22 things to do in Bristol this week, February 27-March 5 2023

Monday: Pizza-making course, Pizza Workshop Whiteladies Road
A friendly Monday afternoon pizza making course, teaching you the secrets of how to make the perfect pizza, from making the dough to choosing your toppings, and of course being able to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbAihzptLAs/?hl=en

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Now-May 1: Season of Photography, RWA
The RWA’s Season of Photography is in full swing and is a celebration of contemporary photographic practice in all its forms! Admission includes Jem Southam’s A Bend in the River, a beautifully observed series of photographs documenting the changes in the environment, and The RWA Photo Open including over 150 works showcasing the sheer quality and range of photographic work being produced by photographers and artists across the UK and abroad today.

RWA photo open – photo: RWA

Tuesday: Quiz: Better Than Jackbox, Four Quarters
The weekly pub quiz at the Park Street bar covers Bristol-themed rounds, along with gaming, movie and pop culture, with host Jessie.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cks_g7DjTl6/

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Tuesday: The Gigspanner Big Band, Redgrave Theatre
Their high-energy, virtuosic performances appeal equally to traditionalists and to those looking for something more experimental, and they have garnered praise from publications as varied as fRoots, The Telegraph and The Wire, where they were described as ‘melodically folk-rooted yet open and innovative beyond the constraints of genre.

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Wednesday-Friday: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Malcolm X Community Centre (BOVTS)
Set beneath a glittering, ethereal surface you will find Shakespeare’s dazzling play transformed into a macabre Edwardian fable from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. As night falls our slumbering players are swept up in an otherworldly experience, left to navigate fairy enchantments, lovers’ quarrels and patriarchal norms.

Through teasing, tyranny and trickery, familial ties become fraught and fractured; and with the early Suffrage movement creeping into the subconscious, it seems impossible to find a resolution by sunrise. This visionary and moralistic take on Shakespeare’s playful comedy – brimming with its original dramatic poetry – will entice audiences this spring at the Malcolm X Community Centre. We have a few tickets left for our matinee performances, book while you can at bristololdvic.org.uk

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School puts on a presentation of the Shakespeare classic at the Malcolm X Centre – photo: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Wednesday-Saturday: Tink, Tobacco Factory Theatres
An inspiring coming of age tale told through a modern lens, Tink tells the story of a big fairy who suddenly begins to turn small, and is told through the musical monologue of originally written pieces by Kat Kleve, who plays Tink herself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co2fz3TozdL/

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Thursday: Bristol Beacon Presents: Courtney Marie Andrews, Trinity Centre
Grammy-nominated musician, poet and painter Courtney Marie Andrews writes songs imbued with poignant lyricism and luscious instrumentation. The Phoenix-born artist released her first album back in 2008 before she’d even turned 18 and her striking songwriting prowess has carried through since. The liliting Americana-infused folk of Andrews’ previous records has earned her comparisons to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. On her new album ‘Loose Future’, however, she explores new sound palettes, bringing dreamy synths and ethereal guitar arrangements into her repertoire.

Thursday: Maleficent, Arnos Vale Cemetery
It certainly isn’t every day you get to see a darker take on a Disney film in a cemetery chapel. Part of the always popular Bristol Film Festival, you’ll be invited into the beautiful restored Anglican Chapel to take your seat and enjoy the flick.

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Friday: Kate Mosse – Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries, Redgrave Theatre
Fancy a great night out in the theatre? Why not join Kate Mosse in her first ever one-woman show celebrating amazing women, dazzling history, and even get a sneak early preview of Kate’s latest novel? Audiences can expect a fabulous theatrical event – part detective story, part love letter to history – packed with fun facts and did-you-knows.

Kate Mosse is a British novelist & broadcaster – photo: Redgrave Theatre

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Opens Friday: The Banshees of Inisherin, Watershed
Back at Watershed after cleaning up at the BAFTAS, with multiple Oscars® nominations to boot, Martin McDonagh’s (Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri) jewel of a tragicomedy is a shimmering tale of friendship, feuds and Irish identity.

Friday: Bleep Klub presents 303 Day, All Hallows Hall
March 3 (3/03) is an annual day of celebration of the Roland TB-303 analogue synthesiser, the piece of kit known for creating the acid genre of music. The monthly hardware club is taking full advantage of the fact that 303 day falls on a Friday this year, and are hoping for a massive evening of everyone bringing their pieces, linking them up and making some weird and wonderful noises.

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Various dates: Free Exhibitions, RWA
The RWA presents a three free exhibitions and activities as part of its Season of Photography, opening this weekend. Between Work and Window displays the portraits of RWA Academicians by internationally renowned photographer Anne-Katrin Purkiss. Underexposed, by Alice Hendy, documents the brilliant work of individuals who attend Bristol Community Links. Fancy creating your own photographic work? The Lower Ground Floor is home to PhotoLab, an interactive exhibition where you’ll be encouraged to take part, play and explore.

