World Theatre Day 2022: The shows to get in your diary across Bristol venues this April

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to theatre in Bristol, so for World Theatre Day we round up some of the best performances taking place in April
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With so many incredible arts and culture venues across the city, it’s not surprising that there is an abundance of incredible theatre to choose from in Bristol. Just as well, really, as 27th March marks World Theatre Day, so what better way than to head out and support your local scene?

From larger venues such as The Bristol Hippodrome and The Bristol Old Vic to smaller, more niche venues such as the Bristol Improv Theatre, Alma Tavern and The Wardrobe Theatre, you’ll be spoiled for choice in April for what’s on.

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According to their website, World Theatre Day “is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individuals who have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.”

World Theatre Day in Bristol is easy, as we’re spoiled for amazing venues such as The Bristol Old VicWorld Theatre Day in Bristol is easy, as we’re spoiled for amazing venues such as The Bristol Old Vic
World Theatre Day in Bristol is easy, as we’re spoiled for amazing venues such as The Bristol Old Vic

So, to support the theatre industry in Bristol, we’ve rounded up some of the best performances on show across the whole of April - and it turns out there are many! From comedy and musicals, to shows specifically for the kids, there’s something for everyone this spring.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

Anything Goes from 11th-16th April

Perfect for those of you who like a classic musical, Anything Goes features a full-size orchestra and is an uplifting and family-friendly musical. The heart-warming romance, farcical fun and spectacular show stopping dance routines bring together choreography by the multi-award-winning Broadway director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall and music from Cole Porter’s joyful score.

What’s Love Got To Do With It is a brand new show and a must-see for lovers of Tina TurnerWhat’s Love Got To Do With It is a brand new show and a must-see for lovers of Tina Turner
What’s Love Got To Do With It is a brand new show and a must-see for lovers of Tina Turner

What’s Love Got To Do With It is a brand new show in tribute to the iconic Tina Turner. This not-to-be missed musical experience is a stunning celebration of one of the greatest female singers of our time and is brought to you by the award-winning producers behind the hugely successful Whitney - Queen Of The Night.

We Will Rock You from 18th-23rd April

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The smash-hit musical is well-known, not only by Queen lovers, but by people across the world. Featuring 24 of Queen’s biggest hits and Ben Elton’s hilarious futuristic comedy writing, the show aims to show to mirror the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances. Sounds like you could be in for a treat with this one!

BRISTOL OLD VIC

Vixen from 13th-16th April

A beautiful show for families and set up so that they are matinee performances perfect for children, Vixen is an original story by Matt Grinter about a young girl who is turning into a fox. With themes about belonging and finding beauty in remarkable and unusual places, this is sure to create conversations around the dinner table for families.

Zog and the Flying Doctors is sure to get all the family giggling togetherZog and the Flying Doctors is sure to get all the family giggling together
Zog and the Flying Doctors is sure to get all the family giggling together

Zog and the Flying Doctors from 19th-24th April

Based on the popular book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Freckle Productions and Rose Theatre present this adorable family show. Suitable for ages three upwards, this show is a truly modern take on the classic fairy tale.

BRISTOL IMPROV THEATRE

This is Your Musical on 15th April

It’s hard to imagine watching a musical, with perfect singing, harmonies and everything else that goes into a well-rehearsed show, that is entirely made up on the spot. But that’s exactly what this is! Prepare to be amazed as you witness the creation of a brand new musical theatre show, courtesy of The Bristol Improv Theatre’s flagship musical theatre company, This Is Your Musical! The team of talented actors and musicians present a magnificent evening of theatre, musical numbers and show-tunes, made-up on the spot and inspired by your stories.

KELVIN STUDIOS

The Comedy of Errors from 13th-23rd April

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Kelvin Studios by the Kelvin Players is one of the largest and most respected non-professional drama companies in the south west. From the base of their Studio Theatre on Gloucester Road they present at least five productions each year varying hugely in style, period and genre. For April, The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare is what can be expected, and you won’t be disappointed.

THE WARDROBE THEATRE

The Grimm Sisters from 11th-12th April

With two daytime shows, The Grimm Sisters is briliant for something a little bit different for a family day out. Brought to you by The Scratchworks Theatre Company, instead of the Brothers Grimm, The Grimm Sisters are here to set the record straight. Join them on the journey as they tell their twisted tales with a marvellous mix of comedy, singing and live music, and dive headfirst into their weird world of poisonous parents and courageous quests.

If This is Normal is presented by Chatback Theatre and performed at The Wardrobe Theatre in BristolIf This is Normal is presented by Chatback Theatre and performed at The Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol
If This is Normal is presented by Chatback Theatre and performed at The Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol

If This Is Normal from 13th-14th April

A piece of Fringe Theatre that you shouldn’t miss out on, If This Is Normal by Chatback Theatre cleverly explores the sexual experiences of young adults in a world of information overload and weaponised language. Meant to be a fantastic coming-of-age tale, the show has been met with star reviews.

Everything I Didn’t Say from 27th-28th April

One for the adults, On The Run Theatre Company present a powerful show about coercive control which is written and performed by Hannah Moss. The incredibly powerful show aims to change perceptions of what coercive control is and what a victim can look like.

The Redgrave Theatre

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Built in 1966, the Redgrave Theatre was originally known simply as the ‘Clifton College Theatre’. The design was based on the Mermaid Theatre in London and was the first purpose built school theatre in the country. Today, they present many wonderful shows and Clive Anderson’s new one-man show is set to be a hilarious one. The host of Whose Line Is It Anyway, Loose Ends and Talks Back takes to the road with his much-anticipated first ever solo tour.

The Wedding Singer from 27th-30th April

This one by the Bristol Musical Theatre is set to be brilliant. Join Bristol Musical Theatre as they turn back the clock, and crank up the beat for this romantic musical comedy!

Alma Tavern and Theatre

Yes! Yes! UCS! from 5th-6th April

We love it when debuts come through and this one is a brand new musical play by Neil Gore celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders’ “Work-In” of 1971-2. Presented by Townsend Theatre Productions, Yes! Yes! UCS! is the story of how two women workers on the fringes of an industry facing imminent closure are drawn into the monumental heroic battle to save the jobs of thousands, as well as the traditions, skills and good name of Scottish shipbuilding.

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