Welcome to my latest blog for Clevedon’s Theatre Shop, your go-to destination for unforgettable live performances. Here’s a sneak peek into the exciting new season, packed with a diverse range of shows that promise something for everyone. From hilarious comedy to captivating storytelling and family-friendly adventures, the stage is set to bring you a season full of laughs, thrills, and magical moments. Get ready to explore the stories that await you right here in Clevedon!
There’s Comedy and Classics with comedy duo Living Spit, and Too Many Greek Myths! They’ll try to cram twenty myths into a single performance. Macbeth the Musical promises a ‘murdery’ twist with ingeniously rewritten pop classics. For more laughs, don’t miss Neil Haigh and Stewart Wright in Comedy Masterclass Ruined by Stewart Wright, a high-energy show that blends improv with hilarious character acting.
There are Stories and Adventures. Bristol-based storyteller Corinne Harragin explores our connection to rivers in Troubled Waters, weaving together tales of ‘leaping salmon’ and ‘fishtail women.’. For a chilling and hilarious Halloween, check out A Knight of Terror, a Victorian Gothic ghost story that blends spooky tales with classic British humour. And for a truly unique experience, join Impromptu Shakespeare, a ‘whip smart cast’ that creates a brand-new Shakespeare play on the spot, inspired by audience suggestions..
There is lots of Family Fun for our young explorers!The Wardrobe Ensemble presents Time Seekers, an interactive adventure where kids can travel through different eras and even encounter a dinosaur. The Last Baguette offers two play-along sessions: Play Time and A Winter’s Tale, both featuring music and storytelling for ages 2 and up.. And just in time for the holidays, Stewart Wright returns as Father Christmas in Santa & Sven, a show packed with music, laughs, and ‘bucket loads of Christmas spirit.’
LIVING SPIT PRESENTS: TOO MANY GREEK MYTHS
Monday 29th September 2025 – Saturday 11th October 2025 Doors open: 2.30 p.m. (Saturdays only) and 7.30 p.m.
From the comedic duo Living Spit, this show promises a chaotic and hilarious race against time. The story begins with two Clevedon comedians whose overinflated egos catch the attention of the mighty Zeus. As divine punishment, he tasks them with an impossible challenge: cramming twenty of the most famous Greek myths into a single performance. What follows is a whirlwind of mythological mayhem, from navigating the underworld with Hades to enduring the legendary trials of Heracles. Watch as they try to manage the golden touch of Midas and avoid the stony gaze of Medusa. With their signature ‘harebrained humour,’ a wardrobe full of ‘questionable wigs,’ and a ‘total disregard for historical accuracy,’ this show is a high-speed sprint through ancient history. Will they conquer this Herculean feat, or will the gods have the final, uproarious laugh? Be prepared for togas, ridiculously clever puns, and an ‘overworked Trojan Horse.’ Written by Stu McLoughlin and Directed by Craig Edwards. Age guidance: 8+ Running time: 1h10 mins. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
THE WARDROBE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS: THE TIME SEEKERS.
Sunday 12th October 2025. Doors open: 1.45 p.m. Starts at 2.00 p.m.
From the innovative minds behind the popular show The Star Seekers, The Wardrobe Ensemble presents a brand-new, interactive adventure designed for the youngest explorers, ages 3 to 8. The Time Travellers puts the audience in the driver’s seat of a historical journey. Join the intrepid crew – Alph, Betty, and Gammo – on a mission that relies on audience participation. Your kids will have the chance to become ‘Time Seekers’ and travel through different eras, encountering a Roman or an Ancient Egyptian, a future robot, and maybe even a dinosaur. The mission’s goal is to help answer ‘one of the greatest questions of all time’: What’s a diplodocus’s favourite bedtime story? Get ready for a thrilling, interactive journey through history where every audience member plays a vital role. Age guidance: 3 – 8. Running time: 1h10min. Ticket Price: £8. Book here.
