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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

“We are bringing you an MTV, pop icons inspired cabaret & music video night. We want YOU to send us your favourite music video of all time. This can be because it’s funny, iconic, the best song ever or downright silly.”
From: MTV Vol. 2 My Super Sweet Music Video Night

“Six chameleonic dancers take you on a white-knuckle ride through the evolution of Fascism. Enter a world of explosive physicality, hilarious cabaret and an obsession with the future. Why did it start? How does it stop? Where does it end?”
From: VENUS 2.0

“Raising vital housing and medical funds for the Big Brave Boy himself, you'll be treated not just to a cabaret, not just to a roast, but to a full evening of Dio-magnificence! Featuring cabaret performances from:”
From: Diomede's Big Brave Boy Drag Ball

“The South West's premier queer punk drag king cabaret night and one of the largest and longest running king nights in the UK, Brizzle Boyz is an electrifying LGBTQIAAP+ variety performance night. A true melting pot of local and national talent, Brizzle Boyz brings together a carefully curated line up of some of the best and boldest drag performers in the country. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll leave wanting a glittery moustache!”
From: Brizzle Boyz - Drag King Cabaret - Or's 10th Birthday Show

“Ready to flip your fitness routine upside down? Join our aerial hoop 4 week course in Bristol and discover a world where strength meets sass, and technique meets flow and fun. Whether you're a total beginner or a hoop-loving circus enthusiast, these sessions are designed to boost your confidence, sculpt your body, and connect you with a vibrant, supportive community.”
From: Bristol Hoop School