About
Originally opened in 1766, Bristol Old Vic is the country’s oldest continuously working theatre, making it a magnificent wow factor venue for events. With such an historic venue, central location and flexible event spaces, ranging in capacity from 12 to 550, Bristol Old Vic offers endless possibilities to make your event truly remarkable.
The income generated from holding your event at Bristol Old Vic goes towards supporting the longest continuously-running theatre in the UK. A registered charity, Bristol Old Vic strives to create pioneering theatre by supporting experiment and innovation, reach out into its communities to provide access to theatre for people who would not otherwise encounter it or be able to afford it, and keep its extraordinary heritage alive and animated for all of Bristol to enjoy.
With a passion for hosting and entertaining that goes back centuries, Bristol Old Vic is ready to deliver a memorable experience which will get people buzzing.
Conferences & Meetings
Bristol Old Vic's flexible event spaces include the elegant Grade I listed Coopers’ Hall which was originally built as a Georgian banqueting hall in 1744, and has now been restored to its former glory. With its high ceilings and huge over-arch windows, the elegantly-renovated hall is one of the most sought-after venues in Bristol and and of course the iconic Auditorium which can offer on stage dining for up to 120 guests or conferences for up to 550 really is a unique feature.
The historic venue, central location and flexible event spaces makes Bristol Old Vic a great choice for any size conference or meeting
Parties & Social Events
A product launch, Christmas party or end of year bash – Bristol Old Vic is a great host for an informal, fun gathering that will get people buzzing. The front of houses spaces can be hired for up to 500 guests for a fantasic party atmosphere.
Gala Dinners & Private Dining
For something different, dinners can be held on the stage of the main theatre for up to 120 people. The elegant Coopers Hall is also available for private hire.
Competitive Socialising & Team Building
There is a variety of spaces that can host team-building events within the theatre, including creative workshops and improv sessions in keeping with the venue.
Social Impact
Bristol Old Vic is a registered charity, providing an amazing range of creative activity and training opportunities to young people across Bristol and supporting artists tell their stories. Every event supports the Charity to continue to deliver this vital activity.
Please find the venue's Sustainability policy here
Please find the venue's Access statement here
Capacity
| Room | Banqueting | Boardroom | Classroom | Theatre | U-Shaped | Cabaret | Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coopers’ Hall | 120 | - | - | 100 | - | 96 | 200 |
| Foyle Room | 15 | 15 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Main Auditorium | 120 | - | - | 550 | - | - | - |
| The Balcony | - | - | - | - | - | - | 60 |
| The Foyer | - | - | - | - | - | - | 500 |
| Weston Studio | - | - | - | 150 | - | - | 80 |
Capacity
| Coopers’ Hall Banqueting | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Banqueting | 120 |
| Coopers’ Hall Cabaret | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Cabaret | 96 |
| Coopers’ Hall Theatre | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Theatre | 100 |
| Foyle Room Banqueting | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Banqueting | 15 |
| Foyle Room Boardroom | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Boardroom | 15 |
| Main Auditorium Banqueting | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Banqueting | 120 |
| Main Auditorium Theatre | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Theatre | 550 |
| Weston Studio Theatre | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Theatre | 150 |
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- Assistance Dogs
- Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
- Disability awareness training for all personnel
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
- Facilities for Neurodivergent visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- On Bus Route
- Within 1 Mile of a Train Station
Sustainability
- Formal Written Sustainability Plan (See Notes)
- Products & Suppliers - Locally Sourced Produce
- Products & Suppliers - Organic Produce Served
- Products & Suppliers - Plant-Based Options or Menu
- Travel & Transport - Cycle Parking
- Travel & Transport - Secure Cycle Storage
- Waste - Food Waste Policy







