Every Spring, Brighton’s colourful streets become awash with talent and creativity from some of the country’s most exciting and unique new talents. The month of May is filled with exciting things to do in Brighton and attracts a huge amount of visitors.
From live music of all genres to comedy, art exhibitions, theatre and spoken word events, there are events to suit all interests and to fit all budgets, with some events being free or as little as £2. This year, Brighton Fringe will take place from Friday 3rd May to Sunday 2nd June.
The Ladyboys of Bangkok at Brighton Fringe
The most popular event at Brighton Fringe is The Ladyboys of Bangkok, which this year will be posted at Victoria Gardens. A hugely popular show among tourists and residents of Brighton, this year they celebrate their 25th anniversary of the show with a fun-filled and exciting new show, which is supposed to be better than ever.
The show has generated rave reviews from audiences ever since it was established, so there’s no better time to see it than on its special 25th-anniversary tour. Tickets start from £17, and the show runs for the entire length of the Fringe, so you have plenty of opportunity to catch it (please note that this is an 18+-only event).
Live music at Brighton Fringe
Brighton Fringe also plays host to a huge variety of live music, with over 30 different events & performances taking place over the month. Whatever your taste in music, there’s sure to be an event to your preference, whether it’s classical, jazz, disco, soul, blues, or anything in between.
Furthermore, it’s the perfect opportunity to check out something a little different to what you’re used to, such as Rueda with the London Gaita Social Club, who are “bringing a slice of the Caribbean to Brighton” on 25th May, and international Sitar player Lakshay Mohan playing an arrangement of classical Indian sitar music on 18th May.
Whatever you’re after from your music, there’s sure to be an event to your taste. More details about other events can be found on their official website.
Theatre and Comedy at Brighton Fringe
Brighton Fringe is also famous for its theatre and comedy performances, such as performances by local theatre groups, modern retellings of classic plays, and the most recent and topical comedy sets by the country’s most exciting new comedians.
The Fringe has always been renowned for its truly staggering variety, and this year’s exhibit is no different. Between 4th-11th May, Brighton Little Theatre Co. are staging an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 classic Little Women.
For something a bit more unique, check out The Elagabalia between 6th-8th May, the brand-new comedy about Roman Emperor Elagabalus, best known for his sexual promiscuity, eccentricity, and gender expression.
If it’s local talent you’re after, however, the inaugural ‘Made in Sussex’ program on 13th April is a showcase of local artists demonstrating their talents in areas such as theatre, comedy, folk music, and more. Whatever you want, Brighton Fringe has it.
As for the comedians performing this year, attendees of the festival will certainly have a wealth of options. At Bleach, the room upstairs at the Hare and Hounds, the local improv troupe Tea & Toast are once again performing their entirely improvised musical Bla Bla Land from 3rd-10th May. following their sold-out run last year.
If you want to see stand-up comedy, there are shows across the course of the month from acts such as Paul Marsh, Raul Kolhi, Mark Bittlestone, and Michelle Shaughnessy. There are over 200 comedy events listed on the official website, however, so be sure to check them out for more details on these shows or for more events taking place.
other information about the fringe
The cost-of-living crisis in Britain has hit the entertainment and arts industry hard over the past couple of years, with countless venues across the country closing their doors as a result. However, Brighton Fringe is offering over 100 free events throughout the month at a variety of venues.
Stand-up comedy sets, music showcases, art exhibitions, literature readings, workshops, and classical music concerts are just some of the events on offer across the duration of the festival for absolutely no cost.
These events not only allow you to still enjoy some of the best entertainment Brighton Fringe has to offer for free but also allow rising stars in the entertainment industry to gain exposure and a following at the start of their career and provide the chance to support some of Brighton’s best-loved independent bars & venues at a time where support is more crucial than ever for small, locally-owned venues.
For more information on free events and participating venues, as well as how best to support them, head to the official Brighton Fringe website (link below)
Brighton Fringe is a truly unique festival; the atmosphere each year when it begins in May is comparable to that of a holiday for the whole month, and Brighton’s already highly creative and eccentric nature is further highlighted.
From the point of view of a resident, it’s the city at its best; emphasising the arts and providing a platform to new and underrepresented talents that one would be hard-pressed to come by anywhere else in the country outside of the capital. With over 600 events in one month, it’s not to be missed.
Brighton Fringe official Website: https://www.brightonfringe.org
