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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 first true horror film takes its rightful place at Exchange Horror Club, complete with suitably unsettling live score! German expressionist masterpiece The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari distills interwar paranoia into a claustrophobic dreamscape of lurking shadows, menacing angles and impossible distortions, realised through some of the most fantastical set design ever committed to film. Mandatory cinephile viewing! Exchange Horror Club: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari at Exchange.

Sell out warning! A bite-sized blast of women’s micro-fiction to warm you up for this year’s Flash Fiction Festival. East Bristol Books brings together a selection of award-winning, razor-sharp flash storytellers from across the globe – Bristol’s own Kathryn Aldridge-Morris, WA’s Gillian O’Shaughnessy and the Bay Area’s Patricia Q. Bidar. Feminist Flash Fiction from the UK, Australia and US at East Bristol Books.

Superbad for the girls and gays! 2019’s Booksmart follows two co-dependent nerds whose end-of-high-school blowout / hormonal exorcism spirals into serious suburban chaos – it’s the gross-out cringe-comedy we deserve, beamed to Cafe Kino by the trans healthcare fundraising angels at Project The Dolls. Booksmart 15 7.30pm at Cafe Kino.

The concert film to end all concert films! Before there was Woodstock, there was 68’s Monterey Pop, immortalised in this euphoric countercultural snapshot. D. A. Pennebaker captured 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.

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