The Looking Glass was an arts bar and gallery in Bristol. It was a part of Bristol City Council’s Capacity Project, which opens up empty and underused buildings for creative uses. I think this is such a great scheme as it hugely benefits artists and communities. The use of temporary spaces for art projects really adds a sense of vibrancy and transformation to the city. The Looking Glass had a fantastic run but unfortunately the building was sold on so it had to close. I completed a short internship there so attended “The Grande Finale” event.

They had an evening of various cabaret acts, music and interactive performance. I really enjoyed the diversity of the event and the social aspect, with people drinking, chatting and dancing. It was really interesting watching performance in such a vibrant atmosphere. I really liked the idea of having performers interacting with the audience. As you entered you were met by female “penguins” who handed out champagne and enticed people to play roulette. Downstairs in the gallery space ‘Prawnucopia’ set up a very strange spa experience.  It had a real festival vibe to it, which seemed particularly exciting on a rainy autumn night. It really helped to confirm my interest in surreal themed events.

I had such a fantastic night and started to realise how much a cabaret style of performance interests me. I have been doing further research and am hoping to attend more events of a similar style. There are a few production companies that specialise in these style of events in Bristol so I am hoping I may have the chance to gain some experience.