BN1 Magazine May 2019

BN1 MAGAZINE

THE GUIDE

TO BRIGHTON & HOVE

RAILED

HEAD FIRST ACROBATS
AT BRIGHTON FRINGE

THE GREAT ESCAPE / BRIGHTON FRINGE
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL / FESTIVAL PLANNER
PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS / PIGS X7

May
2019

AJ TRACEY A SWAYZE AND THE GHOST
ANNA CALVI APRE

BANG BANG ROMEO BLACK MIDI BLACK PEAKS
CHAI CHILDREN OF ZEUS CONAN GRAY
CONFIDENCE MAN CONNIE CONSTANCE
CRACK CLOUD DU BLONDE
ELDER ISLAND FAT WHITE FAMILY

FLAMINGODS FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES
FLOHIO GGALLAN PARTRIDGE GEORGIA
GIRL IN RED GIUNGLA GRAHAM VAN PELT
GREENTEA PENG HAELOS INDOOR PETS
INJURY RESERVE JAMBINAI JAYKAE
JOY CROOKES KAWALA KEYAH/BLU

LAURA MISCH LEISURE LEWSBERG
LIELA MOSS LITTLE SIMZ

M HUNCHO MAISIE PETERS MIINK
MINI MANSIONS MURKAGE DAVE OH LAND
OUR GIRL PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS

PIP BLOM PIROSHKA POM POKO
PONGO RADIANT CHILDREN

SELF ESTEEM SPORTS TEAM SNAPPED ANKLES
STEAM DOWN STILL WOOZY

SURFBORT THE AMAZONS THE BETHS
THE RHYTHM METHOD TOURIST VIAGRA BOYS

YVES TUMOR ZUZU



Welcome to the May edition of BN1 Magazine...

It’s May, and a simple stroll around the city will reveal a plethora of different sights, sounds and sensations.
You can sample gastronomic delights at Foodies Festival, check out the best breakthrough music at The Great
Escape or get down at the Funk And Soul Weekender. Art is served in generous measures, as the city’s makers
display at Artists Open Houses, international performers flock to Brighton Festival and the curious and brilliant
light up the night at Brighton Fringe.

It’s maybe the last time Britain will participate in the European Elections on Thurs 23 May. The EU make important
and impactful decisions, on everything from migration to climate change and employment law to privacy. For
over 40 years it has enabled Europe to stand together in the face of a complex world. Yet many MEPs failed to
act in our best interests, choosing to be obstructive and use the privilege of representing us as a platform for
personal gain. This could be one final chance to show the world what we expect from Europe. Regardless of
who you vote for, get registered before Tues 7 May.

NEWSDESK/ EDITOR IN CHIEF: CONTRIBUTORS:
GENERAL ENQUIRIES: CHRIS SADLER Charlotte Beldham / Louisa Streeting /
[email protected] Jess English / City Books Team /

BN1 MAGAZINE EDITOR: Cristina Marinache / Rich Wardle / Ray A-J
Unit 28, Floor 6, STUART ROLT Brad Goodspeed / Meghan Rhys-Challis /
New England House, [email protected] Tyler Constable / Carly-May Kavanagh /
New England Street, Izzy Sigston / Carly Pepperell / Tom Boddy
Brighton, MARKETING & SALES:
BN1 4GH

01273 022991 [email protected] COVER: HEAD FIRST ACROBATICS
[email protected] Louisa Streeting
Kai Lowe Cover Image By © Frank Packer
Show: Railed (Brighton Fringe)
Internships and Job opportunities:

Want to become part of the BN1 Magazine team, gain valuable media skills or submit articles, content and images?

Various internships are available for local writers, photographers, marketing, sales, creative types and enthusiasts to join

Brighton’s leading culture and events magazine! Just email your CV and a little about yourself to: [email protected]

Book Powerful Print and Digital WE WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR EVENT, SUPPORTED BY:
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1) Convenient size and very BRIGHTON & HOVE! provider of contemporary
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audience of readers & followers main culture and events guide for Brighton &
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All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process or by any
electronic or mechanical device (printed, written or oral), unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. All textual content, design

graphics, images and specific photographs used in the magazine are copyright © BN1 Media Ltd 2019.
BN1 Magazine has taken every reasonable care to ensure the information contained within this periodical is accurate on the date of publication. It is advisable
that you verify any information before relying upon it. BN1 Magazine accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any damage or loss suffered

by users of the information, materials or third parties featured within this magazine.

6 What’s Happening

8 Enter to Win Festival tickets

10 Get Ready For Pride 2019

12 Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

14 BN1 Chats With Flamingods

16 16 - Gigs and Nightlife

18 THE GREAT ESCAPE GUIDE

34 20 Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
46
22 BN1 Chats With Himalayas
22
62 24 Tropical Fuck Storm

26 A Glance At Brighton Festival

28 A Broken System

30 Shift (Fringe Show)

32 Cooped (Fringe Show)

34 Railed (Fringe Show)

14 36 My Left Right Foot (BTN Festival)
37 BN1 Chats With Desiree

20 39 The Good Book List

40 25 Years of Komedia

42 Brighton Festival Guide

44 Fringe Guide

46 Fringe Guide

48 The Warren

49 Pocket Angel App

50 Fringe Survival Guide

51 On Screen - TV & Film Guide

36 52 Crystalz Tavern

54 Festival Guide 20
56 Artist Open Houses

59 Fitz Wine and Aluna Rum (Fringe)

60 Foodie News

62 BN1 Tries The Park View

64 BN1 Tries Pappa Pitta

65 The Nutritionist

66 City Books Crossword

37

24

bn1magazine.co.uk 5

NEWS

WIZARDS
AGAINST
LIZARDS

SWEETVENUES.COM FOR TICKETS “Having to go into the escape room and having to solve
the clues in there with the timeframe”
SAVE CAROLINE LUCAS FROM
ILLUMINATI LIZARD SACRIFICE “QR codes, mad technology and lizard spies”

An interactive immersive experiential game is taking “Like a scavenger hunt, mixed with escape rooms,
place throughout Brighton for four teams of up to going through the streets of Brighton and in shops to
five players. You have been enlisted for a mission of see random people to tell them something that you think
utmost urgency, a team of wizards against lizards have they won’t know what you’re on about”
requested you to join their quest to save Caroline Lucas
from being sacrificed by the Illuminati corporate Lizards! Performances take place throughout the year, with
Avoid detection as you search throughout the North some special events curated specifically for Brighton
Laine hunting clues and collect the key items necessary Fringe. Tickets are £150 per team of five players.
to infiltrate the Annunaki secret base, bring an end to the
ritual; and take the system down from within. MARTLETS HOVE
CARNIVAL
Teams suitable for adult families, groups of friends, stag
and hen parties and students. MON 27 MAY // HOVE PARK

What to expect: Limited time event, learn the art of the Hove Carnival is returning this May and it’ll be another
Wizard to complete each task within a certain time frame free day of fun for all the family. The event is in aid of
before Caroline Lucas becomes a sacrifice. Lots of the Martlets Hospice and will include stalls from local
gallivanting about in order to unlock the clues to your vendors, exciting activities and plenty of entertainment.
puzzle with interesting secret code phrases for actors
who may be watching you from behind the corner. Find Amongst the family friendly acts will be The Black
yourself in various venues in disguise, and be prepared Eagles Acrobatic Show, an exciting troupe of acrobats
immerse yourself in the antics set up by the Wizards from Tanzania, and, the ‘pawsome’ K9 display team will
against Lizards, with some drinks of course. be showing off the skills of their highly trained canine
companions.
“Mad, immersive, multimedia experience with invites
and chasing people around town” The carnival has been very popular with Brighton &
Hove residents over the years and 2019 looks to be
“It was like Pokémon Go but you’re inside the Pokemon” its best year yet. Taking place over the second May
Bank Holiday makes it the perfect opportunity to enjoy
“We were listening as best we could with the video fine Spring weather and help raise money for a brilliant
clues, and there’s a sort of palpable excitement as the cause.
next clue comes in”

6 bn1magazine.co.uk

OTHFEBLAANDGYKOBKOYS COCKTAIL WEEK

FRI 3 MAY - SUN 2 JUNE / HOVE LAWNS ORDER UP! BRIGHTON COCKTAIL
WEEK IS COMING FROM 1 - 9 JUNE!

