Circomedia launch vibrant autumn season of circus and performance

Circomedia, Bristol’s renowned circus school and performing arts venue, has announced a vibrant programme of circus, cabaret, family theatre and live performance for its Autumn 2025 season.

From headline shows presented as part of the Circus City Festival to family-friendly adventures and immersive creative events, this season invites everyone to experience the magic of live performance and circus in Circomedia’s city-centre venue at St. Paul’s Church.

For circus lovers and novices alike, kick-start your Circomedia experience with four stand-out productions in partnership with Circus City, who’s biennial Circus City Festival takes place across Bristol throughout October. Platforming care as a strategy for connection and resistance, their Circomedia programme features a daring aerial theatre piece that celebrates resilience and unapologetic joy in Cocoon by Farrell Cox (Friday 10 October); a profound exploration of self-discovery on a trans woman’s path in Delusional: I Killed a Man by Diana Salles (Friday 17 & Saturday 18 October); a stunning blend of contemporary dance, circus, hair hanging and aerial rope in How A Spiral Works by Art for Rainy Days (Friday 24 & Sat 25 October); and an ultra-modern pop-punk juggling sensation in Rollercoaster by Wes Peden on Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 October. 

For exciting new works by local creatives, Circomedia present their latest VOLT circus scratch night in collaboration with Circus City on Thu 23 Oct, offering five artists the opportunity to perform work-in-progress pieces to a live audience before receiving constructive feedback to support their development.

The Decadent Rabbit Cabaret returns to the stage on Thursday 20 – Friday 21 November with their latest adult-only (18+) cabaret extravaganza. With a fresh line-up of incredible acts, including comedy, burlesque, circus and live song, this year’s production will be more decadent, witty and astonishing than ever.

Showcasing an exceptional range of circus skills and talent, join Circomedia’s second year BTEC students as they present their BTEC Winter Cabaret on Friday 28 November, platforming the performance skills they have developed on their Circomedia journey so far. Don’t miss a new, festive cabaret spectacular from Saturday 20 – Monday 22 December as Tit for Tat circus join forces with Circomedia to present their new family-friendly variety show, This and That: A Winter Special.

Image - Well Done Mummy Penguin, Credit Robert Day

Family audiences will have a swimming time this autumn with two heart-warming productions for ages 3+ and their families. Join Can’t Sit Still Theatre for their acclaimed production of Chris Haughton’s Well Done, Mummy Penguin on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 November. Featuring daring acrobatics, integrated sign language and feelgood humour, follow Mummy Penguin on a perilous journey across the Antarctic to find a fishy dinner for her family. On Sunday 14 December, 2Faced Dance Company will take audiences on a fin-tastic quest to save a river in their shimmering dance adventure, Fish Boy. With touches of humour, fun and surprise, this dance-theatre adventure celebrates friendship, uncovers what’s polluting our rivers and demonstrates the power of never giving up.

For those wishing to get involved, don’t miss Circomedia’s popular, free Community Open Doors Event on Saturday 20 September, where ages 4 – 12 and their families can try their hand at a range of circus skills with Circomedia’s expert circus instructors and enjoy African drumming and dance workshops with St. Paul’s creative, Rubba. Taking place as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival, the day will include a rare historic tour of the Georgian church venue that Circomedia calls home with the Churches Conservation Trust.

Other creative and cultural highlights of the Autumn programme include a vibrant music night presented by local independent label Cuculi Records on Fri 5 Sep celebrating debut album releases for two genre-bending alt-folk artists, Âellin and Anna Ling; an energetic evening of group dancing with Bowreed at Circomedia’s Autumn Ceilidh on Friday 19 Sep; a celebration of on-screen creativity at No Reason Short Film Festival on Saturday 29 November; and Circomedia’s new Winter Makers’ Market on Sat 13 Dec where attendees can discover a handpicked selection of unique gifts, handmade treasures and locally sourced delicacies, perfect for gifts and treats.

Tickets and full details can be found at www.circomedia.com/whats-on/. 

Keep an eye on Circomedia’s socials for details of their upcoming adult circus skills classes, youth circus camps and venue hire opportunities.