Profile
SUPPLIER FOCUS
Eclipse
ALTERNATIVE VENUE
Bristol Old Vic
Robin Purslow, MD of
production company
Eclipse, on work-life
balance, Brexit and a
cultural change in the
industry
What’s one thing you would change about the
events industry?
If I could change one thing, it would be to
educate people about how hard our industry
works. We have very dedicated people who will
volunteer to work crazy long hours to ensure the
events we run are rigged and derigged within
very short timeframes. With quality of work life
balance and mental health being very important
there should be better understanding of what it
takes to make events happen.
What issue most affects your working life?
I’m afraid to say, right now, Brexit. The chaotic
uncertainty of what’s happening (or not as the
case may be) is causing real concern for employees
being worried about their future and clients
delaying events to understand the outcome.
The newly renovated Bristol institution combines
history and the latest tech to create a unique offering
for exhibition organisers
Tell us about the history of the venue
Centrally located on historic King Street, the venue boasts
a traditional and dramatic auditorium, a modern space known
as the Weston Studio as well as the Grade I listed Coopers’
Hall, a grand banqueting hall which still retains Georgian
charm. In September 2018 a multimillion-pound renovation
of the Bristol Old Vic’s front of house spaces was completed,
transforming the venue into an architecturally stunning and
welcoming setting, highlighting the heritage whilst creating
contemporary appeal.
What kind of events does the venue host?
How has your business changed over the past
five years?
I’m very pleased to say that in the last five years
we have really changed for the good. As a solid
business with 30 years behind us we were drifting
with no real direction. In the last few years we
have set targets and mapped out our desired
income streams with greater trust and respect
within the workforce being encouraged. This has
led to a real cultural change and great work being
delivered across the whole business.
Why do you enjoy working in events?
The industry is a very diverse one and what is
great, and a bit clichéd, is that no day is the same
as the last. When you feel you have everything
right on point, along comes a new challenge that
really adds energy to the working day. Seeing
how it brings the team together to tackle these
challenges is very rewarding.
72 — April
Bristol Old Vic’s Coopers’ Hall, with its high ceilings and
huge over-arching windows and Georgian charm, can play
host to several event set ups from formal dinners, theatre style
seating and standing receptions, for events such as corporate
celebrations, conferences, exhibitions or even weddings..
What is the offering for exhibition organisers?
Bristol Old Vic offers a unique venue which combines
history and modern architecture to create inspirational
spaces. Coopers’ Hall would play host to exhibition stands
while the Coopers’ Balcony can become an informal breakout
space, providing a private area which overlooks the 1766 Bar &
Kitchen and the original theatre wall.
What support can you offer event organisers?
Our events and catering partner Fosters Events can guide
event organisers through every step of the planning from
how best to configure the spaces, to helping you select the all-
important food and drinks. Standard AV is included although
we can accommodate requests using the in-house team or an
external partner. EN