One of Bristol’s most historic and photographed streets will be transported back in time when an ‘Invisible Circus’ arrives to fill it with an eclectic mix of characters from its history.
The Christmas Steps – which drop from the St Michael’s Hill area into the city centre at Lewins Mead – are being turned into a street stage to allow performers and actors to tell the stories of the people who lived on or passed through the steps at various points in history.
The free event runs from 1.30pm to 6pm next Saturday, March 8, and is being run by the Bristol-based Invisible Circus. “From sailors and soldiers to circus legends and scandalous criminals, the location has seen it all,” explained a spokesperson for the Invisible Circus. “Those visiting can meet Dr Death in the Chapel of the Three Kings, Carlos Trower aka The African Blondin, world renowned high rope walker and abolitionist, outside his house at no.7, Mrs Shufflewick, an enthralling if somewhat troubled comedian, drag artist and TV personality of her time outside Chance and Counters and many other characters up and down and in-between.
“As well as immersive performances, fascinating characters, and awe inspiring stories, there will be live acoustic music from Kai Carter’s duo, on banjo and fiddle, making for an unmissable and unforgettable family-friendly day out,” she added.
The event is called Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps, and a first version was held last year – and it’s returning for an updated version next Saturday.
Project manager Becky Boucherat encouraged visitors to ‘dive into history with open eyes and a curious heart’. “Thanks to the incredible true stories unearthed by Dr Paul Green, we’ve been spoiled for inspiration,” she said. “Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps promises a wild ride through Bristol’s past, where fact meets fiction, and history blends with art. We’re collaborating with local businesses and residents to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Christmas Steps today, while weaving in the twists, turns, and mysteries of its colourful past,” she added.
The show has been put together by Invisible Circus’ creative director Doug Francisco. “We’ve been bringing the unseen histories and untold stories to life for decades, and now we’re unlocking one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets – Christmas Steps,” he said.
“Hidden tales are everywhere, and we’re digging deep into Bristol’s past to reveal the not only dark and mysterious, but the downright beautiful too. This area is bursting with history, the ancient steps paved in myth and legend, and we’re excited to write a new chapter while we uncover old ones,” he added.