14 things to do in Bristol this week, December 20-26 2021

Monday: Bristol Ensemble: Christmas Spectacular, St George’s
Bristol Ensemble and the accomplished chamber choir Exultate Singers join forces again to bring Christmas cheer and festivities in this Christmas Spectacular.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-spectacular-exultate

SPONSORED
Monday-Thursday: Of Christmas Past, Tobacco Factory Theatres
How can a man disappear when his face is known all over the world? Douglas Walker unwraps the shocking true origins of Santa Claus in this one-man epic. Treading a fine line between fact and fairy tale, comedy and conspiracy theory, Of Christmas Past is the perfect festive story for grown-ups.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/of-christmas-past-2

Monday-Friday: Christmas,  St Nick’s Markets
For a truly festive shopping experience, look no further than St Nicholas Markets.
www.bristol.gov.uk/web/st-nicholas-markets/christmas-at-st-nicholas-markets

SPONSORED
Monday-December 31: Another Christmas, Bristol Beacon
An alternative festive experience from Music Beyond Mainstream which shines a light on those who don’t fit into traditional boxes. A 25-minute film featuring reinterpretations of classics plus new original music from ESKA, Douglas Dare, Duke Garwood and Camille O’Sullivan. Available free online.
www.bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/another-christmas

SPONSORED
Monday-December 31: Cinderella, Redgrave Theatre
Polka Dot Pantomimes in association with the Redgrave Theatre presents the nation’s favourite pantomime Cinderella – the family pantomime where dreams come true.
www.redgravetheatre.com/event/2021/12/cinderella/1134/

SPONSORED
Monday-January 16: OZ, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Experience a magic land of potent poppy fields, ferocious flying monkeys and rogue rulers. With imaginative storytelling, original live music and humour for all the family, OZ will transport you to lands both wicked and wonderful.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/oz

Tuesday: C U Next Tuesday: Live Comedy, Lost Horizon
Every month Lost Horizon will feature some of the hottest unique acts from the Bristol comedy scene.
www.losthorizonlive.com

SPONSORED
Tuesday-Friday: Bring Me Sunshine, The Spiegeltent
The Christmas Spiegeltent presents a thrilling display of circus, quirky comedy, live musical performance and awe-inspiring cabaret in one sensational show.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/product/the-spiegeltent-christmas-show-bring-me-sunshine-21st-22nd-23rd-24th-dec/

Wednesday: Winter Warmers: Interstellar Circus Drag Disco Cabaret, Ashton Court
Interstellar artists are a circus, theatrical and dance performance production company who create interactive visual delights based around circus skills, art and music.
www.artspace.uk/event/winter-warmers-interstellar-circus-drag-disco-cabaret-2/

Thursday: Awake Arise: A Christmas Show For Our Times, St George’s
Two of the English folk scene’s most inventive acts (trio Lady Maisery and duo Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith) return to the stage with their acclaimed Christmas show.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/awake-arise

Thursday: Comedy & Magic Theatre Shows, Smoke & Mirrors
The 90-minute performance is a mixture of close-up magic and comedy.
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.com

Friday: Taphouse Quiz & Open Mic Friday, Beard & Sabre
Join Beard & Sabre on Friday for their weekly Taphouse Quiz at 7pm, followed by Robinson’s open mic session from 9pm till late.
www.beardandsabre.co.uk/tap

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXl-Sv0NOEd/

Sunday: Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers, Ashton Gate
Top of the table Tigers visit Ashton Gate on Boxing Day, the week after their captain Ellis Genge announced that he will be joining Bristol next season.
www.bristolbearsrugby.com

And coming soon…

SPONSORED
From December 28: Licorice Pizza, Watershed
The latest from Paul Thomas Anderson (Phantom Thread, Inherent Vice) is a nostalgic, irresistible coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of San Fernando Valley, 1973. Special 35mm screenings available.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/11075/licorice-pizza/

SPONSORED
From December 28: The Tragedy of Macbeth, Watershed
Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand star in Joel Coen’s bold and fierce adaptation of the Scottish play; a tale of murder, madness, ambition, and wrathful cunning.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/11050/the-tragedy-of-macbeth/

SPONSORED
From January 18: Wayne Snow, The Exchange
Wayne Snow’s music exudes an enchanting, vibrant warmth. Channeling the sounds of his Nigerian upbringing, Snow crafts a rich and sultry blend of sun-kissed soul and expansive jazz drawing on influences such as Fela Kuti and Sade alongside his love for Afrofuturism.
www.bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/wayne-snow-2/

SPONSORED
From January 30: Carpenters Gold, Redgrave Theatre
Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening featuring the musical brilliance of Richard and Karen Carpenter. From Close to You to Top of the World, all their chart-topping hits feature We’ve Only Just Begun, Goodbye Love, Please Mr Postman, For All We Know and Only Yesterday.
www.redgravetheatre.com/event/2022/01/carpenters-gold/1046/

SPONSORED
February 10: Injury Reserve, Trinity
Arizona rapper and producer duo Injury Reserve head to Trinity – taking inspiration from several styles and eras of hip hop, running everything through their own lens, and putting a distinct and cohesive sound across their references.
www.trinitybristol.org.uk/whats-on/2022/injury-reserve

SPONSORED
February 15: Moonchild, Trinity
Rooted in neo-soul and West Coast legacy, Moonchild’s music showcases the respect, musical understanding, and love the trio have for each other and their collaborators. Come down to Trinity to see the band showcase their fifth studio-album ‘Starfruit’.
www.trinitybristol.org.uk/whats-on/2022/moonchild

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Review: Oz, Tobacco Factory Theatres

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