Review: BOXVILLE, Bristol Old Vic
Photo credit: Paul Blakemore
Yesterday, we visited the longstanding multifunctional performance space that is the Bristol Old Vic; one of the oldest continually operating theatres in the English-speaking world. This historic building has benefitted from major redevelopments particularly over the last eight years, which has seen the front of house space transformed, improvements to access for all and the sharing of its heritage brought to the forefront. It offers multiple performance/event spaces, including the Weston Studio, which is where our viewing of Boxville took place. This is a modern and flexible studio space with a full programme of events lined up.
Boxville previously appeared across the 2024 season at over 30 venues ranging from schools to festivals. It then visited the Polka Theatre in London in February 2025, followed by an appearance at Windmill Hill City Farm Bristol in May.
This is a cleverly crafted (literally) combination of an interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activity and immersive theatre, focusing predominantly on the 4-8 year old age group, encouraging the use of curiosity, creativity and knowledge. A great way to introduce the next generation of theatregoers into a creative space. It is no mean feat to hold the attention of such a young audience but this piece has just the right mix of static watch time, interjected with frequent interactive intervals and seems to achieve this.
Not short of action, in the short space of an hour, we watch the performers tell a story, with a contemporary relevant twang. Interact with games, create craft and train to be cardboard engineers, enhanced by fitting music and sound effects. Crafting is completed in ten-minute intervals per build and by the end of the piece, the young patrons have made robot disguises, instruments and a shield, also earning all they need to construct their Boxville badge! All of which they can take home.
The stage is set on arrival. There are no scenery changes but Sam Wilde’s design allows us to travel in time from modern day dealings with Alexa all the way back to the renaissance period, simply using his corrugated creations. There is a poignant reference to the famous representation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with the appearance of a (Cardboard) ruff and skull in hand, lending an artistic nod to this masterpiece of English literature, which is a nice touch for the theatre loving adult.
Sustainability is also a win here, with all props, set and puppets superbly crafted from cardboard, including toolboxes, a life size dragon with operational eyes and other fully functional masterpieces! Audience members are invited to bring along a box to actively partake in the performance but this is not essential as some are available. All other resources to craft are provided, and the actors, come cardboard engineers are on hand to support.
This is a delightfully engaging and creatively interactive piece of family theatre, best experienced alongside the young.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Claire Baker
Boxville plays at Bristol Old Vic until 21 February, with further info here.