The theatre scheme seeking to tackle loneliness

The Bristol Hippodrome has announced more dates for its Matinee Mingle meetups, an opportunity for older people to socialise in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The informal meetups which are supported by National Friendly and Age UK Bristol are continuing to play an active role in helping tackle loneliness and self-isolation amongst older people in the local community.

National Friendly’s CEO, Graham Singleton stressed the added importance of tackling loneliness after the pandemic: “We recognise that loneliness is higher than ever before, along with self-isolation and vulnerability due to the pandemic and the amount of digital interactions.

“Our charitable and community work has a simple objective, to make a fundamental difference to local lives, both today and tomorrow. That’s why we, National Friendly, think it’s vital to support the matinee mingle.

“The programme which was created to help ward off loneliness, has made a real difference to local lives in our wider community and gives people who would otherwise visit the theatre alone, the chance to meet new people before seeing a show.”

The matinee mingles enable like-minded people to chat, laugh, share memories, and make new friends.

The launch of the new dates coincides with new government research which has revealed that there are direct links between chronic loneliness and mental health distress.

As a result, there is a renewed effort to tackle loneliness as part of national recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Naomi Kilcoyne, sales and development manager at The Bristol Hippodrome said: “The Bristol Hippodrome is proud to be playing its part in combating the effects of loneliness in the community.

“We hope that our Matinee Mingles help those who may be feeling alone or isolated to reach out and connect through the things that matter to them, such as their love of the theatre.”

Jo Stokes, community services manager at Age UK Bristol added: “The pandemic has caused an increase in loneliness amongst older people, especially those who live alone and who do not use or have access to digital technology.

“As we learn to manage the Covid-19 effect in the community, the Bristol Hippodrome’s matinee mingles are a great way to meet new people in person, while enjoying a show together. We hope that minglers find new friends that they can continue to visit the theatre with again and again for more laughs and enjoyment”.

The Matinee Mingle is free to attend and takes place an hour before selected mid-week matinee performances in The Bristol Hippodrome’s piano bar.

If you or someone you know would like to find out more and to book, call Rowan on 0117 302 3310 (option5) or email rowandodemont@theambassadors.com

Dates for upcoming matinee mingles:

• Bat out of Hell – Wednesday, August 10th at 2.30pm
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat – Thursday, September 1 at 2.30pm
• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – Wednesday, October 5 at 2.30pm
• English National Ballet’s Raymonda – Thursday, November 24 at 2pm
• Jersey Boys – Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 2.30pm
• Girl From The North Country – Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 2.30pm
• Sister Act – Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 2.30pm

Main photo: National Friendly

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