An absolute joy!” ★★★★★
Bristol Arts Monster
“A swirling, crackling, disco-dancing, joyful time machine. This show is delightful, and genuinely educational… The Wardrobe Ensemble deserve full credit for creating such a vivid playscape. Thoroughly recommended.”
Bristol 24/7
CORINNE HARRAGIN PRESENTS: TROUBLED WATERS.
Wednesday 15th October 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
Bristol-based storyteller Corinne Harragin weaves a vibrant tapestry of tales that explore our deep connection to rivers. This show re-centres marginalised voices in myth and folklore by drawing on the physicality, humour, and shared experience of oral performance. The timing of this show is particularly poignant, as more than 4,000 miles of rivers in Britain and Ireland are currently suffering from pollution. Troubled Waters offers a unique and timely look at these vital waterways through enchanting stories of leaping salmon, fishtail women, mythical raves, and sacred springs. The characters in these tales learn to find their own flow, questioning what is ‘set in stone.’ So, take a moment to dip your toes in and look beneath the surface with fresh eyes. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
Audience feedback:
“Delicious, captivating, funny, sexy, and brilliant!”
“Beautifully told tales – none of which I’d heard before”
“Mesmerising and sensual – the stories came to life”
BRISTOL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL PRESENTS: MACBETH THE MUSICAL.
Friday 17th October 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
This isn’t your average Shakespeare. Fresh from a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Living Spit takes on the classic Scottish Play with a “murdery” musical twist. Using only six actors, they cleverly retell the story of Macbeth through ingeniously rewritten pop classics. The show is packed with repurposed songs, ranging from Broadway hits and modern chart-toppers to “golden oldies.” Expect a delightful mashup that includes queens and witches, the band Queen and B*Witched, ABBA, and plenty of ‘stabbers.’ This hilarious ride is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for first-timers and a fresh take for seasoned enthusiasts. It’s a show for everyone, from “wee ones” to “wizened ones,” and both Scots and Sassenachs alike. Age guidance: 8+. Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
★★★ “laugh-out-loud” Broadway World
★★★★★ “psychotically upbeat” The Wee Review
NEIL HAIGH PRESENTS COMEDY MASTERCLASS RUINED BY STEWART WRIGHT
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
For the past ten years, Neil Haigh and Stewart Wright have been a creative force, working on and exploring a diverse array of projects. Now, they’re channelling that history and chemistry into a brand-new show that’s a true reflection of their unique partnership.
Comedy Masterclass Ruined By Stewart Wright is more than just a performance; it’s a high-energy experience that combines the best of improv and character acting. The show is built on a hybrid model that will appeal to fans of many different comedic styles. If you love the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you’ll appreciate the improv elements. If you’re a fan of well-crafted, hilarious characters, you’ll be captivated by their performances. And for those who enjoy a good narrative, the show weaves in delightful, off-the-cuff storytelling.
The show’s title hints at the central dynamic: a masterclass that goes wonderfully, comically off the rails. It’s a showcase of two seasoned performers at the top of their game. Neil Haigh brings his expertise from his time with the acclaimed improvised theatre company, Cartoon De Salvo, ensuring that the show is as spontaneous as it is brilliant. Complementing this is Stewart Wright, a veteran of the British comedy scene with three decades of experience as a comic character actor. This powerful combination of theatrical improvisation and classic character work makes for a show that is both polished and completely unpredictable.
Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud night or simply want to see two comedic masters at work, this show promises to hit the spot and deliver an unforgettable performance. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
“Everything varies every night, except good humour. Off the cuff, but on the button!” Susannah Clapp OBSERVER (on Cartoon De Salvo)
THE BLANK SLATE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS: WHO BLOODY DUNNIT!!
