally performed and streamed at Crazy Coqs. Join him for a spellbinding hour of songs about protest and joy and anger and love. Giles's debut play The Meaning of Zong was due to take place in September at Bristol Old Vic before being rescheduled due to the pandemic. We are thrilled to now be able to premiere this important work at Bristol Old Vic in April 2022.
The final week of sessions begins with Snazzback's saxophonist and producer Dave Sanders, one of the leading voices of Bristol's explosive jazz scene. On 21 Sep he pulls together fellow Bristolian heavyweights for a unique evening of vivid improvisations and re-imagined compositions. They're followed by a propane-driven, barn-storming night from Bristol favourites The ZuZu Men - with their effortless blend of remarkable musicality and irreverent humour - standing room only!
And finally, on 28 Sep, Bristol's own Celestine joins the line-up. Playful, sensual, bold and endearing; Celestine’s passion and diverse musical ability transcends genres. Now, the Bristol born and raised singer songwriter performs a special acoustic Courtyard Session to round off the September in style.
For more info on the Courtyard Sessions and all productions at Bristol Old Vic this autumn, visit the website: www.bristololdvic.org.uk
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