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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

Sell out warning! West of England Design forum host the event of the year for illustrators, copywriters, web designers and all-round graphics bods. They’re bringing together four top speakers to explore the depths of language and visual communication, including Adobe / Google / 8 Faces typography svengali Elliot Jay Stocks + big brand scribe extraordinaire Sabrina Shim. UNION at Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon.

Sell out warning! Ever wondered if your noble mission to save the world has wandered into the swamp of sanctimony? Author Anthea Lawson and organiser Liam Barrington-Bush discuss how to make positive change without getting lost in self-certainty, exploring how campaigners can stay open, humane and connected in the messy work of collective change. How Not to Save the World: Doing Good Without Annoying Everyone at Bookhaus.

Before the Zardoz tasche-n-loincloth combo rendered Sean Connery camp incarnate, long before Excalibur’s floridly lit romps through Arthurian legend… Boorman was one of our own! South West Silents celebrates his West Country connection with rare screenings of short docu-dramas made during his time at BBC Bristol – come relive these vital slices of 60s history and the birth of a directing giant! John Boorman and Bristol: Part II at Bristol Megascreen.

Sell out warning! Bedmo would be a much greyer place indeed without the pastoral oasis of Windmill Hill City Farm. Come celebrate half a century of community nature & nurture with family-friendly frollicking (puppet shows, face painting, pottery) + live music from local folk legends, acappella choirs + more TBA. Windmill Hill City Farm 50th Anniversary Fayre at Windmill Hill City Farm.

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