Bristol Open Stage, the highlight of Bristol Old Vic’s 250th anniversary celebrations last year, is returning to the city for 2017.
The project involved the historic theatre being taken over by people from every corner of Bristol in a series of joyous performances over the anniversary weekend last year. 
Now as part of the 250th anniversary legacy, Bristol Old Vic is once again throwing open its doors and inviting Bristolians to take to the stage on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29.
With more than 30 acts featuring 300 people, Bristol Open Stage will showcase talent ranging from stand-up comedy, jazz quintets, spoken word, salsa, African and Bollywood dance, drama and acapella.
Each performance will culminate in a rousing performance by different choirs from across the city.
The 12noon performance will be rounded off by Bristol’s homegrown pop and rock choir Riff Raff Choir, the 2.30pm performance will have Bristol MAN Chorus on stage once more after making their debut at last year’s event, and the 5pm performance will see a triumphant return of the Gurt Lush Choir, one the UK’s largest and most remarkable open-access choirs in the country.
The event will be hosted by Bristolian actor Joe Sims, who works regularly with Bristol Old Vic’s engagement team having grown up in Bristol Old Vic Young Company. 
Best known for his role as plumber Nigel Carter in ITV’s hit show Broadchurch, Joe now teaches adult company classes and hosts events for Bristol Old Vic company schools performances.
He said: “As a proud Bristolian I cannot wait to see the indigenous talent that has come from all over Bristol to light up the main stage at Bristol Old Vic.
“It’s my absolute pleasure to have been asked to compère the day, as the work that the engagement team at Bristol Old Vic have been doing across Bristol for both young people and adults alike fills me with pride.
“Their unrelenting thirst for discovering and nurturing new talent means the future is bright for Bristol. It’s always been such a creative city and the Bristol Open Stage performances are further proof of the breadth of talent we have in our brilliant city. Come and see for yourself.” 
The day will also feature Anthony Grimley and David Turvey, CoMA Bristol, Cordelia Wood and June Rippon, Jaelith Mahone, Jake Cooper, Kelvin Players Theatre Company, Kettle of Fish, Lavrak Circus, Marianne McAleer, Martin Urmson, Pariah Khan, Pearl Andrews-Horrigan, RISE Youth Dance, Sabrina DeMi, Saias Liberdade, Sarah Wintle, Screaming Cream Productions, Sylvia Daley, The Diva and Dave and World Fusion with Movema & Rise
Bristol Old Vic engagement producer Sian Eustace said: “Bristol Open Stage was the real stand out moment from our historic 250th anniversary celebrations last summer.
“The spirit in which all our brilliant participants performed, and the joy the entire team at Bristol Old Vic felt when watching local people treading the boards, sharing their stories within the beautiful theatre, have been the best inspiration for the continuation of the Bristol Open Stage legacy. 
“Whether you’ve been on stage before, or it is your first time in the spotlight – everyone is welcome. These incredible days are a shining example of how creativity can truly change your outlook on life.”
Tickets for the Bristol Open Stage performances are free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call the Box Office or visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/bristol-open-stage-2017 for more information.
Bristol Open Stage Performance times:
12noon – 1.30pm
2.30pm – 4pm
5pm – 6.30pm
Pictured: Four of the acts that performed at last year’s Bristol Open Stage. All photographs by Jack Offord
