Have you ever considered how a single weapon could change the course of history? Known for his acclaimed documentaries Black and British: A Forgotten History and A House Through Time, David Olusoga offers remarkable storytelling in this powerful, unexpected and enlightening social narrative.
See legendary firearms up close on stage and delve into their mind-bending hidden social histories. You’ll also have the chance ask David your own questions about any historical topic.
- The Thompson Sub-Machine Gun was the weapon that was supposed to end the First World War. But in the hands of the gangsters of Prohibition-era America it became the infamous ‘Tommy Gun’.
- The Maxim gun enabled Europeans to conquer Africa in the 1890s, but 20 years later it became one of the biggest killers in European history when deployed on the Western Front. It is still being used to considerable effect on the battlefields of Ukraine.
- The Lee Enfield rifle was woven into the lives of two generations of our ancestors. With 17 million of them produced it was the weapon the British Army took to war in 1914 and 1939.
Join David as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors.
Presented by Fane
Format: Reserved seating
Age: 10+ at the discretion of a parent or guardian
Doors: 19.00
Start: 19.30
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Olusoga excels at extrapolating the big picture from individual cases – and is swiftly becoming the face of BBC history.”
iNews
About Beacon Hall
Our new flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
View Beacon Hall
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View Beacon Hall
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Seating plans
Seating plans
Beacon Hall has three levels that can be used in a seated or standing format. View seating plans, auditorium entrances and exits and accessible viewing areas.
Venue information
Venue information
Take a closer look at our beautifully restored venue, see what’s on and view detailed information about the performance space.
The venue
Beacon Hall
at Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Beacon Hall is located within Bristol Beacon. Head to Level 1 and follow signs to find the auditorium.
Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 200m away, directly behind Bristol Beacon.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Bus
Most bus services stop in and around the city centre promenade, 250m from Bristol Beacon.
Access
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users are in:
- row S in the centre of the rear Stalls (10 spaces)
- row Z in the left and right wings at the back of Lower Tier (4 spaces, 2 on each side),
- rows G/H on the left only at the back of Upper Tier (2 spaces)
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the performance space. Seats in row F are most suitable. If you prefer, you can leave your animal with a member of staff during the performance.
Hearing Facility
A Sennheiser MobileConnect assistive listening system is installed in the venue. Download the free App and use your own mobile device and headphones to listen to the performance. (Devices are available on request.)
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
We’ve got plenty of places for you to relax and refill. From coffee and cake, to delicious sharing boards, to full menus.
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19:30