WHAT’S ON

I’m Actually Fine n 3 & 4 February, Alma Tavern & Theatre

Harry is a normal boy –but he’s suffocated by anxiety and gagging for attention. He decides to do what any normal boy would do in his situation: Sing about it! I’m Actually Fine! is a funny and touching examination of mental health and a razor sharp take-down of modern masculinity. Produced by Crumplehorn Theatre and written by Harry Creffield. Book your tickets online at: tickettailor.com

Bristol Classical Players n 4 February, St George’s Bristol

For their first concert of 2023, Bristol

Classical Players invite you to a magical mystery tour in and around Vienna. The journey begins with Beethoven’s beautiful Pastoral Symphony, charting his ‘awakening of happy feelings on arriving in the countryside’, a scene by the brook, a peasants’ dance, a ferocious thunderstorm and, finally, shepherd’s thanksgiving after the storm has abated. The second half interleaves three pieces by Johann Strauss II (the overture to his sparkling operetta Die Fledermaus, a wild and whirling Czárdás and the Blue Danube, the ‘Waltz King’s most famous work) with dances from Slovakia, Hungary and Romania from Dvořák, Liszt and Bartók. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

n From 9 February, Trinity Centre

Next-Gen Sounds is a series of free, openaccess music sessions for young people aged 16-18. This project will offer young people a chance gain knowledge and skills from expert tutors in Trinity’s fully-equipped

n Throughout February

This month at Watershed, Steven Spielberg’s homage to his family and the magic of filmmaking is finally here. Heartfelt, funny, semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans has been nominated in nine categories for this year’s Oscar’s®. And there’s more.

Aronofsky’s resplendent The Whale – nominated in three categories including Best Actor for Brendan Fraser opens on Friday 3 February and is destined to be one of the talking-point films of the year.

Finally, with the release of Saim Sadiq’s ground-breaking Joyland at the end of the month, Watershed brings you a season that invites you to reflect on representations of gender in on-screen narratives worldwide. Reflections and Refractions: Gender on Screen, kicks off on Sunday 5 February, and includes Brian De Palma’s controversial Dressed To Kill, followed by Sally Potter’s free-spirited Orlando and much more in this packed season of films. Book your tickets at: watershed.co.uk rehearsal room and production studios. These sessions will be student-led, meaning that young people will be able to shape the programme whether that be learning to play instruments, music production, performing live, or anything in-between. trinitybristol.org.uk

Bristol Film Festival: Dirty Dancing n 12 February, Clifton Observatory

The historic Clifton Observatory plays host to Bristol Film Festival’s Spirit Of Cinema screenings. Join an intimate setting overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge, and (weather permitting) enjoy the stunning views day and night on the rooftop terrace before the film begins. Tickets include a gin and tonic on arrival, as well as a gin-based cocktail served during a brief interval in the film. The enduring fan favourite DirtyDancing stars Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze as a perfect onscreen couple –you’ll have the time of your life reliving the magic. bristolfilmfestival.com

Looking For Me Friend:

The Music Of Victoria Wood n 14 February, The Wardrobe Theatre

A funny and touching tribute to this much loved and sorely missed national treasure, written and performed by Paulus, directed by Sarah-Louise Young (An Evening Without Kate Bush). “The most feel-good show in town” (Daily Mail), Looking For Me Friend is a celebration of Victoria Wood’s unforgettable characters, songs and sketches and the power of friendships forged through laughter. From Mrs Overall to Barry and Freda, everyone is there. The only thing that’s missing is you! Book at: thewardrobetheatre.com

Bristol Ensemble: Valentine’s Day concert n 14 February, St George’s Bristol

RomeoandJuliet as well as much-loved classics by Beethoven, Elgar, Mascagni, Einaudi and more. Tickets £10 to £30. Book at: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Rhodes n 15 February, The Louisiana Hertfordshire-raised, London-based singersongwriter Rhodes first captured everyone’s attention with a series of EPs leading up to the release of his acclaimed 2015 debut album Wishes. The album, which charted inside the UK Top 25, included the hit single LetItAtAllGo, a duet with Birdy that has now amassed 175 million Spotify streams, and sent Rhodes’ trajectory skywards. He’s captivated audiences on a series of headline shows and tours and opened for the likes of Sam Smith, London Grammar, and Hozier. thelouisiana.net

