At the 2004 spring launch, artistic directors David Farr and Simon Reade outlined what they described as their "continuing commitment to relationships within Bristol while forging major new national and European partnerships."

"We are working with theatres across the country and beyond, from the National Theatre, London to the National Theatre of Bergen in Norway, " they said.

"We are committed to creating ambitious work in accessible productions, telling the stories that people want to see in ways never seen before."

The new season kicks off with David Farr's new adaptation of John Milton's Paradise Lost, commissioned by the National Theatre, which will premiere at Bristol Old Vic in January.

Dramatic poem

Farr reunites the team behind 2003's popular Comedy of Errors and A Midsummer Night's Dream and introduces British film-maker Ben Hopkins and international movement director Isabel Rocamora, to create an innovative theatrical retelling of Milton's dramatic poem.

The play, which will include music, film and aerial choreography, looks set to take the seduction of Adam and Eve and the fall of man, into the 21st century.

Brecht's classic Mother Courage and her Children arrives in February

In February the Old Vic's relationship with the Eclipse Theatre initiative continues with Mother Courage and her Children.

Set in modern day Africa, this new adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's play is directed by Josette Mushell-Mingo, whose recent work includes the musical hit Simply Heavenly.

In March, David Farr directs Joe Orton's irreverent comedy, Loot.

The tale, set in "permissive" London in 1966, sees the playwright gleefully exposing the hypocrisies of the English establishment and lampooning the police, sexual propriety and religion.

This Easter, Bristol Old Vic collaborates with the National Theatre of Bergen, Norway, on a major new family theatre commission.

Beasts and Beauties - Eight Tales from Europe, is created by the team who revolutionised family theatre at London's Young Vic theatre with Grimm Tales.

Poet Carol Ann Duffy re-tells eight classic fables and folk tales of childhood. Music is composed by Norwegian percussionist and composer Terje Isungset.

Best of Bristol

Meanwhile, in the Old Vic Studio, things are moving a little closer to home with a Best of Bristol programme.

The season includes the world premiere of Toby Farrow's new Australian backpacker comedy Kangaroo Valley, which tells the story of Aussie swimming star Jez Brenneman and his brush with the seedy life of London hostels.

The Best of Bristol continues with Instant Wit's comedy improvisation; Theatre West's new production of Catherine Johnson's hit play Shang-a-Lang; Hoax Productions' surreal Raw Beef and a two week Festival of Youth Theatre from acta, Bristol Old Vic Youth Theatre, Circomedia and Kuumba.

Bristol Old Vic's acclaimed Youth Theatre is also presenting two classic European plays: Fuente Ovejuna by Lope de Vega, adapted by Adrian Mitchell and The Visit by Friedrich Durrenmatt, adapted by Maurice Valency.

Check out our complete rundown of Spring at the Old Vic.