Rehearsals have begun for Uncle Vanya, the first co-production between Bristol Old Vic and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory.

The two theatre companies have discussed the opportunity of working together for some time and decided to team up for the Russian tragicomedy.

The production will be staged at the Theatre Royal in King Street from October 30 until November 21.

Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory's Andrew Hilton will direct the play, which was written by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov in 1899.

A spokesman for the Bristol Old Vic said: "The historic Theatre Royal stage will be reconfigured for the intimacy for which Hilton's company is famous.

"Uncle Vanya is a moving – and often very funny – portrait of a family trapped in broken ambition.

"Jealousy and passion simmer around the samovar, but little changes, even when tempers flare and shots are fired."

Tickets range from £9 and £24 and are available from the box office on 0117 987 7877.