Firebird Shows
A SPARK AND A BEATING HEART
(2018, Trinity Centre Bristol)
History. Myth. Remembering. What stories can we tell each other of our past?
Created and written by the company, A Spark and a Beating Heart is about us; who we are, how we came here and why we do what we do. It’s a celebration and a love-letter, a party and an elegy. Mixing the many myths of the firebird with a collective reflection on lives lived. We are here to tell you our story.
Yes, a spark and a beating heart full of fire, just before the story starts or the lights come up, us small players become the main act.
A Spark and a Beating Heart was supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Also funded by the Odin Charitable Trust and the Yapp Charitable Foundation. Presented in association with Bristol Old Vic. With additional support from our Firebird’s Friends and Supporters.
Prospero, Duke of Milan
(2014, Bristol Old Vic)
Prospero, Duke of Milan tells the story of what happens to Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, before they arrive on the island where The Tempest takes place. The show was devised for young people who may not have visited the theatre before. Made possible by the generous support of The Odin Charitable Trust and The Lark Trust.
The Breadhorse
(2013, Bristol Old Vic)
The Breadhorse is a playground game where children carry each other on their backs. In Alan Garner's short story, this boisterous game turns nasty as one boy is forced to be the "Breadhorse" again and again.
Firebird Theatre drew inspiration from the story's themes of bullying, isolation and empowerment to create an original and moving new piece in collaboration with young people across Bristol through a community chorus.
The Nine Lessons of Caliban
(2011, Arnolfini; 2012, Bristol Old Vic)
A unique performance of poetry inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, written by the Firebird Poets in collaboration with poet Claire Williamson. “When we look at people in the story of The Tempest, we put on their shoes to help us understand them. We channel our experiences into the people in The Tempest, so that we can feel like them and understand them. We express our feelings through them.”
The tempest
(2010, Bristol Old Vic and regional tour)
Firebird Theatre's production of The Tempest toured to Bristol Old Vic, Salisbury Arts Centre and the Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre in Taunton in 2010.
With The Tempest, we wanted to celebrate and share with the wider public the theatre we make; our theatre is unique because of who we are.
FAUSTUS
(2007)
THe boy with a cart
"magnificent … a magical night at the theatre" – Bristol Observer.
The chalk circle
"Brecht would have loved it" – audience member, Bristol Old Vic.
"raw on energy … powerful interpretation … compelling" – Venue.
the clowns
"the most moving moment I have ever experienced in a theatre"–
Thomas Chalk, Bristol University Drama Dept student.
"pure theatre, pure human expression" – audience member, Bristol Old Vic.
The Lying Doctors
"inspiring and passionate" – University of Exeter, Drama Dept.
"when art and experience are blended together like this it is impossible to feel unmoved" – Tony Ryan, Values into Action conference.
sharing the stars
"powerful and visually striking performance with strong musical soundtrack" – Bristol Evening Post.
"goes from being angry to deeply moving, to ultimately full of hope … their best yet" – audience member, Bristol Old Vic.