Theatre in Bristol

Offering the best in West End and Broadway productions, The Bristol Hippodrome (1,981 seats) hosts world premieres of highly-acclaimed shows and musicals, as well as regular ballet performances.

A theatre with a difference, the Tobacco Factory is housed in the last remaining part of the Old Wills Tobacco site. This 250-seat theatre showcases major performances and popular touring productions from some of the UK's most dynamic and exciting companies. The Bristol Old Vic also attracts crowds from around the globe. Its premises on King Street consist of the 1766 Theatre Royal (607 seats), the New Vic (a modern 150 seat studio theatre) and foyer and bar areas in the adjacent Coopers' Hall (built 1743). The Theatre Royal is a grade I listed building and is the oldest continuously operating theatre in England.

Other theatres include QEH (220 seats), the Redgrave Theatre (320 seats) and the Alma Tavern (50 seats).

As well as the Bristol Old Vic company, Bristol's theatre scene includes a large variety of producing theatre companies, including Show of Strength Theatre Company, Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory and Travelling Light Theatre Company.

Theatre Bristol is a partnership between Bristol City Council, Arts Council England and local theatre practitioners which aims to develop the theatre industry in Bristol. The city has a number of organisations, such as Equity and Residence, which act to support theatre makers.