Bristol pub to transport revellers back in time with immersive theatre night
A pub in Bristol is set to transport revellers back in time with an immersive theatre night.
The experience at the Robin Hood on March 28 will be inspired by the pub’s original opening in 1848.
The St Michael’s Hill pub will operate as if it’s just opened its doors for the first time with roaming characters, live folk music and no fourth wall.
Theo Cernow-Cooke, co-owner of The Robin Hood, told BristolWorld: “We absolutely love our community, and we love putting on things that are a bit out there.
“For us, this is about celebrating where the pub came from and why pubs still matter so much.
“The theatre and pub world truly fit together extremely nicely. Both revolve around people and stories, so when you bring them together you can create something super special.”
A local troupe of actors will bring the past to life by slipping between tables, starting conversations and drawing guests into a world of industrial ambition, seafaring tension and Bristol underworld conspiracies.
Expect whispered business deals over the arrival of the railroad or card games with questionable stakes and fiery arguments about worker’s rights.
There are even rumours that Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself might stop in to raise a glass.
The atmosphere will be full of 19th century detail, including straw-covered floors, mead and ale on tap, and silver coin payments for drinks. Expect one or two hearty dishes designed to keep travellers and troublemakers well-fed.
Costumes are encouraged (but not required). Suggestions include shawls, braces, waistcoats, worker’s caps, simple dresses and boots.
The Robin Hood serves independent beers and ciders and is home to The Hanoi Social, offering Vietnamese banh mi and street food.
Upstairs, the pub hosts a comedy club run three nights a week by The Gaffe, alongside a range of events.
Back to 1848 at The Robin Hood: Immersive historic pub theatre night will take place at The Robin Hood on St Michal’s Hill on Saturday, March 28, with free entry and drop-in anytime between 3.30pm and 9.30pm.