With entertainment soaring from start to finish at every Brighton’s very own Cocktail Week comes back for its
performance, The Ladyboys of Bangkok is always third year this June and with everything from Finnish
brimming with magic. Originating out of Edinburgh in Saunas, premium liquor, and cheap drinks - it’s
1998, this sparkling cabaret show has become one of something you won’t want to miss.
the most well-loved touring companies across the UK
over the last 20 years. Featuring 16 stunning performers, Sponsored by Amathus, Fentimans and Pernod Ricard,
their latest production The Greatest Showgirls Tour! sees the merry week will be kicking off 1 June, offering up a
the girls celebrating their 21st birthday. It’ll combine the great way to spend your summer.
glamour of Hollywood and glitz of Las Vegas with classic
British music-hall traditions in a mesmerising spectacle. At Plotting Parlour you can get your tiki on, with island
style drinks, or if history’s more your thing, Cargo Cult
With massive production value, a tremendous list Rum will also be transforming the venue with their own
of songs, dazzling costumes, and spectacular WWII inspired South Pacific bar. GungHo! are also
choreography, The Ladyboys of Bangkok offer a mixing it up with a Finnish sauna, thanks to Koskenkorva
celebration of individually and pride every night. vodka.
The cabaret’s own Sabai Pavilion is a warm, intimate
venue that will find audiences escaping to the exotic Organised by Mixology Group and Sharp Media, the
surroundings of Bangkok as they step into the eye- festival is also keeping things classy with Premium liquor
catching pink tent. Freshly prepared Thai cuisine and and spirits on offer at Amathus, and even Masterclasses
well-stocked bars are also available for customers each on cheese and charcuterie pairing with Whitley Neill
evening. gins at the boutique Hotel Una Bar. Fancy.

Coming to Brighton & Hove as part of this year’s Fringe, If you don’t feel like drinking your money away, don’t
the company will deliver splendid performances and worry. You can grab an exclusive wristband for £10
making sure the crowds leave with smiles on their faces. from Amathus, Daddy Longlegs and Medusa Bar or
the festival website, and you’ll only have to pay £5 per
SERGE ATTUKWEI’S CURRENT cocktail for the whole week. If that isn’t enough, you’ll
AFFAIRS WEDS 1 - MON 27 MAY also be entitled to discounts on masterclasses and
event tickets throughout the festival.
FABRICA GALLERY
If staggering home off your face at two in the morning
Described as ‘incredibly beautiful, yet politically charged’, doesn’t sound like your thing, you can always opt
Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei creates large-scale for lower ABV spirits and non alcoholic cocktails
Afrogallonism pieces out of yellow jerry cans, vessels that at Fentimans and Pedrino. There’s even England’s
are typically used for carrying fuel oil and are imported first white Vermouth, the Silver Birch, on offer from
into Ghana from Europe. Attukwei touches on global Blackdown Artisan Distillery. P.S. it’s made from tree
issues of plastic waste and access to basic services sap!
while promoting his mantra of exploring narratives rooted
in colonialism, trade, and migration. Part of Brighton Check if your favourite bar is part of the festival,
Festival, it’s a breath-taking sight to behold. and grab yourself an exclusive wristband here:
brightoncocktailweek.com (COMPETITION PAGE 8)

bn1magazine.co.uk 7

© by Scorpioworldwide

WIN LOVEBN1 FEST TICKETS
LoveBN1Fest is a celebration of everything Brighton
& Hove, a celebration which brings communities and In order to be in for a chance to win one of two pairs of
families together for some summer festivities in Preston VIP LoveBN1Fest tickets, Simply answer the following
Park. Wanting to join in on seeing the likes of Jessie J,
Grace Jones and other amazing artists? As well as tons question to enter:
of family friendly entertainment and indulge in some
delicious street food? Well, BN1 Magazine has your back Who is headlining LoveBN1Fest this year?
as we have two pairs of VIP tickets up for grabs for some
lucky competition winners! The VIP tickets, each worth Deadline to enter is Mon 3 June
£70, provide access to the ‘Golden Circle’, a premium
main stage viewing area for the optimal experience on VISIT WWW.BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK TO ENTER!
watching the main event!

WIN BRIGHTON COCKTAIL WEEK WRISTBANDS

Fancy enjoying some delicious drinks in the warm
weather this summer? Then Brighton Cocktail Week is the
event for you. Head over to the BN1 website now and
enter our competition for a chance to win a pair of event
wristbands.

With headline sponsorships from Havana Club, Amathus
and Fentimans, no cocktail enthusiast will want to miss
this. The festival will take place across 20 popular city
venues.

Wristbands holders are entitled to discounted £5 drinks
from any of the participating venues across the weeks
Sat 1 June to Sun 9 June, and, we’re giving away a pair
of wristbands to two lucky readers! Simply answer the
following question to enter:

Who is the main rum sponsor for Brighton Cocktail Week?
A) Barcardi B) Havana Club C) Sailor Jerry

Deadline for entries is Mon 20 May 1 - 9 JUNE
Visit bn1magazine.co.uk to enter!

19—23 June ‘19 — Preston Park

sean lock alan davies
sara pascoe adam hills
henning wehn tim key
tom allen lolly adefope
rose matafeo rachel parris
ed byrne david o’doherty

desiree burch phil wang
bridget christie john robins
stephen k amos suzi ruffell

ed gamble rosie jones
ivo graham zoe lyons
andrew maxwell rhys james
kiri pritchard-mclean

PRIDEGET READY FOR 2019 © by Chris Jepson
BY RICH WARDLE

As we barrel towards summer once again, local Don’t think it ends there though, as Sunday sees the park
Brightonians are winding up for arguably the biggest switch down a gear for the chilled out LoveBN1Fest.
event on the cities calendar – Pride 2019. It feels like the Again, there’s going to be some fabulous musicians
festival is getting larger and more electrifying every year, including Jessie J and Grace Jones headlining the party.
what with Britney Spears headlining the music in 2018 Keep an eye out for the BN1 Magazine tent where we
and now our little seaside city will be graced by pop- will have some fantastic local DJs spinning the decks to
legend, Kylie Minogue. We are honoured! keep your Sunday afternoon funky.

As anyone who’s been part of the festivities Meanwhile, Brighton’s Kemptown will set
before knows, music is just one pillar in the scene for a weekend long Pride
the Parthenon that is Brighton Pride. Village Party where local businesses
The renowned Pride Community will throw open their doors with a load
Parade will be marching from Hove more entertainers, DJs, artists and
Lawns, through Brighton to Preston of course, bars. All of this is to raise
Park. Every year, the parade some extra funds for local charities
draws over 300,000 people into the Rainbow Fund and the Social
the streets in celebration. There will Impact Fund. The Pride Village Party
be representatives from a number of is a wristband only event so make
Brighton communities including police sure you purchase yours early to avoid
and fire services, the NHS, Girl Guides
and Scouts to name but a few. A 50m rainbow disappointment.
flag will accompany the procession as a beacon of
Pride's diversity and inclusivity. This is always a colourful If you’re not a Brighton local but still want to join in the
frenzy of fun so make sure you get a spot on the parade festivities, Pride is organising a large camp-site to the
path early and expect to be knocking elbows with the north of the city, within walking distance of all events.
rest of Brighton! Camping can be arranged through the Brighton Pride
website.

Spanning the entire weekend, the main party will With support for Brighton Pride growing every year, 2019
converge in Preston Park for the official Pride In The Park looks to be our city's biggest and best event yet. With
event, where you’ll find Kylie on the Saturday along with some incredible entertainment, exciting venues and a
Fleur East, Clean Bandit, Bjorn Again and many more. atmosphere of equality and inclusion that’s stronger than
The whole area will be converted into a festival space ever, come and join the hoards of beautiful people and
so expect multiple stages and tents, hosting a range of have a party in the streets.
musicians and entertainers. Little party animals can kick
it in the Family Diversity Area for face-painting, costume Check out the Pride Website at www.brighton-pride.org
making, dancing and games. Make sure to get over for more info on all events and tickets.
to the Market Area for some awesome festi-food and
produce to keep you fuelled up.

10 bn1magazine.co.uk

ODDBREW.CO.UK

MUSIC

BN1 CHATS WITH...

