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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

At a time when LGBTQI+ rights and lives are targeted across the world, Keio Yoshida’s new book is more pertinent than ever. The acclaimed human rights lawyer will be in conversation with local dramaturgic icon Tom Marshmann to discuss the past, present and future of queer existence in the face of law and discrimination. Pride and Prejudices Queer Lives and the Law launch with Keio Yoshida

Free entry! More Temple Church theatrics for all ye aspiring board-treaders – good news if you’ve been royally inspired by Insane Root’s immersive Henry V adaptation! Shakespearean drama experts The Actors’ Workshop are here to demystify the Bard with this hands-on, beginner-friendly crash course on embodying his subversive heroines. A two hour practical workshop about Shakespeare focusing on his female characters

Bristol-based sound artist Yas Clarke meditates on our relationship to the natural world in the context of climate breakdown, stretching language like play-doh across an enigmatic acapella score for four voices. Shepherded by click tracks, the vocalists’ syllables tumble into abstraction, and selfhood dissolves. Unmissable FFO: Steve Reich, Kali Malone, Mica Levi, Terry Riley, Meredith Monk. Impossible and arcane: a strange new four-part a capella work from Bristol-based sound artist Yas Clarke. With support from Emergency Chorus.

Sell out warning! Once more unto the breach, dear friends, with the immersive theatre event of the year from Bristol’s premiere troupe. After inhabiting Redcliffe Caves and Arnos Vale, Insane Root decamp to the recently reopened Temple Church for an ambitious, genderbending, open-air revival of Shakespeare’s iconic historical epic. Epic outdoor Shakespeare at its best!

What our editors say

“The award-winning circus company Nikki & JD in collaboration with Lost Dog create 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.”
From: Fireside // Nikki & JD and Lost Dog

“Amidst the profound social change and political turmoil of post-war Japan, a bold generation of avant-garde artists emerged in the 1960s, redefining the boundaries of art through experimental photography, graphic design, underground theatre, performance art and radical Butoh dance—forever transforming the global art landscape.”
From: Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers

“So, come and party with the council estate princess herself and celebrate a 20-year career from queen of the boozers to international superstar! With stories and tales ranging from meeting the Queen to the backstage goss on RuPaul’s Drag Race! Expect a night of sequins, wigs, feather boas and big jewellery, as this is a show for all the huns to dance around their handbags and go wild in the aisles. Together with an audience Q AND A this is a show not to be missed. So she’ll see ya at the theatre for the best knees up in town! (Or in the ciggy area).”
From: Baga Chipz - ‘Chip Off The Old Block’ Tour

“From powerful monologues to fresh, fearless perspectives, this event is a celebration of stories rarely told and voices too often overlooked. These are characters that challenge, move, and surprise — brought to life by local performers in a night of raw, original theatre.”
From: Unheard Voices - A Theatre Night Of New Writing

“We welcome young people who have a passion for developing their theatre and comedy craft, who want to jump in, have fun and get on stage. Our facilitators are industry professionals, who know how to create a fun, interactive and inclusive learning environment.”
From: Comedy Summer School for Young People