Bristol Hippodrome

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
St. Augustines Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ Street map

Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 - or use the online links below

Spring Summer 2008 Season at The Bristol Hippodrome:

The Magic Flute - Welsh National Opera
Tuesday 8 and Friday 11 April 2008
WNO's Spring season at The Bristol Hippodrome opens with Mozart's The Magic Flute. In The Magic Flute Mozart dazzles us with a glorious mix of myth, ritual and pantomime, with melodies as enchanting as the plot is mysterious. A combination of the sublime and the mysterious, characters include the heroic, noble Prince Tamino, a radiant Princess Pamina, a scene stealing birdcatcher Papageno, who eventually finds his love match Pappagena, and the seductive three ladies. The Magic Flute is packed full of operatic favourites, including one of the most spectacular of operatic arias - the magnificently evil Queen of the Night - reaching higher and higher in her fury! Sung in English with surtitles.

Eugene Onegin - Welsh National Opera
Wednesday 9 and Saturday 12 April 2008
The WNO's week long season at The Bristol Hippodrome continues with Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin. WNO's Eugene Onegin is full of passion, power, drama and excitement - and returns after a series of UK-wide sell-out performances in Spring 2004. Eugene Onegin is one of the central works of Russian culture, based on a dramatic poem by Pushkin with an overwhelming score by Tchaikovsky. A story of lost love set amidst the glittering grandeur and emotions of Imperial Russian society, it is an evening of great musical drama. What could be more heartbreaking than when young Tatyana declares her love for Onegin in a passionate letter and is immediately and heartlessly rejected? Only after she marries Prince Gremin and becomes part of aristocratic society in St Petersburg does Onegin understand his true passion for her: Tatyana's subsequent rejection of Onegin is both tragic and driven by her commitment to duty, honour and nobility. Sung in Russian with surtitles.

Falstaff - Welsh National Opera
Thursday 10 April 2008
The WNO's season at the Bristol Hippodrome concludes with Verdi's Falstaff. Verdi's librettist described Falstaff as 'a huge burst of laughter' - and the opera (Verdi's last) is a great comedy. Based on the character in Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor, Falstaff is 'a liar, a braggart, a coward, a glutton' but utterly delightful in his pursuit of women and good living, while trying to avoid taking responsibility. Sung in Italian with surtitles.

Indiana Chuckles and the Kingdom of the Mythical Sulk
Sunday 13 April 2008

Danny the Champion of the World
Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 April 2008
Danny lives in a caravan with his dad - the most marvellous and exciting dad any boy ever had. But his father has a secret! When night comes, he poaches pheasants from Hazell's Wood. Mr Hazell, the biggest landowner in the district, wants to evict them both and the battle is on to save their home. How can one little boy defeat a rich and powerful landowner? But Danny has a plan, and soon he and his dad are caught up in a thrilling and remarkable adventure! The enchanting story-telling power of the world's most famous writer of children's fiction, Roald Dahl, is brought vividly to life on stage at The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre in a production that is packed full of colour, action and adventure. Funny, warm and moving, this captivating story is guaranteed to hold your interest whether you are closer in age to Danny or his dad!

Dave Spikey
Sunday 20 April 2008

South Pacific
Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 April 2008
This spectacular new staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical masterpiece comes to The Hippodrome Bristol for one week only this Spring. Nelly Forbush is a naive navy nurse from small town Little Rock, Arkansas, who is trying to make the most of her posting to a wartime pacific island. Falling in love with middle aged French planter Emile de Becque she is shocked to find that not only is he a widower, but that his wife was a Polynesian and he is the father of two half-caste children. Unable to shake off the restraints of her strict upbringing she cannot accept his situation. Lieutenant Joe Cable is caught in a similar dilemma. Growing increasingly fond of Liat, daughter to the Asian peddler and mischievous matchmaker Bloody Mary, he overcomes his prejudice to pursue love. The distraught De Becque decides to join Lieutenant Joe Cable on a dangerous spying mission to a neighbouring island, it is only when Nellie comes to terms with the idea she may lose Emile that she realises her depth of feeling for him. Only time will tell whether these two love stories will have happy endings. Includes the classic songs Some Enchanted Evening; Younger Than Springtime; There is Nothing Like a Dame; Bali Ha'I; I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair; and many more.

