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Cultural Events To Look Forward To

Grace Knight recommends five exciting, and ecclectic cultural events to visit from January to April this year.

Bristol is very much known for its artistic vibe and in 2025 it is welcoming an array of exciting new cultural events. From thoughtful art exhibitions to modern reimaginings of classic plays, there are plenty of thrilling occasions for everyone this year. Whether you're needing an escape from the January blues or are looking for inspiration for your own creative projects, here's my top picks for the best arts events to visit and experience.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

Tickets for the show are £15

On the 24th of February, Redgrave Theatre will be showing a one night only screening of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest reimagined by director Max Webster for the National Theatre. With sets brimming with colour and camp, flamboyant costumes, this reimagining of the 19th century text will not fail to entertain. With a cast full of talent including Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Doctor Who), Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) and Hugh Skinner (W1A; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), the play explores the humorous sides to the exploration of identity, love and impersonation. The countless five star reviews reflect the truly fabulous twist the play puts onto the original, drawing out the latent queer content to create a feast for not only the eyes but for the soul. Get yourself down to Redgrave Theatre so you don’t miss it.

Hannah Platt: Defence Mechanism

The multi-award-nominated debut, has Hannah praised for having 'humour sharp enough to draw blood' (The Guardian)

Making light of her dark yet relatable insecurities of body dysmorphia, sexuality denial and suicidal thoughts, Platt brings about laughs over sympathies in her stand- up show Defence Mechanism. Showing at the Alma Tavern and Theatre, she brings her highly praised comedy show to the Bristol culture scene on the 20th of February. The comedy show is a hilarious feminist critique of the expectations of womanhood, as she shares plenty of controversial takes on the wellness industry, the male gaze and the universal fear of being judged. Tickets sell out fast, so if you and your fellow feminist friends fancy a giggle-filled evening check out the Alma Tavern Theatre events page soon.

Wake The Tiger: After Hours

The event is running every other Friday from 31st January

Looking for a different kind of night out instead of the usual triangle clubs and bars? Well look no further because the Wake The Tiger ‘Amazement Park’ is hosting an after hours event, an adults only evening where you can explore the museum's 40+ psychedelic art installations and interactive features. Student tickets start at £15.60 and allow you access to their in house bar as well as the exhibits anytime after 7pm. It also has interactive puzzles and games to keep you and your mates entertained all evening. P.S they also have a slide!

Paule Vézelay: Living Lines at Royal West of England Academy

The exhibition also includes sculptures by Alexander Calder and Marlow Moss, two of Vézelay's friends and fellow artists

The Bristol-born early 20th century artist Paule Vezelay is having her work displayed in her largest exhibition yet and it's at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Living Lines is a collection of artworks that explore emotion generated by vibrant colour and intricate line-work resulting in a variety of works ranging from figure paintings to abstract sculptures. Whether you're a total art fan or simply need a break from your busy schedule, taking a wonder around her artworks is an ideal way to brighten your day. Taking place from the 25th of Jan to the 27th of April you can't miss this retrospective exhibition looking into her life through art. A ticket to this exhibition also gets you one to the RWA’s ‘Biennial Open 2025: Paper Works’ so it's definitely worth taking a few hours out to immerse yourself in some evocative artworks.

Romeo & Juliet - Bristol Old Vic

Kyle Ndukuba stars as Romeo, and Mia Khan as Juliet

Another creative reimagining of a well known and loved play is Corey Campbell’s adaptation of Romeo & Juliet at the Bristol Old Vic from the 12th of March to the 5th of April. The real magical change to Shakespeare’s classic is the original score of rap and RnB that illuminates the romance and tension on stage. The script of the play is entirely unaltered from the original, and the iambic pentameters are the perfect way for the rap to shine and add excitement throughout. Campbell themselves said they were inspired by the young people around them who provide fresh perspectives on the play's narrative, so it's perfect if you're a Shakespeare lover looking for a new way to experience it. Even if you're not really into theatre or 16th century literature, this modern retelling may be the perfect way for you to experience some theatre in a contemporary and engaging way.

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