Bristol Old Vic was facing closure in 2007 due to lack of funds for refurbishment but has now been given a new lease of life due to an Arts Council grant and a new fundraising website created by Bristol based, Forward Slash Media. The site (www.bristol-old-vic.co.uk) provides a portal of information for the press and public as well as the function to donate money towards the actual refurbishment of the theatre.

Forward Slash Media stepped in to help the Old Vic when it became obvious that the theatre needed the help of local businesses and fans in order to continue running. The theatre, which was until last summer the oldest continuously working theatre in the United Kingdom, needed a site which would allow it to connect with the public and acting world. This is reinforced by a series of videos on the site showing ordinary, as well as famous, people actively campaigning for the theatre.

The site also shows viewers how much money has been raised for the cause and a detailed description of the work to be undertaken and the history of the Old Vic. There is also a Bristol Old Vic Blog which allows interested parties to follow the latest updates and articles surrounding the project as well as other theatre related topics.

The site will continue to grow alongside the expansion of the theatre and ongoing developments will include 3-D walks though the evolving refurbishment, as well as online auctions and public opinion polls addressing which productions audiences would most like to see. Furthermore, the theatre also has its own Facebook Group (Save Bristol Old Vic) which already has a staggering 2,500 members.

The theatre still needs around £3 million to complete the much needed work but with the help of the Arts Council and the ongoing support of Forward Slash Media, local artists and local people, it is nearing that goal each day.