Bristol has a thriving theatre scene, with everything from West End hits to independent up-and-comers showcasing their productions in the city.
With so much on offer, it can be hard to know what to go and see, so here’s a short list of some of the best shows on offer in 2025.
Dear Evan Hansen
The hit musical about an anxious high schooler and his big secret is coming to Bristol Hippodrome early 2025.
Evan desperately wants to fit in, but his way of fitting in doesn’t tell the whole truth. Now he has to give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have, as events spiral and truth comes out.
It’s been described by critics as “the musical of its generation, for all generations”, and this brand new production of Dear Evan Hansen is the first in the UK to feature an ensemble.
See Dear Evan Hansen at Bristol Hippodrome, 11-15 February, 2025
Romeo and Juliet
A retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play with the addition of an original score of rap and R&B.
Unaltered in its original text, this updated version helps the story shine through, opening the story in a creative way to new and old audiences.
Running for just over three weeks, you don’t want to miss this Bristol Old Vic production in collaboration with The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, and Hackney Empire
See Romeo and Juliet at Bristol Old Vic, 12 March – 5 April, 2025
Funeral Teeth
Coming to The Wardrobe Theatre, Succulent Theatre is back with a new production.
After the success of their debut show NASTY: ‘Big’ Girls Being Gross, Mean & Sexy, Funeral Teeth explores what and who we’re allowed to grieve.
Described as ‘queer, autobiographical, confessional piece of theatre about grief that’s gut-busting and gut-wrenching in equal measure, putting the ‘fun’ in funeral’, it’s only running for three days, so be sure to get your tickets.
See Funeral Teeth at The Wardrobe Theatre, 18-20 March, 2025
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
The West-End hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is coming to Bristol in April.
Set to the soundtrack of her iconic hits, this musical tells the story of Turner’s incredible rise to stardom, from Tennessee to an award-winning artist, earning 12 Grammy awards throughout her career.
The production is written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd, making it a must-see.
See TINA at Bristol Hippodrome, 8-26 April, 2025
The House Party
An adaptation of Miss Julie, The House Party takes place on Julie’s 18th birthday in her father’s extravagant townhouse. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and her best friend Christine is trying to pick up the pieces. As the party goers pile into the booze, down in the kitchen Christine and her boyfriend Jon – son of Julie’s cleaner – dare to dream of the future.
As the night continues, Julie concocts a twisted cocktail of entitlement, desire and destruction.
Showing for just over a week at the Bristol Old Vic, don’t miss this exciting production.
See The House Party at Bristol Old Vic, 23 April – 3 May, 2025
Chicago
Set during the decadent 1920s, Chicago tells the story of a housewife and night-club dancer who murders her lover after he threatens to leave her. She hires Chicago’s best criminal lawyer to help her avoid conviction and dupe the public, media, and her rival cellmate.
It’s a legendary show with an iconic soundtrack, earning six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. So make sure you have tickets for its short one-week running
See Chicago at Bristol Hippodrome, 19-24 May, 2025
War Horse
The adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel War Horse is coming to the Hippodrome in summer, to transport audiences back to the First World War. The award-winning, life-sized horses from South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company bring the story to life.
Be sure to see the global phenomenon this June.
See War Horse at Bristol Hippodrome, 3-21 June, 2025
Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! takes musical theatre to a new level, going beyond what is expected of a performance. A gripping adaption, Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, showcasing where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows.
Winner of ten Tony awards, enter a world of extravagance this summer at Bristol Hippodrome.
See Moulin Rouge! at Bristol Hippodrome, 26 June – 9 August, 2025
2:22 A Ghost Story
Following seven West-End Seasons, 2:22 A Ghost Story is now embarking on a UK tour.
This supernatural thriller will have you on the edge of your seat, with casting yet to be announced, previous runs have featured star performances from celebrities such as Tom Felton, Stacey Dooley, and Cheryl.
The play follows husband and wife Dan and Jenny, and their friends Ben and Lauren, asking what do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
See 2:22 A Ghost Story at Bristol Hippodrome, 18-23 August, 2025
Mamma Mia!
Near the end of the year, Mamma Mia! returns to the Hippodrome for two weeks.
A beloved stage show-turned-film, it follows Sophie’s search for her father on a Greek Island, and a story of love, friendship and identity, all told through the iconic hits of ABBA.
See Mamma Mia! at Bristol Hippodrome, 11-22 November, 2025