Upcoming Events

Discover somewhere or someone new this month…

Until 12th February

David Shepherd Exhibition

Royal West of England Academy, Queen's Road, BS8

The wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE, has unveiled his new exhibition: A Crazy Life of Steam & Elephants at the RWA. This showcases over 30 never before publically displayed paintings, selected from amongst those that hang in his home. The exhibition gives a glimpse into the ‘crazy life' of one of the UK's best-known painters and reveals the subjects closest to David's heart: steam railways, aviation and wildlife. Join David Shepherd ‘In Conversation' alongside his exhibition on the 19 th of January at 6: 30pm to learn about his wildlife foundation and his new campaign TigerTime. Tickets for David Shepherd: In Conversation cost £10 in advance and booking is required by calling 0117 973 3171. For more information visit www.rwa.org.uk .

26th - 29th January

Slapstick Festival

Arnolfini, Narrow Quay, BS1, Colston Hall, Colston Street, BS1, Watershed, Canon’s Road, BS1

Bristol's own silent and visual comedy extravaganza, Slapstick Festival, returns with an incredible line-up of 15 unique events, including 3 major shows featuring Dad's Army, Buster Keaton and Monty Python at Colston Hall. The wide variety of performances ranges from Griff Rhys Jones hosting an evening of classic comedy and national treasure Bill Oddie revealing his top comedy moments, to Graeme Garden selecting his favourite shorts from comedy legend Charley Chase. There is a rare opportunity for Monty Python fans to enjoy the ‘Life of Brian' alongside Terry Jones and Kumars at no.42 star Sanjeev Bhaskar. Barry Cryer introduces two of Harold Lloyd's finest comedies and there are numerous events based around the genius Charlie Chaplin. For more information about ticket prices and venues visit: www.slapstick.org.uk.

21st January - 15th April

Norman Parkinson: An Eye for Fashion

M Shed, Prince’s Wharf, BS1

Celebrating and reflecting a dynamic decade in the emancipation of women, An Eye for Fashion, captures and eternalises the work of British designers from 1954 to 1964 who laid the foundations of the modern fashion industry. This stunning exhibition of vintage photography by Norman Parkinson, one of the foremost photographers of the day, evokes a sense of glamour, beauty and timeless elegance. Original 50s and 60s high street clothing will provide a vivid complementary context for the photography. An Eye for Fashion is a unique collaboration between the Angela Williams Archive and Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives. Entry to the exhibition costs £5/£4 and entry is free every last Wednesday of the month, for more information call 0117 352 6600 or visit www.mshed.org .

Until 16th January

Word of Mouth

Bristol Old Vic, King Street, BS1

The hugely successful series of monthly spoken word performances, Word of Mouth, returns to great acclaim with a unique new season of poetry, lyrical storytelling and hip-hop street verse from a new generation of artists. The last six months have showcased a vast range of work, from the quirkily dressed Elvis McGonagall, through to the verbal dexterity and modern gothic storytelling of Luke Wright. The audiences have been introduced to the world of the domestic goddess Rachel Pantechnicon and the intense fireworks of Kate Tempest. In collaboration with Word of Mouth and The Thunderbolt Pub, the Bristol Old Vic presents this incredibly well received and regularly sold out performance. Tickets range from £6 to £8 and can be purchased through www.bristololdvic.org or call 0117 987 7877.

Until 8th January

Winter Wonderland

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34

You know the festive season has well and truly arrived when Winter Wonderland reopens at The Mall. This year, alongside the traditional stalls offering their bounty of handmade gifts and stocking fillers, there is a continental market offering a tasty selection of global foods including cheeses from France and biscuits from Italy – the perfect antidote to sprouts this Christmas! Of course, there is plenty for the whole family with the return of the south-west's largest outdoor ice rink and with Santa in residence at his magical castle every day until Christmas Eve. A visit to Santa, which includes a gift, costs £4 and tickets can be booked online at www.mallcribbs.com.

22nd November – 3rd December

South Pacific

Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1

The Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical has arrived in the UK after scooping seven Tony Awards on Broadway. Set on a US airbase on a small South Pacific island during the Second World War, the story follows two couples as they struggle to come to terms with their own prejudices and the realities of war. This run at the Hippodrome includes sign language, captioned and audio described performances, for more information on assisted performances and to book tickets call 0117 302 3222. Standard tickets for the show range from £22.50 - £46 and can be purchased from www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk.

1st December

An Evening of Art

Bracey Interiors, 14/15 Waterloo Street, Clifton Village, BS8

After acting as a venue for the West Bristol Arts Trail in October, Bracey Interiors is celebrating the arts once again on 1 st December, with an evening dedicated to the work of Caroline Walker. Nestled in the heart of Clifton Village, Bracey's elegant showroom will showcase Walker's vibrant portraits of animals, which really capture their personality. As well as being able to talk to the artist about her work, you will be able to enjoy some festive nibbles and can even pick up a Christmas present or two. The evening starts at 19:00, for more information call 0117 973 4664.