Anne Purkiss at the RWA – photo: RWA

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Opens Friday: Close, Watershed
Winner of the Grand Prix award at Cannes 2022 and selected as the Belgian entry for the 2023 Academy Awards, Close is an elegant, poetic and empathetic study of youth from acclaimed writer-director Lukas Dhont.

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Friday: Jacob Hawley – Bump, Hen & Chicken
Award winning comedian Jacob Hawley (as seen on The Russell Howard Hour and BBC3’s Ladhood) presents Bump, a show described by the British Comedy Guide as “an impeccable hour of man and mic stand-up”. Fresh from a four-star run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Hawley covers mental health, social class, drugs, anti-pasti and whether he is ready to be a father.

Saturday: Childish Gambino live album re-interpretation, Lost Horizon
Cafe Kissa host Sheffield’s top jazz/funk ensemble Dreamflower Collective for a live re-interpretation of Childish Gambino’s seminal album Awaken, My Love. This is a truly unique experience, not to be missed whether you’re a fan of the album or of live jazz.

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Saturday: Stand up for the weekend w/ Dane Baptiste & Guests, Hen & Chicken
Original and provocative, Dane Baptiste is hailed as one of the most exciting acts to break in years. The London-born standup made comedy history in 2014 as the first Black British act to be nominated for a comedy award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for his debut stand up show Citizen Dane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR2142EZkAs

Sunday: Indian Folk Art Workshop, Centrespace Gallery
Part of Centrespace’s current Buried Moons art exhibition, enjoy your Sunday morning with a relaxing, mindful workshop, teaching you the style of traditional Indian folk art. The medium is a slow form of art, and focuses just as much as the effect on the artist as on the art itself.

Indian folk art workshop at Centrespace Gallery – photo: Centrespace Gallery

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Sunday: Shake Art Fair, The Mount Without
Shake is an independent Bristol-based illustration fair which was started back in 2014. The event was started to encourage artists to get together, share their artwork and ideas and help contribute and grow Bristol’s thriving and diverse arts community by providing a place for illustrators to showcase and sell their art. The fairs happen a few times a year and are always a buzzing, eclectic and fun place to be!

Shake XL boasts an incredible lineup of 50+ local and international illustrators, vegan food stalls, a bar and workshops all hosted here at The Mount Without. Whether you are an admirer of art, seasoned illustrator or have a budding artist in the family, come down to Shake XL and enjoy some great art, brilliant people and delicious food and drink.

Shake Art Fair at The Mount Without – photo: The Mount Without

And coming soon…

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March 7: Bristol Beacon Presents: The Dream Syndicate, The Fleece
Ever since The Dream Syndicate emerged from the Paisley Underground scene in the 80s, the LA-band has been celebrated for their psych-infused, uncompromising alt-rock. In 2012, the influential outfit reemerged with a slight line-up shift, with guitarist Jason Victor joining original members Steve Wynn and Dennis Duck alongside long-time bassist Mark Walton. Fast-forward to now, and their latest record Ultraviolet Battle Hymns and True Confessions sees them joined by newest member Chris Cacavas on keys. This album also continues The Dream Syndicate’s distinct sonic fusion – weaving together Krautrock, Eno-like ambience and Neu-inspired rhythms with their signature psychedelic edge.

March 10: Bristol24/7 Mansion Takeover, Ashton Court Mansion
A collection of the finest of Bristol’s thriving music scene, and to celebrate the return of our printed magazine, we’re throwing a big party at the decadent Ashton Court Mansion. Expect performances from Ishmael Ensemble and Grove, and DJ sets from dubstep don Pinch and jungle legend Randall plus some of Bristol’s up and coming selectors sadsugar, Muna and Izmini. This one certainly won’t be one to miss.

Bristol24/7 take over Ashton Court Mansion on March 10 to celebrate Bristol music – image: Bristol24/7

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March 28: Collage in the Crypt, The Mount Without
As part of The Mount Without’s in house series ‘Tales From The Crypt”, and in collaboration with Kask Wines, join local artist Libby Anderson for an evening of wine and collage making. Participants will have the opportunity to spend hours at play and create their own pieces of art.

Collage at the Crypt at The Mount Without – image: The Mount Without

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May 18-July 1: The Lion King, Bristol Hippodrome
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi award-winning musical is a unique theatrical experience that you will remember forever. The Lion King, returns to the Bristol Hippodrome for a strictly limited six-week run from May 18 to July 1.

The Lion King at Bristol Hippodrome – photo: The Ambassadors Theatre Group

Main photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres

Read next: 

• Bristol24/7 Ashton Court Mansion special guest announced
• Bristol Old Vic welcomes Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror
• View Art Gallery hosts exhibition of visual jazz

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