The List

The Wardrobe Theatre

Bristol;s leading year round fringe theatre venue, putting on a substantial programme of new plays and performances with strong track record of providing a platform for local material. The theatre is situated behind a popular bar serving a range of good beer and food.

What's On @ The Wardrobe Theatre

Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life
The story covers subjects ranging from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising his Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saved him from a life of continually being beaten up. Above all else, it’s the Justin you have to come to expect. It’s funny and interesting, and perhaps there’s a little bit that warms the soul, too.
Catherine Bohart

Catherine Bohart

12 Jul 2025 - 27 Jul 2025

Catherine Bohart loves control, hates change and is a serial planner. It’s been an interesting couple of years… A blisteringly funny new stand-up show filled with horrendous life advice, cheery nihilism and reluctant self-discovery from one of the UK and Ireland’s most exciting comics.
Horatio Gould: Return of the Space Cowboy
Following his sell-out debut show, viral sensation Horatio Gould brings his much-anticipated sophomore show, Return of the Space Cowboy, on the road. At the age of 27, Horatio is tribal elder of Gen Z. Existing on the cusp of two age groups and desperate for something meaningful to believe in, Horatio explores the crisis facing young people seeking purpose in life that isn't fat jeans or rock-climbing. As seen on Comedy Central LIVE (Comedy Central). Tour support for Frankie Boyle, co-creator ‘Fin vs The Internet’ (70 million views on Instagram 2 million on YouTube).
Amy Annette

Amy Annette

7 May 2025 - 31 May 2025

Amy Annette is an up-and-coming comedian who is known for her joyous energy that is so infectious, she has the audience hung on her every word.
Lauren Pattison

Lauren Pattison

15 May 2025 - 10 Jun 2025

Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Lauren Pattison is back with a brand-new show. She's decided she wants to come back bigger, braver and maybe blonder... either way it's time to put her big girl pants on. As seen on Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC One), Comedy Up Late (ABC) and as heard on the smash-hit Have A Word podcast.
Esther Manito: Slagbomb

Esther Manito: Slagbomb

25 May 2025 - 27 Feb 2026

Esther’s new show ‘Slagbomb’ takes a nosedive into the awkward sandwich years of life. The phase when youthful freedom gives way to the reality of adult responsibilities. It’s a time when one finds oneself juggling everything from prostate checks to hosing faeces off the garden decking, whilst clad in questionable footwear like crocs. Growing up, Esther imagined she would fulfil all the expectations of a lady, poised and dignified, but looking around she realises that just hasn't happened. Esther's life seems to be a magnet for embarrassing moments and endless cockups. No matter how hard she tries to project sophistication, she often ends up highlighting her unrefined side. Now she wants to embrace her lack of dignity - whether it’s her less-than-graceful posture, cringeworthy encounters with shady drug dealers, or the painful realities of waxing gone wrong. At its core, Esther’s show is an exploration of the challenges and hilarities of navigating the sandwich years, and an invitation to the audience to feel good about the madness in their own lives. After all, she has a Lebanese father dealing with war, a mother dealing with cancer, two kids (who seem to have permanently lost their PE kit), a husband who just wanted some birthday nooky, and a sudden loss of hearing. It’s all part of the messy, chaotic, and often hilarious journey of a right Slagbomb.
Stevie Martin

Stevie Martin

1 Aug 2025 - 6 Dec 2025

Stevie Martin has built a significant following and acclaim for her prolific online output which includes a series of regular viral sketches with Lola-Rose Maxwell which have amassed over 20 million views (3 million of which on Tiktok) two hit podcasts (Nobody Panic with Tessa Coates and Might Delete Later with Gina Martin) which collectively receive over 100,000 downloads a month, and a regular long-form improvised comedy book club on Twitch. A writer published everywhere from Vice to the Guardian, Stevie’s first book, Nobody Panic, was published by Hodder Studios and adapts her hit podcast.
Lil Wenker: BANGTAIL

Lil Wenker: BANGTAIL

5 Jun 2025 - 5 Jun 2025

Lil Wenker and Cecily Nash present an epic tale of a man in search of his manhood saddle up for an hour of unbridled cowboy clown chaos as our hero journeys from the Wild West to the American office Baddest. Cowboy. Texas. These are just a few words to describe the Baddest Cowboy in Texas. He roots n toots n roots from the mightiest mountains to the sauciest saloons. But what happens when a Badder Cowboy-er Texas-er (AKA his nemesis) rides into town and steals his title? After touring the US, Australia and selling out its Edinburgh Fringe run in 2024, Bangtail is ready to ride at The Wardrobe Theatre! Sheer, brilliant, well executed madness Blows the roof off the venue with laughter level ten. Three Weeks A masterclass in clowning that made the crowd roar with laughter Truly excellent. Voice Magazine A hysterical blend of storytelling and clowning A pure hour of genuine laughs. Broadway World Bangtail is co-created by Lil Wenker and Cecily Nash, performed by Lil, and directed by Cecily.
Trygve Wakenshaw: Silly Little Things
Ranked in the Top 5 best reviewed comedy shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, Silly Little Things is a hilarious, moving and physically extraordinary new show by the industry-leading mime Trygve Wakenshaw. Silly Little Things is at once subversive and sublime - a masterclass of mime from the man who paved the way for so many contemporary clowns. In this new show, Trygve builds an experimental playground and lets his imagination run riot. Spinning ridiculous scenes out of the smallest funny ideas and conjuring up slapstick magic, Silly Little Things is a space of wonder and joy. It's about friendship and magic and what more could we want really? WINNER - Fred Award, New Zealand Comedy Festival 2024 WINNER - Seoul Arts Award 2024 WINNER - Best Comedy, New Zealand International Comedy Festival 2024 WINNER - Best Performer, Com:media Festival, Alytus, Lithuania Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.
Freddie Hayes: The Magic Lady

Freddie Hayes: The Magic Lady

13 May 2025 - 14 May 2025

The delusional illusionist brings her latest outrageous comedy character – expect ridiculous props, puppetry and true magic! A haphazard showbiz loon enters the Magic Circle after years as a glamorous assistant, stepping out of the shadows cast by famous magicians and into the spotlight to tread the boards once more. It is a faux magic comedy show featuring puppetry, camp surprises, body popping, levitation, exorcisms and hypnotism. “Deliciously daft.” The Guardian “An electric performer.” ★★★★ Everything Theatre on Potatohead

↖ Back to all venues