5th December

Why Marx was Right and Other Controversies

St George’s Bristol, BS1

As the global economy struggles to recover from the 2008 financial crisis and some begin to re-evaluate the concept of capitalism, Terry Eagleton's latest book, Why Marx Was Right , provides some food for thought. Recognised as one of the UK's most influential literary critics, Eagleton passionately refutes the 10 most common objections to Marxism. This talk, which is the final event in this year's Festival of Ideas calendar, gives you the opportunity to hear Eagleton's argument's firsthand as he discusses his latest work. Tickets for the evening cost £7.00 and can be brought by calling 0845 402 4001 or visiting www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.  

6th December

The Nutcracker

The Subscription Rooms, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5

The festive season really wouldn't be complete without a performance of Tchaikovsky's magical Christmas ballet. Follow Clara's adventures into another world when her enchanted nutcracker doll is brought to life on Christmas Eve. Watch as Clara and her soldierly prince battle against the Mouse King and are transported into the Sugar Plum Fairy's kingdom of sweets. With ticket prices starting at just £18 for adults and £12 for children, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce the whole family to the magic of The Nutcracker. For more information and to book your seats visit www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk or call 01453 760 900.

7th December – 15th January

Cinderella

Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Southville, BS3

True to form, the Tobacco Factory is celebrating Christmas by offering audiences a chance to see a brand new vision of a classic fairytale. The Travelling Light theatre company, who brought Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves to life last year, returns to tell the story of Ella, whose life is turned upside down after her mother's death and her father's swift remarriage. Set in an ethereal Scandinavian forest, with a live band providing a soundtrack of evocative folk music, this promises to be a unique and imaginative reworking of a family favourite. To book tickets (£6 - £15) call 0117 902 0344 or visit www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com.

9th & 10th December

Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight

Bristol Cathedral, College Green, BS1

Bristol's renowned chamber orchestra, the Bristol Ensemble (formerly the Emerald Ensemble) returns once again to the Bristol Cathedral to perform one of the most well-known pieces of choral music, Handel's Messiah. In the run up to Christmas, these atmospheric candlelit concerts promise an evening of spectacular classical music in a beautiful setting. Tickets cost from £9-£24, and can be bought in person from the Colston Hall box office, online at www.bristolensemble.com or by calling 0117 922 3686.

10th December – 8th January

Peter Pan

The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade, BS1

The Christmas season is rarely complete without a trip to the pantomime, so this year, The Bristol Hippodrome will be transformed into Neverland for its production of Peter Pan. The whole family can join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys in their adventure to save Tinkerbell from the devious Captain Hook. Featuring David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook, the show will contain all the usual ingredients for festive pantomime fun! Tickets are available through the Bristol Hippodrome website www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk or call 0844 871 3012 .

11th December

Kings of Swing

Cadbury House, Frost Hill, Congresbury, BS49

Celebrate Christmas in style with the music of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis and Dean Martin and an excellent three-course meal at Cadbury House. Part of the hotel's month-long series of evening events for the festive season, this evening of dinner and dancing is the only to feature live music from the Kings of Swing. The £30 ticket price includes a spectacular Christmas meal with all the trimmings and party novelties, and the dancing goes on until 01:00. To book your places at the table call 01934 834 343 and for more information on other festive evening events visit www.cadburyhousebristol.co.uk .

15th & 16th December

Christmas Lunch on the ss Great Britain

Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, BS1

If you are looking for an unusual setting to enjoy an excellent three-course Christmas lunch, then why not consider a trip to the waterfront and climb aboard the ss Great Britain? Each year, Bristol's flagship tourist attraction offers individuals the chance to dine in the restored first-class dining saloon as passengers would have done more than 100 years ago. Diners are welcomed with a glass of mulled wine before lunch is served and afterwards are given the opportunity to explore Brunel's engineering masterpiece. The meal costs £34 per head and the full menu and booking form can be downloaded from www.ssgreatbritain.org.

7th December

Cooking the Christmas Cheer - Adults Only!

The Devilled Egg Kitchen Academy, Latchford House, 8 Downfield Road, BS8

Make this year a culinary spectacular with the Cooking the Christmas Cheer course from The Devilled Egg Kitchen Academy. Learn how to make delectable seasonal treats like Champagne Truffles, Chicken Liver and Brandy Pate, mini Christmas Puds and Devilled Nuts, to name only a few! Not only will you gain the skills and knowledge to be able to repeat them again and again (and again!) but they also double up as excellent homemade presents for friends and family! The course costs £75 per person and runs between 19:00 and 22:00. Visit www.thedevilledegg.com to book places or for more information.

20th – 30th December

Coram Boy

Colston Hall, Colston Street, BS1

Set in 18 th century England, Coram Boy is the story of two orphans in the Coram Hospital for Deserted Children: Toby, a boy saved from an African slave ship and Aaron, an abandoned heir to an estate with exceptional musical gifts. Originally a novel by Jamila Gavin, it was adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson for a production by the National Theatre in 2005 which was received with immense critical acclaim. In collaboration with Bristol Old Vic, The Colston Hall presents this play which, alongside a cast of professional actors will feature a community ensemble of over 300 performers. Tickets are from £7 to £26 and can be purchased through www.colstonhall.org or call 0117 922 3686 .