Copyright © 2023 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I flew from the Isle of Man to Bristol late in the day on Sept. 18, 2023.
All on board for Bristol!
Taking off from the Isle of Man on Sept. 19, 2023.
Our descent into Bristol on Sept. 19, 2023.
The next morning we toured a restored Georgian Theatre known as the “Bristol Old Vic,” officially considered Theatre Royal, Bristol.
Hume had arranged our visit with Imogen Senter and David Harraway. It was such a treat to see the United Kingdoms’ oldest continuously operating theatre, having first opened its doors in 1766.
The original 1766 theatre wall is now an interior wall, sharing space with a coffee shop and offices.
Facing the other way.
Mike Hume in action. He has a wonderful write-up about this building.
Here is a link to Hume’s wonderful webpage about the history of the building: https://www.historictheatrephotos.com/Theatre/Bristol-Old-Vic.aspx
Here are a few more pictures from our tour:
A view of the proscenium and safety curtain.
Standing room.
The ceiling.
Decorative ornament along the railing.
Ornamental details.
Ornamental details.
More details.
Ornamental details.
Column detail.
A view from house left.
Graffiti near the stage right entrance.
More ancient graffiti.
Rick Boychuk in his happy place.
A view form the fly rail.
View of the thunder run from a platform constructed for public tours…this is SO wonderful!
Part of the viewing platform.
Another view.
The thunder run image from the interpretive display at the theatre.
Wind machine from the interpretive display at the theatre.
For more information about the artifacts, stage machinery, and history, visit: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/archive
To be continued…
Love, love, love!!!! I am especially happy with all the historic rigging and stage machinery, both over stage and under stage.