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Photos: mattbuck (category), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Photographed by Adrian Pingstone, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Nortix08, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo credits

Photos: mattbuck (category), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Photographed by Adrian Pingstone, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Nortix08, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bristol Old Vic, Britain's oldest theatre

  • 🇬🇧 Bristol, United Kingdom
  • Live video tour
  • 1 h
  • English
  • Up to 8 people
  • Art
Your local guide Chloe Simmons 5 years guiding View profile

Highlights

  • Britain's oldest working theatre
  • A Georgian entrance still in daily use
  • An eighteenth century guild hall foyer
  • Two buildings joined into one
  • Centuries of continuous performance

About this tour

This call looks at the Bristol Old Vic, Britain's oldest continuously working theatre, from its Georgian entrance to the guild hall foyer built onto its side. You see how a working theatre has kept a centuries old building in daily use. I explain how the two buildings came together.

We start with a sound check outside the entrance, then move to the Coopers' Hall foyer, pausing for the architectural detail. Questions come up throughout, and I send a short note on the theatre's history afterwards.

It suits theatre and architecture fans alike. It also works well paired with an evening performance booked separately.

Included

  • Live video walk with a local guide
  • Questions to your guide all the way
  • A short list of places to visit later

Not included

  • Internet connection
  • Travel to the city

Itinerary

  1. Welcome and sound check 5 min

    The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Bristol before heading out.

  2. Old Vic frontage 21 min

    You see the theatre's Georgian entrance, opened in 1766 and still in continuous use, making it one of the oldest working theatres in the country.

  3. Coopers' Hall foyer 21 min

    From outside the adjoining Coopers' Hall, an eighteenth century guild hall now serving as the theatre's foyer, I explain how the two very different buildings were joined.

  4. Your questions 9 min

    Time to ask anything about Bristol: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.

  5. A short list to keep 4 min

    Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Bristol cider and Montpelier, worth a slower look.

Good to know

  • A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
  • Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
  • Times are shown in London time, so check the time where you are before you book.
  • The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
  • Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
  • Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.

Questions about this tour

What will the session cover?

The guide walks through Bristol, showing you Old Vic frontage and Coopers' Hall foyer live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.

What happens if my connection drops?

Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.

Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?

Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.

Do I need any background in art?

No. The guide explains what matters as you go, whatever you already know or do not.

How it works

  • You get one join link after booking.
  • Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
  • We connect on a video call outside the theatre entrance, and we finish at the guild hall foyer.

Times shown in London time (GMT)

Cancellation

Flexible

  • Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
  • Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
  • If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
  • Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.

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Next: Mon 21 Dec · 8 seats left From 21,00 €

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