- Amber Davies stars as the iconic Elle Woods in the feel-good, fabulously pink musical LEGALLY BLONDE this Christmas
- Emma Rice’s Wise Children company returns with Malory Towers, playing Theatre Royal Brighton’s stage as part of BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
- From Peter Quilter, the world premiere of brand-new comedy ALLEGRA opens in Brighton this May, starring Dame Maureen Lipman
- Theatre Royal Brighton’s’ CREATIVE LEARNING programme launches exciting new season of workshops, backstage tours and events
- DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END — The Choir of Man, Operation Mincemeat, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, I’m Sorry Prime Minister and Paranormal Activity
- CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED PLAYS — The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Abigail’s Party, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, The Haunting of Hill House
- MUST-SEE MUSICALS — The Ballad of Johnny & June, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Brighton Theatre Group’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, SIX
- Plus, family-friendly favourites, toe-tapping tribute acts, unmissable one-night events and more!
Theatre Royal Brighton has this week launched its brand-new What’s On Guide for Spring, packed with a vibrant and varied line-up of shows to brighten up the coming months.
Sophie Denney, Theatre Director, said: “This season brings so many fantastic shows to our historic stage. There’s something for everyone; no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something to enjoy.”
Audiences can take their pick from a host of dazzling musicals, critically-acclaimed plays, spine-chilling shows and family-friendly favourites — many of which come to Brighton direct from London’s West End.
Sophie continued: “It’s so exciting to be bringing so many West End shows to Brighton, giving our audiences the chance to experience world‑class theatre right on their doorstep.”
This new season will also welcome an array of award-winning productions and actors to the theatre’s 218-year-old stage. In May, award-winning stage and screen actress Dame Maureen Lipman treads the boards in the world premiere of Allegra. In June, Ralf Little (The Royle Family, Death in Paradise) leads the thrilling new adaptation of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, followed by all-star trio Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda), Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) and Nick Hayes (Groundhog Day) in the glittering sensation, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. And in July, Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders) stars as one of the most iconic characters in British theatre — the unforgettable Beverly — in Abigail’s Party.
Theare Royal Brighton’s Creative Learning Programme is pleased to share their new selection of workshops, events and backstage tours. Highlights include the return of the School of Clowns Course in May, ran by master clown Chris Cresswell, and a fantastic selection of Skip’s Family Workshops, including The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and Paddington.
Jackie Alexander, Senior Creative Learning Manager, said: “Our fabulous Creative Learning programme aims to make theatre and live entertainment inclusive for all, ensuring theatre remains inspiring and accessible for people of all ages and from all walks of life. We’re thrilled to be presenting a new season of events!”
The Colonnade Bar, Theatre Royal Brighton’s in-house pub, has also launched their fantastic new Spring Cocktail Menu, produced in partnership with local business Brighton Gin. Seasonal favourites include the Orange Blossom, featuring Brighton Gin’s Orange Grove blend, and the Spring Fling, a lemony tipple made with Brighton Gin Pavillion Strength.
Upcoming show highlights include:
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE – Tue 14 – Sat 18 Apr – Musical
The Ballad of Johnny & June takes you inside the soaring highs and shattering lows of a love story that defined an era. From the stage to the road, through triumphs, heartbreak, and redemption this brand-new musical shows why Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash remain one of the most influential couples of the 20th Century.
THE CHOIR OF MAN – Tue 21 – Sat 25 Apr – Musical
Welcome to The Choir of Man, the best pub in the world… Come ready to drink in the excitement! An uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome, don’t miss this feel-good night of foot-stomping entertainment, so good you’ll want to come back and see it again and again.
ALLEGRA – Tue 12 – Sat 16 May – Play
Allegra is full of life, joy and an irresistible urge to sing. She bursts into song at home, in the street and even in the local shops and cafés. Sometimes the orchestra plays only in her imagination. Sometimes it spills gloriously into the real world, much to the delight, confusion and occasional horror of everyone around her. Her devoted brother Ronen and her carer Anna do their best to keep life steady, but how do you protect someone you love without dimming the light that makes them who they are?
MALORY TOWERS – Tue 19 – Sat 23 May – Brighton Festival
Darrell Rivers is starting school with an eager mind and fierce heart. Unfortunately, she also has a quick temper! Can she learn to tolerate the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, or value the kind-hearted Sally Hope? Can she save the school play and rescue terrified Mary Lou from the grip of a raging storm? If she can do these things anywhere, she will do them at Malory Towers!
OPERATION MINCEMEAT – Mon 25 – Sat 30 May – Musical
The year is 1943 and right now we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.
THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD – Tue 2 – Sat 6 Jun – Play
For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré — the undisputed master of the modern spy genre whose works include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager — is brought to life in a thrilling stage adaptation. A riveting journey through the fog-shrouded terrain of Cold War espionage, deception, and moral compromise.
THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO – Tue 9 – Sat 13 Jun – Play
Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again. This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection – between friends, families and strangers.
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT – Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jun – Musical
The Broadway and West End musical comedy sensation follows three friends on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip across the Australian Outback to stage the show of a lifetime. Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is a joyous celebration of unity, love, and being unapologetically yourself.
ABIGAIL’S PARTY – Mon 6 – Sat 11 Jul – Play
Essex, 1977. Beverly is hosting, the alcohol is flowing, Demis Roussos is on the record player and the cheese and pineapple cocktail sticks are ready to go. Queen of the castle in her suburban semi, Beverly and husband Laurence welcome new neighbours Angela and Tony round for drinks. Sue from next door is invited too but the real party is happening back at her place, as Sue’s teenage daughter Abigail can’t seem to keep the racket down. Awkward small talk quickly descends into inappropriate flirtation and marital disputes: a soiree from hell, but it’d be rude to leave…
I’M SORRY, PRIME MINISTER – Tue 14 – Sat 18 Jul – Play
Jim Hacker (Simon Rouse) is back – older, but perhaps not wiser, and still utterly baffled by the real world. Hoping for a quiet retirement at the tranquil Hacker College, Oxford, Jim instead finds himself facing the ultimate modern crisis: cancelled by the college committee. Enter the delightfully devious Sir Humphrey Appleby (Clive Francis) who has lost none of his love for bureaucracy, Latin phrases, and well-timed obstruction. Can Humphrey outmanoeuvre the meddling students, the Fellowship, and reality itself? Or is it finally time to say, “I’m Sorry, Prime Minister…”?
BRIGHTON THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG – Wed 12 – Sun 16 Aug – Musical
One of the world’s favourite family musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and comedy as it flies back to Brighton. Can Potts, Truly, Jeremy & Jemima outwit the dastardly Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom? Will the Child Catcher catch them and will good prevail over evil?
The full guide is out now. Copies can be picked up in person from Theatre Royal Brighton and tickets for all upcoming shows and events are on sale now at ATGTickets.com/Brighton.
The Brighton Bucket List 