Aint no Party like a Mayfest Party!

The wait is over – Mayfest 2011 is finally here! And what better way to celebrate than at a huge Opening Party at the Bristol Old Vic featuring live music, singing, a robot disco, bacon sandwiches and the usual high jinx? It’s tonight from 7.30pm and it’s completely free!

And to help you get in the mood for 10 days of exciting and playful contemporary theatre, here are 10 photographs to whet your appetite for Mayfest 2011:

Meet The Mayfest Crew: Holly McGrane

What is your job at Mayfest?
Producing Intern

Which 3 shows are you most looking forward to at this year's Mayfest?
I am really looking forward to Sex Idiot by Bryonny Kimmings - I have heard some fantastical rumours. If even half of these are true....heck!
I also am gagging to see Operation Greenfield by Little Bulb as I am apparently the only person on the planet who hasn't experienced this extraordinary company's work yet and I feel decidedly left out and sulky.
Also, not strictly a show, but I am going to be all over the Mayfest Opening Party like wet on a flannel. Sambucca? Bacon sarnies? Robots? YES.

I love Mayfest because...
It is a celebration of Bristol as a hub for contemporary theatre and it often challenges people to engage with their city in a whole new way.

Sum up Mayfest in 3 shiny words.
Invention. Experience. Exploration.

What on Earth is a Robot Disco?

During the Mayfest Opening Party on Thursday 5th May 2011 at the Bristol Old Vic, as part of the usual shenanigans, Action Hero will be hosting one of their fantastically good fun Robot Discos.

But just what is a Robot Disco?!
Robot Disco is an opportunity to wear cardboard boxes and dance like a robot. There will be robot music, a robot parade and lots of tin foil. It’s futuristic - says Action Hero.

A Robot Disco looks like this:

A Robot Disco sounds like this:



A Robot Disco feels like...well you’ll have to come and see won't you?

Ali Robertson's Top Mayfest Picks

Ali Robertson is Director of the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Southville’s dynamic and innovative performance venue and one of the primary theatres of Mayfest 2011.



Which 3 shows are you most looking forward to at this year’s Mayfest?

I’m excited to see Tales of a Sea Journey and Operation Greenfield because they’re two of my favourite companies in the world. The Opening Night Party will be a fab night too; the start of a special fortnight.

The Mayfest 2011 Opening Party

7pm till late, Thursday 5th May 2011 @ Bristol Old Vic

While the Theatre Royal and Paintshop at Bristol Old Vic is out of bounds for its makeover, we’re taking over everywhere we can get our hands on for one of our (dare we say it) legendary opening parties. Expect music, singing, a robot disco, and the usual high jinx – all completely free!