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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

Poets from Gaza and the UK come together in grief, resistance and solidarity in this Lyra Fest showcase: Palestinian authors Haia Mohammed and Batool Abu Akleen share work from their acclaimed debut collections, while writers including Joelle Taylor, Zaffar Kunial and Alice Oswald give voice to poems written by children living under siege in Gaza. From Dust We Rise: Young Voices of Gaza at St George's Bristol.

Lyrafest kicks off with a cabaret bang, and it’s a homecoming for Bristol’s own decorated writer/stage star/general polymath of queer creativity Travis Alabanza – we missed ya baby! They take the Fini stage alongside performance poet champion Keith Jarret, experimental theatre-maker cum party girl Raina Greifer, dance-pop goddess RED and bequiffed Brizzle Boyz king Fluxx Wyldly. Queer Poetry Cabaret | Travis Alabanza + Guests at Arnolfini.

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. Bedminster’s older than Bristol and Show of Strength's award-winning walking tour takes you to extraordinary places where amazing things happened.

PWYC! God bless Cinema Transexuàl for putting Guadagnino’s horny tennis ménage à trois on the biggest screen in Bristol. Challengers is a sweaty volley through power, prowess and psychosexual one-upmanship, all soundtracked by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor’s pounding electronic score. Leave bisexual or your money back!!! For one night only, Cinema Transexuál is leaving the warm embrace of the Kino Basement to bring you Challengers in all it’s glory, presented at Bristol Megascreen (a former imax cinema )

What our editors say

“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

“Join us on Wednesday 20 May at The Jam Jar for a one-night takeover celebrating bold, brilliant, experimental performances by emerging queer ESEA (East & Southeast Asian) artists — plus a special performance from our host, the iconic Miss Dynasty Expect a joyful mix of theatre, comedy, music and surprises, all in a safe, inclusive, and seriously fun space. When the performances wrap, DJ FFINN will be on decks to keep the party going”
From: TASTE Bristol

“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