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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

Sell out warning! Head to the Watershed, where Jeremy Lent stands up for ecocivilization. His new book treats modern social crises as symptoms of Western notions of nature and progress. But help is at hand, as he also outlines our shift toward interdependence, balance, and long-term collective wellbeing. A perfect evening for eco-optimists and climate fear-mongerers alike! Ecocivilization Making a World that Works for All at Bookhaus.

PWYC! Shoal Collective and PM Press shine a very human light on the unbreakable strength of Palestinian women. Far from passive targets of Zionist trauma, this collection of interviews shows 11 individuals navigating networks of oppression to engage in tireless activism at home and abroad. The launch includes PWYC vegan dinner, video links with the interviewees + 50% of proceeds donated to the cause. 'Everything We Thought Was Beautiful' - Book Launch at BASE Social Centre, 14 Robertson Rd, Bristol, BS5 6JY.

Widow’s Rock n Rollium’s alt-cabaret joins forces with Bristol queer rock royalty Punka in a sweat-soaked variety show spanning drag, cosplay, circus and… emo ballet??? Soundtracked with live riot grrrl covers from the Punka house band and steered by the iron grip of burlesque domme Frances Widow, there’ll be enough latex-clad sideshow carnage happening here to short-circuit the Loco Klub grid… brace yrselves! Widow's Rock n Rollium X Punka presents AMPED UP Cabaret at Loco Klub.

They are the gods of cinephile hellfire, and they’ll die (again) if they want to! Bowing out after 150 offerings of B-movie obscurity, HFC does the DIY sci-fi double: Sun Ra’s astral emigration jazz odyssey Space is the Place + the rare-screened UFO cult, public-access, past-life improv madness of The Arrival. Come drown your obscure tears in the bar after, with original press giallo soundtracks played on very dirty needles. RIP! HELLFIRE VIDEO CLUB GOES OUT OF THIS WORLD at The Cube.

What our editors say

“The latest offering from the revered touring company, Project Dance has built a nationwide reputation for creating unforgettable original work, promising audiences of all ages a truly transformative theatre experience. As seen on the BBC, the award-winning Project Dance presents Things I’ve Never Said, a heart-touching story that shines a light on the secrets and unspoken thoughts we each carry. The production will premiere this August with a limited run, coming to the Redgrave Theatre on 29th August.”
From: Things I've Never Said

“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

“Welcome to an enchanting, whimsical night of a variety Cabaret. Do you fancy a night of Bohemian antics, clowns being silly, and stand-up comedians giving you big belly laughs? We also have experimental theatre, music, and a Twoprov Improv duo for you all to enjoy. All under one roof, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday evening than getting lost in the world of cabaret at the Old Market Assembly.”
From: Twilight Cabbret

“Welcome to the Playback Theatre magic! Where you get to experience your stories, memories, brought to life on stage on the spot! In the Playback Theatre workshops you will learn how to be part of an improvised show in a real life story. Playback theatre has the power to transform your experiences and see them in a diffrent perspective. Get ready to laugh, connect and be amazed by the power of Playback Theatre! Workshop dates Friday 24/7 7.10pm-8.45pm Friday 31/7 7.10pm-8.45pm Friday 7/8 7.10pm-8.45pm See you soon, Yoti”
From: PlayItBack 3 consecutive Fridays · 7:15–8:45pm