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Theatre Shows in Bristol

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Bristol's Theatre Scene

Bristol’s theatres: an overview

Bristol’s theatres and art galleries are as world-renowned as it’s underground culture (Banksy, Tricky et al). Think Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic, The Tabacco Factory, Redgrave Theatre and the Department of Theatre at the University of Bristol, where the theatre journey starts for many young Bristolians. While Bristol’s theatres are all smaller than those of the capital and there’s no dedicated theatre district, you’re just as likely to see West End plays like the Book of Mormon and War Horse as smaller more experimental productions at one of the city’s dramatic festivals like Mayfest, Young Blood Theatre Festival and the Bristol Shakespeare Festival. Even clubs like Loko Club act as a sort of in-between for Bristol’s more immersive theatre productions that stem from circus-based theatrics of Circomedia.

Bristol’s Old Vic Theatre is nationally renowned for big-budget shows and for empowering new theatrical talent with Bristol Ferment. While the Old Vic and it’s companion theatre school cater for both experimental and traditional performances, the popularity of physical theatre elsewhere in the city continues to rise. Cicrcomedia’s school for circus performance and physical acting hosts shows from both its students and scratch nights put on by Ausform. The Tobacco Factory Theatre is South Bristol’s artistic hub with tickets for experimental theatre, comedy and workshops all available. Other theatres of note include The Alma Tavern in Clifton and the Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market (part of the Old Market Assembly).

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Our recent theatre recommendations

Feed words to Inua Ellams for this one-of-a-kind collaborative experiment! Audience prompts stir his archival broth, sparking improvisational reflections and associative responses. Witness emergent lattices of wit and structural play, followed by a discussion where you can probe and explore his thinking up close… Inua Ellams: Search Party at Arnolfini.

Are mushrooms the best communicators on Earth? House of Boussé daddy Gender Criminal presents a work exploring mycelium networks as modes of belonging, unearthing learnings from the undergrowth of fungal connectivity to help strengthen our communities via immersive drag, choreography and sonic storytelling. Ourcylium at Strange Brew.

Poets from Gaza and the UK come together in grief, resistance and solidarity in this Lyra Fest showcase: Palestinian authors Haia Mohammed and Batool Abu Akleen share work from their acclaimed debut collections, while writers including Joelle Taylor, Zaffar Kunial and Alice Oswald give voice to poems written by children living under siege in Gaza. From Dust We Rise: Young Voices of Gaza at St George's Bristol.

Lyrafest kicks off with a cabaret bang, and it’s a homecoming for Bristol’s own decorated writer/stage star/general polymath of queer creativity Travis Alabanza – we missed ya baby! They take the Fini stage alongside performance poet champion Keith Jarret, experimental theatre-maker cum party girl Raina Greifer, dance-pop goddess RED and bequiffed Brizzle Boyz king Fluxx Wyldly. Queer Poetry Cabaret | Travis Alabanza + Guests at Arnolfini.

What our editors say

“Mr Browns Pig Puppet Show is a collection of enchanting stories with glove and rod puppets, performed from a puppet booth theatre. Features dragons, princesses, woodland animals and pirates, there will lots of comedy and audience participation for all to join in with! Together with music and silliness, the show will entertain all the family from one to one hundred. Shows will be an hour duration. Bring you blankets and rugs to sit on. The City Farm Cafe will be open for refreshments.”
From: Mr Brown's Pig: Puppet Show

“OTTER Produces is a Bristol-based, not-for-profit art company. Specialising in narrative-based, interactive art experiences which share the joy of art, play and creation with all. We are about supporting, inspiring and bringing together people from all different backgrounds and our unique blend of technology, music, theatre and art helps breakdown barriers and encourages creative-play and community.”
From: OTTER's Bristol Art Quest

“Join us on Wednesday 20 May at The Jam Jar for a one-night takeover celebrating bold, brilliant, experimental performances by emerging queer ESEA (East & Southeast Asian) artists — plus a special performance from our host, the iconic Miss Dynasty Expect a joyful mix of theatre, comedy, music and surprises, all in a safe, inclusive, and seriously fun space. When the performances wrap, DJ FFINN will be on decks to keep the party going”
From: TASTE Bristol

“I LOVE YOU BUT YOU MAKE ME WANT TO CUT MY HAIR. Critically acclaimed tragi-comedy, SPLIT ENDS follows the story of a woman who falls in love with a Vacuum. Using physical theatre, puppetry and multi-media, this ‘Sarah Kane Rave’ explores control and abusive power disguised as love.”
From: Split Ends

“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