Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Old Vic
4.5
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Built in 1766 as a place where the people of Bristol could come together, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world. It was built as a symbol of the pride we have in our city and what it can achieve and remains a place of joy, discovery and adventure to this day.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Old City
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4.5
440 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
106
Average
28
Poor
14
Terrible
9
Blackth0rn
Bristol, UK1,359 contributions
May 2022
A fascinating backstage tour around this lovely old theatre. We were lucky enough to be the only people booked on it on this particular occasion, so it was like an exclusive tour just for us. Our guide had worked there for many years and had a great knowledge about the history of the building. We got to see all the public areas as well as getting on the stage and having a good look around behind the scenes and the adjacent workshop where the props are created. Well worth a visit.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin M
Clevedon, UK199 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Our tour of the refurbished theatre was SUPERB. Andrew, our guide, was brilliant…. Erudite, amusing, knowledgable and helpful.
The history of this Bristolian institution makes for fascinating listening with many an amusing anecdote. The enormous backstage area is a wonder and the sound effects area is delightful.
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. GO
The history of this Bristolian institution makes for fascinating listening with many an amusing anecdote. The enormous backstage area is a wonder and the sound effects area is delightful.
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. GO
Written 11 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn368
Bristol, England, United Kingdom7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
This years Christmas production ‘The Nutcracker’ was really disappointing. I’ve never felt like this before but it was underwhelming, strange, confusing and we just didn’t enjoy it on any level. Reduced me to a fit of the giggles in the second half and several audience members chose to leave during the interval. I am baffled by all the good reviews. I’ve seen a lot of good theatre and this wasn’t up there! Also our ‘restricted view’ seats were awful with virtually no visibility at all. All in all a very disappointing Boxing Day experience!
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rensza_11
Cheltenham, UK12 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
For an impressively refurbished building I was left wondering if the designer EVER sat in the balcony in the basement studio.
There's more legroom on a budget airline Your feet have to remain right under your knees .Theres a bar situated right at eye level forcing you to either sit bolt upright, lean forward over it or slump down in your seat to look under it .By half time I was desperate to stretch my legs.Very uncomfortable so difficult to concentrate on the play.Won't return to the small studio for that reason.
There's more legroom on a budget airline Your feet have to remain right under your knees .Theres a bar situated right at eye level forcing you to either sit bolt upright, lean forward over it or slump down in your seat to look under it .By half time I was desperate to stretch my legs.Very uncomfortable so difficult to concentrate on the play.Won't return to the small studio for that reason.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzieflint
Thirsk, UK72 contributions
Mar 2020
First visit to the Bristol Vic. Interesting building, riveting play with talented cast. The foyer cafe is a great venue even if you aren't seeing a performance. We found online booking straightforward and were pleased with the seats we'd chosen.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duncanwithaphone
Nailsworth, UK8 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I recently attended a performance at the Old Vic in Bristol and was very disappointed with the customer service. Upon arrival, I was shown to the wrong seat, which led to confusion and inconvenience. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring this to the staff's attention during the performance as it would have involved disturbing a breastfeeding lady seated next to me. As a result, we ended up sharing one seat between two people.After returning home, I contacted the Old Vic to explain the situation. However, their response was inadequate and dismissive. I expected a higher standard of service from such a reputable venue. This experience has left me hesitant to return or recommend the Old Vic to others.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie D
Ramsgate, UK38 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
A fabulous place with decent leg room for such an old theatre. The foyer has been refurbished very well incorporating the new with the old. Drinks fairly expensive but that's the same as most theatres and was expected.
We saw A Child of Science which was absolutely brilliant with a fantastic cast and story. It was funny in parts and very moving too and many people were shedding tears. It was great to see it in a small, intimate theatre.
We saw A Child of Science which was absolutely brilliant with a fantastic cast and story. It was funny in parts and very moving too and many people were shedding tears. It was great to see it in a small, intimate theatre.
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew E
BRISTOL3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
The venue is special - a brilliant development. It’s a shame that the programme is so dreary; miserable, “challenging” and aimed at what Ud call arty theatre types. No wonder they’ve burnt £12m in Arts Council/ taxpayer money!
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corinne R
Bristol, UK2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
We came here the first week of opening in April 2021. Lila served us, who had only been working there for 2 days. She was extremely good to us and made us feel very welcome so we enjoyed our time here. We highly recommend her and this venue.
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile750425
Portishead, UK39 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I dont understand why this theatre has been refurbished with high back seats so small adults and children have no hope of seeing anything. Worse; booster seats are not available. Never want to sit in those stalls again! Such a shame for such a spectacular looking theatre
Written 22 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is uaually plenty of street parking available, but it is metered, so you have to pay, but it's not expensive. Get there early in case you have to drive around to find a spot.
Written 26 January 2019
What shows do you have one late May early June 2018.
Written 6 August 2017
Check theatre website perhaps a bit nearer the time you visit.
Written 6 August 2017
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