Leading Bristol entrepreneurs, creatives and philanthropists have thrown their support behind the Old Vic’s fundraising drive for its ambitious 250th anniversary redevelopment.
They are following in the footsteps of theatre’s original investors by snapping up specially minted ‘silver tickets’, each costing £50,000. 
Back in 1766, the original theatre was funded by a group of 50 Bristol citizens, including local councillors, two future MPs and at least three Quakers. Each invested an initial £50 in the project in exchange for an original ‘silver ticket’ entitling them to a ‘sight’ of any show in the theatre forever.
The 50 newly minted silver tickets – along with five gold ones costing £100,000 – offer the same perk. Some 42 silver and two gold tickets have been sold – raising more than £2m – and there is strong interest in the remaining handful.
Among the buyers are Bristol animation studio Aardman co-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord, pictured above, and Andrew and Anne Nisbet of Bristol catering supplies firm Nisbets and the Society of Merchant Venturers.
They join actor Sir Daniel Day Lewis and John Caird, co-creator of Les Miserables. Support has also come from the US, with several American philanthropists lending their support. The tickets themselves were created by distinguished jewellery designer Ann Ziff, chair of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and a stalwart supporter of Bristol Old Vic. 
David Sproxton said: “Bristol Old Vic’s Theatre Royal is the jewel in the crown of Bristol’s cultural institutions and a veritable gem in the context of national theatres. For 250 years it has been telling stories to spellbound audiences.
“In more recent years it has helped develop an extraordinary amount of new work, bringing on new talent and supporting the UK’s powerful creative sector. It’s a huge privilege to be able to support that long history of creativity at this wonderful moment in the theatre’s life, and to help ensure it continues for many years hence.”
Peter Lord added: “I love Bristol Old Vic. It’s elegant, intimate and ever-youthful, both a beloved local treasure and a theatre of national importance. When I came back to the city in the Seventies to set up our studio, Bristol Old Vic was a crucial part for me of the city’s cultural scene.
“Family legend asserts that Peter O’Toole dandled me on his knee when he was at the Old Vic in the Fifties though I can’t say I remember it.
“The auditorium is both a beautiful period piece and a vibrant, youthful space that draws audiences and performers together. As a Bristolian, I’m so grateful that we have such a very special theatre, and I’m delighted to be a small part in ensuring its future.”
The Old Vic’s major redevelopment will ensure the oldest playhouse in the country is fit for a new era.
The project will return the Grade I listed Coopers’ Hall to its original 18th-century use as an events space for the city, with the front-of-house spaces and create a warm and welcoming theatrical and social resource for the whole of Bristol. When complete, there will be a new entrance foyer, a new studio theatre, modern bar and restaurant facilities, lifts to all floors and new toilets.
Old Vic chief executive Emma Stenning said: “It is vital to have the support of so many leading innovators, philanthropists and creatives in our anniversary year for our redevelopment project. It took the vision of 50 leading business and political leaders of their day to get the theatre off the ground 250 years ago and it’s heartening to know that today’s leaders share that vision for the future of this wonderful theatre.
“With their support and that of so many others, our fundraising target is now within sight and although there is still much work to be done, we are on track to start the second phase of our redevelopment project this summer.
“When complete, these works will help provide a healthy future for this iconic theatre, and safeguard its role in Bristol’s creative and wider community.”
Built at a time when the average theatre lasted just 17 years, Bristol Old Vic has been saved from destruction on more than one occasion, even being sold as a banana ripening warehouse in 1942. Today it enjoys national and international recognition as a theatrical powerhouse, hosting ground-breaking theatre that inspires audiences throughout the region and beyond.
It will become the first British theatre in history to survive 250 years on May 30 with a special anniversary programme of productions planned throughout the year and a three-day weekend of celebrations over the second May Bank holiday weekend.
