In 1987 Bristol Old Vic set up a new touring company called Company 3 which would deliver high quality productions with a multicultural cast in a range of community venues. It aimed to encourage a new approach to theatre that reflected a truly multicultural society.
Photograph of audience at opening gala (11th May 1943) by Evening WorldBristol Old Vic
From the 1960s onwards the theatre's programming began to be more diverse, but audiences were still primarily white and middle class.
Programme for Company 3's Julius Caesar (19th February 1987) by UnknownBristol Old Vic
Company 3 intended to show that by going out into the community productions could resonate with a truly diverse society.
Letter from Paul James to Bristol schools regarding Company 3's touring production of Julius Caesar (1987) by Paul JamesBristol Old Vic
Julius Caesar
Company 3's first production Julius Caesar toured Bristol schools, community centres, and Leyhill Prison, reaching audiences who had never stepped foot in a theatre before.
Photograph, Julius Caesar (1987) by Simon ArcherBristol Old Vic
It was directed by Roger Rees and starred Peter Shaker as Julius Caesar.
Show report, Julius Caesar (1987)Bristol Old Vic
Show reports from the tour detail the amazing impact the production had on audiences across Bristol.
Show report, Julius Caesar (1987)Bristol Old Vic
Show report, Julius Caesar (1987)Bristol Old Vic
Photograph of Peter Straker with Freddie Mercury (1987) by Simon ArcherBristol Old Vic
Back at the theatre, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was a fan.
Photograph, Julius Caesar (1987) by Simon ArcherBristol Old Vic
Company 3's legacy lives on through Bristol Old Vic's outreach and engagement work, including collaborations with Diverse City, Borderlands and Young SixSix.
Young SixSix is an ensemble that meets regularly at Bristol Old Vic to make and watch theatre. Young people are drawn from across the centre and north of Bristol to take part in the project through schools and youth clubs.
Photograph of the YoungSixSix (2021) by Chelsey CliffBristol Old Vic
In 2021 Young SixSix opened a library in the theatre foyer.
The Young SixSix Library is a free-to-use library for the people of Bristol, and a place to find some of the best poetry, plays and books by Black writers from Britain and around the world.
Focusing on creative inspiration, the varied catalogue is a direct response by Young SixSix to the under-representation of Black creatives in the UKs curriculum, theatres, publishing houses and beyond.
With thanks to the University of Bristol Theatre Collection.
All our heritage work is made possible thanks to National Lottery Players.
