Bristol Hippodrome To Close For Months

The theatre will be undergoing extensive work

If you’ve been wondering why some of the major musicals going out on UK tours in the near future won’t be coming to the Bristol Hippodrome, it’s because the venue will be closed for extensive refurbishments.

The theatre was part of ATG’s international theatre portfolio. But, the sale of ATG to American events company Mari, owned by American businessman Ari Emanuel, was announced earlier this week. ATG currently own 70 theatre across the world. These – including Bristol Hippodrome – are now going to have new owners.

The Bristol Hippodrome is not booking any shows between the end of its Christmas pantomime Sleeping Beauty on Sunday 03 January and Grease on Monday 02 August 2027.

This will likely see some of the major work take place during this gap.

After Jesus Christ Superstar finishes its run on Saturday 30 October 2027, the next show booking is Six from 23 – 27 November 2027. Then, Hairspray The Musical from 10 – 15 January 2028.

No pantomine has yet been publicly pencilled in for the December 2027/28 Christmas season.

Project management and construction company Motion have already stated that they will be handling the project – which runs until December 2028.

Façade repair work to the front of the Grade II listed building was carried out in 2024. This included repair and renewal of the building’s stonework and original windows.

Further work taking place in the theatre which will see expansion on front of house areas with additional toilets, bars and lounge areas.

The project will see part of the ‘non-heritage’ side of the theatre building demolished with a new concrete ‘double-height’ atrium.

The full works to the building is a major project which will take place during an 18 month ‘dark period’ where the theatre will have to be closed.

Works on the project, which started in November 2023, are predicted to run until December 2028 with an overall anticipated cost of £30m.

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