Vanity Fair by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

“Yes, this is Vanity Fair; not a moral place certainly; nor a merry one, though very noisy.”

Often cited as one of English Literature’s greatest treasures, Vanity Fair is a roustabout of intrigue, survival and sexual politics which sees the conniving Becky Sharp and sweet-natured Emmy Sedley tumbling their way through the exploitative and hazardous playground of the early nineteenth century upper class.

Adapted for the stage by Declan Donnellan and directed by Paul Chesterton, Thackeray’s hilarious satire is destined to thrill audiences this summer, as Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s BA Acting cohort showcase an exuberant production of Vanity Fair.

Opened in 1946 by Laurence Olivier, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has grown a reputation for attracting the very best in young acting talent and, as such, has some notable alumni to its name including Daniel Day Lewis, Greta Scacchi, Peter O’Toole, Olivia Colman and many more. The School’s annual visit to Dorset has always been a firm favourite on the Artsreach programme and we are delighted to welcome them back this summer for the first time since 2019!