The Looking Glass in Bristol
A brand new arts venue is set to open in Bristol next month. The Looking Glass, which is based in St Nic’s Market, opens its doors to the public on the weekend of March 10.
The owners have pulled together a varied series of events for the launch, including a screening of Naomi Smyth’s Invisible Circus film – No Dress Rehearsal – with Q&A session. The film follows ringmaster of this invisible circus, Doug Francis, as he leads Bristol’s anarchist circus from margins to mainstream with the motto: ‘If it’s not impossible, we’re not interested’. The film’s three-year span takes them from chaotic squat crew to licensed building managers with huge show budgets – via rotting garages, crumbling cathedrals and a takeover of Bristol’s ex-police HQ.
There will be an art installations from the Bristol Based muti-media Artist Jess Rotas, which documents the rich history of The Looking Glass building from 1200-2012. She will be showcasing this piece in the Cellar throughout out the weekend. And Rolling Stage will be bringing their fresh lunacy to this weekend event with interactive and absurd characters, performances, DJs and of course the fabulous PEEK-A-BOOTH photos and there will be live music from the awesome Carny Villains. The Carny Villains are a 6 piece circus show band playing stomping swing and ska all rolled out live and kicking with the riotous energy of punk rock.
Other troupes involved in the opening day include the Bureau of Random Acts, The Original Spinners, The International Jazz Disaster Band, Oui Ja Yes, Aceeater, Jasmin Perrow, China Fish and John-Paul Gibbs. Sunday features Interactive Theatre, The Wardrobe Theatre, Jeremy Toombs, Jim Evans, Ruth Cross, Jonah Flatfoot and his Jockey Wheel Jivers, Wilfedo, Bert Miller and the Animal Folk and DJ Rackabeat.
There will be stalls selling locally made up-cycled gear and delicious Cake and refreshments too as well as our fully stocked bar with locally sourced Ales, Ciders and organic Larger plus our special surprise Looking Glass Cocktails.
More information here.
