Tea and Tales

A Tobacco Factory Theatres Get Involved Project.

Over ten weeks, we welcomed a brilliant group of older people into the rehearsal room at Monica Wills House Retirement Village – many of whom had never made theatre before, but all of whom were curious, open, and ready to give it a go. The project offered a warm, welcoming space for creativity, conversation, and connection.

Stories were shared over cups of tea, songs were sung, poems were written, and scenes slowly took shape – each one drawn from the lived experiences, memories, and imaginations of the group themselves.

Alongside the performers, students from South Bristol Youth and Bedminster Down Secondary School worked with designer Edwina Bridgeman to create a stunning backdrop for the performance.

Creative Team:

Director - Kate Pasco

Musical Director & Composer - David Hewson

Designer - Edwina Bridgeman

Producer & Facilitator - Imogen Downes

photos below by Ed Felton