Simon Callow supports Bristol Old Vic

Looking out at bricks and rubble on the site where he began his career as a Shakespearean actor, Simon Callow gives a wry smile as he admits to feeling a rush of theatrical adrenaline.

The renowned thespian and big screen star visited behind the scenes of the Bristol Old Vic on Wednesday to launch a seat sponsorship campaign as part of the final phase of fundraising for the brand new studio theatre.

His return to an old stomping ground is causing quite a stir, but with a twinkle in his eyes under the obligatory hard hat, he is unfazed by the attention and jovially remarks that the waiting photographers look like some sort of strange cult, decked out as they are in safety gear.

BOV’s artistic director Tom Morris and actor Simon Callow survey the work

Callow played the title role in Titus Andronicus, his first Shakespeare play, in Bristol’s original ‘New Vic’ studio in 1978. He performed alongside relative newcomer Pete Postlethwaite and was directed by Adrian Noble, who went on to run the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The actor, who is also famed for his role in Four Weddings and a Funeral, was honoured with a unique behind the scenes glimpse at the theatre’s multi-million pound redevelopment works and the newly exposed facade of the original 251-year old building.

Wall of the original 251-year-old theatre

“Gorgeous,” utters Callow, in the warm, classically English voice that has enraptured many a theatre-goer, as he embarks on a tour of the site with Old Vic’s artistic director Tom Morris as his guide.

Callow says the studio as he remembered it has been completely dismantled now to reveal the theatre’s true historic roots.

“It is not as it was at all,” Callow told Bristol24/7. “You feel a kind of surge of theatrical adrenaline walking into the theatre, but even that does not feel as it was. It feels genuinely like an 18th Century theatre now, whereas it didn’t before.”

Simon Callow feels the theatrical adrenaline

Morris said there is much excitement in seeing the development of the new studio because it is here “where things happen” and it’s all about the actors and audiences of the future.

“I’m very excited,” he told Bristol24/7. “It’s amazing – it has been a long slog.”

Sponsoring a studio seat provides an opportunity to directly support the development of new writing, performers and artists – many of whom will begin their careers in this space from 2018 on.

The original studio opened its doors on May 30 1970 and over the following 46 years, became an engine for theatre in Bristol, helping to establish many of the region’s playwrights, artists and technicians, and nurturing young talent.

In 2018, the spirit of the original venue will be carried through to the new 188-seat studio, to be housed in the ground floor and basement of Coopers’ Hall and a new front of house area is to be constructed in its original location.

The view from behind the scenes at the BOV building site

Seat sponsorship is available for £500 or £1,000 and will include an engraved plaque. Sponsor a seat online, or pledge support to Sarah Watts on 0117 317 8654 or sarah.watts@bristololdvic.org.uk.

Read more: Revealed: milestone in Bristol Old Vic redevelopment