French & Saunders
Sunday 27 to Wednesday 30 April 2008

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Thursday 1 May 2008

The Meat Loaf Trilogy
Friday 2 May 2008
Discarding the pretence of wigs and make-up, Steve Steinman lets his voice and the performance do the talking as this show delivers the best of the best from three of the world's top selling albums of all time - Bat Out Of Hell 1, 2 and 3. With video projected screens, incredible stage sets, superband and Steve Steinman's unique sense of humour, the show is sure to have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles to all the greatest Meatloaf hits.

Simon Amstell
Saturday 3 May 2008
Simon Amstell, winner of two British Comedy Awards and host of Never Mind The Buzzcocks, comes to Bristol as part of his UK tour. Please note that this show is not suitable for under 16’s.

Glitz, Blitz & 70s Hitz
Sunday 4 May 2008
Featuring Showaddywaddy who became one of the biggest groups of the 70's and dominated the British charts, spending an impressive 209 weeks in the top 40s. Joining Showaddywaddy on this spectacular bill is one of the biggest glam-rock bands of the era, Sweet - the quintessential 70's glam rock band who've had 17 charting hits and spent over 3 years in the UK charts alone. Completing this classic bill, will be the Rubettes (featuring Alan Williams) who made No.1 in 1974 with their very first single, 'Sugar Baby Love', and after which they had a further 15 international hits establishing themselves, with their flamboyant Gatsby appearance, as one of the icons of the 70's Glam Rock era.

Giant Amercian Superstar Wrestling
Monday 5 May 2008
Come and see what everyone else can only see on TV in this live two-hour family night out. Top American Wrestling Stars feature in a brand new line up to face the best of British.

Beauty and the Beast On Ice
Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 May 2008
The world renowned Russian Ice Stars come to the Hippodrome in Bristol with a dazzling new production of Beauty and the Beast on Ice. Thrill-a-minute skating combines with stunning choreography and a brilliant new musical score to recreate this magical tale in a stage extravaganza that will captivate young and old alike. Truly a family show for all the family to enjoy together.

Sinatra
Monday 12 to Sunday 18 May 2008
Legendary performer Frank Sinatra's latest, greatest and most ambitious comeback, captured at the peak of his career, singing his greatest hit songs direct to the audience in ultra-rare and some never-before seen footage. Ground-breaking creative use of cutting-edge technology puts him centre stage at The Hippodrome Theatre in Bristol, larger than life on multiple moving screens, and lets him perform with a brilliant company of dancers and singers, supported by a live orchestra - together performing some of the greatest music ever recorded.

Paul Mertons Impro Chums
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Paul Merton and his highly talented Impro Chums are wonders of nature. Impro Chums take audience suggestions and create cascades of fantastic tumbling laughter, well, most of the time!

Thomas and Friends Live! On Stage
Friday 23 to Sunday 25 May 2008
Peep! Peep! All aboard as everyone’s No.1 Engine makes tracks to Bristol to appear on stage at The Hippodrome Theatre in this all-new musical production. The show includes both new railway-themed songs, as well as much loved classic sing-a-longs such as Roll Call and Good Morning and tells the story of Thomas and his engine friends as they work together as 'Really Useful Engines' to get the railway ready for Sodor's Magic Lantern Festival.

Aspects of Love
Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 May 2008
Andrew Lloyd Webber's most romantic musical, begins in France 1947. It is here that Alex Dillingham falls in love with alluring actress Rose Vibert. After a little persuasion, Rose joins Alex at his uncle's villa. As the pair embark on a passionate affair, the arrival of Uncle George changes their lives forever. From the cobbled streets of Paris to the mountains of the Pyrenees, Aspects of Love is a heartbreaking love story spanning xome 20 years. Passion, desire, family ties and friendship bind five people and three generations together as they come to appreciate how love changes everything. Andrew Lloyd Webber's soaring score with lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, features the international hit Love Changes Everything. This brand new production comes to The Hippodrome Theatre in Bristol this May and is set to be the theatrical event of the year.

Beyond the Barricade
Sunday 1 June 2008
The UK’s leading musical theatre concert, Beyond the Barricade return’s in 2008 to the Hippodrome Thearte in Bristol with a 'Brand New Production'. Recreating the songs, music and sound of the world's most popular musicals. This new production includes songs from the 'new shows' on the block, including Wicked, Spamalot and Billy Elliot, mixed with the major hit productions The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Chicago, Miss Saigon and many more climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables!

