Young Ferment returns to Bristol Old Vic as the next generation of theatre makers take the spotlight

Four rousing new theatre pieces created by Bristol's freshest young voices will be storming The Weston Studio from Thu 28 – Sat 30 Apr as part of Young Ferment.

A collaboration between Bristol Old Vic Young Company and Bristol Old Vic’s artist development department, Ferment, the programme allows young emerging writers, composers, directors and devisors to develop their ideas from page to stage with support from professional creative mentors.

This will be the first time Young Ferment has returned to the theatre since 2019, with six young artists gearing up to showcase their theatrical shorts.

Exploring an array of themes and topics, from gentrification to the afterlife, the work has been devised entirely by the young creatives over several months with guidance from the Bristol Old Vic team.

Speaking today Bristol Old Vic's Interim Assistant Producer and Young Ferment Mentor Director, Elinor Lower, said: "Young Ferment is all about risk and collaboration, collectively building a space where young people can share their wildest ideas and be met with enthusiasm, resources and—crucially—time to explore and experiment. Now in its third iteration, it continues to be a necessary space, giving young people the power to build shows that excite them, and the support to make it happen. Over twelve weeks they have scripted dialogue, choreographed movement and curated soundscapes. They have been bold and brave, dedicated and focused, and they have made something totally magic."

Audiences will have the opportunity to experience all four new pieces in The Weston Studio later this week, offering an evening bursting with bite-sized theatre of the future.