Listings for Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Description

Boasting one of the largest theatre stages in Britain, the Bristol Hippodrome welcomes huge West End musical tours, such as Cats, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing and Legally Blonde, the Bristol Hippodrome has also regularly hosts concerts, ballet, Opera, Comedians, Circus and theatre. For example, the Bristol Hippodrome has welcomed performances such as Of Mice and Men and Blood Brothers as well as comedians Russel Howard, Frankie Boyle, Ricky Tomilson and Lee Mack.

Designated by English Heritage as a Grade II-listed building, the Bristol Hippodrome interior is extremely beautiful, fitted with red plush seating and exquisite golden decor and a large dome which can be opened when necessary. The Bristol Hippodrome is currently managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) which operates about 50 theatre venues worldwide. 

Bristol Hippodrome Seating Plan

With a capacity of 1904 seats, the Bristol Hippodrome boasts a large auditorium. The auditorium is divided into the Stalls, which has 859 seats, the Grand Circle which has 507 seats and the Upper Circle which has 538 seats. Depending on where you choose to sit in the auditorium, Bristol Hippodrome ticket prices may vary considerably.

Premium Seats

If you are looking for some of the best seats in the theatre, then these can be found in the mid-front of the Stalls and Grand Circle where you can enjoy excellent views of the whole theatre. You can find better legroom in the Stalls and towards the back of the Grand Circle.  

Discounted seats

If you are looking for heavily discounted tickets, then these can be found in the Upper Circle as this section of the theatre has slightly restricted views of the stage. There are also slightly cheaper tickets at the ends of rows in the stalls and at the back of the Grand Circle.  

Bristol Hippodrome Contact and Opening times

Contact Numbers

Telephone Booking : 0844 871 3012* 

Group Bookings : 0333 009 5385 

Access Bookings : 0800 912 6971* 

General, Marketing, Press/PR : 0117 302 3310 

Opening Hours

Useful Information

Getting there  

Located in the centre of Bristol, the Bristol Hippodrome is close to many other attractions and shopping streets. The theatre is easily accessible by both public transport and car depending on which you choose to take.  

Train: Bristol Temple Meads is about a 15-20 minute walk away from the Bristol Hippodrome. Leave the station and then use the side entrance, take the footpath to the Friary, then after that turn left. You will then see a roundabout , turn right at this roundabout and then head onto Temple Way. You will then have to take the first left onto Tower Street which becomes Church Lane. Finally, turn right onto Victoria Street after crossing the bridge, bear right onto Baldwin Street which you can follow until the end, then turn left onto Augustine’s Parade.

Bus: You can take one of several buses that stop on St Augustine’s Parade and Anchor Roa, which is in front of the theatre. The bus routes include 492, 903, X1, X2, X3, X3A, X4, X6, X7, X8, X9 and X54.

Car: if you decide to travel to the theatre by car, then please be aware that the Bristol Hippodrome does not have its own car park. However, there are several car parks nearby on Rupert Street and Queen Charlotte Street NCP car parks have a discounted evening rate of £4.50.

Access

If you have any access requirements such as wheelchair transfers or transfer spaces, we recommend that you call the Bristol Hippodrome access line beforehand on 0800 912 6971 or email bristolmarketing@theambassadors.com. There is a chance that the spaces will not be available so please call this number prior to your visit.

Getting there

Located on St Augustine’s Parade, the Bristol Hippodrome has one step up from the main entrance or alternatively there is a ramp to the Piano Bar entrance. From the box office, there is step-free, level access. Door attendants are there to assist and help navigate the theatre all of the time. However, there is also an alternative access entrance located on Denmark Street, which provides level access to the Stalls. There is also a drop off point directly outside.

Inside the theatre

There is no doubt that the most accessible section of the theatre is located in the Stalls. Customers using a Wheelchair can book individual positions in Row M of the Stalls, which has a space for the wheelchair and also a fixed seat for the companion. Staff are happy to help with wheelchair transfers in the theatre. There is an at-seat service available for access patrons and staff are there to help you navigate the theatre.

Given that there is no customer lift, it is very difficult for customers with limited mobility to access the other sections of the theatre. The Upper Circle is accessible up 78 steps, via the Grand Circle Bar and it is 52 steps up to the Grand Circle from the main entrance.

Bristol Hippodrome History

Originally designed by Frank Matcham for Oswald Stoll, the Bristol Hippodrome opened on the 16th December 1912. While the Bristol Hippodrome theatre survived World War II, three years after it ended a huge fire completely destroyed the stage and the theatre only full re opended about 10 months later. In 1960, an American musician, Eddie Cochran, played his final show at the Bristol Hippodrome but was sadly killed in a road accident only hours later. The Bristol Hippodrome has been thrilling audiences with its world class theatre production for decades and it famously celebrated its centenary with a show called Thanks for the Memories.

Photos of Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Featured videos

Bristol Hippodrome guide

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre - pre-show start build-up

Bristol Hippodrome - A Family Friendly Venue - ATG Tickets