More shows announced for The Wardrobe Ensemble’s The Theatre on the Downs in Bristol

Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, The Wardrobe Ensemble have announced further shows for their ongoing summer festival The Theatre on the Downs, running until 2 October 2021.

Adding to the already exciting line up is Topsie Redfern’s Crystal Balls, an exploration of queer acceptance and transitioning from West End Star to drag artist. In addition, Shane Warne in Knowle: Stage Reading promises hilarity as a brand-new play about men and Australian cricketing legends in a part of the UK where local cricket is a way of life! 

One-woman play, Woke by Apphia Campbell, deals with the 20th century African American experience, exploring it through the journeys of two women battling for civil rights in two different decades. With support from The Wardrobe Ensemble and Tobacco Factory Theatres, Beautiful Evil Things by Ad Infinitum is a breathtaking piece about one woman discovering the tales of Greek legends. 

Molly Naylor’s lyrical, spoken-word show about suffering, saviour-complex, self-acceptance, and a magpie who refuses to quit is also on the festival’s bill, alongside gig theatre show Hero & Leander, Or, I Love You But Everything’s Under Water. Using six instrumentalists, it tells an epic seaside tale through folk, indie, sea shanty and choral music. 

Bristol School of Acting’s first year students explore being a teenager in today’s society in a double bill of plays, Jonesy and Single Sex. 

Jesse Jones, director of the West End’s Death Drop, and Helena Middleton, director of Education, Education, Education in the West End direct WINNERS; The Wardrobe Ensemble’s own show running until the end of August. It explores capitalism and the ever changing face of labour in the food industry from farming to fast food. 

This festival is perfect for the whole family, hosting several fantastic children’s theatre companies. Bristol-based Shoofly Theatre brings Two, Four, Six, Eight for 3–8-year-olds. Silly Squirrel is also the perfect show for under-5s and The Great Big Story Mix Up is an interactive show, putting the children at the heart of the action. Science Adventures: The Power Pickle demonstrates the wonders of science for children aged 5+ and TooRaLooRum uses puppetry, poetry, and song to show how bravery can come from the smallest and most unexpected places. 

The Wardrobe Ensemble said: “We are thrilled to announce more shows to The Theatre on the Downs! It has been a wild ride so far but we are excited to continue to delight audiences with our extraordinary programme of theatre shows. Come and see us and have a drink!”

Tickets can be purchased here.