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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

The concert film to end all concert films! Before there was Woodstock, there was 68’s Monterey Pop, immortalised in D. A. Pennebaker's euphoric countercultural snapshot. Some of the best live performances in history, not to mention Mama Cass’ rapturous gawping while Janis Joplin howls the sky down, the multiple counts of guitar destruction/fornication/arson, the priceless cutaways to a sea of blissed-out hippies… HIPPY TRIPPY SUMMER PRESENTS: MONTEREY POP at The Cube.

Sell out warning! Our fave Romanian twin queer allies at Trinity? Are we dreaming? It’s a cheeky holiday!! The noughties pop icons headline this full-blown Pride takeover – alongside live cabaret from trailblazing drag king Prix Chiyo, serpentine sorceress Mama Mamba, and bearlesque diva Deeva D + Liam Parsons bringing hi-nrg club-pop euphoria on the decks. The Queer As F*ck crew really pulling out all the stops here! QUEER AS F*CK: Pride Afterparty at The Trinity Centre.

Sell out warning! Back for a blockbuster fourth year running: boundary-defying drag-theatre from queer performance art collective House of Boussé! Part visceral reclamation narrative against hateful media rhetoric, part self-proclaimed “trannified version of The Magic School Bus”, Trans/Form is an embodied journey into the beauty and power of trans+ experiences. TRANS/FORM at Strange Brew.

Casual violence, militarisation and warped perceptions of his Palestinian homeland follow a deadpan filmmaker on his travels in the West. The Arc screens Elia Suleiman’s acclaimed-but-underseen It Must Be Heaven – a tragi-comic political satire that’s drawn comparison to Jacques Tati and Roy Andersson in its wryly absurdist style. All funds go directly to supporting families in Gaza, so dig deep. Palestine Film Fundraiser: It Must Be Heaven at The Arc.

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