Theatre
‘I went to a marvellous party’
A performance and installation by Tom Marshman in collaboration with the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, kindly supported by Arts Council of England.
Performance artist Tom Marshman invites you all to a marvellous party, bringing to life the fascinating personal archive of Oliver Messel, one of the twentieth century’s leading theatrical stars.
Part installation, part performance, the events are free and open for drop-ins throughout the day and will be staged at three different locations across Bristol: see times and dates below (no booking required).
is needed now More than ever
As master of ceremonies, Tom will be drawing out untold stories from Oliver’s captivating world, animating the installation with timed performances inspired by a host of characters from Oliver’s personal and professional life, from Bright Young Things to Hollywood starlets and theatrical dames.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the installation, sharing in Tom’s curiosity as he delved through Messel’s archive, discovering handwritten letters, musings and conversations, weaved together and brought to life through audio and reproductions of original material.
Tom’s shows are known for their ‘hand-crafted, intimate and naughty’ approach, often ‘humorous, high-brow, low-brow, sensory, stomach churning, conversational, and sentimental’ all at once.
Now he turns his hand to the hidden histories of Oliver’s life, celebrated through the stories of this marvellous party.
Dates and locations:
Feb 26: Kings Weston House Social, 12-2pm, hosted by Impermanence, see website for more information (booking required for this venue only).
March 2: The Vestibules (Deanery Road), City Hall, College Green, 10am-4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)
March 3: The Vestibules, 11am-4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)
March 9: Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, BS2 0NW
10am-4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)
March 23: Arts Mansion, Ashton Court Estate, BS41 9JN, 10am-4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)
March 24: Arts Mansion, 11am-4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm).
All locations are fully accessible but please contact the Theatre Collection if you would like further information about the facilities.
The events are part of a wider Sharing the Messel Magic project which includes the free exhibition Oliver Messel: Wake Up and Dream – Theatre, Art and Society at the Theatre Collection until April 2019: for more info visit www.bristol.ac.uk/theatre-collection
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