My Fair Lady n 15 –25 February, Bristol Hippodrome

Following its critically acclaimed West End run, the Lincoln Center Theater’s multiaward-winning production of My Fair Lady is coming to The Bristol Hippodrome for two weeks only, starring world renowned soprano singer Lesley Garrett. This glorious production of Lerner and Loewe’s world famous musical features much-loved classic songs, lavish sets, stunning costumes and standout performances. It’s the perfect celebration of the theatre scene back in full bloom. Read more at: atgtickets.com

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School: Emilia n 17 –25 February, St Paul's Church

It’s 1611 and, at the age of 42, Emilia

Bassano becomes the first woman to have her poetry published in England. For centuries, history has overlooked this achievement in favour of her male contemporaries. Until 400 years later, that is.

Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s triple Olivier Award-winning comedy storms into Bristol on 17 February. A concoction of historical inspiration and imagination, this period romp charts our heroine’s journey from young courtier to a radical writer, well-versed in pushing the boundaries of a stiff society. Book your tickets at: oldvic.ac.uk

n 24 –26 February

After two years away, The Bristol Hi Fi Show is back and taking place from 24 –26 February. The UK’s largest and longest running Hi-Fi Show is now in its 34th year. Experience the latest Hi-Fi and talk directly to the manufacturers of 163 brands. With exclusive deals and special offers up for grabs, don’t miss out! Find out more at: bristolshow.co.uk

n From 24 February, Bristol Old Vic Paines Plough, The Women’s Prize for Playwriting, 45North, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and The Orange Tree Theatre, in association with Bristol Old Vic, are set to present Ahlam’s play You Bury Me this year. Ahlam’s You Bury Me is about coming of age in post-Arab Spring Cairo and was joint winner of the inaugural Women’s Prize for Playwriting 2020. The production will open at Bristol Old Vic from 24 February –4 March. bristololdvic.org.uk

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School: A Midsummer Night’s Dream n 1 –3 March, Malcolm X Community Centre

Set beneath a glittering, ethereal surface you will find Shakespeare’s dazzling play transformed into a macabre Edwardian fable from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. As night falls our slumbering players are swept up in an otherworldly experience, left to navigate fairy enchantments, lovers’ quarrels and patriarchal norms. Book your tickets at: oldvic.ac.uk

Bristol Symphony Orchestra n 4 March, St George’s Bristol “Saw sixteen swans,” wrote Jean Sibelius. “One of the greatest experiences in life. Oh god, what beauty!” That dazzling vision became the mighty theme that crowns his stirring Fifth Symphony and tonight it’s the climax of an evening packed with emotional intensity, featuring Strauss’s epic tone-poem Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration), a vivid portrait of the last hours of a dying artist which explores ideas of the mind and spirit. But first, prepare to be swept along in Tchaikovsky’s passionate fantasyoverture, which balances the hatred between the Montagues and Capulets, and the passion of the young Romeo and Juliet in a work of heart-breaking beauty. Conductor Robert Weaver and the Bristol Symphony Orchestra return to the stage after their sold-out performance of Dracula in November for this emotional rollercoaster of an evening. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Misplaced Theatre: Tender Napalm n 7 –11 March, Alma The Alma Tavern & Theatre Misplaced Theatre returns to the Alma Theatre with Philip Ridley’s explosive, poetic and brutal play Tender Napalm. A compelling tapestry, re-examining the language of love and the politics of sexual attraction amongst the ruins of a relationship scarred by catastrophe.

Grenades, bullets, monkeys, aliens, sea Gods, a tropical wasteland and memory and imagination. Ridley’s world is both barbaric and beautiful in equal measure.

Starring Bristol actors Jack Bannell as Man and Nina Bright as Woman. Directed by Ben Jenkins. Tender Napalm contains sexual language and threats of violence. Book your tickets at: almatavernandtheatre.co.uk n