Bristol Old Vic Unveils Exciting 2025 Season with New Shows, Musicals, and More
Bristol Old Vic has revealed an exciting line-up of productions for its 2025 season, showcasing a blend of local stories, talented writers, and captivating performances. The season promises a mix of new works, adaptations, and classic productions that are set to delight audiences in the autumn and winter months.
Starter for Ten Musical to Kick Off the Season
The 2025 season at Bristol Old Vic will kick off with the return of Starter for Ten, starring Mel Giedroyc. This new musical will open at the venue on 10 September 2025 and run until 11 October 2025, before continuing its journey to Birmingham Rep Theatre from 22 October to 1 November 2025.
Classic Comedy Private Lives Comes to Bristol
Noël Coward’s beloved comedy Private Lives, directed by Bristol-based Tanuja Amarasuriya, will be part of the season. This co-production, created in partnership with Octagon Theatre Bolton, Mercury Theatre, Rose Theatre, and Northern Stage, will play in Bristol from 28 October to 1 November 2025. The production is supported by a grant from the Royal Theatrical Support Trust.
Delay – A Queer Sci-Fi Heartbreaker
Also directed by Amarasuriya, Delay by Tim X Atack is a queer sci-fi heartbreaker set to open in the Weston Studio this summer. The production runs from 19 June to 5 July 2025 and promises to deliver a thought-provoking and emotional experience.
Jack Thorne's Let the Right One In Premieres in Bristol
In November 2025, Bristol Old Vic will host Jack Thorne’s (known for Adolescence and Toxic Town) adaptation of Let the Right One In. Based on the Swedish novel and film by Jon Ajvide Lindqvist, the play follows a bullied young boy, Oskar, and his mysterious new neighbour, Eli. This Royal Exchange Theatre production, first seen in 2022, is directed by Bryony Shanahan and will run from 4 to 15 November 2025.
Treasure Island – A New Musical for Christmas
For Christmas, Bristol Old Vic will present Treasure Island, a reimagined musical based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure novel. Created by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, the duo behind The Great British Bake Off Musical, this new adaptation celebrates the city's love for adventure. The musical will run from 3 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, directed by Paul Foster.
Antarctica – A Festive Family Show
Returning with festive fun, Little Bulb will present Antarctica, a family-friendly production suitable for ages three and up. The show will run in the Studio from 5 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, bringing a unique, heartwarming experience to audiences during the Christmas season.
Lost Atoms – A 30th Anniversary Production by Frantic Assembly
Frantic Assembly will celebrate their 30th anniversary with Lost Atoms, a co-production with Curve, Mayflower Southampton, and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Written by Anna Jordan and directed by Scott Graham, Lost Atoms will stop off in Bristol from 13 to 24 January 2026 as part of its national tour.
Other Highlights in the Bristol Old Vic 2025 Season
Other exciting productions in the 2025 season include:
Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho – 15 to 18 October
Yippee Ki Yay – 22 to 25 October
The Paper Dolls – 28 October to 1 November
Uncanny: Afraid of the Dark – 18 to 22 November
Book Your Tickets for Bristol Old Vic's 2025 Season
Bristol Old Vic’s 2025 season is packed with something for everyone, from new musicals to classic comedy and innovative theatre. Be sure to book your tickets for these exceptional productions and experience the very best of theatre in Bristol.
