'I went to a marvellous party'

Performance artist Tom Marshman invites you all to a marvellous party, bringing to life the fascinating personal archive of Oliver Messel, one of the twentieth century’s leading theatrical stars.

Part-installation, part-performance, the events are free and open for drop-ins throughout the day, and will be staged at three different locations across Bristol, see times, and dates below (no booking required).

As master of ceremonies, Tom will be drawing out untold stories from Oliver’s captivating world, animating the installation with timed performances inspired by a host of characters from Oliver’s personal and professional life; from Bright Young Things, to Hollywood starlets and theatrical dames.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the installation, sharing in Tom’s curiosity as he delved through the Archive, discovering handwritten letters, musings and conversations, brought to life through interweaving audio and reproductions of original material.

Tom’s shows are known for their ‘hand crafted, intimate and naughty’ approach, often both ‘humorous, high-brow, low-brow, sensory, stomach churning, conversational, and sentimental’ all at once. Join us as he turns his hand to the hidden histories of Oliver’s life, celebrated through the stories of this marvellous party.

2 March, The Vestibules (Deanery Road), City Hall, College Green, Bristol

10am – 4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)

3 March, The Vestibules (Deanery Road), City Hall, College Green, Bristol

11am – 4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)

9 March, Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, Bristol BS2 0NW

10am – 4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)

23 March, Arts Mansion, Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN

10am – 4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)

24 March, Arts Mansion, Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN

11am – 4pm (with timed performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm)

The events are part of a wider Sharing the Messel Magic project which includes the FREE exhibition Oliver Messel: Wake Up and Dream – Theatre, Art and Society at the Theatre Collection until April 2019, for more info see the website below.