An ‘old boy’ of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is returning this month to help the school celebrate its 80th anniversary.
World-renowned Shakespeare expert Sir Gregory Doran will direct the third year BA Acting students’ production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Sir Gregory, who studied drama and English at Bristol University, enrolled at the theatre school which overlooks Clifton Downs on its Professional Acting course in 1980.
“Since graduating from the theatre school Gregory has charted an extraordinary course through the British landscape, culminating in a decade-long tenure as the Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC),” said a spokesperson at the school.
“This production of Romeo and Juliet will showcase fifty per cent of the graduating BA Professional Acting cohort. This offers audiences a chance to see the stars of tomorrow directed by a titan of the British stage.”
Stuart Henry, principal of the school which was founded by the actor and theatre director Sir Laurence Olivier in 1946, said:”Reaching our 80th anniversary is a proud milestone for all of us here at the school.
“Bristol has such a rich creative heartbeat, and we feel incredibly lucky to have grown alongside this city. Being woven into the history of Clifton is a privilege, and as we look toward the future of the school, we can’t wait to celebrate our legacy with the neighbours and residents who make this community so special.”
Romeo and Juliet by BOVTS students will be staged at the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bedminster from October 31 – November 7.