Sussex Theatre Reviews and More

Whether you’re a huge theatre fan or someone who just loves being entertained, The Brighton Bucket List is your trusted friend for all things theatre in Sussex. From Brighton’s buzzing city centre to the countryside of East and West Sussex and right up to the famous stages of London, we bring you reviews, the latest theatre news and original features written by professional writers who live in and love Sussex.

We’re not a listings site. This is a dedicated local’s guide to theatre in Sussex, run by people who actually go to the shows, know the venues and care about the culture that makes our counties such exciting places to live. 

Sussex Theatre Reviews You Can Trust

All of our West and East Sussex theatre reviews are honest, professionally written critiques that celebrate what’s working and aren’t afraid to ask for more where it’s needed. Whether it’s an experimental piece in a Brighton Fringe venue or a polished touring musical lighting up Chichester Festival Theatre, our writers are there in the audience.

Every review on The Brighton Bucket List is written by a journalist or professional writer with a passion for performance. We’re not interested in clickbait or cookie-cutter opinions. We offer detailed, thoughtful and entertaining reviews that help you decide where to spend your time and money.

Whether you’re looking for a new play in Worthing that might surprise you, wondering if that new musical in Eastbourne is worth the buzz or curious about the latest comedy show in Brighton, we’ve got you covered.  

All the Latest Sussex Theatre News

Theatre in Sussex is always evolving and we’re here to keep you in the loop. From breaking announcements about new tours to interviews with the cast, our theatre news section is updated regularly with content that matters.

If you want to be the first to hear when a new immersive theatre experience is launching in Worthing, a West End musical is coming to Crawley or what’s on soon at Theatre Royal Brighton or Minerva Theatre in Chichester, our team has their ears to the ground and will make sure you’re always in the know.

This is Sussex theatre news for locals, not national headlines. We spotlight Sussex-born talent, celebrate community productions and keep a close eye on the developments that affect our regional stages.

Musicals in Sussex

Musicals aren’t just for London. Across East and West Sussex, stages are alive with the sound of musicals that could rival anything you’ll find in England’s capital. The Brighton Bucket List covers touring productions, local amateur shows and new musical theatre debuting right here in Sussex. We go behind the curtain to speak with cast and crew and we give you the real lowdown on whether a show hits the high notes or falls a little flat.

Theatre Royal Brighton, Connaught Theatre Worthing, Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Chichester Festival Theatre and The Hawth in Crawley are a regular feature here. But we also dig into smaller musical theatre performances in places like Arundel, Hove, Haywards Heath and Hastings. We believe that the spirit of musical theatre belongs everywhere, not just in London, and where here for as many West and East Sussex musical reviews as possible. 

Plays in Sussex

Whether it’s a modern drama exploring the issues of our time, a Shakespearean revival or a bold new play from a local writer, we’ve booked tickets to see it. Plays in Sussex aren’t confined to traditional venues either. You’ll find open-air performances in parks and gardens, gritty new writing staged in pubs and studios and pop-up experiences in the most unexpected places. We actively seek out hidden gems and give them the attention they deserve.

Our features and reviews shine a spotlight on the playwrights, directors and performers behind the work. We know that telling stories on stage is a craft, and our content reflects the care and thought behind each production.

A Sussex Local’s Guide to Theatre

If you live in East or West Sussex or even if you’re just visiting, you’ll know that there’s something uniquely creative about the region. The Brighton Bucket List celebrates this local spirit with a voice that’s warm, welcoming and unpretentious.

Our guide website is written by real locals who go to local pubs and restaurants before curtain up. They can tell you first hand which venues have the comfiest seats and best interval snacks. We’ll let you in on which nights are likely to be packed and when you’ll have the best chance of catching a relaxed performance or Q&A.

We also love highlighting community efforts and initiatives that support access to theatre across Sussex. Whether it’s free workshops, school partnerships or inclusive programming, we believe that theatre is for everyone and our content reflects that.

Beyond the Stage: Interviews, Features and More

The Brighton Bucket List loves diving deeper into the world of Sussex theatre. Our features take you backstage, into rehearsal rooms and behind the scenes of the region’s most exciting theatrical moments.

Expect interviews with emerging talent and famous performers, read think-pieces on trends in regional theatre and explore curated lists of upcoming shows, from musicals in Sussex to intimate new plays tucked away in unexpected corners of the county.

We also look beyond Sussex to bring you news from London. Many of our readers hop on the train to see a West End show, and we’re here to recommend what’s worth the journey and how to make the most of your theatre night out in the city.

Why Trust The Brighton Bucket List?

We’re not outsiders. Our writers are experienced journalists and writers, many of whom have performing experience as singers and dancers, and have lived and worked in Sussex for years. We understand the scene because we’re part of it.

This website is a labour of love and our coverage is hand-picked, opinionated in the best way and completely independent. If we love something, we’ll tell you. If something doesn’t quite work, we’ll explain why. We value your time and ticket money and we take our responsibility seriously while still having fun. You’ll always get the kind of thoughtful, detailed writing that reflects real-life experiences in real Sussex theatres.

Stay Connected with the Sussex Theatre Community

Our content is updated regularly so check back often and follow us on social media to make sure that you never miss a beat. We keep things fresh and relevant with new East and West Sussex theatre reviews, news and articles posted throughout the week.

Whether you’re into Shakespeare, Sondheim or something totally experimental, The Brighton Bucket List is your backstage pass to the best of theatre in Sussex. Read our reviews, browse our features, hear the latest news and plan your next night out. Because when it comes to the performing arts, Sussex has something for everyone and we’re here to help you find it.