Gloucester Guildhall Competitors

Led by Artistic Director Nancy Medina and Executive Director Rebecca Dawson, Bristol Old Vic is committed to creating opportunities for new voices and artists, and to present an increasingly diverse programme of stories that Bristol UK has to offer on our stages. From its extensively redeveloped building in the Old City, Bristol Old Vic offers a year-round theatre programme of inspiring, original new stage work, while audiences across the world have also seen our productions live, on demand in cinemas, and on broadcast television thanks to Bristol Old Vic On Screen. Bristol Old Vic is home to one of UK theatre's biggest learning and engagement programmes working across the city and runs one of the UK's leading artist development programmes. In 2023 Bristol Old Vic welcomed over 135,000 ticket holders, distributed 4,500 tickets to communities and schools across Bristol and delivered over 20,000 hours of contact time to 15,000 participants.

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast makes a unique and vital contribution to the community as the only full-time producing theatre in Northern Ireland. Employing local actors, including Liam Neeson, Ciarán Hinds and Adrian Dunbar at early stages of their careers, its mission is to produce high-quality professional theatre that is alive to the complex cultural experience and diverse traditions of the community, and to use the power of live theatre to empower, inspire, engage and educate. From first rehearsal to final curtain, the shows we create are truly indigenous products of Northern Ireland. Putting local issues and local characters centre stage is what the Lyric does best. Our shows are relevant to local audiences and revealing to visitors to the city. And a very important part of the new Lyric Theatre’s strategy is to tour as widely as possible, to give audiences outside Northern Ireland an insight into our culture and to the work of the Lyric. The Lyric’s new home on the banks of Belfast’s River Lagan, on the site of the previous theatre, is a landmark £18.1m building that signals the continued regeneration of the city and a catalyst for real progress in arts infrastructure for artists and audiences alike. Designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey, and built in a stunning blend of Belfast brick, glass, steel, concrete and Iroko timber, the new theatre will be alive and dramatic at all times.

Curve is a spectacular state-of-the-art theatre based in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter. Opened in 2008 by Her Majesty The Queen, our award-winning building, designed by acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly, offers a completely unique visitor experience. Unlike any other theatre in the UK, we have no traditional backstage area. Audiences can enjoy the full theatre making process, peek behind the scenes and maybe even spot an actor or two dashing from the stage to their dressing room or enjoying a coffee in our Café. Our curved façade is made from 1,192 tonnes of steel and 46000m² of glass. Managed by Leicester Theatre Trust, Curve is a registered charity providing engaging world- class theatrical experiences for our local communities. We enable people of all ages and backgrounds to access, participate in and learn from the arts, nurturing new and emerging talent.