The Bristol Hippodrome, the city’s very own West End theatre, opened its doors on the 16th December 1912 when the curtain rose for the first time on what was generally agreed to be Oswald Stoll’s most magnificent provincial theatre.
It is a superb example of the grand architecture of the late Victorian era and is one of the masterpieces of design by Frank Matcham, the most eminent theatre architect of his time.
One of Matcham’s spectacular features included... Read more >>

The Bristol Hippodrome, the city’s very own West End theatre, opened its doors on the 16th December 1912 when the curtain rose for the first time on what was generally agreed to be Oswald Stoll’s most magnificent provincial theatre.
It is a superb example of the grand architecture of the late Victorian era and is one of the masterpieces of design by Frank Matcham, the most eminent theatre architect of his time.
One of Matcham’s spectacular features included the provision of a huge water tank constructed in front of the stage, which could be filled within one minute by 100,000 gallons of water, allowing the theatre to combine three forms of entertainment – stage, circus and aquatic. To protect the orchestra and those sitting in the front Stalls from the heavy spray which resulted from some of those effects, an enormous glass screen could be raised by the single movement of a lever.
A unique feature within the theatre, which unlike the water tank still survives today, is the dome in the roof above the stalls, which can be opened to reveal the sky above. Now that the auditorium is air-cooled the dome is rarely used, but many audiences have marvelled at this event during intervals and still request its opening, which to our knowledge is the only operating dome still functioning this way in the UK.
Towards the beginning of the century, the theatre staged a variety of acts as a Music Hall. Since then, and due to the fact that it has one of the largest theatre stages in Britain, The Bristol Hippodrome has established itself on the touring circuit for all major musical productions, thus becoming known as Bristol’s West End Theatre.
Fire! Fire!
Having survived the war unscathed during which time the theatre contributed enormously to the morale of Bristolians with a continuous run of first-rate entertainment, it was a tragic irony when, less than three years after the war ended, a disastrous fire broke out and almost destroyed it in 1948.
The annual pantomime was "Babes in the Wood" and at approximately 1pm on February 16th, fire broke out backstage and within minutes had spread from the flies and enveloped the stage. Thirty-foot high flames gutted the entire rear portion of the theatre, but the auditorium and roof were saved after a frantic battle by the Fire Brigade. The conflagration was halted, almost miraculously it seemed, at the orchestra pit and the damage sustained in the auditorium was caused chiefly by smoke and water.
No definite cause of the fire was established and the investigation committee concluded that the most likely cause was a cigarette or match carelessly discarded by some unknown person immediately before leaving the theatre. After a major rebuild/refurbishment period, the theatre reopened on the 24th December with Cinderella and Ted Ray, to rapturous applause.
Sensational Shows!
The theatre has diversified over the years to encapsulate the full spectrum of live theatrical entertainment. From top West End shows Cats, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing and Legally Blonde, to name more than a few, through to regular visits from the best in Opera and Ballet, Comedy, Childrens’ Shows, Concerts and even the Circus! They have all thrilled audiences over the years and continue to do so today.

By Car
M5(N) - Junction 18 and follow A4 (Portway) to the city centre.
M5(S) Jnt 15/M4 Jnt 19. Continue on M32 to its termination bearing right and follow signs for city centre.
There are a number of NCP car parks within easy walking from the theatre, situated at Rupert Street, Queen Charlotte Street and Prince Street. Rupert Street NCP parking is £2.50 per evening (6pm – midnight).
There is other parking at Trenchard Street situated to the rear of the theatre. There is additional parking at Millennium Square which is approximately 4 minutes scenic walk along the waterfront.
If you require information about parking for patrons with a disability please call 0117 3023222 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm) or email trishhodson@theambassadors.com
If you have Satellite Navigation, our postcode is BS1 4UZ. If you do not have Satellite Navigation, but require detailed driving instructions, we recommend Google Maps. Once you open the page, select directions and enter your starting point. Click here to go to our location on Google Maps
By Train
If arriving at Bristol Temple Meads station, taxis (5 mins) are available to city centre. Bus Nos 8 and 9; ask for city centre stop (or Hippodrome stop). Bristol Parkway is approximately 5 miles from city centre where taxi and bus services are also available.
For more information call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or visit www.NationalRail.co.uk.
Coach Parking
See 'By Car'. Coach parking is undergoing change in Bristol. Please call Bristol City Council Parking Services on 0117 903 8070.
By Air
Bristol Airport is a short journey from the Bristol Hippodrome. Visit their website for full flight details http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/
By Ferry
There are ferry services that alight on the waterfront around 1 minute walk away. Please contact Bristol Ferry Boat Company 0117 9273416
e-mail enquiries@bristolferryboat.co.uk
or visit www.bristolferryboat.co.uk
Book online: Use the links below
Telephone Booking: 0844 871 3012
Customer Service: 0844 871 7627
Groups Bookings: 0844 871 3032
Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677
Stage Door / Admin:* 0117 302 3310
*please note it is not possible to assist
with bookings on this number
Mon 21 - Tue 22 May 10am - 6pm (no show)
Wed 23 - Sat 26 May 10am - 7.45pm
Sun 27 May Closed (no show)
Mon 28 May - Sat 2 Jun 10am - 7.45pm
Sun 3 Jun Closed (no show)
Mon 4 Jun (Bank Holiday) 5.30pm - 7.45pm
Tue 5 Jun (Bank Holiday) 5.30pm - 7.45pm
Wed 6 - Sat 9 Jun 10am - 7.45pm
Sun 10 Jun Closed (no show)
Mon 11 - Sat 16 Jun 10am - 7.45pm
Sun 17 Jun Closed (no show)
Mon 18 - Sat 23 Jun 10am - 7.45pm
Sun 24 Jun Closed (no show)
Mon 25 - Sat 30 Jun 10am - 7.45pm
Enhance your visit with a VIP Experience
We have something suitable for all occasions.
What is your VIP Experience?
I would like to arrange a children's party for Christmas or a birthday
I want to celebrate with family and friends
I am a corporate booker who wishes the best treatment and package
I wish to celebrate my favourite show and want a bespoke package to reflect this...
We will design to your bespoke requirements.
All packages from £20* when booked in advance
To book, make further enquires and discuss your personal VIP needs, simply email bristolvipexperience@theambassadors.com
Create your memories!
*per person and minimum upgrade package includes drinks, private room and facilities, ice cream, dedicated staff member and house programme (where applicable).
Theatre Tours
Join us behind the scenes of Bristol's West End theatre, The Bristol Hippodrome, as we approach our centenary.
Tours are available on selected Saturday mornings, starting at 10.30am* at the theatre main entrance.
ATG Theatre Card Members £9.50
Adult £14.50
Concessions £12.50
Groups 10+ £9.50
Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £40
Special Matinee Saver £5 off adult rate on production of that days matinee ticket.
Advance booking recommended.
All tours start at 10.30am (*pantomime tours start at 10am) and take approx 90 mins. Tours are presented by our knowledgeable guides and include the front of house areas, backstage covering the history, the fantastic shows, the stars who've trodden the boards, and of course a smattering of gossip and ghost stories. This is an ideal way to spend a Saturday morning whether you've lived in Bristol all your life, a regular theatre goer who wants to find out more or a visitor to our great city, entertainment is the name of the game.
To book please call 0844 871 3012* (*subject to booking/transaction fee)
Groups 10+ call 0844 871 3032
Bespoke parties and educational tours please call the venue on 0117 302 3310