Saturday 25th October 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
Prepare for a double dose of homicide and hilarity with The Blank Slate Ensemble’s Who Bloody Dunnit!! This show brings their ‘signature joyful silliness’ to a ‘pun-packed naughty noir killer comedy.’ You’ll witness two twisted tales of crime and curmudgeonry that are so absurd they might make the ghost of Agatha Christie sigh. Join the Ace Detective Luke Warm and the ‘not so ace’ Officer Gethin Hotter as they bungle their way through solving complex crimes across the globe – or more accurately, mostly in the Greater Swindon Area. The plots unravel faster than their minds, leading to a wicked truth that has people calling the show ‘really sick’ and ‘actually quite upsetting.’ This is a killer comedy that’s sure to make you laugh and question everything. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
THE LAST BAGUETTE PRESENTS: PLAY TIME
Tuesday 28th October 2025 10.00 a.m. and 11.30 p.m.
Come play along with The Last Baguette theatre company in this fun, relaxed, and participatory session designed for ages 2 to 6 and their grown-ups. Play Time brings a playful, imaginative world to life with games, music, and a healthy dose of silliness. The show, Gee-Whiskers – A Cooking Catastrophe!, is a gentle introduction to theatre filled with interactive storytelling, original music, and puppetry. The main character, Ratty, has lots of ideas, but things don’t always go to plan. Can you and your little one help her by playing along and working together to save the day? It’s a fun and engaging experience where everyone gets to be part of the story.
Sessions last 1 hour and are created for ages 2-6 and their grown-ups. Younger and older siblings welcome! Please note that space is limited and both children aged 2+ and their accompanying grown-ups will need a ticket. You are welcome to bring children under 2 along without a ticket. Ticket Price: £8 (Group discounts available). Book here.
BONNET DOG PRESENTS: A KNIGHT OF TERROR
Saturday 1st November 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
Get ready for a chilling and hilarious Halloween with Bonnet Dog’s A Knight of Terror. This Victorian Gothic Ghost Story masterfully blends the ‘uncanny tales of M. R. James with the silliness of classic British humour.‘ It’s a ‘ripping yarn’ that promises both laughs and genuine spooks. The story follows Thomas Carstairs, a ‘hopeless,’ ‘oppish,‘ and ‘totally unqualified‘ journalist on a writing retreat to a remote seaside town. He’s immediately welcomed unceremoniously by locals who see him for the ‘pathetic, talentless toff’ he is. But his simple retreat takes a dark turn when he discovers a mysterious skull with the power to bring his ‘wildest fortunes into being‘ and awaken a ‘very formidable foe… an armoured one.’ Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
FUEL AND WILL ADAMSDALE PRESENTS: AI, AI, OH…
Thursday 13th November 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
From Perrier Comedy and Fringe First winner Will Adamsdale comes a new autobiographical show about creativity, escape, and the ever-present shadow of technology. AI, AI, Oh… tells the story of a ‘washed up London writer and technophobe’ who tries to go off-grid during a ‘confused lockdown relocation.’ He soon discovers that the grass isn’t always greener, and the blank page stretches before him ‘like the endless fields.’ His only hope lies in his greatest enemy: technology. This is a story of bots, writer’s block, and the struggle to escape from it all, told with Adamsdale’s unique blend of wit and introspection. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
“An utter delight” Guardian ★★★★ (on FaceTime, 2019)
“So skilled an actor, so nuanced a writer that it’s hard to tell where the line between standup and character comedy lies” The Scotsman
IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE
Thursday 22nd November 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
Hold onto your doublets, ruffs, and trunk hose, because the Bard is back and completely unscripted! Impromptu Shakespeare features a “whip smart cast” that creates a riotous new Shakespeare play in the moment. Each performance is a brand-new, one-act hit, packed with “priceless wit, lyrical smarts, romance, and a dash of double-crossing.” This leading ensemble does the Bard proud, all inspired by suggestions from the audience. A smash hit at both the Edinburgh Fringe and Bristol Shakespeare Festival, they have even been featured on BBC Shakespeare Live. Get ready for a unique and hilarious theatrical experience where you help shape the story. Ticket Price: £15. Book here.
