Saturday 11 December 2021

Snow White at the Bristol Hippodrome Review

Press image for Snow White at the Bristol Hippodrome, featuring Andy Ford, Lesley Joseph and Judge Rinder in costume, smiling
 This week we were lucky enough to be invited to the free press night showing of a classic tale: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We did a little dance when the invitation came our way because while we were all sat indoors, twiddling our thumbs, eagerly awaiting the day we can look at this pandemic and say - “It’s behind you!” getting an invitation to escape it for a few hours was the next best thing. The pantomime is showing until January 2nd and you can get your tickets via this link www.atgtickets.comIt was a magical experience to see the Bristol Hippodrome eagerly throw its safety curtain up and doors wide open after this year of turmoil for the theatre industry. 
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Saturday 29 February 2020

This Country Book Signing and More About the Show


Two copies of the book This Country with the title overlaid Last weekend, Jade and I ventured into Bristol for a very exciting event. We have been fans of This Country since it first began and have really enjoyed following the characters as they've made their way through various adventures and disasters in their small village community. I was unaware that there was a book signing with the stars of the show and was amazed when Jade surprised me with tickets to attend last Sunday. It was a really enjoyable experience and I thought I would write a bit about the show, for the uninitiated, and what it was like meeting Charlie and Daisy May Cooper, who star as Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe.

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Thursday 28 March 2019

The Bodyguard - Bristol Hippodrome Review


The Bodyguard Frank Farmer, holding Rachel Marron in his arms
Last night we were given tickets to review The Bodyguard, starring Alexandra Burke, who we last saw in Sister Act, along with Benoit Marechal and Micha Richardson. The Bodyguard made its triumphant debut in the West End in 2014 launching Alexandra Burke's amazing theatre career and was followed by a sell-out tour in 2015 - 2016. As well as Sister Act, she has also since starred in Chess and Chicago. Benoit Marechal first starred in the French version of The Bodyguard and Micha Richardson has toured with Legally Blonde, Fame and Mamma Mia. Here's what we thought of the show.
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Friday 22 February 2019

Tom Gates Live - Theatre Review Bristol Hippodrome


Animations from the Tom Gates series.
We are very lucky to be able to review the stage shows at the Bristol Hippodrome on a pretty regular basis and, having different aged children, we have seen a wide variety of shows over time. Nothing piqued my curiosity quite like Tom Gates Live on Stage, though. Having read the books to my son many times when he was younger, I couldn't help wondering how Liz Pichon's unique animation style would transfer to the stage. It turned out, however, the author herself was very much involved in the production and stamped her particular style all over it with gusto! This is our review of this brand new show from Birmingham Stage Company. Tickets were gifted in return for our thoughts on this production.
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Saturday 12 January 2019

Motown the Musical - Bristol Hippodrome Review


Still of The Supremes in Motown the Musical, wearing beautiful pink dresses
Last night we attended the press night for Motown the Musical at the Bristol Hippodrome, so that we could tell you all about it. And what a show! If you've been here before, you will have noticed I do enjoy a good musical, but this was probably the most musical musical I've ever seen. The cast was large and there were amazing performances of every Motown singer I could think of. The costumes were stunning and the choreography perfect, but what I was not expecting was the immersive experience that transported the audience back to an emotional and scary time of racial division and tension. 
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Wednesday 12 December 2018

Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas


Westonbirt Arboretum lit in different colours, with title overlaid
On a chilly Friday evening, I went with my son, sister in law and two nephews, to visit Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, where we had been offered free tickets in exchange for our review. Considering it's not that far away from me, I'm surprised to say, this is the first time I've ever visited Westonbirt and, after experiencing Enchanted Christmas, the next visit may seem like a bit of an anticlimax, when the trees are returned to their natural brown colour and no longer sparkling or glowing. If you are  wondering if there's enough to entertain two adults and a small assortment of boys, aged between five and twelve, here's how we got on.
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Thursday 1 November 2018

Jersey Boys Theatre Review: Bristol Hippodrome


Last night my daughter and I went to the Bristol Hippodrome for a free press showing of the internationally acclaimed stage production, The Jersey Boys, which is currently touring the UK and tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It's a surprisingly intricate tale, with many twists and turns. We knew very little about the group, although we loved many of their songs, so this was a journey of discovery for both of us. And what a journey! We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more and we learned a lot. There's really only one way I can describe the whole experience; Oh, what a night! 
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Thursday 25 October 2018

How to Find Banksy Art in Bristol


Banksy work 'The Girl with the Pierced Ear Drum', with title overlaid. Over the weekend, I took my daughter and her boyfriend on a tour of all the local Banksy paintings, or, as some consider them, 'graffiti'. In Bristol, we don't have graffiti, we have street art, and Banksy is probably the most famous Bristol street artist of them all. This post contains directions to all the Banksy art that is close enough to walk to, as well as information about where to find the others further afield. The directions I have given are intended to be followed on foot, but you could do it in two parts if it's too much walking for one trip. There are lots of tourist attractions on route to break things up a bit if necessary.
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Monday 22 October 2018

Hillcroft, Redhill - Amazing Accommodation near Bristol Airport


Hillcroft, Redhill Title text over a picture of one of the bedrooms at HillcroftWhen you are travelling abroad, for work or pleasure, you are going to want it to be as stress-free as possible. Smaller airports, such as Bristol, are a great option for this, as they offer a more relaxed journey, since they don't have lots of terminals and miles of travelators just waiting for you to get lost in. Another stress-reducing option for the start of your travels is to find a great, reasonably priced hotel near the airport, so that you don't have to worry about your car, or getting stuck in traffic. I have discovered the perfect location for this, perfectly set up for short overnight stops and situated just three miles from Bristol Airport. Here is a review of our stay at Hillcroft Accommodation in Redhill. 
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Friday 12 October 2018

