THEATRE goers are being reassured that it is ‘business as usual’ at the Bristol Hippodrome following the news that its owners have put the historic building up for sale.

Live Nation has owned the familiar theatre in the centre of Bristol, which opened in 1912, since 2004. The company now intends to concentrate on developing its large-scale live music concerns, selling off its 17 theatres to raise funds. The other theatres include venues in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Hippodrome general manager Gary Roden said: "After a very successful period last year, 2009 is also seeing the theatre thriving and with major producations already lined up for 2010, the outlook for both the theatre and our customers is extremely exciting.

"With new owners or not, customers can rest assured that the Bristol Hippodrome will continue to provide the very best live entertainment in the South West."

Mr Roden highlighted some of the very successful shows hosted by the theatre in recent years including Mamma Mia!, Starlight Express and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The 2,000 seat theatre has also played host to the Welsh National Opera as well as lavish ballet productions.

Currently showing is the production of West Side Story that won great praise when it opened at Sadlers Wells, London.

Live Nation is currently accpeting bids for all 17 theatres as one lot, but it has not ruled out selling each venue off seperately. Paul Latham, Live Nation's chief operating manager said they might not end up selling the venues.

"It's not a foregone conclusion that they will be sold," he said. "It will only be if someone makes us an offer we can't refuse that it will be accepted."