The Invisible Circus presents…
‘Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps’
We are thrilled to be producing a series of live performances for Halloween and Christmas, and a digital audiovisual trail, which will share just some of the incredible histories of this iconic Bristol location.
WHEN?
Part 1: Halloween – Saturday 2nd November, 14:00 – 18:30 – Live Event
Part 2: Christmas – Saturday 7th December, 14:00 – 18:30 – Live Event
Part 3: Valentine’s – February 2025 – Audiovisual Trail Launch
WHERE?
Event Location: Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS
HOW MUCH?
Admission: FREE
No tickets required.
WHAT IS IT?
Live immersive re-enactments of true historic tales, with an Invisible Circus infused theatrical twist, performed by characters you will come across at different spots up and down Bristol’s iconic Christmas Steps.
HOW SHOULD I EXPERIENCE THIS?
Performances take place in repeated cycles between 14:00 – 18:30 on live event days – so you do not need to arrive for a specific start time. Simply come along during the running time window, and take a journey through the steps – and through time.
Whether you travel from the top or the bottom you are invited to flow through the experience at your own pace, pausing for performances. Christmas Steps is also home to The Christmas Step Arts Quarter and an eclectic array of independent businesses, so we also invite you to explore inside the various shops and spaces you come across along the way.
And hey… if you want to don historical fancy dress for your visit… we aren’t stopping you!
ACCESS
We are acutely aware that the Grade-II listed Christmas Steps are inherently inaccessible by nature to those who are unable to use steps, and we don’t want that to unreasonably limit anyone’s experience of this event.
Key performances will be held on level ground at the top and bottom of the Christmas Steps, at locations that can be reached via step-free routes, connected by Host Street and Colston Street.
We will also be recording performances so that an audiovisual version of the event can be experienced both as a trail to discover at the Christmas Steps location using QR codes, or explored online from the comfort of your own home. This element of the project will be developed in the New Year – so we’ll keep you updated on this front!
MORE…
“We hope to educate and illuminate the history of the area including local legends and hidden characters brought to life. Despite some shocking and tragic events in Christmas Steps’ long history, there are also incredibly inspiring stories of hope, perseverance, love and rebirth. By telling stories from Bristol’s incredible history in the places where they happened, we refresh connections to that past. By documenting these events, we will also create a legacy that can be enjoyed by visitors of Christmas Steps long after the shows are finished.“
Dr Paul Green – Lead Researcher & Actor
“The Invisible Circus are delighted to be working with the residents and businesses of Christmas Steps on this project. In many ways this area is one of Bristol’s best kept secrets; we hope to change all of that by bringing the area to life with circus, theatre, music and storytelling. If ever there was a hidden part of Bristol with mysteries to reveal – it’s the Christmas Steps! Join us on a voyage of discovery, as we set off to uncover the dark tales of yesterday and write a new story for tomorrow.”
Doug Francis – Creative Director of The Invisible Circus
