Business Details
40 Years
experience
Award-Winning Theatrical Experiences in Bristol
Established in 1986, Show Of Strength has pioneered innovative theatre production in non-traditional spaces across Bristol and the South West. Our three-decade legacy includes creating three informal performance venues and developing over 200 new works through community engagement. With strategic partnerships across cultural institutions and local businesses, we specialise in site-specific performances that blend historical narratives with contemporary storytelling.Recognised with multiple awards including Best Live Performance at Creative Bath Awards, our productions have contributed to urban regeneration initiatives and received national acclaim for accessible, community-focused theatre. Our team combines professional expertise with grassroots participation, maintaining low operational costs to maximise investment in creative output.
Services
Theatre walks
Historical tours
Interactive performances
Educational workshops
Private guided tours
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 35+ years pioneering theatre in non-traditional spaces
- Award-winning productions with national recognition
- Specialists in historical narratives and community stories
- Partnerships with major cultural institutions
- Accessible performances in unique urban locations
What people say
Spellbinding performances
Exceptional historical research
Engaging storytelling techniques
Memorable immersive experiences
Award-winning production quality
Services
Theatre Walks
Our guided theatre walks combine historical research with dramatic performance to reveal hidden stories of Bristol and Bath. Each 90-minute tour features professional actors bringing local history to life at iconic locations. Participants explore urban narratives through immersive storytelling techniques that blend fact with theatrical interpretation.
Historical Reenactments
Site-specific historical performances recreate significant events and characters from Bristol's past. Using original texts and contemporary adaptations, our productions feature period costumes and authentic settings. These interactive experiences combine education with entertainment, making history accessible to modern audiences.
Community Workshops
Free writing workshops develop new voices through community engagement with local history. Participants collaborate with professional writers to create short plays performed in public spaces. Our educational programmes focus on preserving oral histories and fostering creative expression across generations.
Private Tours
Tailored theatrical experiences for groups exploring specific historical themes or locations. Available for corporate events, educational groups, and private celebrations. Our bespoke tours combine storytelling with interactive elements to create memorable occasions.
Festival Productions
Special festival commissions create site-specific works for cultural celebrations across the South West. These limited-run productions utilise unique venues and experimental formats. Festival collaborations extend our reach to new audiences while maintaining artistic integrity.
People
Sheila Hannon
Creative Producer/Company Secretary
With over 20 years leading Show of Strength, Sheila has developed numerous award-winning productions. She specialises in historical research and community engagement, directing projects that combine theatre with urban regeneration initiatives.
Chris Ryde
Chair of Trustees
Chris has guided the company's strategic direction since 2015. With extensive experience in arts administration, he oversees financial sustainability while maintaining the company's community-focused mission.
Questions
What makes your theatre walks unique?
Our walks combine professional acting with historical research, transforming urban spaces into interactive stages. Each tour features original scripts based on local archives and expertly curated narratives.
Can we book private group experiences?
Yes, we offer tailored tours for groups of all sizes. Private bookings include customised content and flexible scheduling for corporate events, educational groups, or special celebrations.
How accessible are your performances?
We prioritise accessibility with wheelchair-friendly routes, audio descriptions, and adjustable pacing. Most tours cover 1-2 miles at a gentle pace with regular stops.
Do you offer educational programmes?
Our community workshops develop new writers and preserve local history. We collaborate with schools and cultural institutions to create educational resources based on our productions.
What historical periods do you cover?
Our repertoire spans from medieval Bristol to 20th-century events. Particular specialisms include Georgian Bath, Victorian industrial heritage, and 20th-century social history.
How can I support the company?
Support options include donations, corporate partnerships, and volunteering. Your contribution helps sustain our community-focused theatre and educational initiatives.
