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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! HBD to the queerest, steamiest burlesque sideshow around. Grounded Circus are selling that sizzle with trans Drag Race icon Dakota Schiffer, cabaret rocker and Queen of Pain Frances Widow, searing bad boy Snookie Mono swallowing the biggest sword you’ve ever seen + RED firing up the Bristol Ballroom Community from behind the decks. Bristol's legendary cabaret club-night celebrates 3 years with a stacked lineup of circus, drag, and DJs

Montpelier’s best-kept secret and a cherished resource for Bristol’s circus scene, The Albany throws open its doors for their annual cabaret spectacular. Expect comedy, acrobatics and dizzying aerial displays from the city’s best, with all funds helping to keep the centre alive for future generations of contortionists and clowns. An array of awesome circus and comedy acts to inspire and amaze!

Sell out warning! No one serves a raucous contortion and saucy drag cocktail quite like QUEER AS F*CK. They’re mixing a bumper NYE batch with sassy fireworks from local dramaturgic icon Tom Marshmann, lactose-loving milkman drag from the Dairy King + RED and RuPaul’s own Ginger Spice, Just May, leading the hi-NRG DJ charge. QAF sends out the year in the campest way possible at Bristol's hottest cabaret club-night.

Romanian master of style Mircea Cărtărescu discusses the new English translation of his 1996 cult novel Blinding – part of an ongoing effort to bring his visionary catalogue to light. Giant butterflies convulse beneath ice, conspiracies whisper from crystal halls, and bodies swell into music in an ecstatic study of adolescence, obsession, and imagination itself. Blinding: The Left Wing launch with Mircea Cărtărescu

What our editors say

“Yes, BlueSuit Productions are back at the Bristol Fringe with their sold-out cabaret show! Join us for an evening of some of the best burlesque and cabaret in the South West. Come along on 24th May 2026 and be dazzled by some of the hottest performers in Rhinestones and Tassels. As always, there will be a raffle, games, and plenty of mischief!”
From: Rhinestones and Tassels

“That is right, this is a Party Girl Productions x Fem Top Productions collaboration! We are bringing you all things family with a cabaret showcasing Bristol Drag houses followed by an Addams Family Values (1993) watch party with special surprise performances throughout the night.”
From: DRAG FAMILY VALUES: Party Girl Productions x FemTop < 3

“Fresh from the trash can and straight outta bouffon school, our merry band of misfits invites you to a night of dark, deliciously disturbing unruly art. Expect a wild, unforgettable cabaret packed with live music and delicious, provocative and political performance.”
From: Feast of Fools

“Final Major Projects 2026 Friday 1 - Friday 8 May, 7:30pm Join us over four nights to experience a mini-festival of new works presented by the graduating students from Circomedia’s degree programme! With a selection of different acts each night, this is a fantastic opportunity to support and celebrate the circus artists of the future as they showcase their circus and performance skills. Check back in the New Year for information of each of the artists’ acts! Dates & Times: Friday 2 - Friday 8 May, 7:30pm Tickets: £12 full price, £8 concessions Age Guideline: TBC Location: St Paul’s Church, BS2 8SJ Tickets at https://www.circomedia.com/fmps-2026/”
From: Final Major Projects 2026 Night 3

“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 London, Manchester, Bristol, Brussels, Berlin, Copenhagen, Prague, Athens, Rotterdam and Portland (USA).”
From: BOUND IN BRISTOL