Tobacco Factory Raleigh Road, Southville Bristol BS3 1TF UK
The programme The Tobacco Factory aims to bring diverse, high quality performing arts to Bristol audiences, maximising the special qualities of this unusual space. Highlights of the programme include: the acclaimed Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, presenting 2 plays each year from February – April Tobacco Factory Productions, such as the much-loved Christmas shows (Treasure Island, Jungle Book, The Secret Garden) touring productions from some of the UK’s most dynamic and exciting companies, including Spin Media, Gecko, Sound & Fury, Graeae and ATC. The Space The Tobacco Factory theatre is a non-conventional, versatile theatre space, which has been used for performance since 1998, exciting audiences and performers alike. Often described as ‘intimate’ and 'raw', the space seats up to 250 people and can be arranged in the round, end-on, traverse, or thrust. There is a licensed bar serving a range of drinks, and a large foyer/exhibition area. The box office is located in the foyer of the building on the ground floor. History of the theatre Housed in a converted tobacco factory building, the theatre started its new life in the late 1990s as a makeshift performance space for Show of Strength on the first floor of the building. Stripped of its Imperial Tobacco office conversion to reveal the original structure, the venue attracted the attention of Andrew Hilton who had harboured an ambition to stage Shakespeare in an original and intimate manner. Architect George Ferguson, the owner and creator of the Tobacco Factory, accepted his proposal and the result far exceeded expectations with national critical acclaim and full houses. In 2001, Dan Danson was appointed as the Tobacco Factory’s first Artistic Director, and with the help of the team has been busy transforming this makeshift 'do it yourself' space into a properly serviced theatre, in order to fulfill the organisation’s aim of bringing a diverse, year round programme of performing arts to Bristol audiences. Tobacco Factory Arts Trust The Tobacco Factory theatre has charitable trust status. Our mission statement is to develop the Tobacco Factory as an independent and innovative venue, and to promote excellence in the Arts and to make them accessible to all. The Tobacco Factory Arts Trust seeks to provide a year round programme of diverse arts activities encompassing touring companies, Tobacco Factory productions, educational projects, community productions, music events, children's theatre, conferences and exhibitions in addition to Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory. The trust aims to provide and promote the best opportunities for the immediate and wider communities to experience a broad range of high quality performing arts and to develop greater involvement and appreciation of the performing arts. Board of directors The Tobacco Factory theatre is indebted to the board of directors for giving us their guidance, expertise and time. The current board includes: George Ferguson, Geoff Clements, Elaine Flint, Helen Palmer, Edward Shaw, Ian Southgate, Matthew Symonds, and Anna Southall. To get in touch with any of the board members, please contact David Dewhurst, on 0117 902 0345 or theatre@tobaccofactory.com.