This spring, we were honoured to host our third annual Bristol in Conversation event – Stories from the Stage. Held in the heart of Bristol, the evening brought together alumni, staff, students, and friends to reconnect, reflect, and be inspired by the creative journeys of three outstanding alumni working at the forefront of contemporary theatre.
The panellists for this thought-provoking conversation on storytelling for the stage included Sir Gregory Doran (BA 1980, Hon DLitt 2011), former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company; Heidi Vaughan (BA 2005), Artistic Director and CEO of the Tobacco Factory Theatres; and Polly Davis (MSc 2012), Executive Director at the internationally acclaimed theatre company Ad Infinitum. The discussion was warmly introduced by Professor Michele Acuto and expertly facilitated by Dr Kirsty Sedgman, an award-winning scholar and academic in the Department of Theatre.
Each panellist brought a unique perspective from their respective corners of the theatre world. Tobacco Factory Theatres, under Heidi’s leadership, is firmly rooted in Bristol’s cultural scene, championing community engagement and local talent. Polly’s work with Ad Infinitum, meanwhile, offers insights into the dynamics of a touring company – bringing innovative, socially driven performances to audiences across the UK and beyond. And Greg reflected on his experience at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the national flagship for Shakespearean performance, with a remit to both honour tradition and push boundaries. This rich interplay between local, national and touring theatre highlighted the distinct and also interconnected ways these companies are contributing to the broader theatrical landscape.
Together, the panellists shared personal insights into the evolving landscape of theatre, the power of storytelling, and the future of the stage. A key theme running throughout the evening was the need for greater accessibility and inclusion in the arts. ‘Accessibility and inclusion isn’t an add-on,’ said Heidi, ‘it should be in our marrow.’ Greg echoed this sentiment, reflecting on his own casting choices and the importance of recognising one’s limitations: ‘It’s not a duty but a huge opportunity and a learning curve.’
All three alumni spoke passionately about their belief in the transformative potential of theatre – not just to entertain, but to reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Polly spoke movingly about the visceral, surprising stories that resonate most deeply with audiences, noting how vital creativity and empathy are in a society where people increasingly feel disconnected.
The panel also looked ahead, asking how we can sustain and grow theatre’s relevance for future generations. In doing so, they coined a powerful mantra – The 3 C’s: Curiosity, Collaboration, and Courage – the courage to be vulnerable, to take risks, and even to fail.
Attendees also had the chance to explore treasures from the University of Bristol Theatre Collection and interact with Making A Scene – a workshop-in-a-box that uses 3D augmented reality (AR) to bring the art of theatre production to life, especially useful for young people.
As ever, the event offered a vibrant space for conversation and connection, reminding us of the impact Bristol graduates continue to have across the creative industries. We’re already looking forward to next year’s conversation.
To learn about more upcoming events, please visit our Alumni Events webpage.
Images from top (c) Dave Pratt Photography:
- Event panellists Sir Greg Doran, Heidi Vaughan, and Polly Davisn (left-right).
- Sir Gregory Doran is Artistic Director Emeritus of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He joined the iconic theatre in 1987 and was Artistic Director from 2012 to 2022. He authored My Shakespeare: A Director’s Journey through the First Folio and has documented his adventures on a new podcast, The Folio Roadshow, available now.
- Heidi Vaughan, CEO and Artistic Director of Tobacco Factory Theatres. Heidi studied Theatre. Television & Film at the University of Bristol (2003 to 2005). She was appointed Artistic Director and CEO of Tobacco Factory Theatres in 2023 and was formerly Artistic Director and joint CEO for Bristol-based Travelling Light Theatre Company.
- Polly Davis, outgoing Executive Director of Ad Infinitum. Polly studied a Masters in Social and Cultural Theory at the University of Bristol (2009 to 2011) and has a background in managing and producing theatre at the Asian Arts Agency and MAYK theatre, before joining Ad Infinitum in 2020.
- Audience members at the Bristol in Conversation event.
- Welcome slide displayed at the start of the Bristol in Conversation event.
- One of the many treasures of the University’s Theatre Collection