Theatre / Nancy Medina
‘Arabian Nights’ at Bristol Old Vic: the festive show for everyone
Traditionally, Bristol Old Vic closes every year with a blockbuster family show, coinciding with the Christmas season.
For 2023, as part of Nancy Medina’s first year as artistic director, that show is writer Sonali Bhattacharyya’s modern adaptation of Arabian Nights, directed by the award-winning Blanche McIntyre.
Framed deliberately as a festive production, and replete with songs, action and giant puppets, it is suitable for everyone (aged 7+) and chimes with winter celebrations from all cultural backgrounds.
is needed now More than ever
In rehearsal for Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic. (l-r) Saikat Ahamed, Nicholas Karimi, Yasemin Özdemir – photo: Ellie Kurttz
Together with her younger and perhaps more judicious sister Dina (Sara Diab), lead character Schere (Yasemin Özdemir) must call upon all her wit, bravery and storytelling imagination to save herself, and all the young women in the Kingdom from the dominance and control of the tyrannical and narcissistic King (Nicholas Karimi).
Patrick Osborne as Jafar, Ajjaz Awad as Gulab/Umm, Saikat Ahamed as Maruf, Roxy Faridany as Maryam, and Arinder Sadhra as Rahiq/Zara make up the ensemble.
(l-r) Roxy Faridany, Ajjaz Awad, Arinder Sadhra – photo: Ellie Kurttz
Discussing the team’s vision for the show, McIntyre notes the importance of staying true to the spirit and heritage of the many original stories that inspired the narrative: “tales put together across centuries, handed down in many different countries”, while also updating them for a contemporary audience.
“Reading Sonali’s script for the first time, I felt the joy through every page,” recalls Medina.
Patrick Osborne – photo: Ellie Kurttz
“It’s full of magical stories, sparkle, adventure, and has two kick-ass brown girls saving the day through their own bravery and imagination. No matter what our own family traditions may be, this time of year is about coming together, family bonds and sharing the light in times of winter darkness.
“Sonali’s story lifts us up with light and hope, helping us to all be that little bit braver to make the change we want to see in the world.”
Arabian Nights (age recommendation 7+) is at Bristol Old Vic from November 23-January 6 at 7pm, with some additional matinee shows (times vary). Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
Main photo: Rebecca Pitt
Read more: Review: Choir Boy, Bristol Old Vic – ‘The entire cast are a joy to behold’
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