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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

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.

Sell out warning! Peel back the curtain on ye olde Bristol with Show of Strength’s award-winning storytelling tours. Guided by a 15th century Dame, Magic and Mayhem steers you through the city centre’s surviving medieval haunts in this immersive mix of character comedy, vivid history and suspended disbelief. Join Dame Edith Comfrey on her quest through the streets of Bristol in 1486. This 90-minute walking tour, led by Show of Strength Theatre Company, reveals hidden charms and places, sharing forgotten stories of old Bristol and the people who lived there.

Absurdist prop puppetry and multimedia fragmentation drive this astounding one-woman show from director, writer and performer Claudia Shnier. Across allegorical hoovers, scissors and alternative selves, she sheds light on her twin experiences of OCD and coercive control – combining viscerally cathartic physical theatre and storytelling genius. The critically acclaimed tragi-comedy follows the story of a woman who falls in love with a Vacuum. Using puppetry, physical theatre and multi-media, this ‘Sarah Kane Rave’ explores control and abusive power disguised as love.

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

“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

“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