Theatre / Firefly
Community theatre group for men’s mental health present brand-new comedy play
Founded in 2024, and based at acta in Bedminster, Firefly is a community theatre group set up to support men’s mental health, funded by The Baring Foundation.
They make devised work created and developed from ideas, experiences, issues and themes their participants are concerned with.
Their debut production Muckers, in the summer of 2025, was an exploration of platonic and familial male friendships.
Muckers, Firefly, 2025 – photo: Dory Valentine
For 2026, the group will be presenting a brand-new show called The Stakeout, which examines themes of toxic masculinity and The Manosphere.
“We felt it was an extremely timely subject”, explains Oliver Jones, director of acta, “relevant to men of different ages and from different backgrounds”.
Jones’ enthusiasm about the impact that Firefly continues to make is very evident. “It’s been a privilege, yet again, to work with the men from Firefly Theatre”, he says.
In rehearsal for The Stakeout – photo: Firefly Theatre
“As a group, our workshops and rehearsals are characterised by laughter and mutual support, so we were very keen to include these aspects in the show. We are exploring very serious, vital themes, but we approach them with humour, imagination, and a desire for the piece to have a positive and energising effect on the audience.
“I believe that a group such as Firefly is incredibly necessary today, where we live in a fractured, often isolating society, where men often struggle to find their place and to live their best lives.
“Firefly uses theatre, imagination and creativity to bring people together, to experience a huge amount of joy, to make exciting relevant theatre, and to make lasting friendships. Everything a community theatre should do.”
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The Stakeout by Firefly Theatre is at acta on July 2-4, at 7pm on Thursday and Friday, and 3pm on Saturday. Tickets are available via headfirstbristol and are priced at £3, but arrangements can be made for those unable to afford them and everyone is welcome.
For more information about Firefly and to get involved, visit acta-bristol.com.
Main photo: Dory Valentine
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