May is marvellous. Two bank holidays, Brighton Fringe and sunshine. What's not to love? If you're still undecided about how to spend the long weekend, we have all the top recommendations to make this the best bank holiday yet.
May is marvellous. Two bank holidays, Brighton Fringe and sunshine. What's not to love?
Blasting back onto the Brighton Fringe scene is the completely unmissable 7ft Bearded Lady-Man Gingzilla: Glamonster Vs The World (27th-28th May, 18:00, The Warren). After sending the crowds wild earlier this Fringe, she is back and inviting you to a 1950s drive-in movie to watch her tear up the stage once again.
Speaking of strong women, Queen Margaret of Anjou was certainly not content to be the quiet and submissive Queen medieval England expected her to be. In fact, she’s thought to be the inspiration for Game of Thrones’ Cersei Lannister. See Gillian English take on this fearsome Queen in She Wolf (26th-27th May, 19:30, Sweet Werks 1).
After a sell out run last Brighton Fringe, Are Strings Attached? (26th-27th May, 21:50, Sweet Werks 2) has returned. This is an inventive and darkly comic take on the Pinocchio story, told through the eyes of a graffiti artist and former tennis pro called DOG.
Almost 63 years after his untimely death at the tender age of 24, you’re probably still guilty of slicking back your hair and donning a white tee and jeans in an attempt to emulate James Dean’s effortless cool. His short life as one of cinema’s most enduring stars is told in James Dean is Dead! (Long Live James Dean) (26th-27th May, 14:30, The Warren). All these years later, his story of how the Hollywood powerful use sex, drugs and power to make and break careers is still relevant today.
Australian award winner Bus Boy cycles on stage this weekend (26th-27th May, 13:15, The Warren). After Jerry, a woman in transition, encounters the eponymous Bus Boy her life is changed forever. After brilliant success in Perth, catch this down under hit while you can.
Another award winner, this time the Amsterdam Fringe Festival Gold Award 2017, is My Father Held A Gun (26th-27th May, 17:50, Sweet Werks 1). A moving and passionate storytelling show told by an Iranian and an Israeli, recent events in the Middle East have made their stories more timely than ever. Discover this unlikely friendship in this intense performance that still manages to find humour and pathos.
Searching for love is hard work, so join the great company of energetic Annabelszki to hear the hilarious highs and lows in her search for Ms Right in Professional Break Up Artist (26th-27th May, 19:00, Sweet Werks 2). A fabulous fusion of stand-up, audience interaction, comedic poetry and a bit of improv, prepare to laugh at the ridiculous scenarios she’s found herself in.
Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me I’m The Gingerbread Man (27th May, 10:30, The Warren)! This brave biscuit is ready for an adventure and is inviting all the family to join him. Brilliant puppetry, music and humour will entertain everyone from 3 to 103 in this delightful staging of the well-loved tale.
Fans of Sunday evenings tucked with a glass of wine and another Agatha Christie adaptation are sure to be delighted by Murdered by Murder (26th May & 28th May, 18:00, 27th May, 19:00, Komedia Studio). This award winning take on the classic murder mystery will skewer all of the unavoidable tropes with razor sharp wit. Be sure to avoid Colonels with candlesticks in the dining room by catching this high spirited comedy instead.
It’s been a big week for Ireland. Three years ago it was another big week, where 62% of Ireland got #hungoverforequality. The Morning After The Life Before (26th-28th May, 19:30, Marlborough Theatre) is a light-hearted and personal tale about Marriage Equality in Ireland. Expect music, cake and an evocative portrait of modern Ireland in this multi-award winning show.
Alfie Ordinary is back! After a fabulous 5 star run at the start of the Fringe, here’s your second chance to see Drag Prince Alfie in Help! I Think I Might Be Fabulous (27th May, 21:30, 29th May, 19:45, Brighton Spiegeltent). This is a riotous celebration of queer life that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. With confetti cannons, LGBT anthems, puppetry and a touching story line to boot, you won’t be able to resist singing along.
It’s the bank holiday, so what better than some free comedy fun? Become PALS with Simone Belshaw and William Stone (26th-27th May, 19:00, The Black Dove). This entertaining pair, joined by a phone voiced by Jen Ives, promise to keep you laughing with whimsical one-liners and offbeat fables.
