28 things to do in Bristol this week, November 27-December 3 2023

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Monday-Thursday: The Eternal Daughter, Watershed
Acclaimed filmmaker Joanna Hogg’s beguiling latest film is a brilliant and captivating spiritual successor to The Souvenir and The Souvenir Part II, which explores parental relationships and the things we leave behind.

Monday: Life Drawing & social, The Grain Barge
Hotwells’ own pub on a boat hosts a casual life drawing session in the bowels of their boat. Guided  by illustrator Laurel Molly, basic materials such as pencils, charcoal and paper will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring your own materials if you want to use your lucky pencil.

Life drawing and social – photo: The Grain Barge

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Monday-Thursday: Tish, Watershed
An intimate, tender portrait of the late Tyneside photographer Tish Murtha, who dedicated her craft to depicting marginalised northern communities.

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Now-January 6: Arabian Nights | Bristol Old Vic’s Festive Blockbuster, Bristol Old Vic
Schere has the quickest wits, greatest courage and most marvellous stories. Now she plans to liberate every young woman in the Kingdom from the greedy, tyrannical King. All through the power of her storytelling. But can she do this alone? And is the first person she has to turn to really her annoying younger sister?

With enchanting songs, captivating puppetry and a story of two heroic sisters at its core, Bristol Old Vic’s joyful, heartfelt production is the perfect treat for all this festive season. Not to be missed.

Arabian Nights – photo: Bristol Old Vic

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Now-January 14: 170 Annual Open Exhibition, RWA
The RWA 170 Annual Open Exhibition is a dynamic and varied exhibition which showcases work in all mediums from some of today’s most exciting artists, amateur and professional alike. The Annual Open reflects the ongoing commitment of the RWA to champion world-class art in the region and create opportunities for new and emerging talent. All work will be for sale, making this a great opportunity to discover new artists or invest in well-known names.

170 Annual Open – photo: RWA

Tuesday: Historical walk: Bristol abolition, starts M Shed
A two hour walk, beginning at the M Shed and ending at the Colston plinth, examining Bristol’s tumultuous history with the slave trade. Learn about the significance of many areas of Bristol’s harbour during these dark days, and about the characters who fought tooth and nail to end it.

Colston’s plinth remains empty after the statue of the slave trader was toppled during a Black Lives Matter march in 2020 – photo: Martin Booth

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Now-January 7: Also Artists: A Staff Exhibition, RWA
This diverse and lively exhibition showcases more than 80 distinctive pieces created by 43 members of the RWA team. It encompasses individuals from various departments, such as the office staff, front-of-house team, freelancers, and Drawing School Tutors. “Also Artists” is dedicated to honouring the unique creative talents of the remarkable individuals who contribute to the daily operation of the RWA. Come along and discover our artwork for yourself.

Also Artists Exhibition – photo: RWA

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Tuesday-December 7: Into The Woods, Redgrave Theatre
Bring me these before the chime of midnight in three days time… Kickstart your festive celebrations with Sondheim’s timeless masterpiece, Into The Woods.

Into The Woods – photo: Redgrave Theatre

Wednesday: Badvertising launch, Bookhaus
Anti advertising campaigners Andrew Simms and Leo Murray launch their new book Badvertising, going in depth on the impact that advertising has on our brains, our societies, and our environment. A ticket includes a drink and a couple of quid off the book.

Badvertising cover – photo: Bookhaus/Headfirst

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Thursday: Trip The Light Fantastic, Bristol Beacon
Witness a space reborn as sound and light collide in spectacular fashion in Trip the Light Fantastic. Produced by Paraorchestra in collaboration with Surgeons Girl, Charles Hazlewood, and Limbic Cinema, this extraordinary experience has been specially commissioned by Bristol Beacon to reconnect us to this newly-transformed space. Two of Bristol’s own – the pioneering Paraorchestra and celebrated electronic composer Surgeons Girl – create electro-orchestral alchemy with a dynamic visual response from AV experts at Limbic Cinema for this landmark opening night. This concert experience will be opened by a new commission from Paraorchestra composer Xia Leon Sloane, Prelude to a Beginning, a sensual and spatial work which will showcase the full extent of Bristol Beacon’s new astonishing natural acoustic. Join us and celebrate this radiant new beginning together – limited availability remains.

Trip The Light Fantastic – photo: Bristol Beacon

Thursday: Greenbank Comedy: Evan Bindeman, The Greenbank
Eva Bindeman is an exciting rising name on the Bristol comedy circuit. The winner of Funny Women’s ‘one to watch’ award last year, she brings her memorable blend of conversational comedy with sharp, tight jabs. She’s supported by fellow rising star Amy Mason.

