By: Ryan Lane Reviewer: Simon Topping This one man multiple character comedy presents funny vignettes plucked from the performer’s childhood in this engaging piece, which has a lot of potential. In mystical Wales an ethereal character bids us to seek a man for her; A man with legs and arms like tree trunks, a man who will guard over Wales while she holidays in Swansea. This is the surreal start to Ryan Lane’s funny piece based on his complex relationship with his hometown and the people within it, which provides plenty of crowd interaction and mischievous pixie-like prodding in…
Author: The Reviews Hub - Brighton
By: The Maydays Reviewer: Lela Tredwell This extraordinary improvised performance has to be seen to be believed. The Maydays co-create a unique piece of musical theatre in the style of gothic horror with dark humour and grim glee. They do this exceptional feat in front of the audience’s very eyes based on a viewer’s volunteered suggestion of a grandparent’s profession. ‘Jeweller’ is the occupation that inspires this particular night’s show and the exceptionally talented cast intuitively set to play, creating a rich narrative, complete with sensational improvised musical numbers. With what is a soundtrack to die for – and, as…
Performers: Westdal and Hayward, 2Spoons improv and Lachlan Werner Reviewer: Lela Tredwell Outstanding alternative comedy showcase attracts top acts. Charming, eccentric host Simon Topping has created a line-up to write home about, in this variety comedy show. The event succeeds in showcasing the best acts on the comedy circuit that are offering something different from traditional stand up. He might refer to himself as an ‘idiot’ but Topping is no fool in bringing together the best of the Fringe. Simon Topping hosts each show with his very funny and gently nostalgic antics. He combines physical comedy, clowning and authenticity in…
By: Ghost Walk of the Lanes Reviewer: Lela Tredwell Grisly ghoulish tales galore in this informative fun Brighton tour. If you are looking for the dark ethereal history of Brighton Lanes, then this is the tour for you. For the visitor and veteran Brightonian alike, this guided walk is enjoyably packed with stories of sightings from the spirit world. The way the history of Brighton’s streets, buildings and people is weaved into tales of the supernatural is inspired. With a guide that looks the part in a fabulous Victorian costume -complete with cape, bell and bag of tricks – you…
Writer: Harold Pinter Director: Jamie Glover Reviewer: Simon Topping Jamie Glover’s fabulous revival shocks, stuns and makes the Brighton audience laugh in equal measure in this bleakly funny, other worldly, working class fairy tale. Max (Keith Allen) is a crumbling patriarch, attempting to hold court from his armchair. No one is listening to him. He shares the house with his brother Sam (Ian Bartholomew) and two sons, a psychopathic pimp, Lenny (Mathew Horne) and gormless boxing wannabe Joey (Geoffrey Lumb). To say Max gets no respect from the other men in his household is an understatement; Lenny is actively hostile…
Writer: Jim Cartwright Director: Bronagh Lagan Reviewer: Simon Topping Joyful performances from an excellent cast, in a play that is a little frayed at the edges. LV (Christina Bianco) locks herself away from her loud, alcoholic mother and escapes to her bedroom to play old records left to her by her deceased dad; the era of Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and Marylin Munroe are her world. LV’s mum, Mari (Shobna Gulati), doesn’t share or care for her daughters obsession. It is her mission to “bag a man” while she can; someone who can lead her out of the poverty that…
Writer: Tim Firth Director: Joanna Read Reviewer: Lela Tredwell Superbly talented cast claims this classic comedy island as their own. It’s a wonder this play survived its rocky rebirth but theatre prevailed and what a delight for audiences that it did. Sheila’s Island is a dark comedy about the pressures of survival in the unforgiving landscape of the Lake District. In this beautifully constructed work of bathos, Team C of Pennine Mineral Water Ltd’s annual outward-bound team-building weekend find themselves stranded. Their struggles bring the audience much entertainment, laughter and nostalgia for a time when changing your underwear under…
Book: Douglas McGrath Director: Nikolai Foster Reviewer: Simon Topping The Theatre Royal, Brighton, is packed to the rafters and an air of excitement fills the room, as Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, begins. The story, written by playwright and filmmaker Douglas McGrath, charts King’s early life as a songwriter in the Brill Building, New York; which is known for housing and nurturing some of the most influential songwriters of the twentieth century, especially of the 1950’s and 60’s, including Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach and Paul Simon, as well as the protagonists we meet in today’s piece. King (superbly played by…