Bristol Old Vic sets 2027 season with Disco Dracula and Leave Taking revival
Bristol Old Vic has announced its 2027 season, led by a new disco musical, a fresh Uncle Vanya and a 40th anniversary revival of Winsome Pinnock's Leave Taking.
Leave Taking runs from 23 September to 16 October, directed by Nancy Medina. The play premiered at Liverpool Playhouse in 1987, won the George Devine Award in 1991 and became the first play by a Black British woman to be produced by the National Theatre in 1994, according to details reported by WhatsonStage. Pinnock became the first writer to join Bristol Old Vic's Five Year Commitment residency in 2024.
The season opens in the main house with Uncle Vanya, running from 22 April to 15 May. It is a co-production with Stratford East, meaning the two theatres are making the show together, and is directed by Rikki Henry. The production uses David Lan's English version of Chekhov's play. Its concept was previously staged at Theater Dortmund in 2023.
Then comes Disco Dracula, running from 27 May to 19 June. It is a co-production between Bristol Old Vic and Disco Dracula Productions. Music is by Charlie O'Connor, with book and lyrics by Alena Henke and O'Connor, and direction by Robyn Grant. The show has an original disco score and includes audience participation.
Visiting work fills out the summer. Dog Man: The Musical, based on Dav Pilkey's book series, plays from 24 to 27 June. Being Mr Wickham, starring Adrian Lukis, plays from 22 to 23 June. Hijinx's Housemates, in association with Sherman Theatre, runs from 30 June to 3 July.
The Studio programme includes Until I Find You from 6 to 17 April, created by Ad Infinitum and El Ingenio del Caldero. Let The Whale Die, from New Perspectives and Royal and Derngate, follows from 18 to 22 May.
What makes this stand out is the range. One season holds family favourites, new writing and reinvented classics. There is more to come too.
General sale opens at midday on 14 October. Bristol Old Vic said further 2027 shows will be announced in November.
