Bristol Old Vic Brings Live Theatre Directly to Bristol Schools

National leaders have warned of an “emergency” for arts access as school budgets tighten and logistical hurdles make traditional theatre trips increasingly difficult. In response, Bristol Old Vic’s young MIB260 company has begun touring two new plays, including *A Brit? ish Museum* by Muneera Pilgrim, directly into secondary schools across east Bristol. The strategy aims to reach pupils who might otherwise miss live performance because of cost, transport or safeguarding constraints.

The Guardian

Organisers originally targeted roughly 1,000 students but now expect to engage up to 4,000 young people across 19 secondary schools, as well as home-educated groups and pupils in hospital education. At City Academy, where the pilot performance took place, 44.3 % of the 970 pupils on the 2024/25 roll speak English as an additional language—far above the national average of 19.2 %—and just over half have been eligible for free school meals in the preceding six years.

The Guardian

Students reported that the live, high-quality performance resonated strongly. Twelve-year-old Elizabeth Yeboah said the play “was really good” and appreciated its focus on racism, while 13-year-old Bethany Davis-Croshaw praised theatre’s ability to convey complex social themes more effectively than classroom instruction.

The Guardian

Drama teacher Pearce echoed this, emphasizing that “theatre isn’t always accessible, or families can’t afford to go.” Pilgrim highlighted the importance of presenting unheard stories to a diverse youth audience.

The Guardian

• “We’re really aware that fewer kids are coming to see the theatre,” — Lucy Hunt, the engagement director at Bristol Old Vic

The Guardian

• “Theatre isn’t always accessible, or families can’t afford to go,” — Pearce

The Guardian