Bristol Old Vic's Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023 breaks down barriers

Starting at noon on Tue 28 Nov, Bristol Old Vic will once again be part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge, an annual week-long campaign where all donations made to the theatre via The Big Give website from Tue 28 Nov - Tue 5 Dec will be doubled.

This year, Bristol Old Vic's Big Give campaign is raising money for a project that supports some of the most vulnerable people in our city through English and Drama sessions for people from the migrant and refugee community.

Over the last few months, Bristol Old Vic has been running a pilot drama club for English language learners, offering weekly sessions open to anyone with English as a second language (refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, ESL students). The sessions offer a fun and welcoming space to play with zero pressure.



Classes are led by Hester Welch from Spilt Ink Theatre. Through a unique approach combining play and performance, participants are supported to develop their English language skills, meet new people, laugh, and create together.

Following this successful pilot, Bristol Old Vic wants to grow this project, removing barriers to access. The money we raise through the Big Give will enable us to guarantee the project runs for another year, ensuring we can continue to provide this unique opportunity for refugees and people with experience of migration.

Find out more about our Big Give Challenge and how you can help.
See how your Big Give donations help:

£6 - Covers a participant’s full day of travel.
£10 - Buys refreshments for everyone attending a session.
£20 - Pays for a family to attend Arabian Nights.
£50 - Enables child care support through a kids workshop.
£70 - Covers an outreach session in the community.
£100 - Employs a translator to support a session.
£1000 - Covers five English Language & Drama classes.

Holly Wallis, Bristol Old Vic's Heritage Manager said:
"As a City of Sanctuary, during a time where migration continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing society, Bristol Old Vic wants to play its part in welcoming and supporting everyone who calls this city home, for however brief a time that might be.

Learning English is key to wellbeing, from settling into the local community and talking with neighbors, to accessing vital support and everyday services such as healthcare, schools and transport. We found that by using an approach that is more creative and playful, people are more confident to explore and develop their English skills to better prepare them for the next steps in living in the UK."

“The English Language and Drama Classes are very useful for me. I have noticed that I have become more relaxed and confident when I am around other people […] in the past I was a person who didn’t show much of her emotions. So, I want to thank you so much for what you do for us, and I hope the lessons will continue for a long time to come.”
Participant Testimonial

If you donate via The Big Give website between Tue 28 Nov and midday Tue 5 Dec your donation will be DOUBLED for free.