Fiddler On the Roof
Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 June 2008
In a Jewish village in Czarist Russia dairyman Tevye is doing his best to preserve tradition in the face of a changing world, but when his daughters refuse the matchmaker's advice and marry for love, Tevye must choose between their happiness and those beloved traditions. Fiddler on the Roof is blessed with a gloriously rousing score full of memorable melodies, which, bound by a moving and compelling storyline, heartwarming humour and colourful characters. Songs include Tradition; Matchmaker, Matchmaker; Sunrise, Sunset; To Life!; and If I Were a Rich Man.

That'll Be the Day
Sunday 8 June 2008
Back at The Bristol Hippodrome by overwhelming public demand, the legendary That'll Be The Day returns with a brand new 2008 show. Established as the Nations Favourite Rock'n'Roll variety show, this all new production features classic gold hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s combined with feel-good comedy routines to make this show bigger and better than ever!

Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour
Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June 2008
Blast off to adventure with your favorite Playhouse Disney pals when Playhouse Disney Live! comes to the Bristol Theatre Hippodrome this June! Climb aboard and get ready to explore with the Little Einsteins Leo, Annie, Quincy and June on an important musical mission; say 'Meeska Mooska Mickey Mouse' and sing along with Mickey and the gang at the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse; and stop by Sheetrock Hills where Handy Manny always has the right tools for fun fix-it adventures! Get ready to laugh, sing and play along at a live show that lets kids join in on the fun!

Roll Out the Barrel
Tuesday 17 June 2008
Roll Out the Barrel and take a gloriously happy musical trip down memory lane at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre. Roll back the years and bring back the memories with this feast of non-stop nostalgia. Classic songs that will have you singing along from beginning to end, including musical hall memories, show songs, cockney sing-a-longs and the songs of Flanagan and Allen.

Oh! What A Night
Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 June 2008
Oh! What A Night the smash hit 70's musical is back on tour for 2008 and coming to The Hippodrome Theatre in Bristol for five performances only. Oh! What a Night is an unashamedly escapist, high-energy, feel good show, combining comedy, romance and stunningly choreographed versions of everybody's favourite 70's hits. Kid Creole will once again lead a fantastic young cast, performing the biggest disco hits including Celebration, Shaft, Ain't No Stopping Us Now, We are Family, Young Hearts Run Free, Oh! What A Night and the show stopping YMCA. If you're looking for an excuse to party then get yourself a ticket for a night you'll never forget.

Shout!
Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 June 2008
Shout! follows the story of four fabulous girls as they grow up in swinging sixties London. Immerse yourself in the fashion, freedom and fun of the sixties on a non-stop journey through the infectious and soulful pop anthems that made household names of stars like Petula Clark, Cilla Black, Lulu and Dusty Springfield. Packed full of songs, dance and nostalgia, Shout! features an amazing catalogue of some of the hottest hits of the 1960's including new arrangements of Downtown, Son of a Preacher Man, I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, I Only Wanna Be With You, These Boots Are Made For Walkin' and You Don't Have to Say You Love Me. Shout! comes to The Hippodrome in Bristol this June in a production starring Claire Sweeney and Su Pollard. (Casting subject to change).

Treasure Island
Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July 2008
The Birmingham Stage Company presents a spectacular new family production of Stephenson's classic story Treasure Island at The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre for a one week season this July prior to the West End. When young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map in The Admiral Benbow Inn, he hands it over to Squire Trelawney. Seized with excitement, Trelawney sets sail with Jim in search of the island. They are joined on the ship by a hand-picked crew and the ship's cook, Long John Silver. But the one-legged Silver has a shocking secret in store and when they reach their destination, Jim faces the most exciting and dangerous adventure of his life!

Disney's High School Musical
Monday 7 to Saturday 19 July 2008
Get ready for “the start of something new!” The stage production based on the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical is coming to The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre this Summer as part of a new major UK tour. Watch the twists and turns of the lovable schoolmates – Troy, super-popular captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella, super-smart transfer student and a genius in science class – as they surf the tricky tides of peer pressure and canteen cliques to follow their dreams and score the leads in the big school show, and a place in each others hearts. Disney's High School Musical on stage follows the much-loved story of the movie, featuring all your favourite characters and songs, together with two brand new numbers performed by the country’s hottest dancers and an electrifying live band. So “get'cha head in the game!” and go totally wild for Disney’s High School Musical.

