Well, we’ve finally reached the final weekend of Brighton Fringe 2019. There’s been disco-dancing to Madonna in an old church, vegan-based stand up in a room above a pub, incredible acrobatics, hilarious cabaret songs about near-death experiences and that’s just a glimpse of what I’ve seen so far. I say ‘so far’ since there is still a full weekend left for you to dare to discover. Take a chance on something new, donate few pennies (and pounds) to that free Fringe comedy and enjoy the fun whilst it lasts.
You’ll regret not filling your days with shows as good as these
After spooking audiences at Brighton HorrorFest 2018, Father of Lies (Sweet Werks 1, 31 May-2 June, 18:35) returns to tell the chilling true tale of an unsolved murder in West Germany, 1973. What is the truth behind Anselm and Kurt’s story? The only way to find out is to watch.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better show than SHIFT (The Old Market, 31 May-1 June, 19:30, 2 June, 14:30) this Brighton Fringe. Stunning acrobatics that will leave you breathless, these tireless performers will astound you with their strength, grace and flexibility at every turn. Playful, funny and definitely not to be missed.
Recommended by the Amsterdam Fringe Jury, Song of the Sisters (The Spire, 31 May-1 June, 17:00, 2 June, 16:00) combines movement, storytelling and song on stage. Performed by three sisters, this honest portrayal of family life is sure to send you down memory lane.
Multi award-winning duo, Zak Ghazi-Torbati and Toby Marlow (co-writer of smash hit SIX) are bringing their Hot Gay Time Machine (Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco, 31 May-1 June, 21:30) to Brighton Fringe. Follow them on a time-travelling journey about their lives as fabulous gay men for an adventure you’ll never forget. Expect outrageous dances, hilarious songs and all round good night out.
If history left you bored and staring out of the window at school, then throw those dusty books away and give history a second chance with Kate Pritchard: Hysterical Histories (The Warren: The Bunker, 31 May-2 June, 10:45). Promising to make history silly again, Pritchard brings her favourite characters from history to life on stage. Through the power of comedy, song and hand-made costumes, you’re sure to learn something new.
As we approach the Queen’s official birthday, what better way to celebrate than by watching Amazing Adventures of Her Majesty At 90+ (Sweet Werks 2, 31 May-2 June, 14:10)? This affectionate comedy will give you a sneak peek into the otherwise hidden and surprising private life of Her Maj. As this afternoon show also includes free Battenberg cake and Duchy Original biscuits (courtesy of Princes Philip and Charles, naturally) it would be rude to refuse such a royal invitation.
Inspired by the poet and writer Maya Angelou, Sherise Strange brings us I’d Had Enough So I Killed Him (The Spire, 31 May-2 June, various times). This dance/physical theatre solo explores concepts of identity, security and strength. Performed in haunting venue of The Spire, this is bound to be a powerful experience.
Bonus Half Term Family Friendly Picks
As half term draws to an end this week, there’s still time to take your kids to see some astonishing performances that they’re bound to remember for years to come.
If your kids are still searching for lost Easter eggs, then why not distract them with a new treasure hunt? This Noisy Isle (MEET: Brighton Spiegeltent, 31 May-2 June, various times) is an interactive family experience where you’ll need to solve puzzles, encounter mysterious characters and successfully navigate your team to complete your mission. Recommended for 7-11 year olds, but you just try telling the adults that!
The winners of the 2018 Primary Times Best Children’s Show Award have brought their brand new comedy Ogg ‘n’ Ugg ‘n’ Dogg (Komedia, 1-2 June, 14:30) to Brighton Fringe. A very long time ago, wolves were the enemy of all people, but when two young hunter gatherers team up with them, they invent man’s best friend: the dog. A perfect afternoon of entertainment for dog lovers big and small. Recommended age 5+.
If you haven’t yet been to the stunning Brighton Open Air Theatre then this weekend’s sunny weather forecast is a sign saying that now’s the time! Come see JW Productions’ version of The Jungle Book (Brighton Open Air Theate, 31 May-2 June, various times), with convincing puppetry showcasing a whole menagerie of jungle animals. As it’s a relaxed space, you’re welcome to bring a picnic along, but hurry as tickets are selling fast.
The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen (The Warren: The Blockhouse, 31 May-1 June, 14:45) is top children’s comedy from top comedians and improvisers. Expect very tall tales about the adventures of Baron Munchausen (all of which are completely and irrefutably true, of course).
So hurry and get booking those tickets as come next week, when many of the venues and shows are packed away, you’ll regret not filling your days with shows as good as these. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for a special announcement this weekend as we’ll be proclaiming the very lucky winner of Broadway Baby’s Brighton Bobby 2019.