PIGS PIGS PIGS BYLOUISASTREETING
PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS

There’s a strong craving in the air for heavy guitar riffs They grasped any chance they could to support bands,
and menacing vocals in live music, with Pigs Pigs Pigs which often meant a six-hour drive to London quite early
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs creeping to the forefront of this on in their career. “That did benefit us in a way. It made
mainstream resurgence. The Newcastle-upon-Tyne rock recording the first album super simple, but it also meant
outfit seems to have engrossed our attention in more that that album was supercharged and full of energy.”
ways than one. Matt Baty, the band’s vocalist, assures me
there was no moment of euphoria behind their disturbing Their vigour on stage transfers well to the airwaves of
name. Although, he still remembers conceiving the idea Radio 6 Music, with the station playlisting three of their
years ago with Johnny, the band’s bassist, during a bad singles from their album. Pigs were also selected to
day in the studio predating Pigs. “We knew it would look play a huge slot at 6 Music’s annual festival, this year
absurd on posters, so we just went with it. It certainly in Liverpool, of which Matt was immensely grateful for.
is funny seeing it on festival line-ups taking up a whole “The evidence of the support they’ve leant us has been
row.” tangible. All of a sudden, our live shows were all selling
out and I have no doubt that’s down to the 6 Music
Their name is undeniably obnoxious. I decide not to admit support.” The quintet has been moved by the wealth of
I wasted my time wondering if there was any connection positivity towards their sound when meeting fans at the
to the number ‘seven’ and the seven deadly sins, the merch stand before and after their gigs. “It’s quite heart-
thematic focus of their second record they released last warming because it shows if certain heavy bands are put
August. It’s effective because it’s meaningless. in front of a wider audience there’s still a real thirst and
hunger to enjoy that music.”
The foundations of this album, King of Cowards, came
together accidently when a few gig dates in Italy were Touring has been an instrumental but effortless
cancelled on their tour of mainland Europe. Seizing the component to the band’s success. As I speak with
opportunity to stay in a remote location in the Italian Matt, he has had just a few days rest after Pigs’ almost
countryside, they utilised this time to flesh out rough sold out UK Spring tour. Following their insane show at
track ideas and finish writing the record. “It was absolute Brighton venue, The Haunt, the band is eager to kick-
magic to focus on it and feel energised by it.” Matt start the summer shows at The Great Escape festival this
explained how rare this moment of inspiring serenity in May. “There are different mannerisms in different cities,
Italy was. Back in Newcastle, the boys are busy with day and some places stick out in my mind. There’s a very
jobs and so often can’t get into the practice room until the particular audience and a very particular character to
evening for very little time. them as well. Brighton is always the one I look forward to
playing because of that.”
Despite the huge success of the record, Pigs initially
never set out with intentions to record their music. For Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs will play The Old
the first four years, all they craved was live performance. Market at The Great Escape on Fri 10 May.

12 bn1magazine.co.uk

1-4 augUST HEVER, KENT

Mystery Jets / Professor Green / Tom Grennan

Alma / Black Honey / Dream Wife / Indoor Pets / Lucy Spraggan
Sleeper / Sports Team / The Futureheads / Tion Wayne

CHILDCARE / Ed The Dog / Ferris & Sylvester / FUR / Georgia / Himalayas / Husky Loops
Keston Cobblers Club / LUCIA / Only The Poets / The She Street Band / Too Many T's

404 / CLT DRP / Family Fiction / Grenades / Guru / Kid Kapichi / Lauran Hibberd / Rina Mushonga
Squid / Superlove / Swimming Girls / Swimming Tapes / TALK SHOW / The Dunwells / Walt Disco

Shy FX / Grandmaster FLash / David Rodigan
MISTAJAM / Craig Charles

+ A SECRET SPECIAL GUEST!

DJ LUCK & MC NEAT / StANTON WARRIORS / FLEETMAC WOOD

a Spectacular Kingdom of Music, Party and Arts

Beach Parties / Burlesque / Cabaret / Campfires / Cinema / Circus / Cocktails / Comedy
Craft Beers / Drag Club / Glitter Wrestling / Goldmine Rave

FAMILY FUN / Magic / Paint Fights / Spoken Word / Street Food / Wellness / Workshops

3 IMMERSIVE realms to explore

NEVERWORLD.CO.uk

FLAMINGODSBN1 CHATS WITH...

BY LOUISA STREETING

“I’ll let you listen, it sounds a bit crazy," says Kamaal violin-like sound. “We could capture a real Middle Eastern
Rasool, founder of otherworldly alternative rock band sound, because khaliji music is very string heavy and
Flamingods. He trails off, as he holds the phone towards none of us play strings.”
the enormous burst of energetic sound from their
rehearsal room in Kamaal’s garden. The band are getting Khaliji, a contemporary Arabic style ubiquitous throughout
geared up for the release of their fourth record, with a Kamaal’s youth in Bahrain, has formed an integral part of
sequence of shows to follow including Brighton & Hove’s the band’s sound. “My dad would be driving me to school
The Great Escape. pumping out Khaliji classics and I just hated it. There was
nothing about it that I liked.” He tells me it wasn’t until he
For Flamingods, rehearsing and composing in the same was older when he realised how beautiful this music was,
room are now cherished moments together. Originally making him think of his home. These influences paired
from Bahrain, changes in UK governmental visa laws with Kamaal’s eclectic taste make it difficult to pinpoint
meant Kamaal had to leave London after his studies Flamingods as one solid music genre.
in 2014. Flamingods’ last two records were written and
recorded over the Internet with the band members in When he moved to the UK for university, his eardrums were
different corners of the world (predominantly Dubai and exposed to the music he once read about in magazines
London). “It was a very long process and it created a lot like Low Down and Uncut. “You can imagine, 18 years
of tension in the band because it’s quite hard to explain of just wanting to go to gigs and never being able to –
yourself, like, trying to write an album over email.” Kamaal it’s quite a long time. When I finally moved to London, I
suggests having these challenges helped them grow as went to a show every week.” He remembers seeing mind-
every band member could tap into their own ideas and blowing performances from Iggy Pop, The Boredoms and
realise the albums’ potential. Konono N1 at All Tomorrow’s Parties festival he attended
with Charles and Sam from the band. That weekend,
Despite now being able to play together, Kamaal makes the boys were exposed to live performances that would
it clear their newest album, Levitation, still faced its own slowly turn into big influencers for them.
difficulties. “We had a few tragedies happen while we were
writing the record, so we were trying to take all that stuff After two packed out shows in 2017, Flamingods will
and soak it in as much positivity as we could. Trying to get return to this year’s The Great Escape festival amid their
uplifting lyrics matched with euphoric instrumentation – album tour. “There’s a fun energy at The Great Escape
that was our main goal for the LP.” The foreign sounds on where everyone is quite excited about everything, it’s
Club Coco, the third of their new singles, certainly oozes nice to be around. As a music fan, it’s so intense because
the band's zeal for travelling. you’re seeing so many bands from different genres.”
Flamingods’ international psychedelic sound will certainly
Flamingods’ mutual appreciation for touring means they be an unmissable experience in Brighton this May.
acquire intriguing new instruments along the way. After
spending time gigging in Turkey last year, they fell in love Flamingods will play The Great Escape Festival on Sat 11
with the Saz, the country’s native guitar. Kamaal tells me May. Their album, Levitation, is out on Fri 3 May on Moshi
the new album also features the Taishogoto, a Japanese Moshi Records.
stringed instrument, which they bowed to create a harsh

14 bn1magazine.co.uk

MIXOLOGY GROUP & To getfotrhe£se5...
SHARP MEDIA present

1-9 June 2019 ...yotuhe’lsl enfeoerd one of
£10
Enjoy £5 cocktails at
35 of the city’s leading
bar venues, plus special

events and tastings,
from 1 - 9 June 2019

Headline sponsors

www.brightoncocktailweek.com BriCocktailWeek Brighton Cocktail Week BrightonCocktailWeek

GIGS & NIGHTLIFE

BN1 CHOICE LOYLE CARNER

FRI 3 MAY // CONCORDE 2

24-year-old British rapper Loyle Carner is one of
the most lovable members of the hip-hop industry.
His sound described by NME as being ‘sensitive
and eloquent,’ Carner used his past experiences
and various influences to pursue a career in music.
With a unique vocal tone and references to very
real issues in his life such as ADHD and dyslexia,
this is a musician who you can relate to, and enjoy
his music all the more for it.

© by Mike Massaro

(C) Mia Mala McDonald KING CHARLES © by Nicole Gomes
KYLE FALCONER TUES 14 MAY // THE HAUNT © by Paul Heartfield
MON 6 MAY // PATTERNS THE LEISURE SOCIETY
WED 22 MAY // KOMEDIA

Best known as the lead singer of Scottish Always been a force of nature, especially A British folk-pop band formed in
band The View, Kyle Falconer comes to during his passionate and energetic live Brighton, playing in Brighton... Can you
Brighton for a solo performance. Inspired performances, King Charles has been imagine a better atmosphere? With their
by the likes of The Beatles, Oasis and dropping a new track every month for fifth studio album due for release in April,
Fleetwood Mac, expect Falconer's six months. Teaming back up with LA The Leisure Society are kicking off their
individual voice to deliver his indie powerhouse producer, Matthew Wilder UK tour in the middle of May, before
rock harmonies like no other. Following (Miley Cyrus, Christina Aguilera), he’s coming back to their beloved home town
release of his debut solo album last year, unleashed a set of compelling and to perform for their local and loyal fans,
Falconer has sold out in venues across beautifully constructed songs. Now, to with special guests to be announced.
the UK. celebrate, he’s off around the UK before
the summer festival season starts.

