From May to September, life in Bristol can seem like one long festival. Every single Summer weekend is packed with events for music, food, performing and visual arts…and, of course, hot air balloons. This month is no different, and sees the return of Mayfest, the city’s festival of contemporary theatre, and The Fix is champing at the bit to get it’s teeth stuck into what it has on offer.
With 39 shows at 18 venues over 11 days, the Mayfest curators have put together an imaginative programme. From the Old Vic to the Tobacco Factory, Arnolfini and elsewhere, the festival features a diverse set of shows ranging from dance-theatre to starlit walks and camp extravaganzas, and offers something for everyone.
What makes Mayfest stand out against similar, competing festivals is that it consistently delivers a programme of events that are at once accessible, engaging and innovative. Headlining this year will be the UK premiere of ‘The Roof’, a high-octane 360° performance blending parkour and contemporary dance. Developed by Requardt and Rosenberg, creators of the quirky and mesmerising ‘Electric Hotel’, it is sure to be a memorable show.
The Fix will be covering much of the festival, including the variety showcase ‘Scottee’s Camp’, comedic spectacle ‘Feel About Your Body‘, and ‘Torycore‘, which describes itself as a “pounding subverbal deathgrowl with text samples from the blue suits at Tory HQ”. An eclectic mix indeed.
Mayfest runs from 15th-24th May. Tickets are available from the Mayfest website and Bristol Old Vic website, or by calling the Bristol Old Vic box office on 0117 987 7877.
Conal Dougan