So, this coming Friday 1st May 2015, marks the start of England’s largest arts festival, the Brighton Fringe Festival in our very own home town. With over 750 shows over the month of the Fringe, across a multitude of genres, we have for you our insider Top Picks of must-see shows at the Brighton Fringe:
The Bookish Supper Society: Fringe Edition at La Cave à Fromage, Western Road
In a Fringe edition of The Bookish Supper Society, Myriad authors Emily Bullock and Jonathan Kemp will be in conversation with Laura Lockington discussing their new novels. The Longest Fight by Emily Bullock is a beautiful and brutal debut set in 1950s London amidst the gritty world of boxing. Ghosting, by award-winning novelist Jonathan Kemp, delivers the triumphant coming of age of a woman in her sixties who thinks she has seen the ghost of her first husband. Price includes cheese & charcuterie.
20 May 7:00 PM from £24.06 – £27.50
Camille O’Sullivan at Brighton Spiegeltent, Old Steine Pleasure Gardens
Born in London of a French mother and Irish father, Camille has stunned audiences worldwide with 5-star dramatic interpretations of Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, Radiohead. Fierce, amusing and mesmerizing, the original star of La Clique transforms each song she performs into a grippingly theatrical experience, inextricably drawing her audience into a world inhabited by the bizarre and wonderful.
“A major star” Scotsman ★★★★★ “Exceptional voice” – TimeOut ★★★★★
2-3 May 20:00 4, 6-10, 12-13 May 21:00 £20 (£18)
The Wedding Reception at Sussex County Cricket Club
From the producers of the Faulty Towers the Dining Experience comes a wedding reception with a difference. You were not invited to the wedding because Kate and Will eloped to avoid massive family arguments. But now they’re back to face the music and they want to celebrate with everyone, including you. A new immersive comedy, with meal included. 1-2, 8-9 May 19:00 £39
Black is the Color of My Voice at The Old Market, Upper Market Street
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Apphia Campbell’s hit one-woman show follows jazz musician and civil rights activist Mena Bordeaux as she undergoes a three day period of spiritual cleansing following the untimely death of her father. Hitting Brighton after multiple sold out performances in Shanghai and NYC. “Campbell transfixed, she charmed, she entertained and ultimately moved a packed theatre with her touching portrayal” (SmartShanghai.com), ***** (Scotsgay), **** (The Times).
27-28 May 20:00 £12 (£10)
Regency Delights at Angel House, Brunswick Terrace
May 1831: the new owner of 1 Brunswick Terrace, Mr Thomas Carter, is out to impress Brighton society with his infamous Regency dance soirées. Twice nightly instruction with MC Henry Adams and a range of genteel libations of which to partake at the Regency Salon Bar. ‘Mr Darcy’ cocktail and 45 min class included.
6, 9, 13, 20 May 18:30, 20:00 £10
Tina C: Herstory at Brighton Spiegeltent
A special night to celebrate the second volume of her autobiography. HerStory is a personal unique female history of the highs, lows and even greater highs of one of country music’s more enduring celebrities. Tina C!
27-29 May 19:15 £12 (£10)
Edana Minghella Sings Billie Holiday at The Brunswick
Much-loved Brighton-based vocalist Edana Minghella presents two nights of her stunning sell-out tribute to Billie Holiday. A moving, highly personal performance of song and story which those who love the power of the voice and the magic of jazz won’t want to miss. Expect emotional ballads and down and dirty blues from Lady Day’s vast repertoire, including a heartbreaking ‘Don’t Explain’ and signature ‘Lover Man’. Edana’s quartet includes acclaimed saxophonist Lee Goodall (ex-Van Morrison).
17 May 20:30 £10 (£8) 23 May 20:00 £12 (£10)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at St Ann’s Well Gardens – The Scented Garden
A festival favourite founded by its current producer in 1989 in Queens Park. It reformed, relocating to St Anne’s Well Park, 6 years ago with Nicholas Quirke directing its acclaimed shows. Following a gap last year it’s back! Showcasing a talented, new cast and director, Shakespeare actress, Rebecca Lowndon. Experience everyone’s favourite comedy performed in the most magical of settings. 15% box office takings donated to Rocking Horse Appeal.