(C) Mia Mala McDonald DEATH AND VANILLA
© by Mike Guest
FARA THE VAMPS
WEDS 22 MAY // ROPETACKLE THURS 30 MAY // WESTGATE CHAPEL, LEWES FRI 31 MAY // BRIGHTONCENTRE

One of the freshest sounding groups to Sweden’s Death and Vanilla create organic Formed in 2012, The Vamps rapidly
emerge from Scotland’s folk scene. This sounding electronic contemporary rose to popularity. A boy band with
supremely talented four-piece are ready music, emulating the sounds of 60s/70s added attributes such as playing their
to unveil new LP Times From Times Fall – soundtracks, library music, Krautrock, own instruments and producing their
a celebration of their homeland packed French Ye-ye pop and psych. The trio own songs, this is not a night to miss.
with songs drawn from the words of revel in the warmth of older analogue Following lead guitarist's James' near-
Orcadian poets. Blending classical and instruments to create a more organic win on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of
mainstream influences, they create truly sound, each loose wire and off-kilter noise Here! in 2018, the pop rock band have
intoxicating contemporary roots music. adding to the rich atmosphere. been in high demand.

16 bn1magazine.co.uk

DJ Pierre SOLD OUT! CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN

Thursday 2nd May

The Brighton Centre

ENGLISH DISCO LOVERS 30 YEARS OF MR BONGO

SUN 5 & SUN 26 MAY // BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT Sunday 5th May

Now a cornerstone of Brighton Fringe’s nightlife diary, Brighton Dome
English Disco Lovers return with a couple of sparkling
Bank Holiday bangers. Originally conceived as a means SOLD OUT! LSaUtCurYdaSyP18RtAh GMaGyAN
to subvert the acronym ‘EDL’ they continue as a loveable
group of renegade party-starters. Confronting intolerance Concorde 2
through the medium of huge house and disco anthems,
they pay homage to the multi-cultural and poly-sexual SOLD OUT! BTuEeAsdKa>y 21st May
heritage of dance music. This community group will
celebrate their fifth sell-out season with an irrepressible Concorde 2
mix of disco, humour, inclusivity, fundraising and fun. So,
get your dancing shoes and big wigs on, because we’re SOLD OUT! ECHOBELLY
about to have a good time…
Tuesday 21st May
NIGHTLIFE PLANNER:
The Prince Albert
Jacky & Friends // Sat 11 May // The Arch
After a short hiatus, Jacky is back. He brings SOLD OUT! SILVERSTEIN
current Beatport chart toppers, summer anthems
and LEFTWING:KODY, Kadenza, Kalypso, Lewis Friday 24th May
Clayton and The Garden.
Concorde 2
Funk and Soul Weekender: After Party //
Fri 17 May // Concorde 2 PLAIN WHITE T’S
There are Funk and Soul Weekender after-parties
everywhere, and this one has Brighton’s own Monday 27th May
turntable wizard Krafty Kuts, alongside A.Skillz
and Soul of Man. The Haunt

Hunee (3 Hour Set) // Sat 25 May// Patterns BRY
With his sunshine grooves and perky house
beats, Hunee shows off a love for vinyl, Chicago, Tuesday 28th May
Detroit and a special affinity for plenty of glorious
uplifting anthems. Komedia

Shoom : Future Love // Sun 26 May // The Arch TThHuErsdFaUyT3U0RthEMHaEyADS
Shoom is back with another steller event in the
UK. Hosting this Celebration of Dance Music Concorde 2
culture of Techno, Acid + House music on May
Bank Holid HEART OF A COWARD

Eats Everything // Fri 31 May // Concorde 2 Saturday 8th June
House music legend Eats Everything heads to
town for another massive party. With sublime The Haunt
technique and some stunning selections, he’ll be
ripping it right up. JENNY LEWIS

Sasha // Fri 31 May // The Arch Wednesday 24th July
Ruling the dancefloor back when most DJs were
still in nappies, Sasha continues to rock it every Concorde 2
time. Now he returns to Brighton for a marathon
musical journey. KATE NASH

Wednesday 31st July

Concorde 2

WTHedEnDesIdVaIyN16EthCOOcMtoEbDerY

Brighton Dome

EASY LIFE

Tuesday 22nd October
The Old Market

LoutPromotions.co.uk

THE GREAT ESCAPE

(C) Mia Mala McDonald A. SWAYZE AND THE GHOSTS
© Lauren Maccabee
INDOOR PETS SPORTS TEAM THURS 9 (LATEST MUSIC BAR 12:15AM)
FRI 10 (THE HAUNT 11:15PM) SAT 11 (THE DIVE BAR – BEACH SITE 1:30PM)
FRI 10 (HIDEOUT 6:15PM, THE HOPE AND RUIN
9PM); SATURDAY 11 (THE OLD MARKET 7:15PM)

The power pop four-piece from Kent, The six-piece met whilst studying at Coming all the way from The Island
formally known as Get Inuit, recently Cambridge, and their alternative punchy of Inspiration, Tasmanian born four
released their debut album Be Content. sound and witty lyrics, as well as their piece A Swayze and The Ghosts bring
Packed with indie-pop bangers, the manic live performances, quickly caught garage-punk with Iggy and The Stooges
album is a highlight reel of their best hits the attention of the music press. The inspired undertones to the UK indie-rock
so far, with some of their older songs lyrics of their best tracks, Kutcher, M5 scene. Having just released their debut
like Barbiturates and Pro-procrastinator and Margate are humorous, charming, 12” last month, along with lead single
getting a shiny new release. Indoor Pets and seem to resonate particularly with Suddenly, and signed to UK based
are producing fast and catchy tunes a young British audience. Bands like Rough Trade Records, the thunderously
which preach self-acceptance and Sports Team are making important electronic rock group are ones to watch.
celebrate the social misfit, and their contributions to the indie scene, and Written by frontman Andrew Swayze
wonderfully and wacky music videos serve as a reminder of why the genre is and his wife, the lead single lends an
make for great viewing. having a revival. ear to topics of gender imbalance.

SHADED © Anthoni Grande BRUTUS
SAT 11 (VOLKS 1PM) © Ebru Yildiz 2019 THURS 9 (THE HAUNT 6:30PM)
CHARLY BLISS
SAT 11 (THE DIVE BAR – BEACH 8PM)

Hailing from Surrey, pop-rockers After opening for Veruca Salt and touring Belgium based Brutus recently released
Shaded saw a big rise with the release alongside Death Cab For Cutie, Brooklyn- their long-awaited second album Nest
of their EP A Familiar Love last October. based power-pop four-piece Charly Bliss a follow-up to 2017’s widely received
The four piece, consisting of vocalist made ripples in the US indie scene. With Burst. The three piece, consisting
Matt East, guitarist Callum Irons, and, their upcoming sophomore album Young of front-women Stefanie Mannaerts,
bassist Dan Bradberry merge catchy Enough set to release next month, the guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and,
melodies, slick vocal work and bright group transform the grungy thrashing of bassist Peter Mulders offer up a fierce
instrumental hooks effortlessly to create debut album Guppy into a synth-filled mix of math rock, hardcore punk, and,
a unique infectious sound. Having pop punk set, fusing the raw energy of black metal. Brutus are truly something
recently toured across the UK and Black Honey with the ironically whimsical to behold and shouldn’t be missed at
Europe with Australian pop-punk stars darkness of Paramore. Complete with this years Great Escape Festival. For
Stand Atlantic, Shaded are set for big intelligent lyrical lamenting, the band fans of: Rolo Tomassi, Conjurer.
things in 2019. promise contemplative head-bobbing.

BIMM STUDENTS CHOICE SHOWS

(C) Mia Mala McDonald
© Harriet Brown
FLAMINGODS JOY CROOKES BLACK HONEY
SAT 11 (ONE CHURCH 10:30PM) THURS 9 (SHOOSHH 9:30PM) FRI 10 (THE HAUNT 1:45AM)

Originating in 2010, the positively A rising new RnB star with over five million Brighton-based indie band Black Honey
pink psychedelic cyclone known as plays on Spotify, the future looks bright made a name for themselves by putting
Famingods fuse their Bahrain and London for South London’s Joy Crookes. The on knock-out live performances, before
based roots to create a worldwide musical young artist is already being compared releasing their stellar self-titled debut
collage. Emblazoned with the name to Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, album in 2018. Although indie, a lot of
of their favourite animal, the flamingo, even before the release of an album. the band’s music seems genre-defying,
the four-piece multi-instrumental group Her sophomore EP, Reminiscence, is ranging from grunge to rock n’ roll
craft an awry take on jazz complete with all about self-acceptance, lessons in to (almost) pop. Black Honey are an
eastern stylings. Channeling the cosmic love and growing up. Crookes’ music exciting band to listen to and follow, and
sound of The Beatles, with a twist of showcases her hypnotic and soulful their debut album, although a long time
middle eastern instrumentation, in their voice, and is a taste of great things to in the making, is a musical masterpiece.
soon to be released album Levitation, come from the young artist.
the band transcend genre into their own
creation dubbed Exotic Psychelia.

