Theatre's Youngest Fans Invited To Raise The Roof On Bristol Old Vic's Two New Spaces This Christmas

A festive housewarming awaits the two new spaces at Bristol Old Vic: the brand-new Weston Studio and the lovingly restored Coopers' Loft, tucked cosily in the attic space of the theatre, both of which are now open to public performances for the first time.

Children are at the heart of Bristol Old Vic's Christmas season with two brand-new productions devised for ages 0-7: Igloo and Chloe and the Colour Catcher. What better way to warm-up our little theatres than with our littlest audiences?

Chloe and the Colour Catcher (ages 4-7)
The Weston Studio Theatre launches its very first Christmas season with a story of bravery and standing up for what is right, from the award-winning theatre company Ad Infinitum. Their innovative and inspiring storytelling promises to ignite the imagination in all of Bristol's children and celebrate the uniqueness in every one of us.

Chloe lives in a world that's completely grey. But, while she sleeps, her dreams are colourful and bright. Hushed by her protective parents, she is forced to keep her vivid thoughts of vast blue seas, lush green jungly-trees and golden yellow sands at bay - for the Grey Queen is determined to wash all trace of colour away.

Bristol Old Vic's Engagement Director Lucy Hunt explains how the concept for Chloe and the Colour Catcher came about, "We knew that we wanted to put something on stage that would encourage imagination and fun but more importantly highlight the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Having the character of Chloe, a young girl, front and centre, representing the voice of her generation shows children the importance of passion and dedication. By the end of the show, we want even the littlest audiences to be up on their feet, cheering for Chloe!"

Audience participation will be encouraged by 'a palette of pop' - an original musical score featuring rocking ballads, synth-pop beats and power anthems ideal for singalongs. Composer Brian Hargreaves features in the cast and has previously arranged work for a 90-strong cast at Bristol Old Vic's 250th Anniversary Celebrations.

Speaking about Bristol Old Vic's new Weston Studio, Director Nir Paldi says, "It's a wonderful privilege to be working on the Weston Studio's very first Christmas show and opening up the doors of this vibrant space to all of Bristol. It's an ingenious venue and one that not only encourages theatre-makers to be playful and inventive but truly pushes the boundaries of what theatre can and should be."

The uplifting and inspiring story of Chloe and the Colour Catcher is ideal for ages 4+ and will play in Bristol Old Vic's Weston Studio from 30 Nov to 6 Jan, featuring two performances a day.

Igloo (ages 0-3)
Bristol Old Vic's newly renovated Coopers' Loft will also be host to a theatrical performance for the littlest of theatregoers and their families this Christmas. Award-winning children's theatre company Travelling Light (Boing!, Snow Mouse and The Ugly Duckling) have collaborated with Bristol Old Vic's Engagement Team to present a sensory experience filled with sights, sounds and texturised play.

Following the success of last year's pioneering sell-out Ice Ice Baby, Igloo will transform Coopers' Loft into a fully-accessible, relaxed environment that's perfect for babes in arms, toddlers and pre-school aged children, accompanied by their carers.

With winter on its way, Sadie and Ira are in full anticipation of the season's first snow, but sometimes you don't get what you want. Even when you're made to wait, and wait, and wait. Sometimes, what you end up with is even better...

Igloo unites the creative forces of Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Travelling Light's Artistic Producer Heidi Vaughan, with Associate Director Lisa Gregan, Designer Edwina Bridgeman (Snow Mouse, Travelling Light), Writer In The Room Adam Peck (Sleeping Beauty at Bristol Old Vic) and music by Alex Vann (Boing!), Igloo stars Megan Brooks and Madeline Shann as the two children waiting for the snow to come.

Director Heidi Vaughan says, "Igloo houses the curiosity of the child which is naturally there. It's not a room which is full of rules about what you can and cannot do with your baby. Instead, it's something open and warm and exploratory.

It is a show about waiting for it to snow, which chimes with so much that happens at winter time; waiting for the holidays, waiting for Christmas, waiting for those gifts, and eventually waiting for nursery to start again!

We are delighted to be creating the first ever public performance in the newly refurbished Coopers' Loft. It's a fantastic space to stage a fully immersive experience like Igloo, where every child gets a front row seat."

Igloo will run at Bristol Old Vic's Coopers' Loft from 8 Dec to 6 Jan.