At Tobacco Factory Theatres, supporting local artists is a privilege that we are proud to champion. Every season, we’re honoured to shine a light on the creativity, ambition and talent that make Bristol’s arts scene so special. Giving artists and companies the space to share their work, connect with audiences and bring new ideas to the stage.
This season is no exception. From exciting independent companies to individual performers and the brilliant people who make a production possible behind the scenes, we’re delighted to be supporting an inspiring mix of local talent.
First up this Autumn we have Gurt Productions. Founded by Bristol-based artist Casey Lloyd, GURT Productions is on a mission to shake up how and where theatre happens. Their work is loud, bold and joyfully inclusive — the kind of theatre that makes you think, laugh, and maybe even drag your “arts-aren’t-for-me” mates along next time.
Apples & Pears Scratch Night was bought to the Spielman Theatre this Autumn by Owl On The Roof Theatre who formed in 2020, brought together through the year-long residency scheme Made in Bristol at Bristol Old Vic. Living and working in the city, the team behind the successful Apples and Pears scratch night work hard to give a spotlight to other local creatives and allow them a stage to showcase their work.
Scraps is a theatre company who were bought to life via our Blueprint Festival at TFT back in 2004. Headed up by Bristol based actors Daisy Kennedy and Mia Macleod this Christmas our Spielman Theatre audiences will be treated to an original production of Scraps: Christmas Leftovers which is promised to be full of sketch, dance, lip sync and clowning.
Bristol based Director Lydia Cook will also be joining the team over the festive season and will be co-directing our in house Christmas Flag Ship Production of A Christmas Carol. Lydia is a theatre director and maker, creating immersive, bold, and playful work that often weaves together music and movement.
And, of course, no celebration of this season would be complete without recognising the cast and crew of ALL 4 Christmas productions (namely A Christmas Carol, Living Spit’s Its Beginning to look a lot like Quizmas, Scraps: Christmas Leftovers and Tiny & Tall: Snowy Little Hair) across both our theatres all of which are based within a 25mile radius of TFT*.
*as far as we are aware…. people may have recently moved!
Theatre is always a collective effort, and it takes a huge amount of creativity, care and collaboration to bring a production to life. From the performers on stage to the teams working behind the scenes, every contribution helps create the moments that stay with audiences long after the curtain falls. To have this wealth of talent right here on our doorstep is something we are incredibly proud to champion.
For us, supporting local artists means more than simply putting on a show. It means investing in the people who make theatre happen, creating opportunities for artists to develop their work, and helping Bristol’s creative community to thrive.
As a member of Tobacco Factory Theatres, you’re part of that story, too. And for that we cannot thank you enough. Your support helps us continue to nurture talent, celebrate fresh ideas and make space for brilliant work to reach the audiences it deserves.
So, as we look ahead to the rest of the season, we want to say a huge thank you to all the artists, companies, performers, creatives and crew who make Tobacco Factory Theatres what it is. We can’t wait for you to discover what they have in store.
Posted on 21 October 2026
