Wickham Theatre

The exploration of live performance is an important part of the department's approach the understanding of theatre.

Students in all years engage in performances exploring forms and expressions in several theatrical traditions including experimental contemporary practice.

Developed by Professor Martin White and theatre designer Jennie Norman from original drawings by the celebrated Jacobean architect, Inigo Jones, a full-scale reconstruction of a 17th-century Jacobean indoor playhouse, lit by candles, provides a venue for an ongoing research project, public performances, a programme of teaching, and public lectures.

A second example is its use for a ‘Preconstruction’ of human survival in Bristol following the worst ravages of global warming some time in the near future.

Developed by Professor Baz Kershaw (University of Bristol Chair of Drama 1998–2006) with environmental movement artist Sandra Reeve as co-director, plus costume designer Pam Tate, set designer Jennie Norman, and lighting/technical designer Rod Terry, a 2004 production called Green Shade[4][5] stripped the Wickham Theatre back to its bare walls – it was originally a printing workshop – to create an environmental installation modelled on Cornwall's celebrated Eden Project.