(C) Mia Mala McDonald VALERAS
© Bridie Florence
© Pasco.photography FRI 10 (DITTO STAGE - TGE BEACH SITE 5:30PM)
GAFFA TAPE SANDY AGBEKO
SAT 11 (PRINCE ALBERT 1PM) SAT 11 (JUBILEE SQUARE 6PM)

Forming in Bury St Edmunds in 2015, Mancunian self described Afrobeat Reading five piece alt-rock band
three piece garage rock band Gaffa mixed with Ethio-Jazz 11 piece band, with their own unique style in terms of
Tape Sandy blitz fuzzy guitar thrashes this exciting blend of genres makes for fashion, sound and vocals, with the
in a blender with catchy pop hooks something to really grab your attention. best influences from grunge, funk and
and crunchy head banging rhythms to Even if this isn’t your typical cup of tea, pop punk genres. Age should not be a
create their juicy take on garage rock. you will soon find yourself entranced by discriminating factor in terms of talent
After releasing their debut EP Spring the Ethiopian inspired rhythms blasting as the band have quickly gained a loyal
Killing in 2017, and dousing the stages in your face with a mix of gorgeous following, and have played alongside
of Glastonbury, and The Great Escape vocals and a unique take on how jazz big names: The Amazons, The Wombats
soon after, the now Brighton-based trio can be interpreted. This band will have and Fickle Friends. To be young and
have moved onto an indie rock sound you vibing in your seat from the second already so talented and with a lot ahead
akin to Jake Bugg, with their recent the music begins. of them, the future is looking bright for
single Headlights. Valeras.

IMAGE © SAMUEL WILLIAM HESKETH

PSYCHEDELIC PORNBN1 CHATS WITH...
CRUMPETS BYMEGHANRHYS-CHALLIS

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are the latest Australian them, and owning their label gives the four-piece 100%
four-piece band to come out of the rich waters of Perth, ownership of their music, as well as the freedom to
and their unique blend of psychedelic melodies and release music on their own terms and pursue their own
robust riffs is proving to be a popular combination. Their creative interests. “Now the label’s grown a bit we’re
debut album, High Visceral Pt 1, recorded in a decrepit fortunate enough to talk terms with labels and work
old barn in rural Perth which the band say was the “crux” together on what we want rather than being thrown a
of finishing the record, is punchy, vibrant and everything bone for four people to chew on.” The band also hint that
you’d want from a psych-rock band. their label may someday be used to sign other up and
coming bands, giving other artists the same freedom
One thing that can’t be ignored is the bands choice they’ve enjoyed.
of name. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have, as you
can imagine, had some interesting responses to their The band’s name probably doesn’t have commercial
chosen name, with some fans even attempting to create appeal, but that’s part of their ethos both in choosing
a physical representation of the randy, acid dropping names and making music. “Music is so subjective, I
crumpet. “Some beautiful soul made us a gift which know I’m not going to please everyone but as an artist
was a circular container wrapped in yellow putty with that’s kinda your main objective, else we’d all be writing
boggle eyes all over it, when you opened it up there interpretative gobbledygook that only the creator likes to
was a picture of some 80s porn star with a note on the listen too.” Despite this attitude, the band clearly care
back addressed to us, underneath were some crumpets deeply about their sound and the reception of their music.
with peacock feathers and a stick of weed, easily the “I’m just happy people are listening to it, even though
highlight of our careers.” sometimes that’s a bit daunting. You spend months
working on an album which you feel so connected too
You can be forgiven for thinking with a name that, the and then it’s no longer ‘yours’ anymore, or you want
PPC’s are not to be taken seriously. However, the band to change bits right up until the final deadline. I think
have big plans, and the determination to match. Once in an ideal scenario I’d like to have more time with the
stating they were only 10% of the band they could be, record before it’s passed on, make sure I’m completely
the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have a bright future. “I confident with all the tracks and then playing live we’re
want to spend every waking minute devoted to creating nailing them.”
music. Imagine if physicists wrote albums, or high
profile athletes who exhaust themselves for moments Psychedelic Porn Crumpet’s have big things planned for
of greatness. I feel like I write as much as possible 2019, with their sophomore album dropping in May and
but there’s so much interference while creating that it’s plenty more touring throughout the year. The band are
almost impossible now to fully shut off from the world and also playing two shows at Brighton’s The Great Escape
fully immerse yourself into your art.” this summer. Despite their big plans, band’s dream to
collaborate with The Mighty Boosh’s Vince Noir is still yet
As well as their musical determination, the Psychedelic to come to fruition. “If he’s ever keen to jam we’d love
Porn Crumpets have also created their own label, What to get some crimping happening.” Someone get Noel
Reality? Records. Independence is clearly important to Fielding on the phone, ASAP.

20 bn1magazine.co.uk

weheokleibdnaadnyk
23-27 May 2019
Hop Farm • Paddock Wood • Kent

2ManyDJs • Erol Alkan
Joey Negro • Maurice Fulton

Marc Rebillet (Sat & sun)

Andy Blake • Bawrut • Bill Brewster • Chida
Eric Duncan • Identified Patient • Ivan Smagghe
James Lavelle • Jennifer Cardini • Justin Robertson
Kuniyuki Takahashi • Man Power • Nancy Noise
Neurotic Drum Band • paul daley • PBR Streetgang

Prins Thomas • Terry Farley • Terry Francis
Vox Low • Warmduscher • Willikens & Ivkovic

Zombies in Miami

Aerosoul • Al Mackenzie • Allies • Amy Alsop • Andy Taylor • Andy Nicholls • Apiento
Ben Random • Bird of Paradise • Cammy • Charles Green • Childsplay • Civilisation of
the Rough • Clandestino • Cosmic Sanj • David Cardoso • Dean Griffin • Deaf by Disco
Decious (LIVE) • DiscoJuice • Dizko Delta • Dharma • DJ Ironing Board • Donna Leake

Douglas Chippendale • Drop in Sessions • Eclectics • Ed Mahon • Eddie Richards
Elusive Wax • Eren • Ethan Owen • Feel The Drive • Floydy & Rogers • Forriner

Franklin • Freddy Love • Grant Holmes • Gilded Pleasures • Guy Williams
Jack Medley’s Secure Men • Jah Shabby • Jamie Tolley • Jason Bakal • Jel Wood
Jonny Posh • JnR TuK • John Tree • Ian Blevins • Imogen • Jaye Ward • Jaegerossa

Jonjo Jury • Logan Fisher • Larus • Lee Fisher • Lisa Loud • Loose Joints
Lord Ant B • Man 2.0 • Mark Collings • Marvin Dez • Matt & Jim Sancho • Mind Fair
Michael Prestage • Moritz • Mr Paul • Nathan Coles • Onsight • Oscillate • Osher

Ovre • Pete Callard • Paul Gardner • Peza • Phickle • P.I.D.R • Ramjac (LIVE )
Richard Tovey • Sally Love • Samback2myhouse • Si Kurrage & Mr Shiver
Si Parkinson • Smiffy • STEVE kiw • Strickland • The Rev JP • The Caulfield Beats
The Feel Good • The Two Mamarachos • Tobie C • Stash Magnetic • Tronik Youth

Wildblood & Queenie • Will Graney • 7”s of Bliss • and much more

www.alfrescofestival.co.uk

HIMALAYASBN1 CHATS WITH...
BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

