Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company, The English Concert

Handel's epic oratorio, Messiah returns to Bristol Old Vic following its sell-out debut at Bristol Proms in 2013.

Inconsolable in grief having lost their charismatic leader, and with their faith put to the ultimate test, one among the apostles convinces his companions that the depth of their loss is the most profound good news that ever passed the lips of man. To redeem a world-view now shattered by such a cataclysmic loss, they must share the news of His life and death with the rest of humanity. Such is the conviction that director Tom Morris (War Horse) conveys to our latest collaboration with The English Concert in bringing Handel's Messiah to life on stage.

As the great master of Italian opera, and having turned his attention towards English oratorio in the years preceding Messiah, Handel's dramatic spirit is in full force here. Indeed, Handel cast some of the best operatic voices of the generation in his performances and caused great controversy not only by recruiting a cathedral choir into his ‘club of fiddlers' for the Dublin premiere, but by presenting such a sacred work in theatres upon his return to England, including its first performance at the Bristol Old Vic in 1782, something not repeated until recently.

6-9 Apr
Theatre
7.30pm
£40-£15 (plus booking fee)
£8 Standing Pit