Bristol Old Vic Brings Theatre Into Schools as Part of Arts Access Emergency

Six young actors step into the spotlight at City Academy in Bristol as the performance A Brit?ish Museum unfolds in a school hall. The sharp production, written by Muneera Pilgrim, is part of a touring initiative that bypasses traditional theatre stages to reach students in multicultural communities.

The venue’s young MIB260 company is touring two new plays directly into secondary schools across the city at zero cost. This tour is a response to a national emergency for arts access, aiming to provide live performance opportunities to pupils who might not otherwise attend.

Schools nationwide are contending with severe budget constraints that make creative outings difficult to sustain. Bristol Old Vic opted to bring the stage directly to pupils to ensure theatre is accessible to a broader demographic, rather than just drama enthusiasts or middle-class students.

Writer Muneera Pilgrim took questions from the audience after the show, stating that she is inspired by stories that are not heard. The initiative has resulted in young students engaging enthusiastically with the material, sparking discussions about identity and belonging.