Bringing the fabulous to festive entertainment

As the festive season draws near, there may be no finer way to get oneself into the Christmas spirit than by going down to the Spiegeltent.

A unique and tardis-like venue, a Spiegeltent – which translates as ‘mirror tent’ – is recognisable for its circular space, dark carved wood, stained glass windows, mirrors and ornately decorated interior.

Stepping into one, you are reminded of children opening the wardrobe into Narnia and entering another world completely. Dark, sumptuous, and replete with a sense that anything could happen, and something very well might.

Christmas at the Spiegeltent is making a welcome return to Bristol for an eclectic programme that opens on Thursday, November 25 with the Spiegeltent Drag Ball, starring Ru Paul’s Drag Race breakout superstar, Bimini Bon Boulash, and goes right through until the Roaring 2.0s NYE Masquerade Ball.

Baby disco at the Spiegeltent – photo: Chris Cooper

The stage will be play host to live music and DJs, cabaret, disco, circus, drag and comedy, with plenty of events tailored towards families. Programme director Steve Meadows is excited to be bringing a mix of established and brand new shows to the Spiegel stage this year: “This year alongside firm favourites like Baby Disco (November 27 and December 18), we’re super excited to announce a brand new family friendly drag show called Tuck Shop (December 19),” he says.

“However, the jewel in our crown for the whole run is the new Christmas show Bring Me Sunshine (December 21-24). It’s a cross between a panto and a 70’s variety show with circus and comedy.”

Other selected highlights from the Spiegeltent season include:

• White Mink: Electro Swing Speakeasy (November 27)
• George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (Sunday, November 28)
• Junior Jungle Rave (Saturday, December 4)
• The Puppini Sisters (Wednesday, December 8)
• Family Cabaret & Disco (Saturday, December 11)

Junior Jungle’s DJ Nick Terrific and MC Rocky Patch – photo: courtesy of Junior Jungle

Bristol 24/7 spoke to circus performers Loz and Mark James, who will be variously appearing in multiple events including White Mink: Electro Swing Speakeasy, the Spiegeltent Baby Disco, the Family Cabaret & Disco and the family-friendly Christmas show Bring Me Sunshine. We asked them both to sum up the magic of the venue.

“The shape has the focus-draw of a circus ring tent, and the overall aesthetic – the wood and the mirrors – brings a sense of elegance and the mischievousness of a late-night cabaret,” reflects Loz. “It is transportive; the outside world drops away – as do inhibitions!”

Loz James performing with LED hoops – photo: Sandy McClure

For Mark, the love affair with Spiegeltents goes right back to when he was starting out as a circus performer. “Spiegeltents are magical little worlds,” he says. “Cabaret superstars Captain Frodo and Miss Behave blew my tiny newby mind over 10 years ago in a Spiegel, and this Christmas it will be me under the lights.

“Spiegeltents are my favourite place to perform circus. This year, getting to do perform as El Diablo, the Luchador diabolo sensation, is going to be a real career highlight. In the family shows in the last week before Christmas we will be spinning real china plates, and I can hear the audience shouting out ‘help’ already.”

Mark James spinning plates – photo: Andre Pattenden

The Spiegeltent is at Waterfront Square, off Canons Way, Harbourside, BS1 5LL, from Thursday, November 25 until Friday, December 31. More information and ticket links for all shows, as well as booking information for Christmas parties, can be found at www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk. Booth seating and drinks packages are also available for all events.

Main photo: Sandy McClure

Read more: Review: The Puppini Sisters, The Spiegeltent

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