Confirmed · Bristol · Attraction

Bristol Old Vic

A London theatre in Poldark. Customers welcome; allow 30 minutes, or an evening.

On screen as: A London theatre
Series and episodes: Series 5 · Series 5, Episode 1
Access: Customers welcome
Time needed: 30 minutes, or an evening
Where: King Street, Bristol

On screen

How Bristol Old Vic appears

In the first episode of series 5, Ross is in London and the group goes to the theatre. Those scenes were filmed at Bristol Old Vic, whose 18th-century auditorium has barely changed since the period in which Poldark is set. The story places the theatre in London; the real one is on King Street in Bristol, close to the harbourside. The production's producer confirmed the filming to Visit Bristol.

Series 5, Episode 1: Episode 1

The real place

What you can visit

Bristol Old Vic opened in 1766 and is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world. A modern foyer, opened in 2018, joins the Georgian auditorium to the street, with a café and bar open to everyone. To see the auditorium itself, book a performance or a tour; check the theatre's website for current listings and tour dates. King Street outside is cobbled and lined with old pubs.

The auditorium is only open with a performance or tour ticket: the foyer café is the easy way to look in without booking.

Visit Bristol: Poldark filming locations ↗

Getting there.

The theatre is on King Street, about 10 minutes' walk from Bristol Temple Meads. The foyer is step-free; ask the box office about access to different parts of the auditorium. Public car parks nearby include Queen Charlotte Street. Redcliffe Caves are across the water at Redcliffe Wharf.

Official visitor information ↗Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions