The theatre that mirrors Bristol itself

Bristol's leading fringe theatre, Old Market's The Wardrobe Theatre, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. NATALIE BANYARD looks back at its transformation and triumphs with artistic director Matthew Whittle and co-founder Chris Collier

- NATALIE BANYARD

T'S been a decade since The Wardrobe Theatre first flung open its doors in Old Market. Now, the unique, vibrant, and intimate venue has become Bristol's leading fringe theatre, loved by audiences and performers alike.

Sharing a building with restaurant, cafe and bar The Old Market Assembly, the 100-seater theatre always boasts a joyous and eclectic programme to entertain everyone, from the panto haters and poets, to comedy fans and music lovers, as well as the very littlest of theatre-goers.

The Wardrobe Theatre's story began modestly. Created by theatre-makers Chris Collier, Jesse Meadows and Jesse Jones, and with Matthew Whittle joining six months later, it began life as a tiny theatre above The White Bear pub on St Michael's Road.

"It was only supposed to be a popup," recalls Artistic Director, Matthew, "just a few months running a venue above The White Bear pub. But audiences and artists loved it and four years later, we were still there."

That temporary experiment became a movement. By 2015, the team had outgrown their attic theatre and began dreaming bigger. A new space beckoned something purpose-built for performance, yet still accessible, scrappy and distinctly Bristol.

The Wardrobe Theatre teamed up with the founders of Bristol restaurant group, The Assemblies, to find a space where food, drink, culture, theatre, and stories could come together under one roof. A beautiful but derelict building in Old Market - once a bank, then a gay cabaret club was available and the team recognised it as the perfect opportunity for this exciting new venture.

Chris says, "We were looking for a bigger space, and they were looking for a new business venture with a twist. We got the green light, and suddenly we were knee-deep in plaster dust and spreadsheets.