Theatre / Circus
Travelling circus-inspired family comedy comes to the Dundry Slopes
Stewart Wright is an actor and producer who has lived in Bristol for the past 20 years. Making his TV debut in the award-winning BBC mockumentary People Like Us, the TV and film credits he has amassed since include Smack the Pony (Channel 4), Black Books (Channel 4), Doc Martin (ITV) and Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Family theatre fans may have seen him in a more festive guise, in the ever-popular Santa & Sven and BS3 Santa collaborations with Ben Kirby, or in this year’s Santa & Snowball, coming to The Wardrobe Theatre over Christmas 2026.
Co-written with BAFTA-nominated TV comedy writer Justin Sbresni, his new show Circus Calamitous will be coming to the Dundry slopes on June 2, for an outdoor summer performance at the Heart of BS13 Roundhouse.
Stewart Wright as Rex Bartholomew in Circus Calamitous
Inspired by travelling circuses, it’s a fast-paced two-hander – also starring Kirby – in which Wright plays the self-proclaimed ‘world’s greatest showman’, Rex Bartholomew.
When a ‘clerical error’ sends the circus troupe to the wrong venue, 100 miles away, Bartholomew and stagehand Darren are left to perform every act in their much-anticipated circus spectacular themselves – leading to a show packed full of slapstick pandemonium.
Ben Kirby as stagehand Darren
Audiences can expect “mishaps, audience participation, squirting water, custard pies and the unforgettable appearance of ‘Childeater’ the Lion” – replete with just enough jeopardy to suit young audiences of 6+.
“Circus Calamitous is all about joyful chaos”, says Wright. “We wanted to create something that captures the magic, silliness and unpredictability of old-fashioned circus entertainment while giving families a chance to laugh together. It’s loud, ridiculous and full of heart – and we can’t wait to bring it to Bristol.”
Circus Calaommendation 6+) is at the Heart of BS13 Roundhouse on June 2 at 6pm. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com. This is an outdoor venue and ticket holders are asked to bring a rug or cushion to sit on.
Content warnings include loud bangs and whip cracks, a prop gun on stage, smoke and haze, inferred live snake, fake blood and swords. Ear defenders are recommended for audience members with sensitive hearing.
All photos: Jonny Green – ShootSpace Studio
Read next:
- Bristol Improv Theatre launches imaginary adventure club for children
- Review: The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘You would have seven kinds of cynical not to enjoy this show’
- Review: Magic Goes Wrong, Theatre Royal Bath
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