Russell Howard to play a week of football stadium gigs in Bristol

Russell Howard is to play a week of gigs in a football stadium next month – as social distancing ruled out the planned theatre shows.

The comic had been due to play seven hometown gigs at the 2,000-capacity Bristol Hippodrome from July 5 to 10.

But the government’s delay in relaxing Covid restrictions from June 21 until July 19 at the earliest means the audience could not be accommodated with social distancing.

Instead, he is to bring his Respite tour to Ashton Gate Stadium, the 27,000-capacity home of Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears rugby club. 

The comic said: ‘I’m delighted to announce my Bristol gigs in July can still happen, but due to social distancing we’ve changed venues.’

Published: 25 Jun 2021