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Friday-January 7: Four Seasons | Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic
From the Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (CBEEBIES’ The Nutcracker) comes a wonderfully festive family show. Roam through snowy forests and twirling leaves on an enchanting journey into the heart of nature. Expect innovative theatre featuring puppetry, dance and clowning fun!

Four Seasons – photo: Bristol Old Vic

Friday: St Anne’s Winter Special, St Anne’s House
The popular community events/arts space hosts its annual Winter Special, bringing together the local surrounding community for an evening of quizzing, followed by a disco with prizes for best dressed and best dancers. Bring your local knowledge, as there’s rumour of a ‘Brislington trivia’ round.

St Anne’s house sign – photo: St Anne’s House

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Friday: Digital Mystikz, Motion
Get ready to immerse yourself in a mind-blowing night of earth-shattering bass and dubplates as we proudly welcome back dubstep pioneers Mala and Coki. They join us at Motion for an exclusive 2 hour Digital Mystikz set hosted by the legendary SGT Pokes.

Digital Mystikz – photo: Alastair Brookes/Kolab Studios

Saturday: Wayzgoose, Centrespace
Make your way down Leonard Lane for a print fair known as a wayzgoose from the Letterpress Collective and friends. There will be plenty of prints for sale as well as many talented folk from the inky world of letterpress.

The original meaning of ‘wayzgoose’ is a printers’ annual outing or entertainment – photo: Nick Hand

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Saturday: Stand up for the weekend with Garrett Millerick and guests, Hen & Chicken
Garrett Millerick is an acclaimed stand up comedian, writer and director. His unique and versatile style has led to him being in great demand on the alternative and club circuits both in the UK and internationally.

“Stand up with an insolent twist” The Guardian

“He’s the comic that other comics want to be. Thoroughly recommended, he’s my pick of the Fringe so far. Brilliant.”  Three Weeks

“A virtuoso display of unforgivingly grumpy stand up delivered with fire in his soul” Chortle

“Wickedly Funny” The Scotsman

Garrett Millerick and guests – photo: The Comedy Box

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Saturday: The Housewarming, Bristol Beacon
After our huge transformation, we’re celebrating the reopening of Bristol Beacon, with a huge FREE day-to-night party, created by Bristol, for Bristol. The Housewarming will showcase the colourful spectrum of Bristol’s creative community. With over 60 acts, from grassroots groups to well-known faces, there’s something for everyone. Every corner of Bristol Beacon will come alive with performances, to celebrate its rebirth with light, sound and of course, music. Like all good housewarming parties, everyone is welcome: friends and neighbours, old and new. The doors are open, so come along – dig out your sequins, grab your dancing shoes, we’d love to see you at our new gaff for a massive Bristol party to remember. No ticket required, but please RSVP on our website.

The Bristol Beacon Housewarming – photo: Bristol Beacon

Saturday: Murmur – re:ni B2B Ploy, Secret location
In the seemingly endless stream of ‘secret location’ raves across Bristol, a time rarely comes along where it’s a genuinely secret, currently unknown new spot. Well, nobody knows where this one is, but if one thing is for certain you can expect high quality, forward thinking DJ sets from the Ilian Tape and Timedance affiliates.

Sunday: The InFilm Premiere, Strange Brew
After being given a one word brief, the InFilm team have crafted ten “oscar-worthy” short films for this strictly black tie series of premieres. With DJs soundtracking the intervals, it looks to be the perfect blend of Strange Brew meets Hollywood meets pure DIY film goodness.

InFilm premieres 10 short films – photo: Strange Brew

And coming soon…

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December 9: Stand up for the weekend with Joey Page and guests, Hen & Chicken
Accomplished and hilarious with a unique take on the everyday, Joey Page’s career so far has been studded with rave reviews, award nominations and TV appearances. Over the last few years, Joey completely overhauled his writing process and comedic style building a reputation as both a circuit favourite and is well on the way to being a treasured regular headliner. What hasn’t changed is his truly captivating stage presence and ability to make an audience feel that they have seen something very special.

“Laugh-out-loud. Joey Page is the cheeky master of the alternative – a genuine master of his craft” Australia Times

“Surreal, charming and hilarious…one of comedy’s most unique and exciting new talents. This innately likeable young man has an instinct for funny” – Chortle

“Absolutely amazing” – XFM

“A leading name in British cult comedy” – ThreeWeeks

Joey Page and guests – photo: The Comedy Box

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December 15-31: Rapunzel, Redgrave Theatre
Get ready for a hair raising adventure about the girl with the magical golden hair as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave Theatre proudly present Rapunzel – A Tangled Tale!

