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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

beginner-friendly // expressive language workshop // translation is art! Thirty-Six Views of a Haiku: poetry translation workshop with Heidi Clark at East Bristol Books.

It’s hard to remember Bristol's contemporary dance scene before Impermanence came along, flipping the Mount Without into a world-class physical theatre space attracting commissions and artists from all over the globe. Now the directors tear back the curtain with this 5-day course, sharing in-depth techniques and movement theory from 15 years of groundbreaking shows. Open to budding beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. IMPERMANENCE _ Dance Theatre Intensive at St Michael's Studio.

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.

Free entry! This ain’t Walt’s Wonderland! Taxidermied rabbits, slithering skulls, and miniature horrors crawl from the singular mind of Czech stop-motion master Jan Švankmajer in a Lewis Carroll adaptation far darker than any of its counterparts. Technically family-friendly but also a surefire gateway to lifelong pupaphobia so… you be the judge. Alice at Sidney & Eden.

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

“A new night at the All Inn featuring two great acts for you H.E.L.E.N H.E.L.E.N are an improv comedy trio specialising in Freudian nightmares. Slick, chaotic & unique. Exhilaratingly free. “H.E.L.E.N are magnificently funny and unhinged…imagine David Lynch directing the Chuckle Brothers.” - Blast Kultur After The Interval Two people go to the theatre but all is not as it seems. Come to find out what happened After The Interval and how the play changed their lives. Tickets are PWYC with a suggested value of £5 as this is a new night and we are trying to see if it will work.”
From: All Made Up

“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