Circus / circus city
Six events not to miss at Circus City 2019
Bristol’s circus festival returns this month, showcasing talent from around the world. Find out more at www.bristolcircuscity.com
1. Ballantine Scale by Jäntti & Venna
5pm, October 17, Unit 15, £15
is needed now More than ever
Unit 15 in St Philip’s will transform into a twilight of music, song and movement, as Finnish performers Ilona Jäntti and Aino Venna premiere Ballantine Scale. Jäntti will showcase her innovative aerial acrobatics to Venna’s original score as they explore the arrival of dusk in an unconvential venue.
2. Hive City Legacy
7pm, October 18, Circomedia, £13
Performed by femmes of colour, this show explores race, sexuality and mental health. Expect beatboxing, aerial acrobatics, spoken word and dance in this cabaret-style show. Described as “explosive and invigorating” by The Stage, this is a show that will break boundaries and celebrate difference.
3. KooKoo the Birdgirl by Sarah Houbolt
6pm & 9pm, October 19, The Wardrobe Theatre, £10
The 1932 film Freaks was so controversial for its time that it was banned for 30 years. One of its stars was Minnie Woolsley, who played KooKoo the Birdgirl, and her unusual career freed her from life in an asylum.
Minnie, a freakshow performer and film actress, is brought to life by circus artist and Paralympian Sarah Houboult in the UK premiere of KooKoo the Birdgirl.
A disability advocate and award-winning circus and physical theatre performer, Australian Sarah Houbolt creates a gripping narrative and heartfelt connection to Minnie Woosley.
4. À Nos Fantômes (To Our Ghosts) by Company Menteuses
7pm, October 25, Circomedia, £15
A cinematic and surreal piece of aerial theatre from Company Menteuses from Belgium, À Nos Fantômes (To Our Ghosts) explores emotion and self-expectation. The show, held at Circomedia, is the UK premiere from this remarkable young company.
5. Circus Shorts
7pm, October 26, Unit 15, £8
A chance to see work by emerging artists working within the realm of circus, Circus Shorts promises to be an evening of new ideas and innovative approaches.
Performed by talent who live and work in Bristol, the lineup will be released nearer to the time, but be sure to expect experimental skills and circus flair.
6. Plink and Boo by Can’t Sit Still
11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm & 4.30pm, October 28 & 29, Emerson’s Green Village Halll, £8
Plink and Boo live in a topsy-turvy world, and children aged two to five and welcomed into their lives for a 40 minute show.
Using acrobatics, live music and toys, it will be an interactive adventure that explore what happens when people don’t fit into neat boxes. The show has been created by Can’t Sit Still Company, who worked with children, parents and childcare professionals in Swindon and Bristol to bring Plink and Boo to life.
Read more: Twenty years of Cirque Bijou
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
