WHAT’S ON 18 September18 November
With the galleries open, and theatres streaming online, we think you’ll be amazed at how much is on. Here are a few of the highlights – but in this most unpredictable of years, be prepared for changes to the programme...
Whistleblowers, conspiracy theorists, bystanders and suspects: whose memories can you trust? True life Icelandic noir at RPS
ART
Ongoing
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION; SUGAR PAPER THEORIES: ONLINE EXHIBITION Royal Photo Society’s gallery is currently closed, but you can view two of their recent exhibitions virtually. The 162nd outing for the world’s longest running photography exhibition showcases the work of 43 international photographers, while the ice-cool Sugar Paper Theories is a true-life Nordic noir as Bristol photographer Jack Latham chronicles the most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history. rps.org
Until 24 September
THE ART OF ACTION That Art Gallery reopens with an show of worldwide poster art from across the globe; thatartgallery.com
Until 4 October
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Wild thingies: we still love you. Still gracing the walls of M Shed are the crème de la crème of the world’s wildlife photos; beautiful, disturbing, and thought-provoking in equal measure. bristolmuseums.org.uk
Until I November
HASSAN HAJJAJ: THE PATH Hassan’s colour-bomb of an exhibition finally explodes into the cool space of Arnolfini; see page 42. arnolfini.org.uk
Until 22 November
CHANTAL JOFFE: FOR ESME – WITH LOVE AND SQUALOR Inspired by the Salinger short story, the exhibition captures the changing faces of Chantal and Esme, as they move between mother and daughter, love and squalor, and the act of care and being cared for. arnolfini.org.uk
Until 28 February 2021
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? Bristol Museum takes a look at the way that magic has been used to heal, hurt and harm down the ages; bristolmuseums.org.uk
24 Sep-20 December
CHRIS KILLIP: THE STATION A vivid photographic document of the style, theatricality and raw energy of the anarcho-punk movement which flourished under Thatcher’s government. martinparrfoundation.org
25-27 September
VIRTUALLY UPFEST: ONLINE EVENT see page 33; upfest.co.uk
34 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
2 October-1 November
CENTRE OF GRAVITY Soapworks in Old Market hosts work by over 60 Bristol artists, in a month-long programme of visual arts, performance, talks and events. thesoapworksbristol.co.uk
5 October - 5 April 2021
BEING HUMAN Can art capture what it is to be human? Many notable sculptors have had a go; see the results at Bristol Museum; bristolmuseums.org.uk
7-18 October
FURIOUS, WILD AND YOUNG: THE DEATH OF CHATTERTON Bristol’s boy poet is celebrating his 250th deathaversary, and RWA have managed to get a loan of ‘that’ painting; see page 8. rwa.org.uk
17 October-17 January
DENZIL FORRESTER: ITCHIN & SCRATCHIN Denzil’s paintings capture the vibrant energy of the dimly lit dance halls of 1980s London and today’s open-air clubs of Jamaica; spikeisland.org.uk
14 November-3 March
168 ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION The venerable Open returns to RWA for its 168th year with work from emerging and established artists. rwa.org.uk
SHOWS
22-26 September
ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS: ONLINE EVENT Emma Rice’s deliciously romantic musical about breaking the mould and finding the courage to be happy, streamed live from BOV. It’s classic Ricean territory, filled with wit, heart, charm and quirk; bristololdvic.org.uk
18-21 November
AKRAM KHAN: CREATURE We’re still swooning over Akram’s 2016 Giselle; now he brings English National Ballet back to the Hippodrome to tell the story of an outsider and his search for belonging. atgtickets.com
COMEDY
26 October, 1 November
ROB BECKETT: WALLOP The Mouth of the South brings his new show and his dazzling teeth to Hippodrome; atgtickets.com
27 September
SLAPSTICK’S BIG COMEDY NIGHT IN: ONLINE EVENT Bristol’s beloved classic comedy festival needs our support more than ever if it’s going to survive, and a hugely impressive roster of celebrities have thrown their weight behind this special fundraising event.