15, 17, 29, 31 May 18:45 £12 (£10) (£14 on the door) (£5 Under 16s) (Under 5s free) 16, 30 May 18:45 £13 (£11) (£15 on the door) (£5 Under 16s) (Under 5s free)
Classical Spectacular at St Bartholomew’s Church
Sublime classics by some of the world’s most celebrated composers performed with professional soloists and orchestra within the wonderful setting of St Bartholomew’s Church. Haydn’s magnificent battle inspired Nelson Mass features alongside Vivaldi’s electrifying Double Trumpet Concerto. Mozart’s exquisite Laudate Dominum and powerful Symphony No.29 complete this explosive programme, which opens with Handel’s jubilant Zadok the Priest.
9 May 19:30 £15 (£12)
Herbie’s Jazz Breakfast at Brighton Spiegeltent
Start every Brighton Fringe Sunday in the company of a living legend, bassist Herbie Flowers and his incredible bands. Enjoy the extraordinary talents of the UKs finest jazz musicians up close and personal – and a bit of a chat.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May 11:00 £12 (£10)
An Evening With… The Rat Pack of Opera at Brighton Spiegeltent
An entertaining and uplifting hour of stunning vocals, luscious harmonies and witty banter from the UK’s premier classical-crossover vocal trio. A wonderful evening out… you’ll be glad you came
10 May 19:15 £12 (£10)
The Treason Show: Election Special! at The Rialto Theatre
The Treason Show, Brighton’s cult, long standing satirical comedy sketch show, will perform the day before, the day of, and the two days after the election. On election night itself, their show will be followed by an election after-party including live election coverage as it unfolds.
6 May 20:30 £9 (£7), 7 May 22:00 £15, 8 – 9 May 20:30 £10 (£12.50 on the door)
Bach Cello Suites & Beethoven Cello Sonatas Complete at St Michael & All Angels Church
Beautiful cellist Pavlos returns on the 9th/10th to feed our ears with sublime cello suites performed over two evenings. Pavlos then returns again on the 30th/31st with rising star pianist Louisa Lam in Beethoven’s cello sonatas, which are full of human emotion and absolutely not to be missed.
9-10, 30-31 May 19:30 £10 (£8 Over 60s) (£5 all other concessions)
The Brighton Fringe Festival is from 1st – 31st May 2015. Book your tickets at the Fringe Festival website here.
For any accommodation requirements during the Brighton Fringe Festival, please contact us on 01273 603504 or at info@blanchhouse.co.uk and we’ll be delighted to assist you.
01273 603504
Brighton museum is currently host to the first large scale British exhibition dedicated to contemporary African fashion, exploring trends from the catwalk to street wear. Designers, stylists, photographers and bloggers from Casablanca in Morocco, Lagos in Nigeria, Nairobi in Kenya and Johannesburg in South Africa, take you on a journey in their own words, pictures and fabrics. The show includes an exciting range of apparel, illustrated with film and sound where visitors can immerse themselves in the best of African design.
For those with a taste for the more contemporary, Romeo Stodart of London’s indie band The Magic Numbers, will be teaming up with singer Ren Harvieu for a night which will showcase their respective back catalogues. The duo will also be playing live some of their recent tracks written in partnership. Their unique stripped-back soulful sound is simply captivating. The Komedia is 14-minute walk from Blanch House. Why not join us for an early evening signature cocktail before you head out for the night?
Brighton & Hove are awash with quirky retro shops, selling everything from feather boas to crockery with many right on Blanch House’s doorstep. From 18th September to 13th November this autumn, the Vintage Fair at Brighton’s Corn Exchange will be showcasing small items of furniture, homewares, collectables and accessories. Only a 12-minute walk from Blanch House it’s only £2 entry and under 12s go free. Why not complete the perfect morning following your delicious home-cooked breakfast at Blanch House with a delve into vintage Brighton and live music from the Time Travellers?
It seems like the summer sun is not quite ready to check out in Brighton and we couldn’t be more delighted, as it gives the Blanch House team the ideal excuse for dreaming up beautifully refreshing new cocktails.
