With a Spring in their step following their Special Award for Producing at the Offies ’24, Open Bar Theatre present a brand new adaptation of Vanity Fair to kick off their 2024 season. Specialising in open air classic adaptations, they have been charming audiences with their informal, ‘groundlings’ vibe theatre since 2016. Firm favourites for their fun and refreshingly understandable Shakespeare adaptations, Open Bar added classic literature to their theatre menu in 2023 with Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
Of their recent Offies win, Producers Nicky Diss and Vicky Gaskin said “We’re thrilled (and were taken completely by surprise!) that our innovative relationship with Fuller’s has been recognised by The Offies. We feel very strongly that more businesses like Fuller’s could be supporting the arts in a similar way, at a time where funding is so hard to come by. Fuller’s act as executive producers for all of our shows, fully funding them and giving us full creative control. We are able to make award-winning theatre of the highest quality, as we are able to focus on the show itself and not where the funding is coming from, focussing on casting diversely, ensuring that performers of all identities, situations and backgrounds are represented in our teams; demystifying Shakespeare and classic texts, so that all audience members can understand and enjoy the stories; and bringing true spectacle (through hilarious songs, innovative sets and strong physical performances) to local communities. We love nothing more than audiences approaching us after a show to say they were dragged along and it’s the first time they’ve ever understood or enjoyed the story, and we get this a lot! So, we’re incredibly grateful to be recognised by The Offies for our work, that doesn’t quite fit a particular “genre” of theatre, and are really excited for our 2024 season to open with Vanity Fair.”

Into the world of Vanity Fair steps Becky Sharp, a poor but ambitious orphan determined to raise her standing in Regency London. Without a mother to make connections for her, Becky must make her own. Using only her brilliant wit and charm. She wins over the higher ranks of the army as they battle Napoleon and returns to conquer the British aristocracy.

Join us in a Fuller’s pub, as we follow Becky’s rise and fall and rise again in the eyes of society. With Open Bar’s signature style at the heart of this adaptation by Nicky Diss, the audience will be entertained by four of their finest performers in a high energy delight as they play all the colourful characters of William Makepeace Thackeray’s ‘Vanity Fair’. With original songs, beautiful costumes and, of course, some signature Open Bar audience participation.

Coming this Summer, Shakespeare in the Garden will return for its 8th year with The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing.