THE Friends held their first event of 2017 last week.

This was the annual Salmon Supper at the Armstrong Hall, Thornbury.

The speaker on this occasion was Andrew Stocker, archivist for Bristol Old Vic, who has been involved with the theatre for over thirty years.

With the aid of a comprehensive selection of images he outlined the history of the building, which is the longest running theatre in the UK and its association with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company.

The first production was in May, 1766, but the proprietors were not initially able to obtain a royal licence which meant that effectively any production was effectively illegal.

They got round this difficulty by advertising performances as ‘a concert with a specimen of rhetoric’ and entrance to the theatre was through the front door of an adjacent private house.

The speaker illustrated the development of the building over the years with a series of photographs taken during the recent restoration work as part of a £12 million development programme.

Of particular interest was the device used to simulate the sound of thunder.

This consisted of a wooden chute down which cannon balls were rolled and is still in its original position and still works!

The Coopers Hall, which originally fronted the the Theatre Royal, as it was known, was subsequently incorporated into the foyer in 1872.

The building is now listed Grade 1 by Historic England.

In 1946 the Arts Council arranged for a company from the London Old Vic to staff it, thus forming the Bristol Old Vic.

Also based there is the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which was opened by Laurence Olivier in 1946.

Following this most interesting talk the audience then enjoyed the now traditional salmon and potato meal provided by Rosina and an excellent dessert selection provided by some members.

The event was successful in financial terms and raised a useful sum some of money to support the museum.