Vincent in Bristol one starry, starry night this October

The mysterious early life of artist Vincent van Gogh is the subject of the latest play from multi award-winning Bristol theatre group, the Kelvin Players.

Premiered at the National Theatre in 2002, ‘Vincent in Brixton’ is a portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh during his early years and covers an actual period from 1873, before the artist was famous, when he was sent to London as part of his apprenticeship with his family’s art dealership

Winner of both an Olivier Award and a Tony for Best New Play, the story is a fictionalised account of this early period in van Gogh’s life depicting his first steps on a journey which would ultimately end in breakdown, death and immortality.

As director Jacqs Ludgate explains, little is known about this early period in the great artist’s life:

“Pretty much all we know is that he stayed in a Brixton boarding house which was the home of Mrs Ursula Loyer, her young daughter Eugenie, and their lodger Sam. But almost everything else that is known about Vincent’s time in London is what was implied in the letters written between and his God-fearing family around that time.”

What happened during his stay there is a mystery. The surviving letters between Vincent and his family reveal their anxiety about the change in his personality, with his mother writing: “Since the summer he has been abnormal. The secrets at the Loyers did him no good”.

“Exactly what those secrets were form the action of this intimate and emotional play.” Jacqs added. “This is a tender, beautiful story with some superb performances from the cast who have all become immersed in Vincent’s life over the last few months.”

Nicholas Wright’s award-winning play is being presented in Bristol for the first time. Set over four acts and spanning three years, the actual house, 87 Hackford Road, SW9 is still standing – and today bears a blue plaque commemorating Vincent’s time living there.

The ensemble cast features both long-established and newer Kelvin members who are all enjoying the opportunity to explore the man behind the Vincent myth.

‘Vincent in Brixton’ will be performed at the Kelvin Studios from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 October 2011, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 on the Tuesday night, and £10 on Wednesday through to Saturday.

To book online visit: www.kelvinplayers.co.uk/Current%20Production.html