From Loco Klub to the Christmas Steps, the Invisible Circus is well-known for its immersive, site-specific spectacles that blur the boundaries between theatre, circus and protest. Having recently lost its home for a decade, Unit 15 Creation Space, the cutting-edge circus troupe returns with an artist residency at the Prospect Building.
Invisible Circus will now co-produce new shows in this former torpedo factory in St Phillips. It will be both programming circus productions and its large-scale spectaculars within the venue, and welcoming the circus and theatrical community to reform a creation space for rehearsal, creative sessions and performance.
Doug Francis, co‑founder of The Invisible Circus, said: “We are lucky to have found a partner in The Prospect Building that will enable us to have a full-scale return to the city for our performance elements, while we fundraise for a permanent home for the circus with a training and residential facility.
“The city is experiencing a broader cultural reckoning, which was underscored by our departure from Unit 15. Gentrification is steadily devouring vital artistic spaces in Bristol’s centre so we’re grateful for a space that supports big ideas and bold artists and can host shows at a huge scale without stripping away the anarchic magic we live for.”
In a strange time for the arts, when gentrification is forcing artists out of central spaces, this collaboration is a too rare example of safeguarding cultural possibility and supporting grassroots creators. The Prospect Building, with soaring high ceilings, rigging-ready beams and production know-how, is more than ready to welcome Invisible Circus’ ambitious performance innovations.
Will Harold, director of AMAAD, who operates the venue, added, “This residency is a chance to resist everything that’s pushing culture to the margins and a chance for site-specific circus to continue in the city. We’re proud to be able to give a home to one of the city’s most exciting cultural collectives and to continue fulfilling our commitment to The Prospect Building as a cultural hub for Bristol, the South West and the UK.”
Nothing has been announced yet, but new shows are expected in spring 2026.