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A circus & physical theatre performance in Bristol

Circus and Physical Theatre Events in Bristol

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Bristol's Circus & Physical Theatre Scene

Unsurprisingly the best place to see live circus performances in Bristol as at the city’s own, physical theatre school - Circomedia. Fans of more experimental theatre performances should check out Ausform and Bristol’s May Fest theatre festival.

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Our recent circus & physical theatre recommendations

Robert Aldrich’s psycho-biddy masterpiece often gets unfairly eclipsed by Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby. Bette Davis is absolutely unhinged in this one, playing an aging child star left to care for her wheelchair-bound sister (Joan Crawford). A monochrome nightmare, a vicious send-up of showbiz, and a bleak examination of the damage wrought by childhood fame; Baby Jane is a must-see for all serious horror fans. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 12 7.00pm at Bristol Improv Theatre.

Sell out warning! Bristol Porn Festival digs into the raunchier end of the moving image, bringing together short films by queer artists and sex-workers from Bristol and beyond. Hosted by local filthmongers Maya Poison and Pixie Sin, with ceramic awards for the evening’s most salacious offerings hand-crafted by Bunny Royle. Leave your inhibitions at the door.... Bristol Porn Film Festival at The Cube.

Sell out warning! Aunt Gladys is for the gays! Zach Cregger’s Weapons gifted us a high-camp queer icon, and it was only a matter of time ‘til it got the signature Ghoulboss drag-horror treatment. Cue Drag Dungoneers’ Boohooman, enthralling enigma Mariana Trench and the fantastical Garbitch, all serving up creepy-chic cabaret mayhem and ghoulish mystery. Ghoulboss Productions Presents: WEAPONZ at Zed Alley.

Grassroots food'n'film fundraiser featuring two illuminating shorts: in My Neighbourhood, Mohammed must suddenly share his family home in East Jerusalem with Israeli settlers, while Free Running Gaza shows parkour as a means of temporary escape from the constant oppression in Khan Younis refugee camp. Palestine Film Fundraiser - My Neighbourhood and Free Running Gaza at The Arc.

What our editors say

“Untamed Burlesque started in 2016 by Mx Violent May and after a year of hibernating; we have a found a new home in the heart of Bristol! Untamed Burlesque features the rawest, wildest and UNTAMED Burlesque and cabaret stars from the South West and further afield This is an alternative burlesque show and ain't your gran's burlesque! Untamed Burlesque aims to platform LGBTQIA+ performers and give them a platform for them to shake what they got and make a statement!”
From: Untamed Burlesque

“Hosted by the Bristol’s very own Burt Lash, A Burt Lash Cabaret shines the spotlight on everything cabaret has to offer – from dazzling drag and side-splitting comedy to live music, burlesque, and beyond. All hosted in Bristols home of drag comedy.”
From: A BURT LASH CABARET

“Together, they’re hoping to shave valuable seconds off their busy Christmas Eve schedule by gathering crucial stocking location and roof landing intel ahead of time. Are you up to the challenge of helping our festive heroes with their quest? Get a peek into their enchanting world, see Snowball play with her favourite snow elf circus toys, enjoy a Q&A with Santa and more. They’ll also answer the big questions of the Santa story and show glimpses of their Christmas magic. Come and see why the show has been selling out venues from Tobacco Factory Theatres to Soho House and beyond! Guaranteed to bring a sense of fun, mischief and anticipation to all.”
From: Santa & Snowball Preview Show

“Step inside the greatest secret on Earth! Circus Conspiracy is an exciting new Circus Cabaret show featuring world class acrobatics, aerial, juggling and comedy, accompanied by live music and hosted by Rod Laver from the Decadent Rabbit.”
From: Circus Conspiracy

“Burgundy Rose has training in theatre, dance and aerial circus, which influences their personal style. In 2019 they were awarded a ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ grant from Arts Council England to deepen their research across rope, dance and physical theatre. Their shibari teaching and creative performances have taken them across the UK, Europe and the USA.”
From: BOUND IN BRISTOL