The Bristol Hippodrome are hosting pre-show meetups to tackle loneliness in the community
Posted on: 21 Jun 2022Matinee Mingle meetups provide space for older people to socialise in an informal environment.
The Bristol Hippodrome have announced a full list of dates for Matinee Mingles, a series of pre-show meetups organised to tackle loneliness and self-isolation amongst older people in the community.
Set up as part of a broader loneliness awareness campaign, the meetups will be taking place monthly from August, inviting attendees to meet an hour before selected matinee shows at the Hippodrome's Piano Bar.
Matinee Mingles will be free to attend - if you or someone you know might be interested, the theatre encourage you to get in touch on 0117 302 3310 or via email, where a member of the team will reserve a place and book your accompanying show ticket.
Loneliness Awareness Week, aims to raise awareness of loneliness and reduce the stigma surrounding it. @BristolHipp Matinee Mingle is supported by National Friendly and @ageukbristol as we continue to play an active role in helping to ward off loneliness pic.twitter.com/LYiGNgZf4B
— National Friendly (@Nat_Friendly) June 17, 2022
The Hippodrome's Matinee Mingles series kicks off with a meetup before Bat out of Hell at 14:30 on Wednesday 10 August, before the next takes place ahead of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at 14:30 on Thursday 1 September.
From there, a Matinee Mingle will precede an afternoon performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Wednesday 5 October, as well as the English National Ballet's Raymonda on Thursday 24 November.
Into 2023, attendees will be invited to meet before Jersey Boys at 14:30 on Wednesday 11 January, and Girl from the North Country at 14:30 on Wednesday 1 February.
The current schedule of Matinee Mingles will close with a meetup before Sister Act, showing at 14:30 on Wednesday 8 March. More information, as well as a full calendar of performances from each of the shows listed above, can be found here.
This week we'll be sharing some tips for how you can reconnect with friends, family and neighbours, small gestures like inviting someone round for a coffee ? can have a big impact and help lift someone out of #loneliness. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeekhttps://t.co/f0FNwNY6Bt
— Age UK Bristol (@ageukbristol) May 9, 2022
Supported by charities National Friendly and Age UK Bristol, it's hoped that the Matinee Mingles will play an active role in helping older people across Bristol deal with issues of loneliness, an issue particularly relevant post-lockdown.
The announcement of the series coincides with the release of new government research which has revealed direct links between chronic loneliness and mental health distress.
The meetups enable like-minded people to chat, laugh, share memories and make new friends in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Speaking ahead of the Matinee Mingles launch, Hippodrome Sales & Development Manager, Naomi Kilcoyne, said:
“The Bristol Hippodrome is proud to be playing its part in combating the effects of loneliness in the community.
“We hope that our Matinee Mingles help those who may be feeling alone or isolated to reach out and connect through the things that matter to them, such as their love of theatre.”
Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to get in touch with the theatre on 0117 302 3310 or via email, where a member of the team will reserve a place and book your accompanying show ticket.
Alternatively, head to the Hippodrome's website to find out more about the theatre and find out what's coming up in 2022.
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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.
