Details

Zany zoologists on a prehistoric plateau, ape -men, madcap balloon rides and a pterodactyl loose in London. How can it be done on stage? But seeing is believing, and when the infamous Professor Challenger declares the existence of a pre-historic plateau hidden in the Amazon jungle, Roxton and his fellow explorers set out to see for themselves. Each man approaches the adventure with private motives but the wonders and terrors of the place draw them together as they are forced to confront the UNBELIEVABLE ! During Bristol Old Vic’s closure the Studio has been used as a storage facility by the City Museum, housing exhibits far too dangerous to be shown to the general public. Most dangerous of all are the sealed crates containing the remains of Professor Challenger’s ill-fated expedition to South America, an expedition to reveal the secrets of Maple White Land, the lost world where prehistoric monsters still roam free. But now crates have been found empty, broken open from the inside, and the whole terrifying story is set to explode again. Do you dare enter the Studio and discover the truth? Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic adventure, The Lost World leads us into a subterranean world that we explore at will. In every crate, round every corner, from floor to ceiling, there is a new surprise ready to thrill us - a lush Amazonian rainforest, enormous half chewed bones, the grizzly remains of other explorers, exotic scents, waxwork figures that spring to life, and, of course, real, living breathing dinosaurs. From the moment we enter the Lost World we become adventurers, seeking out the story of Professor Challenger’s mission and deciding for ourselves the revolutionary implications of his startling discoveries. The Lost World is an interactive performance adventure, moving through different areas of the theatre. It is created by Bristol director and playwright Toby Hulse, whose No Loud Bangs plays delighted young audiences in the Studio over four Christmases, and Vicky Andrews of Bristol based puppet company Pickled Image, who have an international reputation for their stunning and eccentric visual style. Toby and Vicky have previously collaborated at Bristol Old Vic on the sell out Around the World in Eighty Days and The Chatterbox, and are currently developing an interactive storytelling performance with puppets for five and six year olds. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Lost World is the book chosen this year for Bristol’s Big Read and is being enjoyed across the city and as far afield as Edinburgh as part of the celebrations of Darwin’s 200th and Conan Doyle’s 150th birthdays. WARNING! Due to recent unexplained power drains in the building, it is advised that you bring a torch. Suitable for anyone over five with a strong heart and a spirit of adventure.

Cast/Performers

Oliver Millingham, Angus Barr, Robin Hemmings

Creatives/Company

Book by: Conan-Doyle
Producer(s): Roustabout, Bristol Old Vic
Director: Toby Hulse
Adapted by(s): Toby Hulse, Vicky Andrews
Design: Vicky Andrews
Sound: Nathan Ng