Dreams and jobs slowly fade away as Bristol bears brunt of arts cuts

In the shadow culture minister's seat, there is a degree of hope a Labour government might bring change

I felt like Bristol was one of the best places in the country to make theatre," says writer and performer Amy Mason, who's lived in Bristol for most of her life. It was quite punk. It was this very well organised, inclusive and active system of getting work on stage. People could make a living out of theatre."

Mason left school at 16 and worked in retail, but a community theatre project not far from the colourful house we're sitting in on the edge of the city offered her the chance to attend a playwright workshop and put on a small show. They liked it, they gave me a commission, I was like: Oh my God, I could be a writer!" From there, she started writing short stories, went on to stage three shows with Bristol Old Vic, and has grown a career as a TV writer and standup comedian.