Charity Theatre Trips in aid of the British Red Cross

Why would you join a coach trip to visit the theatre in Bristol?

Now, let me think – what are the alternatives?

You could drive.

Excellent – you go at your own speed, arrive and depart as and when you want to. How marvellous! It'll take you about an hour and twenty if there are no hold ups on the M5. The nearest car park to the Hippodrome is only about 7 minutes walk away, will cost you £4.00 if you arrive after 18.00 hrs and can get a space. Even better, if your car is compliant you won't have to pay nine quid to enter the Clean Air Zone. You can check that here.

Or if you don't fancy taking your car, you could try the train

So that's easy, just drive into Taunton and park up at the multi storey – probably have to pay the daily rate of £7.60. Taunton to Bristol return, that'll be about £16.50 for an off peak day return and the station is really convenient for the Hippodrome too. Oh no, wait – it's a mile away by the most direct walking route if you know where you are going.

Aha, but what about the bus?

Yeah! What about the bus?

All of which makes joining a coach party to be ferried to the door (and back) seem quite a tempting solution. Charity Theatre Trips runs coaches that pick up in Curry Rivel, Langport, Somerton, then either Street, Glastonbury and Wells or Keinton Mandeville and Shepton Mallet.

So is it any surprise then that its May 2024 outing to see the hit musical 'Hamilton' is full! If there is enough demand to cover the coach hire there is a possibility of running a second trip, probably in June.

There are three new trips added:

• in November to the ever popular 'Annie' starring Craig Revel Horwood (moonlighting from 'Strictly')
• in March to the revival of the Lloyd-Webber/Tim Rice musical Jesus Christ Superstar
• in April to the Royal Ballet production of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty with full orchestra.

The full list is – in chronological order

• Pretty Woman: Wed 1 Nov: £40/£63
• Annie: Tues 21 Nov: £51/£60
• Life of Pi: Wed 17Jan: £40/£51
• Wicked: Thu 22 Feb: £66/£76
• Jesus Christ Superstar: Tue 12 Mar: £45
• Everyone's Talking About Jamie: 27 Mar: £40/£59
• The Wizard of Oz: Wed 3 Apr: £47/£58
• Sleeping Beauty Ballet: Fri 19 Apr: £38
• Hamilton: Thu 2 May (Full) & ? June: £85/£95 (subject to demand)
• Come From Away: Mon 26 Aug: £43/£68

The best way to keep up to date is at www.charitytheatretrips.com where there are full details and a booking form, You could also book by email to charitytheatretrips@btinternet.com, or phone Chris on 01458 273085.

All profits are donated to British Red Cross.