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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

Deep Red is an underrated Argento masterpiece that paints its themes in scarlet and slaughter. David Hemmings plays a jazz musician who becomes entangled in a bloody mystery, surrounded by lurid imagery, disturbing killings and cryptic hints, set to Goblin’s twitchy, hypnotic score. Beware the children’s song.... DEEP RED at Bristol Megascreen.

For anyone fascinated by eccentric thinkers, mysticism and the paranormal, it's time to get acquainted with Colin Wilson. This mammoth 6 hour screening is the definitive guide to the life of the self-taught philosopher, literary outsider and founder of ‘new existentialism’, who went from sleeping on the streets to penning 100+ consciousness-expanding tomes. Colin Wilson: His Life and Work at The Cube.

A double bill of cult cinema chaos! Heavy Pictures unleash the gloriously deranged Hungarian animated oddity Cat City, packed with gratuitous mouse nudity and some spectacularly questionable politics. Then Zinezilla return to their beginnings with Ishiro Honda’s '54 original Godzilla - the radioactive lizard at his most terrifying, and still a devastating screen incarnation of nuclear anxiety. Heavy Pictures & Zinezilla Presents Godzilla & Cat City at The Bristol Improv Theatre.

A rare treat for radical thespians: Worms Theatre hosts a playful, beginner’s-friendly deep dive into Augusto Boal’s revolutionary practice, culminating in a Forum Theatre play at the end of the course. Theatre of the Oppressed reframes ‘acting’ as a vehicle for social change, encouraging anarchic audience participation and providing a safe space to practice real-life resistance. Theatre of the Oppressed 10-Week Course at The Trinity Centre.

What our editors say

“This event has been created specifically for those who may struggle to access traditional circus - such as those with additional needs, or young children. But it is also perfect for anyone who prefers a more casual environment when watching shows.”
From: A Relaxed Circus Show

“Bring in the new year in the best way, Queer as F*ck is back at Trinity for another electric NYE party - ft. our signature mix of cabaret and club-night dripping from head to (high) heel in circus, drag, and debauchery.”
From: QUEER AS F*CK’s New Year’s Eve Party

“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