Evita
Monday 21 July to Saturday 2 August 2008
A brand new national touring production of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical comes to the Hippodrome in Bristol this July for a two week season. Featuring some of the most famous and inspiring stage music ever written, including the classic songs Don't Cry For Me Argentina; On This Night of a Thousand Stars; and Buenos Aires. Evita brings to life the dynamic persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron. With more than 20 major awards to its credit and featuring one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, this brand new production of the smash hit show truly promises to be the theatrical event of the year!

Hello Dolly
Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 August 2008
Starring Anita Dobson as the irresistible Dolly Levi, and Darren Day as Cornelius Hackl, Hello, Dolly! is full of memorable songs including Put On Your Sunday Clothes; Ribbons Down My Back; Before the Parade Passes By; Hello, Dolly!; It Only Takes a Moment; and So Long, Dearie. "And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of this hit musical comedy. "Some people paint, some sew...I meddle," replies Dolly. And we are off on a whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the twentieth century, as we follow the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker! Hello, Dolly! stormed the Broadway Stage for 2,844 perforamances and played for nearly three years in the West End - now it's back and playing at The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre for one week only with a company of more than forty and a live orchestra. Hello, Dolly! is the show-stopping 'perfect match' for every musical fan. (Casting subject to change).

Abba Mania
Sunday 10 August 2008
If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music there has ever been, then Abba Mania is for you! Come along to the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre and join in and enjoy all of your favourites including: Mamma Mia; Voulez Vous; Dancing Queen; Winner Takes It All; Super Trouper; and many more. Abba Mania has been delighting audiences and selling out UK theatres since it’s formation in 1999.

Elvis On Tour
Saturday 16 August 2008
Voted 2005 outright winner of Canada's annual prestigious Elvis Festival. Elvis - The Legend Continues features a full evening show from the early days of 'pure hip- swivelling' rock n roll to the 'Come Back Special'.

Footloose
Friday 29 August to Saturday 6 September 2008
Footloose the Musical It tells the story of City boy Ren who moves to a small American town where dancing is banned. All hell breaks out as he cuts loose. Soon the whole town is on its feet. Based on the movie starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose is a fast paced show packed with electrifying dancing and classic 80s hits including Holding Out For A Hero; Almost Paradise; Let's Here It For The Boy and of course the title track, Footloose.

Colin Fry
Monday 8 September 2008

One Night of Queen
Wednesday 10 September 2008
Since winning the 'Stars in their Eyes' Grand Final 2000, polling nearly one million votes, Gary Mullen has carved out an excellent live career for himself as the mercurial Freddie Mercury. Now, on stage in Birmingham at the Alexandra Theatre, Gary presents the real live Queen experience - the sound, look, showmanship, pomp, style and incredible musicianship that was the hallmark of Queen in concert. This time Freddie is not alone and the rest of Queen joins him on stage at The Hippodrome Theatre in Bristol. The artists who perform as Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor are also superb. Coupled with the stunning lights and the excellent musicianship this is an unbeatable show.

Cbeebies At the Theatre
Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 September 2008
CBeebies at the Theatre is the first ever theatre adventure starring many of your favourite friends from CBeebies. Join PC Plum, Postman Pat, Jess the Cat and Tamba from Tikkabilla as we all discover the fun in recycling those everyday things that we throw away. There'll be plenty of excitement and surprises when they all come along to the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre. Bursting with music, singalong songs and bags of imagination - what are you waiting for? Come on... let's play!

Moody Blues
Sunday 28 September 2008
For over 40 years The Moody Blues have been musical mainstays on concert stages, recordings and the airwaves, creating a standard for classic rock music that has brought them countless awards. Now they are coming to The Bristol Theatre Hippodrome for one night only this Autumn.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Tuesday 30 September to Saturday 4 October 2008
Set in Oregon in 1850 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the story of Adam, the eldest of seven brothers, who goes to town to get a wife. He convinces Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home. Only then does she discover he has six brothers - all living in his cabin. Milly sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. Then, after reading about the Roman capture of the Sabine women, Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers' loneliness… kidnap the women they want! Featuring classic songs including: Bless your Beautiful Hide; Wonderful Wonderful Day; Goin' Courtin'; Sobbin' Women'; Lonesome Polecat; Spring, Spring, Spring; Love Never Goes Away; and We Gotta Make It Through the Winter. A glorious romp, brimful of hand clapping effervescent energy, dazzling dance routines and sixteen smash hit showstoppers by Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul, it perfectly integrates song, dance, and story. Colourful costumes, fabulous sets, sassy performances, this breathtaking production is guaranteed to put a spring in your step and a tune on your lips. It’s toe-tapping good!

