Joyful, silly, interactive and celebratory: inside The Wardrobe Theatre

Those who ascended the spiral stairs and squeezed into the room above The White Bear pub in the nascent days of The Wardrobe Theatre will no doubt have very fond memories of big warm nights in what could generously be called an ‘intimate’ space.

But no one could have envisaged where the journey might lead. What began as a temporary pop-up for a few weeks turned into six months, then two years, and suddenly it’s nearly 11 years later – with a momentous venue change along the way.

Tucked at the back of The Old Market Assembly, The Wardrobe Theatre soon made its name as the natural home and champion of fringe theatre and comedy in Bristol, not only for touring acts, but for local nights such as the cult improvised soap opera Closer Each Day (now approaching 200 shows), and family shows made in collaboration with The Wardrobe Ensemble, including the much-loved Seekers series (The Star Seekers, The Time Seekers and The Deep Sea Seekers).

It’s a place that is unafraid of new ideas, and that nurtures new talent. It’s also affordable, and undeniably friendly, with audiences to match.

Cited by comics such as James Acaster, Nish Kumar and Ed Gamble as amongst their favourite rooms for standup in the country, it’s also the home of flagship LGBTQ+ night The Shade Pullers and Lash Stackers Social Club, and a raft of Christmas mash-ups for which it has become synonymous.

From the smash hit Muppets Die Hard and Drac & Jill to Reservoir Mogs; Se7en Dwarfs to Oedipuss in Boots; and Goldilock, Stock and Three Smoking Bears to 2021/22’s Little Women in Black, audiences have been returning year on year to revel in a communal sense of joy and ridiculousness.

150th episode of Closer Each Day, The Improvised Soap Opera – photo: Daisy Tian Dai

Reflecting on the last decade, it’s that very sense that artistic director Matthew Whittle credits as being central to the DNA of The Wardrobe Theatre: “The most important thing we’ve managed to retain as a theatre from day one, is the atmosphere and the types of shows we put on,” he says.

“I love shows that are joyful; shows that are celebrations and enjoyable to watch, shows that revel in their live-ness.

“For me too much theatre sees itself as ‘worthy’ and you can end up having a miserable time as an audience member. You don’t want a night at the theatre to feel like homework – that sense that you’ll somehow be a better person if you come see another tired adaptation of King Lear. No thanks.

Reservoir Mogs by The Wardrobe Theatre – photo: Paul Blakemore

“I love silly shows, fun shows, party shows, interactive shows; shows for friends and families to come and watch together and come out of grinning together.

“The relaxed, informal atmosphere starts at the front door too. We wanted to offer a warm and welcoming pub vibe for people to enjoy a pint before and after the show, which is why we’re so lucky to have The Old Market Assembly.”

With a lifelong love of art, music and drama and a host of creative part-time jobs including those at Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatres, Whittle is heavily involved in making shows – either as a dramaturg or creative influence, as well as performing in them.

The Wardrobe Ensemble – Deep Sea Seekers at The Wardrobe Theatre (2019) – photo: Jack Offord

But as a tiny staff of just four – together with technical and operations director Chris Collier, theatre manager Aisha Ali, and finance manager and producer Cherie Demmery – by any measure, Whittle has his work cut out for him. So what makes it all worthwhile?

“The most satisfying moments for me are finding a cool and interesting show, making contact and convincing them to come to your venue, then working hard to drum up an audience for a show people have never heard of by a person no one has ever heard of,” he smiles.

“But at the end of it, there are a few nights of really rewarding electricity – big groups of people have a brilliant night out together that wouldn’t have existed for them without your hard work.

Show posters in the theatre corridor – photo: The Wardrobe Theatre

“It’s easy to brush off nights of laughing at a fun play or a comedy together as frivolous, but it’s nights like that where friendships are made, and connections and communities are built up. It’s through communal events and shared live experiences like this that we build and shape our society and culture together.”

Thanks to overwhelming community support during the pandemic, Whittle is hopeful that future plans for the continued evolution of The Wardrobe Theatre may soon be revived. “It’s amazing that we’ve emerged from the last two years in as good a shape as we have,” he admits.

“I have to say a huge thank you to our amazing, loyal audiences who have been so vocal in their support, and it’s been wonderful welcoming you all back now that we have reopened.”

For tickets and information for all upcoming shows and events at The Wardrobe Theatre, go to www.thewardrobetheatre.com.

Main image: Diego Maeso

Read more: Festive fun and havoc at the Wardrobe

Listen to the latest episode of the Bristol 24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: