Review of BRAVE at The Bristol Old Vic

BRAVE is an astounding, unique and inspiring play put on by the Bristol Old Vic’s young company. They delivered such a powerful, wise, inventive and thought-provoking performance. Like an abstract dream, I fell into the fantastical and universal experiences displayed in BRAVE.

Brilliantly directed and explored, BRAVE brought the audience from laughing one moment to silence in the next. For one night you get to re-live the highs and lows of childhood and life: kiss chases, birthdays, divorce, illness, abuse and death. Great insights and humour were provided into adult lives including one that played on the game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, doing their own version – Who Wants To Be A Parent?

There were moments when you felt like you had been propelled into Toy Story and others when it felt like watching a Hollywood movie. Its ambitious cast of 200 performers from ages 7 – 70 meant they were able to recreate moments which often can only be captured on screen. It brought a new life and experience onto the stage, unlike any I have seen before.

The music was incredible, ranging from surreal music reminiscent of Frank Zappa, classical, ambient, beat-boxing and operatic singing. Each piece was powerfully emotive and accompanied the different stories beautifully.

BRAVE demonstrates the talent, professionalism and voice of young people today, and has inspired me to see more productions by young people. It’s definitely fulfilled its promises and then some by creating a brilliant piece of art. Don’t miss out, go and see it quick!