An Evening at Aspects Leisure Park, Longwell Green, Bristol


A collage of food and drink images from Aspects Leisure Park
Last week I was invited on a press trip to Aspects Leisure Park in Bristol, to experience some of the delicious food and drink on offer and let you know what else there is to do there. Like most out of town leisure complexes, there are a lot of eateries and venues in close proximity, making it an ideal place to spend an evening out. It turns out, I've led a fairly sheltered life, as I discovered lots I hadn't experienced before, including gin. I had no idea I liked gin, it really was a revelation! To find out what else I discovered, read our review of Aspects Leisure Park, Bristol. I was treated to free food and drink for the purposes of this review.
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Wednesday 10 October 2018

Madagascar the Musical Theatre Review


The brand new stage adaptation of Madagascar has just arrived at the Bristol Hippodrome and we were given free tickets in order to write this review. This high energy musical  theatre version of the popular animated motion picture stars X Factor winner Matt Terry, who is making his stage acting debut in this production. On the day we attended, however, Matt was expertly understudied by Brandon Gale due to illness. This production was brought to life by Selladoor, the company behind James and the Giant Peach and Hook, who produced the Olivier Award-winning Rotterdam.
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Monday 13 August 2018

Shrek the Musical Review - Bristol Hippodrome


Fiona, Donkey and Shrek in Shrek the Musical
I have seen Shrek the film so many times, I could not pass up an opportunity to see how it transfers to the stage. Shrek is one of those shows that appeals to children of all ages, as well as most adults, for many different reasons. The stage musical first wowed audiences in 2011 and this is the second UK tour to take to the road. In our Shrek the Musical Review, find out what myself and the 12 year old thought, as we joined a packed audience at the Bristol Hippodrome. Tickets were provided free for the purpose of reviewing the production. 

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Saturday 4 August 2018

Free Activities with Children in Bristol


Gromit Unleashed Spock Statue
Bristol is an amazing, vibrant city, with lots of history and culture. It also offers a wealth of colourful entertainment options all year round. From festivals, to amazing street art, including this year's Gromit Unleashed 2 trail, there really is something for everyone. It's easy for the costs to add up though, when you suddenly have children to amuse all day. If you are wondering how you are going to entertain the kids on a budget this summer, here is a round up of all of our favourite free things to do in the city, keeping the costs down, without skimping on the fun!
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Tuesday 22 May 2018

The Spectacular Miss Saigon: A Bristol Hippodrome Review


Miss Saigon Review Bristol Hippodrome
I love going to the theatre, which might be apparent to anyone not new to the blog. This is the main reason why I get so excited when we get invited to review performances at the Bristol Hippodrome, and Miss Saigon was no exception. What might be a bit more surprising is that, despite its 29 year history, I've never seen it before. It has an impressive reputation and is considered one of the greats, alongside Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and other stage masterpieces, and I've always wanted to see it. So the big question is, did it live up to its hype? Could a show almost in its 30th year still wow an audience? Damn right, it could. 
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Thursday 19 April 2018

The Band Musical Theatre Review - A Fantastic Nostalgic Show


Take me back, take me back, to where I used to be... 
I have been to quite a few Bristol Hippodrome productions as a reviewer, but this one was a bit different. I was a huge Take That fan in my youth and I was anticipating a walk down memory lane, experiencing all the songs and dance moves I remembered from my dim and distant past. It certainly didn't disappoint on that score, but there was so much more to it. This is the story of how I ended up watching what could have been part of my own life story unfold on stage, in the hilarious and touching tale that is The Band Musical.
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Thursday 8 March 2018

Toby Carvery, Almondsbury - Review


Front view of the Toby Carvery at Almondsbury
Considering how close we are to a Toby Carvery, it's quite surprising that we've never been. I'd heard good things about it and driven past many times, so when I was asked if I'd like to review the menu and newly refurbished interior, in return for a free meal, I jumped at the chance. As always, the meal was offered as compensation for my time in writing this review and does not affect my opinions. I have actually booked a table for tomorrow that I'm paying for, because my husband wants to go, now I've told him how good it was. You will also find that this review contains lots of photos of the lovely food and decor and the camera never lies!
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Monday 23 October 2017

Halloween Spectacular at The Wild Place Project, Bristol


The entrance to Wild Place, with Halloween decorations
The Wild Place Project, near Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, is a sister park to Bristol Zoo. It opened in 2013 and we have been regular visitors ever since. It has been lovely to watch it grow and expand and it is obvious that the staff and keepers have a great affection for the place. The emphasis is very much on the welfare of the animals and their habitats and this is my favourite aspect of the park. It is very close to our house, so we visit a lot, but this time we were invited to review the new Halloween Spectacular, taking place over half term (21st-29th October) and received free admission in return for letting you know what we thought about it.
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Saturday 21 October 2017

Bristol Zoo Events for Children


Bristol Zoo Penguin with Title OverlaidIt's been over a year since our last Bristol Zoo Review and this post is a bit different to the last one. This time, I really want to focus on the additional events that are provided on a seasonal basis, as part of your ticket price  Bristol Zoo puts a lot of effort into making the venue even more entertaining for children in the school holidays and so we're going to be reviewing the recent events we attended, as well as those that are coming up in the near future. Most importantly, the next activity in the Zoo's calendar; the Halloween Festival. Obviously, we can't actually review it, as it hadn't happened at the time of writing, but we can tell you all about it. 
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