Theatre / Owl on the Roof Theatre
The Knowle-based theatre company born in a greengrocers
Back in 2021, thanks to arts charity Hypha Studios, Knowle-based community theatre company Owl on the Roof were given a disused retail space from which to make and perform their work.
Over time, they transformed the former greengrocers in the Broadwalk Shopping Centre into a viable space where artists and residents could find connection – although they point out “we did have a few locals stop by hoping to get some groceries”.
Now, with the impending ‘phased closure’ and redevelopment of the site, they have had to vacate their beloved home.
A Night at the Greengrocers – photo: Owl on the Roof
Happily, however, the company has found a new home for its bi-monthly open mic night – once called A Night at the Greengrocers – which has hosted original work from all manner of artists and performers and amassed a cult following in the process.
Newly titled The Veg Patch, the night will now take place just minutes away under the canopy at Redcatch Community Garden, enabling the project to keep supporting local artists and audiences.
“We’re set to host five open mics there throughout 2026”, says Owl on the Roof’s Izzy Knight.
“We hope to have the same weird and wonderful vibes as usual; the only difference will be we’re hosting it where the produce is grown, rather than bought.”
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Also born at the greengrocers and now moving to a new venue will be the scratch night Apples and Pears, a night of sharing early-stage work after which audience members are invited to provide constructive feedback with the acts.
It has previously been hosted at The Bristol Improv Theatre and will next take place at Tobacco Factory Theatres on April 18.
Owl on the Roof presents Apples and Pears, Tobacco Factory Theatres – photo: Georgia Mackesy
“As a theatre company, we’ve always found scratch nights beneficial when developing work, so when we had a venue, we wanted to give space to other local artists during their work-in-progress stages”, reflects Knight.
“This has been a great opportunity to connect with other Bristol artists and to share in our collective artistic struggles, while also having a moment of joy celebrating each other.”
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The Veg Patch: An Open Mic (16+ entry) is at Redcatch Community Garden on March 24 at 7pm (and bimonthly). Tickets are available at www.headfirstbristol.co.uk. All acts are welcome; email [email protected] with a bit about you and what you want to perform (note that all work must be original).
Owl on the Roof presents: Apples and Pears Scratch Night at Tobacco Factory Theatres on April 18 at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Main photo: David Griffiths
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