Since their debut in 2015, Himalayas appear to have guitar and drums, paired with hard-hitting lyrics
been touring non-stop, and have made a huge impact critiquing consumerist society, resulting in an impactful
on the newly revived indie scene. Hailing from Cardiff, and ambitious single.
the alt-rock four-piece consisting of Mike, Joe, Louis and
James, have built a reputation for their captivating hooks Musical progress is important to Himalayas, stating
and anthemic tunes, and 2019 is set to be their busiest previously that they no longer feel that their debut EP
year yet. Ecstasy represents them as a band. Their music feels like
it’s maturing quicker than most young bands, and with
The band have found huge commercial success with a distinctive style difference between the 2016 release,
their track Thank God I’m Not You, which has
reached well over 12 million plays on Spotify. Ecstasy and their most recent track (released 2018),
They put their success partly down to If I Tell You, the band clearly aren’t standing
luck, and partly down to the support still with their sound. “We’ve progressed a
of big names on radio. “We’ve had huge amount since starting this band,
huge support from day on from we’re more open to change with our
Edith Bowman, Huw Stephens, sound now.”
Steve Lamacq, Gordon Smart
and Bethan Elfyn. It’s been It’s refreshing to see a band
really humbling for all of us.” like Himalayas progressing so
Although luck seems to have quickly, and makes them an
nothing to do with it with exciting act to keep an eye on
songs as brilliant as Thank especially since they currently
God I’m Not You and Sigh on have an album in the works. “We
a Hurricane, it’s no surprise can’t say too much, however, it
mainstream radio have been so will be everything you know and
quick on the uptake. Himalayas hopefully love about Himalayas,
have also been spotted by Fred and so much more. We can’t wait to
Perry Subculture and This Feeling play some new songs from it over the
promotions, a sign of big things to come summer.”
for the band.
During what could be the busiest year yet for the
Their lyrical influences are diverse, ranging from Alex band, they are also returning to Brighton’s multi-venue
Turner of Arctic Monkeys fame, to Bob Dylan, David festival, The Great Escape, for their second year. “Last
Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash. It’s year we played two shows and they were both one in
clear to see the influence of these great song writers in one out, The Great Escape is amazing and we’re really
song like If I Tell You, which is one of the band’s most excited to be back again this year.”
impressive songs to date, both lyrically and musically.
The song has a fast-paced energy thanks to its heavy The band can be found at Latest Music Bar on 9 May at
2:30pm, and Hope and Ruin on the same day at 1:00am.

22 bn1magazine.co.uk

bn1magazine.co.uk 23

QQU&ICAKWITH:

FUTCRKOPSITCOARLM
BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

What kind of reactions do you get from your name? The song Soft Power is about cultural imperialism,
People seem to either really love it, or really hate it (Mark which America has obviously been the master of for
Zuckerburg in this camp)... A bit like our music really, so decades. Do you think with Trump in power this has
makes sense! will changed or has changed?
The song implies it has/will change with Trump. But
How does this project feel different from The Drones? who fucking knows. I can’t think of which country could
The Drones was really heavy, downer, depressing music. possibly take over within the Trump era time frame.
This seems a bit more fun, I think it sounds more fun, it
feels more fun at least. A lot of the songs in the album cover heavy topics, do
you find writing music cathartic or does it just remind
How would you describe your sound in 3 words? you of all the bad stuff going on in the world?
I. Don’t. Know. That question is obviously for Gaz! He's in the studio
madly mixing our second album for deadline, so I
What was your creative process in making the album? couldn’t anwser these questions. I’m trying to think of his
Well, we formed a band, toured the US, recorded and response... and to cover myself I’m going to say a bit of
released an album all within a year. So the creative both. And maybe he’d say that the heavy topics are just
process was intense. We had to figure out our sound, the topics of what’s going on in the world. And drama in
and each others personalities and musical styles and how songs is just more fun!
we fit it all together. We kinda just did it song by song.
The first song we wrote Chameleon Paint, we worked on, Would it be fair to say you’re anti-internet, if not,
recorded and released straight away on a 7". So the first cautious of the internet? Why?
song we released was our ONLY song. Then the second Again, this is for Gaz. Oh god.......
song we released Soft Power, also on 7" was the second
song we had. These songs are on our album as are the A lot of bands come out of Perth, why do you think
next two songs in the 7" series we put out in the lead up that is?
to the album, but we kinda just chucked them out there Because it’s such a boring place.
hoping they’d work.
What’s the main thing you want listeners to get from
Thinking about this now I wonder if that’s conceit or your music?
stupidity... I like to think enthusiasm. The rest of the I personally like to be emotionally moved by music. I love
album we had a little more time. Though what I described music that makes me cry. It's not that hard to make me
sounds like the actual writing/recording of them was cry though – a soppy rom com at 30,000 ft will do it every
quick. It wasn’t. It was a meticulous process of everyone time. So, I want listeners to cry when they hear our music.
taking great care to find ways of going against what they (ha ha).
would naturally do to make the music more exciting/weird/
interesting. That was the goal anyway. And vast amounts You’re playing The Great Escape this summer, do you
of booze. have a pre-performance ritual?
Vodka. Beer. Pushups.
24 bn1magazine.co.uk

YOUR

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bn1magazine.co.uk 25

A GLANCE AT

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL

BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

Illuminating the city streets between 4-26 May, the and Army of Generals, the show blurs the lines between © Fototala King Massassy
Brighton Festival returns for its biggest year yet. With music and dance, performer and audience, to produce
such a huge variety of events to choose from, planning a deeply emotive and personal display.
your festival schedule can be a tricky task. We’ve
collated some of the best shows and unmissable events Writer, comedian and mental health activist Ruby Wax
to help make the most out of your Brighton Festival will be gracing the stage of the Theatre Royal with her
experience. ‘How to be Human’ show, in which she is joined by monk,
Gelong Thubten and neuroscientist Ash Ranpura. Wax’s
Musician Rokia Traoré is the Guest Director of the festival hilarious and insightful show teaches us how to survive
this year, and will be opening the programme with Né in a world dominated by technology. The internationally
So (meaning ‘home’ in her native Bambara). The work renowned circus company behind Backbone seem to
questions what it means to simultaneously belong and be far from human in their exploration of the limits of the
stand apart, to be female, an African artist and mother. flexibility and physical stamina. The ‘Gravity, and Other
Questions of identity are also at play in Nicôle Lecky’s Myths’, company will leave you catching your breath
work Superhoe, in which her character, Sasha, takes and redefining the genre of circus. If you’d like to get
a journey to the self in this one-woman production. involved in a performance, but Backbone is beyond
The play explores being lost and then found, and is your ability, Wet Sounds is an immersive art installation
provocative, raw and honest. set at the Prince Reagent Pool. Wet Sounds pumps
abstract electronica through underwater speakers,
If you’re searching for outdoor spectacles, Ghost pared with an impressive lighting display. The result is
Caribou can’t be missed. An otherworldly experience the ultimate pool party.
set at night using music, song and shadow puppets,
the performance will transport you to a dream world full The Brighton Festival will also be hosting a range of
of giant creatures and ethereal spirits. From another literary figures, including author Ben Okri OBE, who will
world to another time, A Midsummer Night’s Dream be taking to the stage to discuss his new novel, The
transports you to ancient Athens. This open air, all male Freedom Artist. Okri, in conversation with author Colin
production of the Shakespearian classic by The Lord Grant, will be sharing memorable stories and adventures
Chamberlain’s Men theatre company celebrates its 15th in writing. Some Small Isle explores the impact of the
year at the Brighton Festival. Exploring not just another Windrush Scandal. The show will see a range of writers,
world, but outer-space, the Museum of the Moon is editors and artists discussing how, as black artists and
a free exhibition by Luke Jerram. The exhibition sees writers, they respond to injustices such as this.
a seven-meter model of the moon, featuring NASA
imagery of the lunar surface, take over Queens Park. Né So: Sat 4 May. Brighton Dome
The Children’s Parade will also be exploring far-away Superhoe: Written and performed by Nicôle Lecky. Sun
places this year, with the theme of Folk Tales from 19 – Tue 21 May. Attenborough Centre for the Creative
Around the World. Over 5,000 children will be taking Arts
part from across Sussex, and the event is set to be a Ghost Caribou: Sat 18 May. Queens Park. Free.
display of energy and imagination. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Thu 23- Sat 25 May. St
Nicholas' Rest Garden
30 Years of Mr Bongo will be one of the stand out Museum of the Moon: Queens Park. Fri 17- Mon 20
musical showcases of the festival this year. The show May. Free.
celebrates the history of Mr Bongo, the Brighton based Children’s Parade: Sat 4 May. Starts at Kensington
record shop turned independent label, and will feature Gardens. Free
the likes of The Skints, Hollie Cook and Moses Boyd 30 Years of Mr Bongo: Sun 5 May. Brightom Dome
Exodus. There is also range of classical performances A Child of Our Time: Philharmonia Orchestra. Sun 26
to choose from, such as A Child of Our Time, by the May. Brighton Dome
Philharmonia Orchestra. Performing Beethoven’s Triple Marmen Quartet: Fri 10 May. Theatre Royal Brighton.
Concerto, it promises to be a poignant and powerful The Nature of Why: Mon 6 May. Brighton Dome
performance of one of Beethoven’s great works. For How to be Human- Ruby Wax: Sun 19 May. Theatre
a more pared-down affair, the Marmen Quartet’s will Royal Brighton
perform Haydn’s Op. 50 quartets and Debussy’s only Backbone: Wed 15 - Fri 17 May. Brighton Dome
string quartet. The string ensemble are known for their Wet Sounds: Sat 4 May. Prince Reagent Pool.
musical artistry and this rendition of two masterpieces Ben Okri: Tue 7 May. Brighton Dome
will be a deeply moving performance. For classical with Some Small Isle: Sun 5 May. Brighton and Hove High
a twist, The Nature of Why rejects the rules of orchestral School.
performance. Performed by the British Paraorchestra

