FESTIVE EVENTS

MERRY & BRIGHT

Glad tidings we bring in the form of a super-festive round-up of events happening around Bristol this month to get you in the Christmas spirit

FESTIVE FUN AT WE THE CURIOUS

n Throughout December Step through the rainbow entrance of Bristol’s We The Curious and you’ll find yourself immersed in a playful world of possibilities. In its latest experience, ‘Project What If’, discover alien habitats, broadcast a message into space, chat with the resident robot and then leave your own burning question. There will also be plenty of festive fun including the return of science-meets-panto show, Fairytale SOS. wethecurious.org

CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE TRAIL

n Throughout December, around Bristol Christmas Adventures, Bristol’s festive light trail, has launched, lighting up iconic buildings with a selection of the jolliest Christmas lyrics and phrases. The project, created by Bristol City Centre BID and Redcliffe and Temple BID, will light up the Arnolfini, St George’s Bristol, Cabot Circus and Waitrose on Queen’s Road. Expect glowing building frontages, famous song lyrics and Christmas movie quotes emerging across the city centre. bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

ROBIN HOOD: LEGEND OF THE FORGOTTEN FOREST

n Throughout December, Bristol Old Vic This Christmas, discover the next chapter in the Bristol Old Vic’s popular series of blockbuster festive family shows: a fresh spin on the swashbuckling legend Robin Hood with multi-award-winning company The Wardrobe Ensemble. Theatrical magic guaranteed. When a 21st-century kid discovers a dusty book at the back of his local library, something miraculous happens. An uneasy time of cunning thieves, dastardly villains and karaokesinging monks. Sound familiar so far? Not all is as it seems… bristololdvic.org.uk

LITTLE WOMEN IN BLACK

n Throughout December, at

The Wardrobe Theatre

A brand new alternative, adult comedy is arriving at The Wardrobe Theatre from the people that brought you Drac & Jill, Oedipuss In Boots, Reservoir Mogs, Rocky Shock Horror, and Muppits Die Hard. Little Women In Black is an anarchic, sexy, adult-only devised comedy, injecting Louisa

OZ at Tobacco Factory Theatre

Hansel and Gretal at Arnos Vale Cemetery

May Alcott’s literary classic with guns, gore and a sweet 1990s soundtrack. Directed by Julia Head (Wild Swimming; FullRogue), the show will be running until 16 January. thewardrobetheatre.com

SHERLOCK IN HOLMES III: MURDER AT THE GAMES

n Throughout December, online Created specifically for audiences to enjoy together online, previous shows Sherlock In Homes I: Murder at the Circus and Sherlock In Homes II: Murder On Ice were run-away hits, enjoyed by over 24,000 people around the world. This third adventure invites budding detectives to assist in solving a murder at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games by interogating the suspects themselves live over Zoom. thewardrobetheatre.com

CHRISTMAS AT BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

n Throughout December The strings of lights lining either side of the historic top terrace and the traditional Christmas tree let everyone know that the festive season is coming. Christmas marks a special anniversary for one animal at the Zoo –Biggie the giant tortoise will have been at Bristol Zoo Gardens for 46 years on Christmas Eve, longer than any other animal in its history. Visitors can try out ZooRopia, a high level ropes course suspended high above the heart of the Zoo. Before leaving, people can buy Christmas presents at the Zoo's gift shop including a range of soft toy animals and framed Bristol Zoo Gardens retro guidebook covers. bristolzoo.org.uk Ú

CHRISTMAS AT THE SPIEGELTENT

n Throughout December,

at Waterfront Square

Christmas Spiegeltent 2021 brings you an indulgent programME, presented in a magical and spectacular venue full of festive fun, in the form of family entertainment, club nights, drag, speakeasies, concerts, and Sunday socials to name a few. On 8 December, The Puppini Sisters –a close harmony singing trio –will showcase their incredible vocals which have delighted audiences across the world. On 21–24 December, a thrilling Christmas spectacle of live circus, fire, music and comedy, will all be in one stunningly presented show. And on 31 December, a roaring NYE Masquerade Ball will bring the curtain down on another fantastic Spiegeltent season. christmasspiegeltent.co.uk

