Catastrophe Bay

Bristol Old Vic Main Stage

Key Information
  • Dates Sat 18 Jun 2022 - Sat 02 Jul 2022
  • Location Bristol Old Vic Main Stage
  • Evenings

    7:30pm
  • Matinees

    2:30pm
  • Ticket Price

    From £10
  • Running Time

    2.5 hours including interval
  • Virtual Programme

    Catastrophe Bay Programme

“Come boys, come heave away, for the stars and the billowing spray! We’re bound for the thundering sound, my boys, we’re bound for Catastrophe Bay!”

by Kit Buchan and Jim Barne
Directed by Derek Bond
 Production Design by Matthew Cassar
Lighting and Projection Design by Hugo Dodsworth

Deep in the wilds of Cornwall lies the tiny fishing village of Newfrock. The inhabitants are a curious and mischievous gaggle of misfits – a smuggling schoolmistress, the sinful priest, reprobate orphans and singing fishermen – who, despite their differences, abide by a strange patchwork of rituals and beliefs in order to protect the village’s secrets.

When newcomer Murdo Moxy – freelance crook and con-artist – enters their midst with his roguish daughter in tow, it sets off a series of events for the townsfolk to grapple with. Inspired by a vast language of British and European folk songs, Catastrophe Bay is as rich and hearty as a night in a candlelit tavern, whilst storms rage outside.

Please note there will be a BSL signed performance of this production on Sat 2 July at 2.30pm.

Podcast

  • Venue Accessibility

    There are two allocated wheelchair spaces in the Theatre in the Dress Circle. Please book these in advance by phoning 0117 987 7877.

    All publicly available areas of Bristol Old Vic are accessible via our Foyer lift which goes to all levels
    We have accessible toilet facilities on Levels -1, 0 and 1, accessible via the foyer lift.

    Our toilets on Level -1 are signposted as gender-non-binary welcome.

    A sound enhancement system through use of a headset or individual loop is available for all performances. These are available from the Box Office on arrival to the Theatre.

    Guide, hearing or other working dogs are welcome. Please notify Box Office at time of booking.

    People with disabilities requiring an accompanying person can request a free companion ticket at the time of booking.

Creatives

Director Derek Bond*

Musical Director Pamela Rudge* with Jim Barne*

Associate Directors Becks Granger and Sofia Gallucci

Set and Costume Designer Matthew Cassar

Lighting Designer Hugo Dodsworth

Sound Designer Elliot Paris-Hamilton

Voice and Dialect Coaches Sue Cowen†, Zoe Littleton and Jonathan Grosberg

Singing Coach Pamela Rudge*

Production Manager Steve O’Brien†

Assistant Production Manager Joe Culpin

Production Supervisor Bryony Rutter†

Stage Manager Kimberly Towler*

Deputy Stage Manager Joe Waddington

Assistant Stage Managers Zoe Mackinnon, Jacob Clear, Ellie Gendall

Production Electrician Chris Davies

Lighting & Programme Operator Tom Barge

Sound Number 01 Elliot Paris-Hamilton
Sound Number 02 Caitlyn Balderstone

Sound Number 03 Jess Way, Ebony Hayes

Construction Manager Andy Scrivens†

Workshop Manager Rhys Gillard*

Construction Assistants Jocelyn Chen, Iona Hicks, Muir McFadden, Sally Strong, Millie Edinburgh, David Bath

Props Supervisor Néamh Campbell

Props Assistants Ziva Bucer, Tommy Karolyi, Isabella Keating, Lisa Viel-Vigneron

Costume Supervisor Charlie Rowen

Dressers Eleanor Duncan, Kim White, Jo Kenney

Costume Assistants Bethany Boldero, Shanice Dacres, Eleanor Duncan, Gracie Green, Jo Kenney, Charly Riddett, Kim White, Arthur Wyatt

Hair, Makeup and Wig Designers Sophia Khan* & Chrissie Bricknell*

Scenic Artists Jo Browne*, Cliff Thorne* and Tom Crossley-Thorne*

* Visiting industry professional; † BOVTS staff; all other roles are fulfilled by students on the Theatre School’s production and technical courses.

Cast

Murdo Moxy Tom Mordell

Eleanor Moxy Carlie Diamond

Maise Tremaine Joséphine-Fransilija Brookman

Frank Morel Joshua Hurley

Ruth Delaney Victoria Hoyle

‘Dead Bess’ Petra Joan-Athene

Rufus Blaise Tommy Bell

Tom Scudgeon Josh Penrose

Penny Danza Chiara Lari

Albert Breech Bill Caple

Jan Spargo and Mr Shields Max Guest

Sugg Jelbert and Sir Empson Clyde Joe Edgar

Maggie Tremaine Alexander Uzoka

Esme Fanning and Sally Moxy Eve Pereira

Tilda Point Camilla Aiko

Cast

Creatives

Students relaxing outside of the School
The School is in a beautiful part of Bristol, overlooking a huge park called the Downs. We sometimes take advantage of our close proximity to the Downs during the summer term, practising fight and dance routines, or voice or singing classes! Dan Hall, BA Professional Acting student
News
In the Limelight: Craig Fuller We chatted to Craig Fuller, Photographer
News
David Banks Performers Fund awards its second recipient Third year BA Professional Acting student Ché was awarded the prize
Short Courses Courses for adults, both beginners and professionals