Bristol Old Vic and St Paul's Carnival probably aren't two organisations you would associate with each other, but that will soon be a view of the past.
The pair are joining forces for the first time ever this weekend to host a Carnival Takeover at the theatre - a collaboration which emphasises Bristol Old Vic's pledge to appeal to a wider range of people across the city.
St Paul's Carnival will take over the historic King Street theatre's front of house spaces to celebrate the two month countdown to this year’s carnival and join the hit production of Barber Shop Chronicles, which runs at Bristol Old Vic from May 2 - May 18.
Beginning at midday on Saturday (May 4), the explosion of arts and culture will feature African-inspired DJ sets, drumming and song, with craft activities throughout the foyer, and an Afrikan-Caribbean menu served by Bristol’s restaurant, 1766 Bar & Kitchen.
Barber Shop Chronicles, one of the decade’s most successful plays, takes place in six barber shops in six different cities across the globe and is described as a joyous celebration of masculinity, fatherhood and identity.
A spokesperson for Bristol Old Vic said it feels like the "perfect fit with St Paul's Carnival," which celebrates its 51st year in July, creating a great opportunity to bring the two events together for a day of fun, food and festivities.
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Names of the artists and musicians taking part will be announced soon.
The free event is wrapped around two performances of Barber Shop Chronicles at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, with tickets available from £11.50 on Bristol Old Vic's website.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring a little bit of carnival into Bristol Old Vic"
Bristol Old Vic’s Executive Producer Chloe Naldrett Elwood said: “We’re constantly looking for new ways to reach people across the city and to welcome them into the brilliant new theatre spaces.
"Barber Shop Chronicles is a story which does something really unique; throughout its world tour, audiences from every background and every city from Leeds to Massachusetts have found themselves swept up in a night of unforgettable joy.
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"Carnival is the perfect fit – celebrating music, individual flair and community connections.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring a little bit of carnival into Bristol Old Vic and share this brilliant show in return.”