Access Parking:
Customers can park for free with a Blue Badge on double yellow lines (up to 3 hours) or parking meters (no time limit). Closest roads to the theatre’s Access Entrance are Denmark Street, Gaunts Lane, Unity Street and Orchard Street
Lift access:
From the Access Entrance to the wheelchair user’s platform only
Access toilets:
There is a unisex wheelchair accessible toilet just inside the Access Entrance. There is also another one at the rear of the Cast Bar at the front of the venue.
Access to theatre bars:
There is a wheelchair users’ platform lift located inside the Access Entrance down to the Stalls Bar. This bar is not always open but ‘At Seat Service’ is available on request. There is level access into Cast Bar at the front of the venue.
Level access to the theatre:
Through the Access Entrance in Denmark Street. Please contact the venue’s Groups and Access department on 0117 302 3222 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm) or email trishhodson@theambassadors.com for specific information and booking.
Wheelchair user positions & Storage:
A number of positions are available depending on your requirements – please contact the venue’s Groups and Access team on 0117 302 3222 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm) or email trishhodson@theambassadors.com for specific information and booking.
Typetalk: 0871 297 5477 the national telephone relay service which enables deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired people to communicate with hearing people over the phone.
You can also come into the Box Office. The Box Office counter is of a height suitable for wheelchair users.
Box Office opening hours: 12 till 6pm Monday to Saturday (extending to 15 minutes after curtain up on performance days)
Infra-red and Induction Loop hearing systems:
There is a Sennheiser Infra Red system throughout the auditorium, and customers can hire a headset from the kiosk on arrival. There is also an Induction Loop system available in certain rows in the Stalls and Grand Circle – please contact the venue’s Groups and Access team on 0117 302 3222 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm) or email trishhodson@theambassadors.com for full information on which rows to book for this facility.
Assisted Performances: Audio Description, Captioned and Sign Language Interpreted performances:
Sign Language Interpreted Performances – For our patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing we offer British Sign Language Interpreted performances. A sign language Interpreter will be sited at the side of the stage. Please contact the venue’s Groups and Access department for information on the Sign Interpreter’s position to make your booking.
Captioned performances – For patrons who are hearing impaired we offer Captioned performances. Captioning is a way of converting the spoken word into visible text, that provides people with hearing loss access to live performance. Captions are displayed on two units installed on or near the stage enable people with hearing loss to understand what is said when it is said.
Audio Described performances – For our patrons who are visually impaired we offer Audio Described performances. Audio description is a live verbal commentary, given through headsets, which describes the setting, costumes, characters, facial expressions, body language and action during silent intervals of the piece being performed. An introduction is provided prior to the show.
Touch tours - Touch Tours are often available prior to an Audio Described performance - please contact the venue’s Groups and Access team on 0117 302 3222 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm) or email trishhodson@theambassadors.com
Assisted performances are available on most of the longer running shows (2 or more week runs). For more information or to book please contact the venue’s Groups and Access team on 0117 302 3222 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm) or email trishhodson@theambassadors.com
Assistance Dogs are welcome and can be looked after by the theatre staff during the performance if requested on arrival.
There is a unisex wheelchair accessible toilet just inside the Access Entrance. There is also another one at the rear of the Cast Bar at the front of the venue.



The Bristol Hippodrome has a magnificent auditorium with a traditional proscenium arch stage and seating capacity of 1,951 making it suitable for one-off hires, conference and events.
To discuss local hires please contact Christiaan de Villiers, General Manager, on 0117 302 3310 or for national and international touring productions please contact Regional Programming on 0207 534 6100.