23 things to do in Bristol this week, March 6-12 2023

Monday – April 1: Will Claridge Exhibition, Tobacco Factory
A new exhibition from Falmouth University graduate Will Claridge, and his first solo exhibition outside of London. His colourful, abstract miniature works will be on show throughout Tobacco Factory’s bar/cafe space for four weeks.

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

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Tuesday: Will Sheff (Okkervil River), Rough Trade
For the past two decades, Will Sheff has established himself as an indie rock luminary with his band Okkervil River. Now, the musician is stepping out under his own name, with his album ‘Nothing Special’ marking the start of this new chapter. Sheff’s solo work draws on the cerebral and frenetic indie rock of Okkervil River whilst offering a distinct sonic shift. His striking, narrative lyrics delve into even more vivid depths, delivered amongst cinematic and luscious instrumental accompaniment. And collaboration is still at the core with Death Cab for Cutie’s pianist Zac Rae and the Dawes’ Griffin Goldsmith featured on his debut solo record.

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Tuesday: 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 re-emerged 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.

Tuesday & Wednesday: Ryan Lane Will Be There Now in a Minute, The Wardrobe Theatre
A new solo clown comedy show from Welsh comic Ryan Lane, exploring identity, both in the sense of where you’re born and who you see yourself as being. Receiving rave reviews at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, it’s now showing for two days only in Bristol.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNaA4yotoW/

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Wednesday-Sunday: I’m Fine (Thanks for asking), Watershed
An inspiring, exhilarating and poignant drama which won Special Jury recognition at SXSW Film Festival about the experience of homelessness and keeping up appearances on the breadline. To mark International Women’s Day, the Wed 8 March screening will be followed by an exclusive pre-recorded Q&A with filmmaker and star Kelley Kali, brought to you by #ReclaimTheFrame

Wednesday: International Women’s Day demo & social, College Green
In celebration of this year’s IWD, The Bristol Feminist Collective have organised a meetup, vigil and march in memory of women who’ve lost their lives to male violence, and in solidarity with the female/trans and non-binary community who continue to struggle against these issues.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpDT82bMHCh/

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Wednesday: Spotlight talk: Programming Sculpture & Photogrammetry, RWA
Join Steve Russell Studios for an evening talk drawing on 30 years of photographing contemporary sculpture. Hear about experiences of working on some of the world’s most celebrated art projects, practical advice about how to photograph sculpture, and insight into how technology is moving forwards. Using the latest equipment and developing new techniques, Steve Russell Studios shoot for artists including Nick Bibby, Marc Quinn, and Damien Hirst, as well as for museums, galleries, and publications.

Steve Russell Studios at RWA – photo: RWA

Thursday: Dog Draw! Bristol Illustrator Meetup, The Cider Box
A meetup at Bristol’s cider hub for illustrators of all shapes and styles. You’ll be given prompts, timings and poses for various illustrations, but of course, the most important thing is to come along, meet your fellow illustrator and have a nice cold pint – bring your own materials, too.

Dog Draw illustrator meetup at The Cider Box – photo: The Cider Box

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Thursday: After Hours Exhibition, RWA
Calling all photography and art lovers! The RWA’s Photo Open After Hours is this Thursday! Enjoy the 4 photography exhibitions, make your very own pinhole camera and enjoy a complimentary drink in their beautiful gallery spaces. This is an adult-only event with a pop-up bar.

RWA After Hours – photo: RWA

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Friday-March 18: This House, Tobacco Factory Theatres
UK politics is in crisis and the country is in economic peril. Fights break out in the Houses of Parliament and the government whips can barely contain the chaos. Sound familiar? Well this time, it’s 1974 and in this not so distant past, Westminster is at war with itself again.

A hung parliament and the tiniest of margins mean that those in power will do everything to just keep going. Even if that means wheeling in someone on their last legs or direct from the maternity ward.  In a time where every vote counts, James Graham’s explosive and biting political comedy-thriller This House- which premiered at the National Theatre in 2021 – introduced us to the farcical and fanatical world of 1970s Westminster. Just how far will these parties go for political survival?

This House, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – photo: BOVTS

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Friday: Lunchtime Talk: AI is a puppy, Watershed
In this week’s Lunchtime Talk, Inclued AI Founder and CEO Joyann Boyce explores the similarities between AI and puppies, including the need for training and nurturing to develop.

