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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

Nu-mythology-makers Detriti~Core turn Ashton Court into a phantasmagoria of unearthly ritual, combining live music, performance art, installations, and club culture in an immersive takeover inspired by death, transformation, and the spirit of Samhain. Dress to decompose! DETRITI-CORE at Ashton Court.

Sell out warning! Desanctify Bedminster! As featured on the BBC podcast Gangster – take a haunted wander through South Bristol’s unglamorous underbelly. A two-hour descent into the grit of grave robbers and body snatchers, the sordid glow of hanging judges and man-eating lions, and the Brinks-Mat cache laundered through local banks. Blood and Butchery in Bedminster - Theatre Walk at Bedminster Walking Tour - Meet/Start: The Dark Horse BS3 4JA.

Sell out warning! Arnos Vale's Anglican Chapel transforms before your eyes into the barren Kent marshes, the bustle of Victorian London, and the decaying grandeur of Mrs Haversham’s iconic mansion, as Red Rope Theatre continue their run of graveside gothic classics with a beyond atmospheric adaptation of Dickens’ masterwork. Great Expectations at Arnos Vale Cemetery.

Free entry! Exploring the life of Terence McKenna is like looking behind the Wizard of Oz’s curtain – finally Graham St John’s penned the first definitive deep dive into our universe’s pre-eminent psychedelic philosopher bard. Let the countercultural revelations flow at BASE anarchist social centre, complete with vegan food, book signing and impromptu discussions with like-minded folks. Strange Attractor: The Hallucinatory Life of Terence McKenna at BASE Social Centre.

What our editors say

“In 100 Voices is not just a show — it’s an immersive journey into the climate crisis, a living exhibition that fuses theatre, art, sound, and community action. The space itself transforms: every wall becomes a canvas, every corner invites discovery. Scan QR codes to unlock performances filmed by actors around the world, hear stories from kitchens and forests, beaches and bedrooms — stories without borders, voices without limits.”
From: In 100 Voices - Theatre For The Climate Crisis

“acta Company is acta’s only ‘invite only’ group, it has been in existence in various forms since 2004. The group is for participants who have been in acta shows before and want to continue to develop their theatre skills and love of performance.”
From: Lost Within The Pages of a Book by acta Company

“Join us for a relaxed, untutored United Models Life Drawing session in The Arts Mansion - an inclusive multi-use arts venue for Bristol and North Somerset facilitating art, theatre, performance and community activities.”
From: Life Drawing at The Arts Mansion

“Kanada Gorla has facilitated groups for many years, first as a theatre director in community projects and later in the context of mentoring and growing people and organisations. Kanada works in a somatic way, and with the natural world, allowing all of our intelligences to be engaged - mind, heart, emotions, body and spirit. Kanada runs KIN with Chiz and Trace; and leads her own social business SHINE to seed regenerative cultures, develop horizontal leadership and foster a mindset of stewardship and collaboration between humans and with the more-than-human world.”
From: We Are Interstellar

“Come take a seat in the most fab-u-loose theatre in Bristol as we explore the twisted tail of princess with a twat-itude unleashing her fist of fairy dust upon the this satirical stage. pleasure yourself to a drink from Sindi's watering hole. Get yourself immersed in the gayest of games with SindiFella and Coxy Crax to win yourself the most exclusive prizes in all of budget cabaret!”
From: SindiFella's Happy Ending