The past is never really past—it’s right here, shaping our world in ways we don’t always see. Now, for the first time live on stage, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand bring their chart-topping podcast Empire to audiences across the UK.
Join them for an evening of epic storytelling, sharp insights, and plenty of laughs as they dive into the empires that made our world—from ancient dynasties to modern superpowers. How did Buddhism spread across Asia? Why does Putin believe Russia should rule Ukraine? What’s the real story behind Iran’s influence in the Middle East? The past isn’t as distant as it seems.
Expect big stories, brilliant banter, and a few surprises as William and Anita bring history to life like never before.
Presented by AEG Presents
Format: Reserved seating
Age: 16+ (Under 18s accompanied by an adult)
Performance times
Doors: 18:30
Finish: 23:00
All timings are approximate and subject to change
best podcast on the British Empire.”
The Times
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.
Select a date
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18:30