The Puppini Sisters at the Spiegeltent

A Victorian Christmas at SS Great Britain

SS GREAT BRITAIN: TAKE A TRIP TO A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

n 4 –5, 11–12, 18–19 December Take an unforgettable trip to Brunel's SS Great Britain this December. For three weekends (4–5 December, 11–12 December, 18–19 December), the awardwinning attraction will be transformed into a historical winter setting, taking visitors into the heart of a Victorian Christmas. Brunel's historic ship was launched in 1843, the same year A Christmas Carol was published, and so festivities on board would have looked much like the sights described in Dickens' classic novel. On a Dickensian-like journey, you will discover incredible stories of the past, a multisensory experience in the present, and lifelong memories for the future. ssgreatbritain.org

INSANE ROOTS: HANSEL AND GRETEL

n 1 December, Arnos Vale Cemetery As darkness falls, follow Hansel and Gretel through the magical illuminated woodland of Arnos Vale Cemetery, where not everything is as it seems. Discover a strange cottage, and a mysterious figure with an unsavoury appetite, and revel in this celebration of the imagination… but will you trust a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way home? Bursting with poetry and song from acclaimed writer Saikat Ahamed and composer Ellie Showering, this magical production will linger in your imaginations for many years to come. Tickets from £12; insaneroot.org.uk

MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR

n 4–5, 11–12 December, Bristol Beacon Made in Bristol Gift Fair is set to return to the Bristol Beacon’s foyer for three gift-packed shopping weekends, welcoming up to 200 makers and creators from the local community. On 4–5 and 11–12 December, visitors will be able to browse an array of unique gifts and artisan products –the perfect opportunity to get ahead with your festive shopping. Hosting carpenters, potters, weavers, leather-workers, jewellers and printmakers, Made in Bristol Gift Fair is sure to offer something for everyone. madeinbristolgiftfair.co.uk

OZ

n 10 December –16 January, at

Tobacco Factory Theatre

The magic of the festive season returns as Bristol’s renowned Tobacco Factory Theatres invite audiences on a journey down the yellow brick road to the emerald city. Co-produced by Tobacco Factory Theatres and awardwinning Pins and Needles Productions, OZ is a timeless tale, transporting audiences to lands both wicked and wonderful. This bold new adaptation is written by Sarah Henley, Emma Earle and Zoe Squire. Recommended for families and grown-ups aged 6+, the stellar cast bring to life this re-imagined classic of potent poppy fields, ferocious flying gargoyles and rogue rulers. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

EXULTATE SINGERS: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

n 11 & 15 December, St James Priory Exultate Singers performs an exquisite programme of Christmas music, the perfect preparation for the festive season. Come and enjoy a wonderfully atmospheric evening in the beautiful surroundings of Bristol's oldest building, St James Priory. exultatesingers.org

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULARS

n 18 & 20 December, St George’s Bristol Bristol Ensemble takes to the stage with City of Bristol Choir (18 December) and Exultate Singers (20 December) to bring Christmas cheer and festivities in this Christmas Spectacular. Under the baton of the inimitable David Ogden, this is always a wonderfully entertaining and uplifting evening of Christmas music and readings, with some magical Christmas music with choir items, audience participation and festive orchestral music. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

n 19 December, St George’s Bristol Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with music from The Snowman, an enchanting musical tale that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. With plenty of audience participation in festive favourites, this is a seasonal delight for all the family. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

FESTIVE FIESTA

n 21 December, St George’s Bristol There will be plenty of audience participation in this sparkling festive concert featuring all your favourite carols, Christmas choral works and orchestral pieces. Come and enjoy a brilliantly festive and fun evening under the baton of David Ogden, with City of Bristol Choir and the Bristol Ensemble, certain to put you in the Christmas mood. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk n