One Year On: Bristol Hippodrome recall last-minute emergency venue closure

One Year On: Bristol Hippodrome recall last-minute emergency venue closure

Posted on: 18 Mar 2021

Theatre Director Ben Phillips has posted an emotional message across the venue's social media channels.

 

The Bristol Hippodrome have released a statement from Theatre Director Ben Phillips, outlining the circumstances of their last-minute cancellation as the UK entered its first coronavirus lockdown last March.

 

Posted on Tuesday - a year to the day since the venue was forced to close down - the message breaks down the difficulty in having to evacuate the entire theatre on the sold-out opening night of one of its biggest-ever shows, We Will Rock You.

 

Phillips also went on to thank customers for their co-operation that night, and commended several members of the Hippodrome team that have worked across the emergency frontlines during the pandemic.

 

 

The full statement is as follows:

 

“On the evening of 16th March 2020, I received a call from my UK Director confirming that due to COVID 19, the UK was entering a lockdown and the evening’s performance was cancelled. The time was about 7pm and it was the opening night of We Will Rock You. The show was a sell-out performance, and at that time a lot of customers were in the bars or in their seats or just arriving.

 

“Whilst having previously had to deal with emergency evacuations of the building, this one was just so different. However the normal adrenaline in these situations kicked straight in and we started the evacuation as normal. The customer-facing teams performed at their very best and dealt with the customers brilliantly and calmly. The Back of House team did an equally impressive job with the cast and crew for the show.

 

“My memories of how the customers supported us with their kindness and understanding and genuine worry for us will stay with me always. As a venue leader, each and every one of my team that night filled me with pride and admiration. As they performed their duties they had no idea what the future would hold, what the pandemic would do to us. The experience was very levelling for us all - we all were in the same situation.

Inside the Bristol Hippodrome.

“That night, none of us believed that a year later we would not be back doing what we love to do. None of us expected the uncertainty of it all; the false new dawns that have come and gone, the cost of lives and devastation of so many things held dear. However in this madness and sadness true heroes have emerged. The NHS and frontline workers who face danger every day. The people who have kept the food supply going and so many more.

 

“By keeping in touch with my team I am proud that so many of them have gone to the frontline and done their bit to help us all get to the other side. This pandemic has created heroes everywhere, but my team members who have been heroic are extra special to me.

 

“I miss my team around me, we miss the customers that join us, the cast and the crews that bring our shows to life. We miss you all.”

 

At the time of writing, the Bristol Hippodrome will remain closed until Sunday 16 May at the earliest, in line with government safety guidelines. 

 

Unable to reopen or host audiences for over 12 months, the UK's theatre and performing arts industries have been decimated by the pandemic, and venues of all sizes nationwide will be counting on your support once they're finally able to return to regular programming.

 

For more information on Bristol Hippodrome, or to book tickets for new and rescheduled performances once restrictions are lifted, head to their website.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.