Rapunzel – photo: Redgrave Theatre

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December 16: Bristol Choral Society: Messiah, Bristol Beacon
Christmas starts here!  The newly refurbished Bristol Beacon is opening very soon in December, and one of the first classical concerts you can enjoy there is Bristol Choral Society’s Messiah.  From the first thrilling chord, just soak up the music most of us know and love – or come to listen for the first time!

Bristol Choral Society: Messiah – photo: BCS

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December 17: Children’s Christmas Carnival: Gaspard The Fox & Peter and the Wolf, St George’s
Alongside the classic Peter and the Wolf, join Gaspard the friendly fox and his furry chums in a warm-hearted adventure on the No.38 bus, past the sights, sounds and smells of the big city. Performed by their creator Zeb Soanes, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble, this is the perfect way to introduce children to a live orchestra through storytelling.

Zeb Soanes is the presenter of Smooth Classics at Seven on Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station. For over 20 years he was a newsreader and reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast to millions of listeners on BBC Radio 4. He announced some of the biggest events in recent years from the final result of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump to the unfolding of the Coronavirus pandemic. He was a regular fixture on The News Quiz, reported for From Our Own Correspondent and presented Saturday Classics on BBC Radio 3. Sunday Times readers voted him their favourite male voice on UK radio. On leaving The BBC, the Director General Tim Davie wrote, ‘I, like millions of the audience will miss you! Your voice has been a lyrical, clear and reassuring presence — the very heart of Radio 4.’

Gaspard’s Foxtrot – photo: Bristol Ensemble

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December 21: Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, St George’s
In this 30-minute festive special from Aardman, Shaun – the world’s favourite sheep – stars in his very own winter’s tale, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble.

Shaun’s Christmas excitement turns to dismay when a plan to get bigger stockings for the Flock leads to Timmy going missing. Can Shaun get Timmy back before he becomes someone else’s present? Prepare for an explosive, high-wire ending as everyone learns the true value of Christmas!

The performance also includes a montage looking back at Shaun the Sheep’s origins in ‘Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave’ up to his present day antics. Kat Kleve joins the Bristol Ensemble to present this Christmas special which will include Christmas favourites such as Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride and Dreaming of a White Christmas.

The Flight Before Christmas – photo: Bristol Ensemble

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December 21-23: Rumdoo presents: Once Upon a Time in Bristol, Christmas Spiegeltent
An exhilarating show fusing high energy circus acts, comedy and live music.
Whether you’re a fan of heart-stopping tricks, laugh-out-loud comedy, or simply crave a night of unforgettable entertainment, this show promises to deliver an experience like no other.
Get ready to be amazed, delighted, and thoroughly entertained!

Once upon a time in Bristol – photo: Christmas Spiegeltent

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December 22: Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles – A Gameshow For Awful Children, Christmas Spiegeltent
Acclaimed Gallic comedian Marcel Lucont presents a wild game show in which kids get to be pests, politicians and Pétomane’s to be crowned the Most Awful Child.
“A real highlight of Edinburgh Fringe for the entire Horne family. Très funny” – Alex Horne, Taskmaster
“Fresh, accessible and hilarious” – The Guardian

A Gameshow for Awful Children – photo: Christmas Spiegeltent

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December 31: In:Motion NYE: Groove Armada (DJ Set), Motion
One of the planet’s best loved dance acts, Groove Armada, will see in the year with a massive New Year’s Eve party, alongside a stellar lineup of special guests! With legendary hits like ‘Superstylin’’, ‘I See You Baby’ and ‘At the River’, the renowned duo have secured their place in the hallowed halls of dance music history, delivering timeless classics time and time again. They will be joined by global dance music star Hannah Wants, Lulah Francs & more.

Motion NYE – photo: Kolab Studios

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January 20 2024: Henleaze Concert Society: Mozart and Mendelssohn, Trinity Henleaze URC
Come and enjoy with us two great works performed by the Bristol Ensemble:

• Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A K.581
• Mendelssohn Octet in E flat major Op.20

Mendelssohn’s piece is beautifully uplifting, and Mozart’s is one of the most sublime and well-loved works in the chamber music repertoire for its exquisitely crafted melodic lines.

Mozart and Mendelssohn – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

March 9 2024: Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight, Trinity Henleaze URC
This will be a hypnotic evening of music performed by the Bristol Ensemble, featuring mesmerising works by Ludovico Einaudi, and Max Richter’s engagingly refreshing reimagining of Vivaldi’s ever-popular Four Seasons:

• Einaudi Divenire; Primavera; Petricor; I Giorni; Full Moon
• Max Richter: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Reimagined

Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

Main photo: Elliot Hingston, Soul Media

Read next:

• Banksy ‘reveals name’ in unearthed interview
• Exclusive: Mel Giedroyc joins cast of Starter For Ten at Bristol Old Vic
• Review: The Orielles, Strange Brew – ‘The band had grown and developed’

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