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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

Grassroots warmth with literary weight! Lyrafest hosts a welcoming women’s open mic – open to first-time poets and old hands alike – alongside Clare Pollard’s witty, historically attuned readings from latest collection Lives of the Female Poets, and performance poetry from BBC Sport’s favourite slam powerhouse Deanna Rodger. Women Poets’ Network: Open Mic at Watershed.

Lyrafest presents a unique experiment into the divine potential of the spoken word. Exploring the hallowed heights of sacred reading, sound healing and poetry as spiritual therapy, Sukina Noor invites you to find peace in the heart of the urban jungle. Reverence: Poetry and the Sacred at Loco Klub.

A whirlwind of cathartic clownery from multi-disciplinary artists Jo Fong and George Orange. The Rest of Our Lives combines musings on middle-age and mutual care with messy audience participation, in a two-person dance-theatre piece full of silliness and surprising tenderness. Genuinely life-affirming stuff! A joyful dose of dance, theatre, circus and games. Created and performed by Jo Fong and George Orange

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… Award-winning poet and playwright Inua Ellams (Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half-God of Rainfall) brings his chaotic, audience-led poetry event to Lyra Festival. Pick a word, any word. Prompted by audience suggestions, Inua Ellams will search through his extensive archive of work and perform a reactive and spontaneous selection. Each Search Party is unique and special. The show includes an audience Q&A.

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

“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

“Experience a delightful evening filled with the magic of musicals, as a talented lineup of performers takes the stage to bring beloved show tunes to life. This enchanting event will feature a diverse array of songs from some of your favourite musicals, ensuring an unforgettable performance. After the live show, we invite you to join us for an engaging sing-along, where you can step into the spotlight and connect with fellow music enthusiasts as you belt out the lyrics to iconic songs. Come and immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration of musical theatre!”
From: There Is Something About Musicals