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Bristol Old Vic Heritage Theatre Tours

King Street, Old City, Bristol, BS1 4ED

Tel: +44 (0)117 987 7877

Add Bristol Old Vic Heritage Theatre Tours to your Itinerary

Bristol Old Vic backstage Theatre Tour

About

Join the Bristol Old Vic on one of their exciting Theatre Tours with their in-house expert guide who'll guide you through the theatre's 252-year-old history.

The People's Tour
Learn about the incredible humans behind our rich history.

Inspired by the people, performers and players who have walked the boards through the theatre's two-and-a-half-century tenure, learn more about this world-class theatre and the productions that made history.

The People’s Tour combines myth, fact and Bristolian folklore, as the experienced tour guides expertly weave past and present into a thrilling and informative experience. The perfect morning for anyone with an interest in 18th–21st century theatre and the people behind Bristol Old Vic’s rich history.

Spaces regularly included on The People’s Tour:
The new Bristol Old Vic Foyer
The Georgian Auditorium, Stage, Gallery, and Pit passages
The Linbury Paintshop
The Weston Studio
Coopers’ Hall

The Thunder Run Experience

Hear the theatrical thunder roar, just as it did 250 years ago.

Ever wondered how eighteenth-century sound technicians conjured thunder above the heads of our very first audiences?

Witness the running of the oldest Thunder Run in the country as – just as they did 250 years ago – our technicians unleash the roar of thunder throughout the auditorium. A unique experience for theatre fanatics and thrill-seekers alike.

Spaces regularly included on The Thunder Run Experience:

The new Bristol Old Vic foyer

The Georgian Auditorium and Stage

The original theatre roof space and Thunder Run

Plus hear the Thunder Run in action!

 

Additional Info
Comfortable shoes are advised.
All tours have a step-free route for people with access needs. Please advise at the time of booking if you'd prefer this option by calling 0117 987 7877 or emailing tickets@bristololdvic.org.uk
As a working theatre with ongoing rehearsals and other technical work, there are certain times when parts of the building will be inaccessible. The team will always endeavour to provide a true behind-the-scenes experience, but it may be necessary for tours to be rescheduled in rare circumstances.
Please advise your tour guide if you are uncomfortable with heights.
Unless you are exempt, you are asked to bring a mask to wear while on your tour for the safety of customers, guides and staff.

Tickets
£12 Standard | £10 Open Concession | £15 Pay it Forward

Time
Various, please check the website
Approx. 1 hour
All ages

Book Tickets

Special Offers

  • 2 for 1 tour tickets when you travel by train

    The offer: Get two adult tickets for a tour of Bristol Old Vic for £12. One printed voucher is required per two people, per attraction. For 2FOR1 offers one person pays the full adult price and the second person goes free on presentation of each voucher and pair of valid National Rail tickets.

    How to book: For further details, terms and conditions and to get your voucher, visit the National Rail website.

    Things to do in Bristol - redeem this special offer immediately

    Transport Offers - redeem this special offer immediately

    Offer link: Things to do in Bristol, Transport Offers

Opening Times

Tours run Thursdays and Saturdays (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayOpen
FridayClosed
SaturdayOpen
SundayClosed
Bank HolidayClosed

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      280
    • Very Good
      106
    • Average
      26
    • Poor
      12
    • Terrible
      8

    Recent Reviews:

    • Voyage02267573223
      London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      Good for theatre enthusiasts
      4 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 1st November 2023
      The Old Vic is a must-visit for anyone interested in theatre. The theatre is beautiful and historic, and the productions are always top-notch. I highly recommend attending a performance at the Old... Read full review
    • richardwQ5642TA
      Clifton, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      Pie and pint!
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 3rd November 2023
      It was a cold and bulstery mid autumn afternoon; a sign that said pieminister pies caught my eye and soon enough i had a warming and hot cheering pie (beef and stilton) and pint (clear head - it was... Read full review
    • Emma J
      London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      First class staff
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 30th December 2023
      Just wanted to comment on the helpful staff went into ask directions and the lovely booking staff bent over backwards to help us x Read full review

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