AI is a puppy – photo: Watershed

Friday: Bristol24/7 Mansion Takeover, Ashton Court Mansion
It’s here! This Friday we celebrate the very best of Bristol music at one of the most unique, unused party locations in the city. We’ve got jazz from Ishmael Ensemble, Dubstep from Pinch, Punk/Dancehall from Grove and Drum & Bass from Randall – and that’s without even mentioning the host of up and coming acts we’ve got in as well to give you a flavour of the sound of the city right now.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7HSN5NQeT/

Saturday: JoJo Rabbit, Avery’s Wine Cellars (Bristol Film Festival)
The Taika Waititi flick that manages to tread the often missed line of being light and comedic whilst touching on some of the darkest moments in history. The movie tells the story of a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany, and the effects of the propaganda machine. What’s more, it’s at Avery’s Wine Cellars, meaning the screening will be expertly paired with the perfect glass.

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Saturday: Butler, Blake & Grant, Redgrave Theatre
Butler, Blake and Grant is a new supergroup trio formed of British pop and rock veterans. The recently formed collaboration features Teenage Fanclub’s frontman Norman Blake, Bernard Butler of Suede renown and Scottish musician James Grant of Love and Money acclaim. The three of them first joined forces at Celtic Connections earlier this year, with the project seeing them gather to perform each other’s songs together. Following the success of the show these renowned Britpop musicians are taking their jovial creative union on tour.

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Saturday: The Comedy Box promotes: Stand up for the weekend with Jarlath Regan & guests, Hen & Chicken
Award winning comedian, writer and star of the hit Irish panel show, The Panel, Jarlath Regan has gained a reputation with the industry and audiences for his uplifting, inventive and relentlessly funny stand-up. He regularly gigs around the UK and performs at international comedy festivals.

“A subtle yet sublime helping of observational wit” The Herald

Sunday: Make your own Japanese Cross Back Apron, Creative Space North St
Bring your own choice of fabric and learn to create your own elegant Japanese cross back apron at North Street’s creative workshop hub. It’s a full day, six hour workshop to keep you busy on a quiet Sunday, and you’ll leave with a wardrobe item that will last for years to come.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpAluLfA6Rg/

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Sunday: Nothings Ever Concrete, The Mount Without
Over the course of 4 hours an alternate reality of images will be presented; Merging performance, video, sound and sculpture. Transversing sand and screens.

‘We exist in a state of flux’

Nothings ever concrete exhibition at The Mount Without – photo: The Mount Without

And coming soon…

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March 14-17: The Wedding Singer, Redgrave Theatre
The hugely talented Ivy Arts Youth presents the smash-hit-all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy ‘The Wedding Singer’! The show, based on the Adam Sandler movie, takes us back to a time where hair was big, greed was good and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room!

The wedding singer at Redgrave Theatre – photo: Redgrave Theatre

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March 18: Pixies + The Slow Readers Club, Cardiff International Arena
Pixies are one of the most influential, pioneering bands of the late 80s, having served as a major influence for artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead and many more. Today, a whole new generation of music fans have been discovering and embracing the band’s “loudquietloud” signature sound.

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March 18: The Comedy Box promotes: Stand up for the weekend with Stephen Bailey & guests, Hen & Chicken
Meet your new potty-mouthed best friend, who supported Katherine Ryan and Jenny Éclair on their recent sell-out UK tours. Stephen Bailey’s friendly, open brand of gossipy humour has made him one of the most enjoyable acts on the UK comedy circuit today.

“Bailey is an absolute crowdpleaser, getting the room howling with laughter” Chortle

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March 28: Eels + The Inspector Cluso, Bath Forum
A musical project that weds a rich variety of off-kilter pop influences with deeply personal lyrics often obsessing over the darker sides of human experience, Eels is the rubric used by the singer, songwriter, and musician Mark Oliver Everett for the music he creates with a rotating group of collaborators.

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March 31: Two Belly x Ubuntu Food, The Mount Without
Two  Belly and Ubuntu Food invite you to The Mount Without for a collaborative evening of Wine & Cheese with Live Fire Cooking. Ubuntu Food is a Bristol based fire cooking collective curating unique experiences centred around food and fire. “Eating with us is a celebration of our relationship with nature and our community. We work with intention, creating space for people to come together and exchange on our table”.

Bringing you a seasonal immersive experience, Ubuntu will be spinning their magic cooking over fire and creating delicious tapas style dishes as we talk you through tasty wine & cheese pairings. We are thrilled to be hosting you in the beautiful venue The Mount Without. It’s breath-taking with an ethereal vibe, all the warmth of a modern creative space, right in the heart of Bristol.

Two Belly and Ubuntu Food at The Mount Without – photo: 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: Ramona Momo

Read next:

• Grove on sexuality, power & community
• Bristol24/7 Ashton Court Mansion Takeover
• Spotlight: Bingo Fury

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