Bold Play Exploring Domestic Violence Comes To Bristol

Sunk Into The Earth plays at the Alma Tavern Theatre this September

A piece of theatre exploring themes around domestic violence, relationships and queer love will be coming to the Alma Tavern Theatre this September.

Sunk Into The Earth was written by Charlotte Ritter, undergoing further workshopping and development into the play coming to Bristol this autumn. The show has been described by audiences as “gripping” with “heartfelt writing”.

Charlotte is one of the members of Variant Pulse Theatre. The brand new company has emerged from the East 15 Acting School.

Sunk Into The Earth asks – what do you do when your ex-situationship appears at a cosy get-together of friends having spent the previous six years in prison for killing their sister’s husband?

It looks into the impossible struggles of those who are fighting to escape eternal cycles of abuse.

The play has been created for women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but, Variant Pulse Theatre says the play is for everyone who “dares” to look into their world. It’s also for people who have come into contact with domestic violence and know how high the cost can be getting out.

And for those who “feel stuck”, it’s as if they have “Sunk Into The Earth.”

The story doesn’t shy away from lingering trauma. Whilst the characters struggle with their pasts and the devastating impacts of domestic violence, it also celebrates the power and uniqueness of female community.

Variant Pulse Theatre says it wants its audience to “feel seen, while shining a light on those who need help.”

Domestic violence is always an on-going issue to be tackled. But, who can forget the social media campaigns such as those from Avon and Somerset Police, who ran a domestic violence campaign from start to end of the World Cup this summer?

‘One of the most notable increases in demand during major football tournaments is the volume of domestic abuse reports,’ one post said the day before the first match kicked off.

Social media posts made by Avon and Somerset Police during the World Cup

During the tournament, the police worked with three local independent specialist abuse support charities: Next Link which works across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, Southside Family Project for Bath and North East Somerset and The You Trust which provides a Domestic Advice Service for Somerset Council.

“Domestic abuse reports increase during major sporting tournaments according to national statistics, with a rise in calls to police, particularly following England matches, whether the result is a win, loss, or draw,” Avon and Somerset Police said in July.

“Football does not cause domestic abuse, and responsibility sits solely with perpetrators who choose to use abusive or controlling behaviour. However heightened emotions, alcohol consumption, and social dynamics around tournaments can create conditions in which perpetrators may escalate their behaviours.”

Following the Saturday evening performance, Sarah O’Leary from Next Link,Safe Link and Missing Link Bristol will be taking part in a post-show talkback.

Sunk Into The Earth is at the Alma Tavern Theatre 09 – 12 September 2026

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/2270719

To follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/sunkintotheearth/

For support in Bristol dealing with domestic violence in all its forms, visit: https://nextlinkhousing.co.uk

Cast and Creatives
Written by Charlotte Ritter

Julie – Caro Vinden
Hypatia – Georgie Mabel Clarke
Tallulah – Liz Kent
Lilith – Pia Litzmann
Salome – Isabelle Dickey