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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

Sell out warning! Absurd stunts, crooked comedy, and a killer live soundtrack in this carnivalesque reimagining of Beowulf! Nikki & JD’s Fireside zigs where the epic zags, with monsters on stilts, heroes flinging themselves through the night sky, and a score to set your eyebrows on fire. The Geats, the Grendel, the dragon... it’s all here, just a little weirder. Gather around the fire and let us remind you of what it was to be afraid of the dark. Don’t build the fire too high, sing too loud or laugh too heartily because he’s out there and he’s hungry. Lost Dog creates an outdoor show that combines circus, dance, theatre and live music to re-enact the original horror story. The one about the monster, and the monster’s mother, and the dragon and the hero and the severed limbs.

Transformational circus theatrics await! Diana Salles’ staggering solo show is a personal and pertinent deep dive into her trans journey, expressed through a raw and witty narrative feat of heart-stopping acrobatics, dazzling fashion and visceral choreography. A heart-stopping circus show unravelling the profound beauty of self-discovery on a trans woman’s path. Through dynamic aerial silks, dance, song, and fashion that speaks volumes, Diana invites us to reflect on the strength it takes to honour one's truth. Physical and emotional. // ACCESS: This show includes BSL Interpretation

Circus City makes a rapturous return with 12 shows across 3 weeks packed with awe-inspiring aerial theatre, world class clowning, dazzling contemporary dance and side-splitting comedy. Circus companies from around the globe will smash all perceptions of the art form with the most entertaining, thought-provoking possibilities of the modern stageshow. For 2025, our festival is presented with the frame Bodies of Care, inviting audiences to explore circus work that embeds practices of care into the way it is made and performed and speaks to this important facet of human experience.

Sell out warning! Queer AF acrobatic burlesque action packed with pure sass and sizzle. Grounded Circus dial up the collective heat with Brighton’s macabre cabaret icon Joe Black, boylesque aerialist extraordinaire Danny Ash, lactose-loving milkman / cow drag surrealism from the Dairy King + RED leading the late night DJ charge! Circus, drag, and burlesque come together in this unforgettable one-off lineup. Part cabaret, part club-night, all camp.

What our editors say

“Levantes Dance Theatre is an award-winning female-led circus dance company known for their trademark bold visual design and blending this with aerial dance and physical theatre. Their work ranges from immersive indoor performances to outdoor pop-up spectacles. They perform in spaces from theatres to garden parties, from large scale festivals to care homes.”
From: Counterweight by Levantes Dance

“Prepare for a dazzling evening of circus, performance and jollity that will entertain and amaze you. Expect aerial artistry, awe-inspiring juggling, acrobatics, and appearances from special guests from across the creative industry. The line-up will include a Cirque du Soleil aerialist and exceptional juggling choreography from a member of the world-renowned Gandini Juggling, alongside incredible displays of talent from our very own students. More to be announced!”
From: The Circomedia Gala

“Period Drama by Olga Kaleta (with integrated BSL by Sherrie Eugene-Hart) is a surreal, episodic dark comedy about mental health, identity & recovery that mixes autobiographical storytelling with circus & bold physicality. A deep dive into the question of wellness through a feminist lens, via slasher flicks, bloody knickers & the existential dilemmas of insects.”
From: Period Drama by Olga Kaleta

“Our Adult Class Showcases are an exciting opportunity for our recreational circus skills students to create, devise, and perform a routine in their chosen discipline at our spectacular Portland Square venue. An enjoyable evening of circus skills and a window to our classes.”
From: Adult Classes Showcase

“Expect a night of high-quality cabaret, dazzling circus, a pinch of burlesque, and much more, all tied together by your host for the evening, Jon Udry. Relax and enjoy the show from cabaret-style seating with table service throughout the night.”
From: Jon Udry’s Variety Bungalow