Bristol was one of my world famous, sporadic last minute holidays. My plan to visit a friend and to explore Devon went awry owing to a lack of accommodation.
My journey to Bristol was uneventful. Short and quick on a not particularly busy train. I am sure that there must have been some good reason why someone walked the entire length of the carriage to sit on the chair adjacent to mine.
Upon arrival, I attempted to follow the directions to the Hilton from Bristol Temple Meads Station and unsurprisingly got lost. The exit I should have taken would have led to a zebra crossing, my exit led to traffic lights and a strange, sprawling city, a fusion culture held together by hotels. In fact, I have never visited a city with so many hotels.
I spent some time in the Hilton once I found it. I read and enjoyed the comfortable bed, then at 5pm, I decided to go out in hunt of something to eat and the Bristol Old Vic.
I took forever getting my bearings, stumbling around, fearful that I would miss the start of my play. I succumbed to junk food then went to the theatre, where I saw an intelligent and provocative piece about the dangers of youth and religion called 'Martyr'. Belief is one thing, devout submersion another. The good word can have a negative impact in the wrong hands. The audience was sadly only half full. Hopefully, when it transfers to the Unicorn Theatre in London next week, it will be busier. I did overhear a conversation between two members of the audience who stated that the theatre is rarely ever sold out, which is a shame as it's a lovely old theatre and the shows are eclectic and indeed, transfer regularly to London.
The most beautiful moments today involved seeing the lights reflected on the river and a church in the darkness, partially illuminated by spotlights. Another aurally beautiful moment involved hearing The Smiths, whilst in the bar area of the Bristol Old Vic. Fate wears a quiff and brandishes flowers.
I have purchased a return train ticket for Weston-Super-Mare tomorrow, hopefully to see Dismaland but if that plan fails (i.e. I can't get a ticket), I will at least visit somewhere new.
I will begin to properly explore Bristol on Friday.
Barry Watt - 9th September 2015.
Photos
Hilton room. My coat slung inelegantly over the chair, resembling a small and strange animal.
Bristol by night. Nothing quite like light reflecting on water to put me in a good mood.
Mysterious church. Everything looks gothic in the darkness.
Bristol Old Vic.
Afterword
Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre is located near to Bristol Temple Meads and their website is below:
http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-garden-inn-bristol-city-centre-BRSCCGI/index.html
The Bristol Old Vic is a lovely theatre located in King Street, BS1 4ED. This is a link to their website:
http://www.bristololdvic.org.uk/257.html
'Martyr' is a play by Marius Von Mayenburg, a German playwright and is currently on at the Unicorn Theatre in London. Its staging uses a number of Brecht's techniques including the cast on stage as the audience arrive. Please see below for a link to the Unicorn Theatre and specifically the play. It runs until 10th October:
https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson/101/martyr
Dismaland is the much publicised 'theme park'. A brilliantly innovative collection of works by a variety of artists including Banksy. The website is below:
http://dismaland.co.uk/
BW.
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