People / Spotlight
Hippodrome manager de Villiers departs
Bristol Hippodrome general manager Christiaan de Villiers is leaving the theatre after four years at the helm.
Since arriving in October 2010, de Villiers has presided over the first ever tours of The Lion King and Dirty Dancing, as well as the theatre’s centenary in 2012.
“It has been such a privilege and honour to be part of the Hippodrome family for the past four years and it’s almost impossible to do it justice in words,” said the South African.
“The legacy and history of this grand old lady is second to none – she has entertained and captivated audiences for over a century, surviving all obstacles.
“She will be doing it for years to come – providing a home for the top shows in Bristol. For me, the Hippodrome will always be ‘the people of Bristol’s theatre’.
“This beautiful theatre, in the centre of Bristol, is also in the centre of so many Bristolian hearts. There’s a sense of pride and ownership that I’ve never experienced in any other theatre community.”
De Villiers’ new job will be as general manager at a sister venue of the Hippodrome, the Richmond Theatre in Surrey.
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