“Shakespeare from the hip. Ingenious and very funny,” Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor
★★★★★ “Simply sublime… side-splittingly hilarious improvised comedy almost worthy of the bard himself” BroadwayBaby
★★★★★ “It’s all of the adjectives for brilliant.” Pocket-Size Theatre
WINNER: Best Comedy Event, Buxton Fringe 2021
STEWART WRIGHT PRESENTS: SANTA & SVEN.
Sunday 30th November 2025 Doors open: 7.00 p.m. Starts at 7.30 p.m.
Now in its staggering sixth year, British comic actor Stewart Wright returns to bring Father Christmas to life in this one-of-a-kind show. Santa & Sven blends traditional theatre with an ‘audience with’ Father Christmas, using Stewart’s signature improvisation and audience interaction. He is joined by Ben Kirby as Sven the Reindeer Handler. This show is guaranteed to bring a sense of fun, laughter, and anticipation, packed with music, sleigh bells, new
surprises, and “bucket loads of Christmas spirit.” They promise the gift of laughter, joy, and ‘bedtime ruining excitement,’ and with your help, they’ll do their best to deliver your children’s wishes. Age guidance: 2+ Running time: 50 minutes with no interval. Ticket Price: £10. Book here.
Audience Feedback:
‘Utterly magical – we all loved it’
‘The most authentic Santa I’ve seen in 40 years’
‘We all really enjoyed Santa and Sven’s visit. You made it magical for everyone.
LIVING SPIT PRESENTS: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
8th – 13th Dec 2025; 19th 20th 27th 28th Dec 2025; 2nd and 3rd Jan 2026
As North-Somerset based, Two-Person Comedy Theatre Companies go, Living Spit are widely known as being one of the most physically attractive to ever grace the British stage! In this ‘monstrously-musical, Disney-defying version’ of the classic French fairy tale, one of them will be forced to portray a ‘hideous, foul-tempered beast.’ From the creators of the Offie award-nominated Six Wives of Henry VIII and the ‘beguiling rib-tickler’ Living Spit’s Frankenstein The Musical, this re-worked version of the classic story explores what it truly means to be beautiful in the 18th century. Get ready for a hilarious, musical, and unique take on this timeless tale. Age guidance: 12+ Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes (inclusive of interval). Ticket Price: £10. Book here.
“Living Spit’s deadpan, well-seasoned repartee pays dividends in this playfully updated version of the 18th-century French fable.” The Telegraph
“A well-loved tale, told with warm-hearted silliness and wit, gently reminding us that beauty is more than meets the eye.” Intermission
“Rollicking good fun – deserves a standing ovation every night.” Bristol 24/7
THE LAST BAGUETTE PRESENTS: A WINTER’S TAIL
Friday 2nd January 2026 10.00 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
Join The Last Baguette for a fun, relaxed, and play-along theatre adventure created for ages 2 and up. The show, A Winter’s Tail, begins as the snow falls and the solstice approaches, with Ratty getting ready for a ‘rat-tastic winter’. But will her friends make it through the snow to the winter woodland revels? The audience can help them on their journey in this interactive and imaginative show. Expect excitement, adventure, play-acting, games, music, a “splattering of silliness,” and lots of snow! The show lasts one hour, including a ‘stay and play’ session, making it a perfect winter treat for the whole family. Age guidance: 2+. Younger and older siblings welcome! Running time: 1 hour, including a stay and play session. Ticket Price: £8. Book here.
HOW TO FIND THE THEATRE SHOP Unit 5 Queens Square Clevedon BS21 6HX
Theatre Shop is in the pedestrianised square behind B&M Bargains, tucked between Superdrug and Boots.
PARKING
There are two free public car parks on Great Western Road, BS21 6HB. They are a 3-minute walk across the main road and through B&M Bargains car park towards Queens Square. B&M car park is unrestricted after 5.00 p.m.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are regular buses from Bristol, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare. Please check www.travelinesw.com for up-to-date timetables.
Photo credit: Matt Hawkins