Brighton Fringe’s month long arts festival kicks off this Friday, 6 May, with several unmissable shows and a spectacular fireworks display at The Warren. With the festival gearing up for its most successful year ever, here’s our guide to the opening night highlights.
A smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe sensation is on its way to Brighton
Brighton’s Window – Brighton’s Singing Barber, The upstairs window of Peter Joannou’s Male Grooming,18:00
Inspired by swing legends Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett, Peter Joannou will be entertaining audiences from his upstairs window throughout the Fringe. This non-ticketed event is perfect to watch from the neighbouring pubs, with all donations given to Cancer Research.
Echoes, The Rialto Theatre, 18:00
A timely drama about two British women, born 175 years apart. One’s a schoolgirl jihadi; the other a Victorian bluestocking. Both travel to the East to build empires; both meet tragedy in blood-soaked lands. From SpittingImagewriter, Henry Naylor, whose previous play,The Collector, gathered 5 star plaudits and a Fringe First award, this is an excellent way to kick-off the festival.
Murder, She Didn’t Write, Sweet Waterfront 1, 18:40
Move over Sherlock, as you become the author in this original and hilarious improvised comedy. Each night, Degrees of Error present an unplanned, unscripted and never-before-seen murder mystery. With a 4 star review under their belt from Broadway Baby and a host of other exceptional appraisals, this is perfect for a Friday night away from the TV.
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, St George’s Church, 19:30
Would Brighton Fringe truly be complete without the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus? The glitzy, gay extravaganza are set to explore their darker side as they tackle songs from David Bowie, Bruno Mars and Cilla Black.
2 Become 1, Komedia Studio, 21:00
This smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe sensation is on its way to Brighton. A comedy pop-musical following four 90’s girls embarking on a wild night of speed dating, you won’t help but sing along to these not-so-classic tunes that marked the end of an era.
Cassetteboy vs DJ Rubbish, Brighton Speigeltent, 22:30
YouTube sensations Cassetteboy team up with hilarious rapper DJ Rubbish to crash open the season with a comedy show in a nightclub. With over 20 million hits, they’ve mashed everyone from David Cameron to Harry Potter. Afterclub ‘til 2am.
Opening Night Fireworks, The Warren, 21:00
This year’s big launch party will be at The Warren, in the grounds of St Peter’s church with a fireworks display that starts at 9pm on Friday, 6 May. The event is free, but space in Brighton Fringe’s viewing area is limited, so early booking is advised.
Tickets for all Brighton Fringe shows can be purchased at the Brighton Fringe website, the venues themselves, or by visiting the Brighton Fringe Box Office at One Step Travel on Western Road.
