We're almost mid-way through the Fringe and it seems like there are more shows than ever to pick from. Never fear, here are some of our picks to keep you entertained, excited and delighted this weekend.
Accompanied by glamorous showbiz dancers, they are sure to inject a little viva Las Vegas glitz into your weekend
With astonishing high wire stunts, you are bound to be shocked and amazed by Circus Vegas (Preston Park Big Top, 18th May, 17:00 & 19:35, 19th May, 15:00 & 18:00, 20th May, 14:00 & 17:00). Bringing a taste of the Nevada desert to Preston Park, they perform incredible feats of gymnastics in a traditional circus big top. Accompanied by glamorous showbiz dancers, they are sure to inject a little viva Las Vegas glitz into your weekend.
It’s 2018 and many of us are fed up with the endless political news cycle. Nonsensical negotiations, world crises, national outrages. Politics might have an effect on all of our lives, but who actually wants to be a politician? The Polished Scar (Rialto, 18th-19th May, 18:30) aims to find out. This extraordinary production critically examines what makes some of us strive for leadership and control. After all, what is the true cost of power?
A Fringe hit the world over, the Sh*t-faced Shakespeare crew return to Brighton Fringe with their hammered version of Hamlet (The Warren, 18th-23rd May, 21:45). With one of the cast genuinely inebriated, you’ll never know what to expect - even if you studied the Spark Notes for GCSE.
It’s late at night and you can’t sleep. These days you can just watch cat videos on YouTube and watch a dodgy American cop drama on Channel 5. But it didn’t used to be that way. If you’re up late at night, join Niteskreen (Sweet Weeks 2, 18th-20th May, 22:00) to discover how when the TV goes dark, the imagination comes to life.
Ru Pau first introduced us all to the fabulous drag queen, Courtney Act (Brighton Spiegeltent, 18th-20th May, 19:15). However, it was her Celebrity Big Brother win that truly helped her steal the heart of the nation. Now she’s inviting you under the covers to hear some of her signature sultry tunes sung with her typical allure and glamour.
If you’ve ever visited New York you’re likely to have wolfed down one of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. Now you can hear the tale behind Nathan & Ida’s Hot Dog Stand (The Warren, 19th-20th May, 11:30). This physical comedy with plenty of clowning tells the story of how Nathan and Ida arrived from the old country to found and grow this Coney Island institution to the success it is today.
Looking to experience the wild nights of the Weimar Republic? Enter the award-winning A Berlin Kabaret! (The Warren, 18th-20th May, 21:45). Capturing the tumultuous spirit of the Weimar years, this avant-garde performance has a strong political streak, filled with songs inspired by the current refugee crisis, love and exile.
For family fun then Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose (The Warren, 19th May, 10:00, 20th May, 10:00 & 11:30) will come to your rescue. Their extreme silliness is bound to have you rolling with laughter as Captain Cauliflower fights to defeat the evil Onion Man. Already marked out as two of the brightest stars at the upcoming London Clowning Festival, catch them in Brighton whilst you can.
Lost Voice Guy has built up an astounding reputation, with celebrity fans including fellow funnyman Matt Lucas. Hear why he is sick of being an inspirational internet star at Lost Voice Guy: Inspiration Porn (Komedia Studio, 20th May, 17:15). He’s fed up, funny and ready to make you laugh for one night only.
Tear yourself away from binge watching box sets for this sure fire gem. One of the highlights of last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, you’re sure to be entertained by an evening with Notflix (Komedia Studio, 20th May, 19:30). After sell-out performances across the country, Notflix now bring their special brand of improvised musical to Brighton Fringe.
Finally, some local comedy in the form of The Frow Show (Rialto, 18th-19th, 21:15). Set in a Sussex village, they find comedy in the gentrification and alternative lifestyles many of us who live here are all too familiar with.
