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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! Guardian columnist extraordinaire Owen Jones rings the death knell for Western superpowers, launching his explosive new tome in person with former Green leader Carla Denyer MP. Laying bare the 21st century's parade of arrogance and economic failures, Jones shows how the elite's crumbling façade paved the way for the migrant-baiting insecurities of today. The Fall of the West launch - Owen Jones in conversation with Carla Denyer at The Station.

Save House of Boussé from a Computer Hearts fate! Plug in for a four tunnel immersion into the Matrix featuring VRGF’s cyber-pop, Ani Klang hacking the hard dance mainframe, techno-conceptual performances from iPad clown Petty Nonsense and more. Plus interactive games throughout the night to determine who makes it out alive, or stays trapped in the digiverse forever. HOUSE OF BOUSSÉ ARE TRAPPED IN THE INTERNET at Loco Klub.

A kinetic exorcism of working-class identity and masculine performance, Oona Doherty’s 'Hope Hunt and the Ascension Into Lazarus' is a mutating pastiche of regional archetypes. Best known for 'Hard to Be Soft', an electrifying portrait of her hometown Belfast, the Northern Irish dancer-choreographer’s chameleonic blend of comedy, swagger and grace is unmissable. Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus at The Mount Without.

Sell out warning! Omar El Akkad’s new book takes aim at the West’s moral hypocrisy around the genocide in Gaza, asking why it’s so easy to condemn atrocities once they’re safely in the past, but so hard to act while they’re happening. He joins us in person for an urgent discussion on complicity and what it means to witness injustice without becoming numb to it. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This with Omar El Akkad at The Station.

What our editors say

“Creatures of the night it's time for a devilish fright! Drag behemoths The House of Mannington and Bristol's alt queer baddies Punka are joining forces for a Halloween Extravaganza like no other! Featuring drag, cabaret, live music and DJs. Don't miss this insane night of chills, thrills and spells. Performances from: MANLY MANNINGTON ERNEST THE DRAG KING MISS TERRI BOXX ASMARI ALITHAIRE KING CRIMSON ELLISE FUEGO BUNMI We have a live music headline set from the queen of metal baddie core CRAE WOLF!! PUNKA DJs round of the night with a DJ set full of alt pop and indie / rock bangers to keep you dancing into the early hours. Don't miss this show we have some surprises for you!”
From: House of Mannington X Punka: HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

“Cue Maneater by Nelly Furtado... and Get ready for Halloween with Party Girl Productions as we bring you the bloody, queer, fan favourite horror - JENNIFER'S BODY! There will be spooky cabaret acts, themed crafting, activities, and a collective appetite for Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried serving "they were just friends". Bring your friends, your favourite pink velour hoodie, and come in your best Halloween fit.”
From: Jennifers Body Halloween Film Party < 3

“Off the coast of Ireland, a small group of sailors encounter a monstrous sea creature of legend. After catching and selling ‘Gorgo’ to the circus, they realise that they’ve unleashed something much larger than expected and now there’s bigger fish to fry. This screening will be accompanied by an introduction by Kaiju expert Steven Sloss on the cultural context of Gorgo, along with short film ‘Waiting for Gorgo’ (2009). Schedule: 6.30pm: Introduction by Kaiju expert Steven Sloss 6.40pm: Short film: Waiting for Gorgo 7.00pm: Film 8.30pm: Event finish Gorgo (1961) is screening as part of a wider UK tour, find out more here: ArchaeoHeritageFilm.co.uk”
From: Gorgo on the Megascreen

“Watch as discarded socks are stitched, swung, and swung from in a show that’s equal parts circus and sock-based existential crisis. Expect dazzling flips, daring balances, and a surprisingly moving ode to the lost art of darning. This is sustainability with sequins: a celebration of repair, reuse, and ridiculous footwear. Walk up spaces available on the day: £3 per family (of up to 4 people, to include at least 1 adult). The Sock Show by Can't Sit Still features as part of Trinity's Summer Den programme, running 10am-12 midday on Fridays. All children must be accompanied by an adult”
From: The Sock Show

“Sexquisite Events are an award winning performing arts company platforming the hottest sex worker artists, creating fierce, political and multi-disciplinary work. Come along to our bad bitch cabaret to celebrate how multi-talented + powerful sex workers are. You can expect: dance, burlesque, spoken word, song, comedy, pole + more! By supporting Sexquisite you are enabling us to create paid creative opportunities for those who work in the sex industry. Alongside this you are supporting us in our mission to destigmatise sex work through performance.”
From: Sexquisite July