WWG: GURTMania Brings Wrestling, Comedy and Bristolian Chaos to Tobacco Factory Theatres

Bristol theatre company GURT Productions is back with a brand-new comedy, WWG: GURTMania, running at Tobacco Factory Theatres from 14th to 17th October 2026. With glowing reviews already coming in, this wrestling-inspired production promises outrageous characters, physical comedy and plenty of Bristolian humour.

If you're looking for something a little different to do in Bristol this week, how about a night of slams, suplexes and a whole lot of lycra?

Following two sold-out runs of Gurt Haunted at Bristol Old Vic and a festive residency of Gurt Haunted: Miracle on North Street at Tobacco Factory Theatres, local theatre company GURT Productions is back with a completely new show.

And this time, they're swapping ghosts for wrestling.

What Is WWG: GURTMania About?

Set in a 'semi-professional' wrestling academy in the South West, WWG: GURTMania follows three generations of wrestlers as they battle it out both inside and outside the ring.

Behind the outrageous costumes, dramatic rivalries and larger-than-life personalities, there's a bigger story about masculinity, aggression, mentorship and what it means to be a man in today's world.

But don't expect a serious evening of theatre.

Told in GURT Productions' signature mockumentary style, the show promises hilarious characters, physical comedy and the sort of wonderfully chaotic storytelling that has made the company a hit with Bristol audiences.

Whether you're a wrestling fan, a comedy lover or simply looking for an entertaining night out with friends, this is a show designed to appeal to people who wouldn't necessarily consider themselves traditional theatre-goers.

Meet the Bristol Theatre Company Behind the Show

GURT Productions was founded by Bristol theatre makers Casey Lloyd, Benj Foster and Toby George, all graduates of Bristol Old Vic's Made in Bristol programme.

The company has built its reputation on creating accessible, entertaining theatre that celebrates working-class voices and Bristol's distinctive sense of humour.

For WWG: GURTMania, the team has taken that commitment a step further, working with local Bristol men to explore the themes of masculinity, sport, aggression and cross-generational mentorship.

Artistic Director Casey Lloyd explains:

"As a team of artists mostly from working class backgrounds, it was important to us to connect with people who might not think that theatre is 'for them'."

It's an approach that makes the show particularly interesting. Beneath the comedy and wrestling theatrics is a story informed by real conversations and experiences.

WWG: GURTMania Is Already Winning Over Bristol Audiences

If you need another reason to grab a ticket, the first reviews are in, and they're glowing.

Local theatre publication Backstage Bristol has described WWG: GURTMania as a "hilarious body slam of a show", praising its clever WWE parody, relentless comedy and distinctly Bristolian humour.

The review particularly celebrates the energetic wrestling choreography, brilliant costumes and clever use of Tobacco Factory Theatres' in-the-round stage, which transforms into the perfect setting for the wrestling action.

And it sounds like there's plenty for Bristol audiences to recognise, with local references ranging from City and Rovers to Thatchers and the Bearpit.

But it's not just the comedy that's impressed. Backstage Bristol also highlights the production's exploration of male friendships, ambition, belonging and changing relationships between generations.

Perhaps most importantly, the review makes it clear that you don't need to know anything about wrestling to enjoy the show.

Whether you're a lifelong WWE fan or have never watched a match, there's something here for everyone.

Read the full WWG: GURTMania review on Backstage Bristol

With performances running until Saturday 17th October, there's still time to see what all the excitement is about.

Why We're Excited About WWG: GURTMania

We love seeing independent Bristol creatives bringing something original to the city's theatre scene, particularly when they're finding new ways to make theatre accessible to a wider audience.

WWG: GURTMania sounds like exactly the kind of show you could take a friend to, even if they insist theatre isn't really their thing.

There's also something brilliant about seeing a local theatre company embrace its Bristol roots so wholeheartedly, creating a production that combines familiar local humour with themes that resonate far beyond the city.

With its combination of physical comedy, outrageous storytelling and a distinctly Bristolian personality, this looks like a genuinely entertaining alternative to your usual night out.

And judging by the response from Backstage Bristol, GURT Productions has another hit on its hands.

Dates and Tickets

Where: Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol

When: Wednesday 14th – Saturday 17th October 2026

Time: 7:30pm

Production: GURT Productions

Tickets: Book tickets for WWG: GURTMania at Tobacco Factory Theatres

If you're planning a night out in Bristol and fancy swapping your usual dinner-and-drinks plans for something a little different, this could be one to catch before its final performance.

Photography by Ed Felton