26 bn1magazine.co.uk

MUSIC

Né So (Rokia Traoré) // 30 Years Of Mr Bongo
(Moses Boyd Exodus, The Skints, Hollie Cook, Jungle

Brown & DJs) // King of Ghosts // Sam Sweeney //
Eye to Eye // AKA Trio // Chilly Gonzales //

Dream Mandé: Bamanan Djourou & Djata
(Rokia Traoré) // Ko Saba and Ariwo //

Played Twice (Sunday at the Village Vanguard
by Bill Evans Trio) // Salomé (Haley Fohr) //
Slow Moving Clouds // Neneh Cherry

Guest Director: Rokia Traoré
4 – 26 May // brightonfestival.org

bn1magazine.co.uk 27

A BROKEN SYSTEM & WELFARE NEGLECT

BY WILLIAM CLAY

Britain has seen sweeping changes to the way welfare strict and irrational, failing to look at certain problems
benefits are perceived and paid. For some, the shift has or establish why people need help. For example, DLA
been difficult. One intent is for everyone aged 16 – 65 assessed ability to sleep comfortably. Now, provided
and claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to have you’re comfortable in the day, PIP ignores problems
living costs caused by their illness supported by the new faced at night. There’s also a significant rollback with
Personal Independence Payment (PIP). definitions of mobility issues.

The migration between the two systems has seen the Agencies like CASE (who depend on grants and
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) writing to donations from private individuals) are becoming
claimants, asking them to reapply for continued support. overwhelmed due to cuts at advisory services around
It’s a massive undertaking, beset by problems and the city. “We’ve received more cases from individuals
revealing imbalances in the reforms. Tommy, a local who can’t go to other organisations,” says Josephina.
theatre-maker, has witnessed the chaos first hand. “My “The work for everyone increases. It’s becoming too
experiences were bad I suppose,” he tells me. “I lost out much for case workers.” Brighton Housing Trust (BHT)
on my money for nine months. My benefits had been cut, have been forced to slash advice centre capacity after
because I’d never responded. It was a constant battle a 55% reduction in legal aid finding. Likewise, local
to prove I’d never received this letter.” He cites several disability charity, Possability People, are facing the
other locals who’ve suffered during the haphazard closure of their advice centre, after 85% in funding cuts
migration. One was told bluntly he ‘wasn’t disabled from the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and
enough’, becoming locked in tribunals for 18 months. Brighton & Hove City Council. Last year, their centre
provided advice to over 4,000 people. “When you ask
Benefits have become reduced or negated, the CCG, they say it’s not their issue,” says Lloyd Russell-
accompanying an atmosphere of instability and fear Moyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown. “All this money is
amongst claimants. “People give up,” says Josephina, a being spent on people supporting people in benefits,
Welfare Rights Adviser at CASE Central - a Hollingdean- so ‘that’s not a health issue’.” The purpose of benefits is
based charity assisting people on low incomes. “We no longer viewed as making reasonable adjustments to
found people don’t want to claim because they’re claimant’s lives. Benefits are increasingly perceived as
terrified.” She tells me the system passes responsibility just ‘incentives’ for people, valued economically instead
to claimants, with no exception for circumstances. of the improvement to health they can bring.
Inevitably many fall through the cracks. “Depending on
how ill you are, you might forget, have anguish about Tommy was lucky to be assisted by BHT on his case,
it or simply not understand.” The state is paying huge but he says negotiating the system without expert
amounts to private companies for repeated and arguably advice is becoming impossible. His experiences
unnecessary reassessments of claimants. These appear prompted How Disabled Are You? - a work at Brighton

28 bn1magazine.co.uk

Fringe exploring public perceptions of hidden May 2019
disabilities. He’s convinced worsening attitudes
have enabled ruthless cutbacks in benefits. “A
lot of people’s problems come from the medical
interviews, where you have to sit with someone
for 15 minutes and they decide if you’re lying or
not.” He tells me many struggle with expressing
their illness in a way the system can understand,
especially around mental health. “A world has
been created, where everyone on benefits is
‘conning the system.’ It’s quite a massive thing,
that the DWP is feeding into. This filters down into
the systems they introduce.”

At CASE, Josephina recounts how one client
started using the building’s backdoor, fearing
neighbours would see her entering and
guessing she was a claimant. “The system
demonises claimants,” she tells me. “So, there’s
lots of reluctance from politicians and other
campaigners to speak about benefits.” Statistics
show more people in work, but poverty has also
risen. Use of food banks has soared, and the
most vulnerable members of society, those with
the least voce, are bearing the brunt. A vicious
cycle is manifesting, where the ability for people
to cope with their illness and find employment is
being reduced.

“This whole world they’ve got, revolves around
cuts,” says Tommy. “They’re trying to save money
to spend on other things, and it’s the benefits
system they think they can reform the most.” If
deterring people from claiming is imperative,
there’s different ways of achieving this. You can
encourage and support people into economic
activity, or simply punish them. It depends greatly
on your perception of claimants.

Perhaps, as a society, we need to ask if
contributions to the community can be other
than fiscal. Another alternative is to design a
system which takes a more holistic approach to
illness, which rewards and supports instead of
demonising or penalising. “Those claiming PIP
are not in a static situation, but treated like they
are,” say Russell-Moyle. “People with disabilities
often have complex needs, which require a multi-
faceted and multi-agency approach and that’s
extremely lacking.”

CASE Central can be contacted through:
www.case-central.co.uk

How Disabled Are You? comes to Junkyard Dogs:
The Doghouse on Fri 3 – Sat 4 & Fri 17 – Sat 18
May, as part of Brighton Fringe 2019.

BARELY METHODICAL COMING TO THE OLD MARKET ON
TROUPE’S PRODUCTION: 28 MAY - 2 JUNE

AS PART OF FRINGE FESTIVAL

SHIFT IMAGE © CHRIS NASH

BY BRAD GOODSPEED

Clowns, ringmasters and lion tamers, these are just gentle finish after this hour of exhilarating movement
some of the things that come to mind when you think and we hope they leave with a really big smile inside
of Circus - right? Innovation is hard when you’re trying and a great warm feeling. We certainly do as we’re quite
to evolve something with such prominent imagery into knackered by the end of it; and as are the audience.”
something new and exciting. Charlie Wheeller, Cyr
Wheel artist, from the Barely Methodical Troupe gives “I really didn't know what Shift was for a while until we
an insight into how he and the bromance between his came to the end of one of our sets in Edinburgh to really
fellow performers can reinvigorate classic circus at the get a grip with it.” Shift is an enigmatic production, about
Brighton Fringe with their new show Shift. instability and trying to get a grip on your surroundings;
and knowing that even though you may fall - you can get
Just who are the Barely Methodical Troupe? “We’re really back up. “We’re in an ever changing world, and we’re
grappling with trying to figure out what our identity is. forever trying to get a grip on some stability in the world.
We’re still learning, so we are really hungry guys who You have to accept instability ride that wave instead of
just love learning; and playing is a big part of us too! trying to grab hold all the time - trying to keep your feet
The lovely thing about this is that all of us would have on the floor.”
different things to say about the experience. I first
met the cyr wheel at Circus Space and I’d never seen You may think that Circus performances aren’t
anything like it! We all have performance backgrounds associated with any sort of narrative path, but the Barely
and we bonded over the urban backyard acrobatic Methodical Troupe is trying to change that. “There's
disciplines like breakdance and free running. We’re not really a proper narrative, unlike some of our other
very much trial and error type of people rather than the pieces, there's lots of moments of story with speech;
traditional methodical gymnasts, and thus we are the but we let our bodies to the talking. We tried to be a bit
Barely Methodical Troupe.” more purist with our acrobatic research in Shift and the
audience really grabs hold of it”
Inside the classic spiegeltent where Shift takes place,
the performers will be making the most of a 4.8 meter Brighton Fringe has an audience hungry for something
island in the middle of the audience which brings some exciting and different, and this troupe definitely offers
new limitations to work around. “We usually love a lot of that. “We’re very excited to be back in Brighton, we have
space and use as much as we can so that really brought very fond memories of it. We try and add a couple new
such new challenges to us and new limitations! But we things for every show and we can hear straight away
really enjoyed having such a small space and so does how the audience reacts to it. Our shows really develop
the audience, being terrifyingly close with them twisting on the road. From the first show to the last, there’ll be
and turning their necks to see what's happening.” some funky new things to look forward to!”

