This November, one of Bristol's most iconic buildings is about to become the setting for something rather extraordinary.
For seven nights only, Bristol: Built by Dreamers will transform St Mary Redcliffe Church with a spectacular 30-minute holographic show, bringing Bristol's past, present and future to life through light, sound and storytelling.
Created by Bristol-based creative technology company Holotronica, this one-off experience is part of Brazen, Bristol's festival of technology, creativity and culture.
But what exactly is a holographic show? How does the technology work? And what can you expect when you step inside St Mary Redcliffe?
We caught up with Stuart Warren-Hill, the creative mind behind Holotronica, to discover the story behind the technology and what makes this show so special.
Meet Stuart, the man behind Holotronica
Stuart Warren-Hill has been pushing the boundaries of music and visual technology for over 30 years.
As the founder of electronic music duo Hexstatic, he was already experimenting with the relationship between sound and visuals long before Holotronica came along. In 2000, Hexstatic released REWIND, described by Stuart as the world's first audiovisual album, and he also collaborated with Coldcut on the award-winning audiovisual track Timber.
After years of success with Hexstatic, Stuart decided to explore something new, combining electronic music with stereoscopic 3D visuals to create an entirely different kind of live performance.
And so, Holotronica was born.
But there was one small problem. The technology Stuart needed to bring his ideas to life on stage didn't yet exist.
From a front-room experiment to Beyoncé and Lady Gaga
In February 2012, Stuart was preparing for a show at KOKO in Camden, London. He had an ambitious idea for displaying his 3D visuals, but no way of knowing whether it would actually work.
So, armed with two hired projectors, 2,000 pairs of polarised 3D glasses and a prototype screen he'd developed himself, he set about making it happen.
The night before the show, everything finally came together in his front room.
"It worked really well and it was a bit of a eureka moment," Stuart remembers.
The following night's performance was a huge success, and Stuart had created something entirely new: Hologauze, a near-invisible projection screen capable of creating the illusion of three-dimensional images floating in space.
Over the next two years, Stuart continued testing and demonstrating his invention. Then, in September 2014, Hologauze made its debut in two major productions: Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance at the London Palladium and Eric Prydz's EPIC 3 show at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The response was extraordinary.
Since then, Hologauze has been used in productions for Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Eurovision, the BBC and London's New Year's Eve celebrations at the London Eye.
Not bad for an idea that came together in a front room the night before a gig!
So, what actually is Hologauze?
If you've never experienced holographic projection before, it's a little difficult to imagine.
Unlike a conventional cinema screen, Hologauze is an incredibly transparent material that allows projected images to appear as though they're suspended in mid-air.
Stuart originally developed it for stereoscopic 3D projection, but quickly discovered that even ordinary 2D visuals could create a remarkable three-dimensional illusion.
Today, Stuart describes Hologauze as the "most transparent video projection screen in the world."
For audiences, the result is something quite different from watching a film or traditional projection show. Images can appear to float in the space in front of you, blurring the boundaries between what's real and what's being projected.
And for Bristol: Built by Dreamers, this technology will be used on a spectacular scale.
Why St Mary Redcliffe?
If there's one building in Bristol that deserves a little theatrical treatment, it's St Mary Redcliffe.
With its soaring ceilings, beautiful architecture and centuries of history, the church is already an impressive sight. But for Stuart, it's also the perfect canvas for an ambitious holographic show.
"St Mary Redcliffe lends itself to creating an epic audio visual experience," he explains.
"The high ceiling will allow for large scale imagery to appear out of thin air, making the audience believe there are real holographic 3D objects floating in space."
The show will combine Holotronica's technology with lighting, sound and the church's magnificent interior, creating an experience that makes the most of this extraordinary setting.
For Stuart, the ambition is simple: to create something just as impressive as the building itself.
"I think the convergence of the virtual blending with reality on a large scale will be breathtaking," he says.
What can you expect from Bristol: Built by Dreamers?
Bristol has always been a city of big ideas, creative thinkers and people willing to do things a little differently.
Bristol: Built by Dreamers is a celebration of that spirit.
Across 30 minutes, the show will take audiences on a journey through Bristol's past, present and future, bringing the people, places and ideas that have shaped the city to life through holographic storytelling.
Expect a combination of spectacular imagery, immersive sound and a few familiar Bristol sights, all presented in a way you've never seen before.
We don't want to give too much away, but whether you've lived in Bristol your whole life or are discovering the city for the first time, this is an opportunity to see it from a completely new perspective.
And you certainly don't need to be a technology expert to enjoy it. The show is designed for all ages, making it a brilliant experience for families, friends and anyone curious to see what's possible when creativity and technology come together.
Bristol: Built by Dreamers is one of the headline experiences of Brazen, a festival celebrating the city's creativity, innovation and imagination.
As part of the festival, Yuup has worked with local creatives to bring a programme of extraordinary live experiences to Bristol.
Alongside Holotronica's show, you can also experience Haptic Yoga by Beat Blocks, a completely different kind of yoga session where innovative floor technology allows you to physically feel music as you move.
Both experiences are an opportunity to discover something new, created by some of the city's most inventive minds.
Everything you need to know before you go
Where is it?
St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol, BS1 6RA.
When is it happening?
Friday 6 – Friday 13 November 2026, excluding Sunday 8 November.
How long does it last?
Each show lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely! Bristol: Built by Dreamers is a family-friendly experience suitable for all ages.
When should I arrive?
Doors open 30 minutes before your booked show time, so we recommend arriving early to enjoy the atmosphere and get settled. Please note that late entry won't be possible once the show has started.
Will there be drinks available?
Yes! There will be a bar on-site where you can purchase refreshments before the show.
Is the venue accessible?
Wheelchair access is available via the South Door of St Mary Redcliffe. All other visitors should enter through the North Door.
Ready to see Bristol in a whole new light?
From a front-room experiment to some of the world's biggest stages, Stuart's journey with Holotronica has been anything but ordinary.
Now, he's bringing that same pioneering technology to one of Bristol's most beautiful buildings for a show celebrating the city itself.
With just seven nights to experience it, this is one Bristol event you won't want to miss.
Book your tickets for Bristol: Built by Dreamers here.
And while you're here, why not discover more of the incredible experiences happening as part of Brazen's Live Track?
