 | | First for the Factory | |
 |  | | THIS STORY LAST UPDATED:
04 September 2002 1456 BST
It's a bumper autumn for the Tobacco Factory, with the venue's first full season of events and some surprise productions. | | The captivating Derren Brown kicks off the autumn season at the Tobacco Factory | | | |
| | The season, which begins with some "psychological illusions" and ends with the more familiar Shakespeare, also sees the launch of the Bedminster theatre as a touring venue.
"This step is vital to us in terms of achieving our overall vision. A vision to promote excellence in arts for all," said director Dan Danson
"In order to attract a wide audience we need to promote a diverse programme of events.
"To maintain that audience, however, this programme must be of the highest quality.
"This we believe we have."
Derren Brown
The programme kicks off on the 18th September with psychological illusionist Derren Brown, who brings his mind-reading "magic" to the Tobacco Factory as a taster for next year's national tour.
"This was a way of running the show and getting some feedback, " Derren told Going Out recently.
"I am excited to be playing there, I have watched some of the best Shakespeare I have ever seen at the Tobacco Factory."
Bookings are already flooding in, from as far away as Ireland, for the ten night show, which runs from 18th - 28th September.
The National Theatre
Following the amazing Mr Brown there's another major coup for the Factory when the National Theatre arrives with Tanika Gupta's new play Sanctuary.
This is a rare treat for Bristolians to see the National on tour and the first time for them touring in more "intimate" venues.
Next on the agenda is the Para Active company and their production of Al' Daakan.
This expressive production, which is back by popular request, tells the story of a young Asian girl and her search for truth.
The rest of the season is a mixture of romance, farce, tragedy and comedy from companies based all over the country.
And local groups aren't left out, with the Show of Strength theatre company bringing its story of factory life in Bristol, The Wills's Girls, to what is the perfect venue.
Christmas
This year's Christmas treat, following on from the highly successful Treasure Island last year, is another children's classic - Huckleberry Finn.
The Factory will be transformed into the great Mississippi in a show sure to appeal to adults and children alike. Special performances have also been arranged for schools.
With Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory returning from February to April it's certainly going to be a busy season.
 | | Check out the full listings for the autumn/ | | | winter season at the Tobacco Factory | |
| | | "I am excited to be playing there, I have watched some of the best Shakespeare I have ever seen at the Tobacco Factory."
Derren Brown |
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