Theatre / News
Bristol Old Vic and St Paul’s Carnival to join forces for first time
St Paul’s Carnival will take over Bristol Old Vic’s front of house spaces on Saturday to mark the two-month countdown to this year’s carnival with a day of fun, food and festivities.
The carnival takeover is also happening as Barber Shop Chronicles, one of the decade’s most successful plays, comes to the Old Vic as part of its UK tour.
From midday on May 4, there will be African-inspired DJ sets, drumming and song, with craft activities throughout the foyer, and an Afrikan-Caribbean menu served by 1766 Bar & Kitchen.
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The free event is wrapped around two performances of Barber Shop Chronicles at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, with tickets available from £11.50.
LaToyah McAllister-Jones, newly appointed executive director of St Paul’s Carnival, said: “We’re excited to be working with Bristol Old Vic in the run up to this year’s celebration.
“Carnival is so much more than a one-day event with many other activities taking place across the city in the run-up to the day itself.”
Bristol Old Vic executive producer, Chloe Naldrett Elwood, added: “We’re constantly looking for new ways to reach people across the city and to welcome them into the brilliant new theatre spaces.
“Barber Shop Chronicles is a story which does something really unique; throughout its world tour, audiences from every background and every city from Leeds to Massachusetts have found themselves swept up in a night of unforgettable joy.
“Carnival is the perfect fit – celebrating music, individual flair and community connections. We are thrilled to be able to bring a little bit of carnival into Bristol Old Vic and share this brilliant show in return.”
Read more: New boss for St Paul’s Carnival
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