Bristol Hippodrome

The Bristol Hippodrome () is a theatre located in The Centre, Bristol, England, United Kingdom with seating on three levels giving a capacity of 1,951. It frequently features shows from London's West End when they tour the UK, as well as regular visits by Welsh National Opera and an annual pantomime.

History

The theatre was designed by Frank Matcham for Oswald Stoll, and opened on 16 December 1912. It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II listed building. An important feature of the theatre when it opened was a huge water tank at the front of the stage, which could be filled with 100,000 gallons (450,000 litres) of water. Along with the tank was a large protective glass screen which could be raised in order to protect the orchestra and those in the stalls. It also has a dome, which can be opened when necessary; however since air conditioning has been installed it is rarely opened.

The theatre survived World War II, but less than three years after it ended, a fire destroyed the stage, though not the auditorium. The theatre reopened about 10 months later.

American musician Eddie Cochran played his final show here, in 1960, and was killed in a road accident only hours later, in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Also George Formby played his last performance at the theatre on the 14th January 1961.

The theatre plays host to many top shows, such as '' Phantom of the Opera'', ''Miss Saigon'', ''Cats'', '' Les Misérables'', '' Blood Brothers'', '' Wicked'' and '' Of Mice and Men''. This is due to the size of its stage, which is one of the largest outside London. In addition to large musicals it is also a venue for comedians such as Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle, Ricky Tomlinson and Lee Mack, as well as children's shows such as '' Winnie the Pooh Live''. The Bristol Hippodrome has strong links with many shows that frequently appear there, such as the Welsh National Opera.

In 2012, the theatre celebrated its centenary with a show called ''Thanks for the Memories'', staged by amateur groups Bristol Light Opera Club and Bristol Musical Youth Productions.

Premieres

The theatre has staged a number of premieres including:
* British premiere of '' Guys and Dolls'' starring Vivian Blaine as Miss Adelaide and Sam Levene as Nathan Detroit, reprising their original Broadway performances; the musical opened on 19 May 1953 for an eight-performance run before opening at the London Coliseum on 28 May 1953 and running for 555 performances.
* European premiere '' The Music Man'' in 1961
* European premiere of '' Sail Away'' in 1962
* British premiere of ''Jeeves'' in 1975
* World premiere of '' Windy City'' in 1982
* World premiere of ''The Nutcracker'' by the English National Ballet in 2002
* World premiere of '' Mary Poppins'' in 2004
*World premiere of ''The Greatest Showman'' in 2026.https://uk.news.yahoo.com/greatest-showman-stage-musical-adaptation-125237600.html

Gallery

File:Bristol Hippodrome Auditorium Interior.jpg, Auditorium from Upper Circle
File:Bristol Hippodrome Auditorium Dome.jpg, Auditorium Dome, last opened July 2012
File:Bristol Hippodrome Box Detail.jpg, Detail of Auditorium Left Boxes
File:Bristol Hippodrome Stage.jpg, Stage from Auditorium centre
File:Bristol Hippodrome Entrance Foyer.jpg, Entrance from St Augustine's Parade
File:Bristol Hippodrome Auditorium Seating.jpg, Auditorium from Upper Circle Box

References

Review of last ever George Formby performance in the Bristol Evening World and in 'Footsteps' the lifetime writings of David Foot by Stephen Chalke.

Further reading

*

External links

Theatre site


University of Bristol

Arthur Lloyd Music Hall and Theatre History Website

Bristol Hippodrome

{{Authority control

Theatres in Bristol
Culture in Bristol
Grade II listed buildings in Bristol
Theatres completed in 1912
Music venues in Bristol
1912 establishments in England