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).
Our recent theatre recommendations
Out-of-the-ordinary immersive theatre. After inhabiting Redcliffe Caves and Arnos Vale, Insane Root return to Eastville Swimming Pool for an ambitious open-air renewal of Shakespeare’s iconic enchanted comedy.
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Eastville Park Swimming Pool.
Out-of-the-ordinary immersive theatre. After inhabiting Redcliffe Caves and Arnos Vale, Insane Root return to Eastville Swimming Pool for an ambitious open-air renewal of Shakespeare’s iconic enchanted comedy.
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Eastville Park Swimming Pool.
Out-of-the-ordinary immersive theatre. After inhabiting Redcliffe Caves and Arnos Vale, Insane Root return to Eastville Swimming Pool for an ambitious open-air renewal of Shakespeare’s iconic enchanted comedy.
A Midsummer Night's Dream - BSL Interpreted at Eastville Park Swimming Pool.
Out-of-the-ordinary immersive theatre. After inhabiting Redcliffe Caves and Arnos Vale, Insane Root return to Eastville Swimming Pool for an ambitious open-air renewal of Shakespeare’s iconic enchanted comedy.
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Eastville Park Swimming Pool.
WHAT OUR EDITORS SAY
Lyceum Associate Artist Wils Wilson's vibrant production – our second collaboration with Scotland’s leading producing theatre this Autumn – will include a score by Welsh Music Prize winner, Meilyr Jones, whose bold and beautiful compositions fuse early music with contemporary tones.
Lyceum Associate Artist Wils Wilson's vibrant production – our second collaboration with Scotland’s leading producing theatre this Autumn – will include a score by Welsh Music Prize winner, Meilyr Jones, whose bold and beautiful compositions fuse early music with contemporary tones.
Lyceum Associate Artist Wils Wilson's vibrant production – our second collaboration with Scotland’s leading producing theatre this Autumn – will include a score by Welsh Music Prize winner, Meilyr Jones, whose bold and beautiful compositions fuse early music with contemporary tones.
Lyceum Associate Artist Wils Wilson's vibrant production – our second collaboration with Scotland’s leading producing theatre this Autumn – will include a score by Welsh Music Prize winner, Meilyr Jones, whose bold and beautiful compositions fuse early music with contemporary tones.
Lyceum Associate Artist Wils Wilson's vibrant production – our second collaboration with Scotland’s leading producing theatre this Autumn – will include a score by Welsh Music Prize winner, Meilyr Jones, whose bold and beautiful compositions fuse early music with contemporary tones.