During Christmas 2015 The Wardrobe Theatre opened its doors in Old Market with minimal fanfare and funding, with paint still drying and with us still holding hammers. What began as a dream above The White Bear on St Michael’s Hill had become something much bigger.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years. Those early days were pure DIY – mismatched chairs, borrowed tools, endless late nights and the kindness of anyone who turned up to lend a hand. We had virtually no budget, just determination and a belief that The Wardrobe Theatre could be a home for everyone. When we finally opened with the first show, Goldilock, Stock & Three Smoking Bears, the room was bursting with laughter and relief. Bristol had shown up for us – and has never stopped.
Over the years, thousands of artists, theatre-makers, comedians, musicians, clowns, poets and non-performers having a go have passed through our doors. From Closer Each Day: The Improvised Soap Opera to Story Slam, and our now infamous Christmas mashups, the stage we build by hand has been a playground for risk, chaos and joy. Through it all, we’ve tried to ensure our theatre has remained what it’s always been – a space for people to connect, to experiment, to play.
Today, we are so proud to say that The Wardrobe Theatre is still standing tall, built on the same foundations it always was: sweat, love and Bristol’s boundless creativity. As we celebrate a decade at in Old Market in partnership with The Old Market Assembly, we hope you’ll join us soon for another unforgettable night of surprise, tears and joy.
Thank you for building this with us. Whether you hammered a wall, poured a pint, performed onstage, or sat on our (until recently) uncomfortable benches and laughed. Here’s to the next 10 years!
With love and gratitude,
Matthew, Chris, Aisha, Luke, Kate, LK, Giulia and Daisy xxxx