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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

A Bristol stage debut celebrating queer lives buried in history: Ave Maria spins the wryly comic tale of a 13th century cross-dressing Catholic priest whose carefully woven disguise starts to unravel into holy chaos. Based on the stir Two Birds productions are causing, this is a budding local troupe that theatre fans will definitely want to keep their eyes on… 4th-6th June at the Bristol Improv Theatre

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. House of Boussé's Drag X Theatre show exploring trans stories is back! This is the LOVE ending

Bodies in motion through grief and ecstatic release: renowned New York City Ballet choreographer Antonia Franceschi presents two world-class dance-theatre works, including a charged duet performed by Impermanence’s Roseanna Anderson & Josh Ben-Tovim + a solo piece from Olivier-winning national treasure Edward Watson MBE (Mon & Tues only). Another home-run for contemporary movement fans in the celestial Mount Without! A night of spectacular dance and theatre from the award winning Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet, Antonia Franceschi & writer/director Sara Joyce

Massive Diaspora Fest x Raise the Bar crossover of globe-spanning poetry! A stacked line-up of lyrical heavyweights – including prize-winning writer and literature academic Daljit Nagra and two-time slam champ Maureen Onwunali – share intimate yet expansive explorations of diasporic memory, identity and resistance, alongside DJs spinning borderless cuts between sets. Raise the Bar presents Poems of Diaspora! Featuring four incredible headline poets, representing four different continents: Daljit Nagra, Maureen Onwunali, Bohdan Piasecki and Chloe Tenesha.

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 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

“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

“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