There's no business like show business....
12/08/2008
You would be hard pressed these days to escape the fact that the country is currently in the middle of a credit crunch, however it would appear that Bristolians are determined to carry on being entertained by enjoying a night out at the theatre.
The Bristol Hippodrome is currently on course to achieve record admissions - the largest number of patrons visiting the theatre in any one year. 2005 was the last record breaker when no fewer than 486,702 people enjoyed a variety of productions including Starlight Express, Scrooge, Chicago, Little Britain, Grease, Annie and The League of Gentlemen. With current ticket sales for 2008 standing at just over 350,000 and a packed Autumn/Winter programme, it really is a case of watch this space for record breaking news at the end of the year.
Gary Roden, the theatre's new General Manager is naturally delighted at the figures. You only have to look at the theatrical programme this year to understand how these figures have been reached. With more shows booked, more high profile children's productions with additional performances and the team working hard to ensure The Bristol Hippodrome plays host to the very best musicals and theatrical productions, it really is possible to achieve such figures, despite the credit crunch.
Gary, 26, joined the team at the theatre in June 2007 and has been Acting General Manager since February this year; "I am delighted to be appointed the General Manager of The Bristol Hippodrome. The venue is undoubtably one of the best theatres in the country. The team at Bristol have been fantastic ever since I arrived. It is due to their experience, hard work and dedication that we find ourselves in such a strong position this year. We are all immensely proud to have attracted so many visitors to the city so far this year and are optimistic we can continue this performance until the end of the year and beyond.
With shows such as Cabaret, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Welsh National Opera, Blood Brothers, English National Ballet and not forgetting this year's family pantomime Cinderella all still to come this year at the theatre, it really is a case of the shows are most definitely going on at The Bristol Hippodrome.
To find out more visit the website below.