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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 unique dive into Majazz’s tireless archival work documenting the audiovisual legacy of Palestine, with a focus on tapes and records made during the First and Second Intifada. This’ll be a chance to hear everything from Bedouin field recordings to psychedelic wedding music and revolutionary anthems with historical and cultural context provided by Mo'min Swaitat. Inside the Palestinian Sound Archive at Strange Brew.

The late, great anarchic visionary Benjamin Zephaniah is in the spotlight for Lyrafest’s flagship event. Celebrating his dub poetical works with performances from Brummie Laureate Casey Bailey alongside recollections from friends and family on the Brixton Riots, Peaky Blinders and his historic OBE snubbing. There’ll never be another like him, rest in power! Dis Poetry: A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah at St George's Bristol.

Dinner AND a show! Immersive feast-for-the-senses TASTE transforms a shared meal into a full-blown theatrical spectacle inspired by Bristol’s multicultural community: maximum collective joy through dancing tabletops, cutlery rhythms, and a full platter of audience participation. Vegan and halal-friendly! A performative celebration of food, culture, and community

Hypnotic movement, thunderous rhythms and raw physical intensity meets a striking exploration of wealth and power in acclaimed Zimbabwean choreographer Bawren Tavaziva’s interpretation of the seven deadly sins, fusing Western contemporary and African traditional dance with remarkable vision. Guaranteed to be breathtaking. A interpretation through dance of centuries of interaction between Africa and the west

What our editors say

“Hope Hunting lies between the lines of physical theatre, social proclamation and dance. A thumping black golf head lights on sits in waiting, Music thumping from its metal shield. A man who is many men leaks in out of the metal beat, his story, A hunt for hope.”
From: Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus

“Insane Root is an award-winning Bristol-based theatre CIO specialising in site-specific performances. Their previous work includes acclaimed productions Macbeth at the Redcliffe Caves, Orpheus & Eurydice in the Suspension Bridge Vaults, The Tempest in St John on the Wall’s Crypt, Romeo & Juliet in Eastville Park Swimming Pool, Rumpelstiltskin at the New Room, Hansel & Gretel in Arnos Vale Cemetery and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Eastville Park Swimming Pool.”
From: Henry V

“Kate (she/her) has over 25 years facilitating workshops covering disciplines such as dance, theatre, circus as well as training teachers. Kate has worked with participants from 5-75yrs with organisations such as Circomedia, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Extraordinary Bodies, Trinity Laban, Cirque Bijou and as well her own freelance projects.”
From: Creative Futures presents: Facilitate Like A Pro

“Araceli Puppet Theatre is an animistic-inspired, non-verbal, blending of found object manipulation and shadow puppetry. Inspired by nature, aboriginal cultures, and how magic is imbued into performance as shamanic and pre–cinematic live image making. Araceli puppet theatre creates powerful visual narratives, symbolic and poetic pieces, to inspire universal connection and universal understanding, and touch people's hearts.”
From: EXQUISITE CORPSE PUPPET CABARET

“After touring the US, Australia and selling out it’s Edinburgh Fringe run in 2024, Bangtail is ready to ride at The Wardrobe Theatre!”
From: Lil Wenker: BANGTAIL