Tosca - Ellen Kent International
Thursday 9 October 2008

La Boheme - Ellen Kent International
Friday 10 October 2008

Carmen - Ellen Kent International
Saturday 11 October 2008

Sally Morgan
Friday 17 October 2008

Manon
Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 October 2008
English National Ballet

The Mighty Boosh
Monday 27 to Thursday 30 October 2008
Two different men. One Mighty Boosh. Following the sell out success of their debut live tour, “the funniest comedy double-act in Britain,” (NME) come to the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre this October with their glorious mix of music and comedy. Back with a vengeance, Vince Noir and Howard Moon will be joined on stage by a profusion of characters from their hit TV show. See Naboo the Enigma dazzle with shaman magic, see Bollo the Gorilla takes on the irksome evil Cockney Hitcher and marvel at the worldly observations of the Moon… There may be punks and yetis, monsters, music and mayhem, in one terrific psychedelic melting pot. Please Note: Suitable for ages 13 plus.

Jethro 2008
Friday 31 October 2008
The legendary Cornish Comic returns to the Hippodrome Theatre in Bristol with another bout of heavyweight belly crunching comedy. He's slightly politically incorrect, but rated by many, as the funniest man in the land. If you don’t laugh at this show, you need psychological help!! Please Note: This show contains adult material.

Otello - Welsh National Opera
Tuesday 4 and Friday 7 November 2008

Jenufa - Welsh National Opera
Wednesday 5 November 2008

Barber of Seville - Welsh National Opera
Thursday 6 and Saturday 8 November 2008

Blood Brothers
Monday 17 to Saturday 29 November 2008
Willy Russell's musical Blood Brothers returns to The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre for a two week season this November. Blood Brothers is a tale of twins, separated at birth, who grow up as friends one rich, one poor: without knowing their family background. Told with gentleness, darkness and joy it is at one time hilarious at the next heartbreaking. Few musicals have received such acclaim: scooping four awards for Best Musical and enjoying standing ovations at almost every performance over the past 12 years. Although its greatest strength is its Englishness it was nominated for 7 Tony awards. A remarkable adult cast play the group of children that we watch grow, learn, love and fight.

Disneys Beauty and the Beast
Wednesday 3 December to Saturday 6 December 2008
One of the most popular and romantic stories ever told comes to life on stage at the Hippodrome Theatre in Bristol in Disney's multi-award winning musical Beauty and the Beast. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, when it was originally seen on Broadway, this eye-popping spectacle has been wowing audiences worldwide. "Be our guest" and bring someone you love to experience the magic of Disney's classic musical!

Buddy
Monday 9 to Saturday 14 February 2009
It's had audiences on their feet in every corner of the globe and now Buddy, 'The World's most successful Rock'n'Roll musical' is back and ready to explode on to the stage at the Hippodrome in Bristol in a toe tapping, hand clapping extravaganza! The show follows the tragically short life of Buddy Holly from his first recording contract through to his move to New York and concluding with the fatal tour of Mid-West America.

Marriage of Figaro - Welsh National Opera
Tuesday 14 and Friday 17 April 2009

Salome - Welsh National Opera
Wednesday 15 April 2009

The Elixir of Love - Welsh National Opera
Thursday 16 and Saturday 18 April 2009

Lord Of The Dance
Tuesday 1 to Sunday 6 December 2009
Already seen by over 50 million people in 40 different countries, The Lord of the Dance comes to the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre for a strictly limited one week season in December 2009. Much of the secret to Lord of the Dance's phenomenal success is that it speaks to all, crossing boundaries of age, gender, and cultural diversity. Its timeless, universal appeal has made Lord of the Dance one of the modern day wonders of the world, a myth to a living legend.