A Place For Everyone

The Show Goes On

For 152 years Bristol Beacon has been a civic centre at the heart of life in Bristol. Music has always been important, but beyond the big names the Hall has been a place for everything from cricket club fundraisers, cookery demonstrations, dog shows, job fairs and blood donation collection.

Performers, trustees, sponsors, organisers, and of course the staff at Bristol Beacon; it takes many people to make this a Place for Everyone. This collection includes recollections and personal musical memories from the people that make sure the show goes on.

Of course, no show is complete without an audience and on this track you will also hear from the people of Bristol about why they’ve visited Bristol Beacon, and the many experiences they’ve had here.

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Spectacular Storytelling

Until the 1980’s what is now the Lantern was known as the Little Theatre, putting on regular and accessible theatre six days a week in partnership with Bristol Old Vic and the repertory theatre company the Rapier Players. With new stories added every week seats were available on subscription in the pre-television era, with members of the public eager to find out what happens next. We hear from actors who trod the boards, and the communities that were built around this unique theatre.

In the main hall, wrestling was one of the biggest nights of the week. Big names such as Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy would go head to head in nail-biting shows, attracting audiences from around Bristol for regularly sold out bouts from 1950s to 2004. In this collection wrestlers, audience and staff recount their stories of the golden days of wrestling.

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Bristol Takes A Bow

For Bristolians there have been many opportunities to get on the stage at Bristol Beacon. Many people’s first memory of the Hall is actually as a performer rather than an audience member.

Whether it was part of a school Christmas concert, dancing as part of the annual Stages festival or working with world renowned conductors. On this track we hear from those who have sung, danced, and even paraded on the main stage in front of proud parents, teachers and friends.

Interviewees also explore the influence that these formative experiences have had on their lives, and the impact that the continuing education work of Bristol Beacon is still having today.

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