“Shift found an uncertainty in the space, so at the end You can catch the Barely Methodical Troupe’s production
of the show we hope we find a conclusion together. of Shift at the Old Market during the Brighton Fringe from
We have a final ‘Autumn Sequence’ where we are just Tue 28 May - Sun 2 June
like leaves blowing in the wind. We have this really soft

30 bn1magazine.co.uk

CBDSSouBithscreuakcgedkotreeaerusnissnltst

Patty & Bun | 56 Ship St | BN1 1AF | 01273 729388

[email protected] @pattyandbunjoe @pattyandbun

COOPED © JANE HOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY
A SPYMONKEY PRODUCTION

BY BRAD GOODSPEED

Described as “A glorious bunch of idiots who like to and a Spanish soap star and you're cooped with
make seriously ridiculous theatre” - artistic directors Spymonkey! Stephan says “Spymonkey is a highly
from Spymonkey Toby Park, Petra Massey, Aitor Basauri precise and accurate depiction of what Europe seems to
and associate artist Stephan Kreiss give us some details feel like at the moment. Two European countries, Spain
into celebrating their 20th anniversary with the remount and Germany, represented by - two idiots! The UK –
of their sublime comedy Cooped which touring the UK represented by two idiots! We have shown to each other
and US in 2019. on numerous occasions that we are idiots and therefore
get along pretty well these past two decades. The world
Based in Brighton, the internationally-acclaimed would perhaps be a nicer place if people would admit to
Spymonkey are firm local favourites. So, it’s fitting the their foolishness.”
tour opens at Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, as part of
Brigfhton festival in May. They then head off to Liverpool Spymonkey fans and first-time audiences alike will
and Blackpool in June and then an extended off enjoy the laugh-out-loud humour of Cooped, with new
Broadway run, in Florida, for autumn 2019. bits especially created for this anniversary tour. On the
success of the show, Toby believes it is because “it is
First created in 2001 and performied for the first the purest piece of silliness we have ever made, just
time in the UK since 2013, Cooped comes across so much joy on one stage. It is so brimming with ideas
as Hitchcock’s Rebecca meets The Pink Panther, and treats for the audience, like a magic box that keeps
Spymonkey’s deliciously demented take on the pulp revealing new surprises.”
gothic romance overflows with brilliant characters, rip-
roaring farce and virtuoso physical comedy. Aitor says it With their dark, edgy physical comedy rooted
feels nostalgic after not performing the show for so long. ‘somewhere between Monty Python, the Marx Brothers
“The shows that you have not done for a while when you and Samuel Beckett’, and a quartet of performers from
go back to them, they fell like and old place that you Spain, Germany and England, Spymonkey have proved
have not visited in a long time. It feels familiar but you to be a truly international phenomenon, enjoyed by and
do not know why?” accessible to a wide range of international audiences.
They have created nine shows to date; Stiff, Cooped,
Petra says that the way the humour of Cooped depends Zumanity - Another Side of Cirque du Soleil, Bless, Moby
on the person. “If [the audience] like this kind of thing Dick, Love In, Oedipussy, The Complete Deaths and
then they may snort, wet themselves and at times be most recently their critically acclaimed adaptation of A
moved. If they don't then they will sit with a lemon face Christmas Carol for Liverpool Playhouse.
and say idiots under their breath a lot. And that would
be right.” Programmed by Worthing Theatres in partnership with
Brighton Festival, Cooped will be performed at the
A spooky mansion, a plucky young heroine and a Pavilion Theatre, Worthing from Weds 22 - Sun 26 May.
‘handsome’ English aristocrat. Add a German butler

32 bn1magazine.co.uk

bn1magazine.co.uk 33

RAILED IMAGE © NAOMI REED
HEADFIRST ACROBATS PRODUCTION
PART OF BRIGHTON FRINGE

BY RAY A-J

Scantily clad cowboys in chaps, climbing all over each Or, as they’re better known, ‘The most wanted bad-asses
other and racing around an old saloon for a couple of this side of Dodge City’, through bare-knuckle brawls,
hours? That’s not what you expect when you hear circus, and mad storytelling. Their mid-blowing performances
right? Well down at this year’s Brighton Fringe, you will are fueled with tricks, flips and possibly splits, along
see just that - the unexpected. with a range of homo-erotic comedy, including a tender
moment between a unicorn and horse. The wild show
Coming all the way on spurred heels from their critically will stalk our hopeful heroes through an hour of witty
acclaimed performance in Perth and Adelaide Fringe is a banter and ridiculous horseplay.
circus act defying the boundaries of the circus tent. This
show, wait for it, goes off the ‘rails’ with their innovative Regulars to the group include creator and performer
take on acrobatics. Channeling Cirque Du Soleil with a Callan Harris, directors Debra Batton (of Circus Oz)
flash of The Three Stooges, the award-winning troupe and John Walton (of Elixir), along with acrobat and
known as Head First Acrobats are venturing out to this trapeze expert Thomas Gorham. They have roped
year’s Brighton Fringe with their wackiest show to date - in new performers, trained clowns, ‘Manipulator’
a western-themed circus spectacular. Adam O’Conner-McMahon, and Strut n Fret’s Harley
Timmermans to join the rooting-tooting team.
Magic Mike meets Clint Eastwood in the Melbourne
natives’ risqué production: Railed. Making its UK With ten-gallons of talent, the Aussie kings of narrative
debut at Brighton Fringe’s Spiegletent this May, the circus are lassoing elements of their previous flagships.
side-splitting show will take us to Wild West, to catch With nods to their adult variety show, Circus'cision, and
a glimpse at the lives of four stupidly cheeky half-cut the sillier Children’s pirate circus show, Arrr We There
gunslingers as they paint the town red. These outlaws Yet, this theatrical mixture creates a tongue-in-cheek
are out for more than just money as they desperately try take on the fiendish outlaws of the west. Think Red Dead
to rob trains, but actually just end up robbing hearts and Redemption but with less clothes and more jokes.
the liquor cabinet.
But these cowboys don’t just wear fringe. The free
Complete with Head First Acrobats’ signature mix of rangers have seen acclaim in Fringe festivals across
slapstick comedy and inconceivable stunts, the group’s Brighton and Adelaide, winning the Best Cabaret Award
demanding circus production promises daringly human in 2015, and Best Circus and Physical Theatre Award
tower style tricks, with some raunchy antics thrown in for with last year’s zombie apocalypse inspired show, Elixir.
good measure. If this sounds like the show for you, be sure to catch
the chiseled cowboys in their gun-slinging action at
With performances from 4 May to 1 June, the bare- Brighton Fringe.
chested circus will follow a who’s who of western
outlaws. The mostly useless 'Drunk Sheriff'; the powerful Railed comes to Brighton Spiegletent from Sat 4 May
yet standoffish vagrant the resident barman keeping the to Mon 6 May & Mon 20 May - Sat 1 June, as part of
boys liquored up, and the all-round good guy town hero. Brighton Fringe 2019.

34 bn1magazine.co.uk



IMAGE © MIHAELA BODLOVIC

MY LEFT RIGHT FOOT
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL

BY STUART ROLT

In portraying Irish writer and artist Christy Brown, Daniel pretending to be disabled, that’s not acceptable. Why’s
Day-Lewis won an Academy Award and international one OK and the other isn’t? Why is it not OK to black up,
acclaim. For Robert Softley Gale, seeing a man with but is to pretend you’re disabled? I haven’t the answer,
cerebral palsy played on screen by a non-disabled actor but we need to ask those questions.” We rarely see
was a curious affair. The theatre director’s reaction was disabled actors on stage or screen, and there’s many
to reimagine My Left Right Foot through the eyes of a reasons. Too often disabled people don’t get the same
dysfunctional amateur dramatics society. “They would access to certain education, especially with drama
go for it in a big way,” he tells me. “For them it would schools. There’s plenty of prejudice remaining in the
be about making the best show they could, it wouldn’t entertainment industry. The idea disabled actors will be
be about being politically correct.” His story tracks the more difficult to work with still lingers.
fortunes of the Kirktoon Players, whose ambitions may
exceed actual talent, as they try to boost their chances in This continued use of non-disabled actors focuses us
the Scottish Amateur Dramatic Association competition on performances, instead of celebrating the stories. It’s
by becoming inclusive. time to reframe this. “If you’ve got a non-disabled writer,
a non-disabled director and a non-disabled actor telling
Throw in some fabulous songs, an awkward love triangle a story about a disabled character, there’s something a
and some robust opinions, and you have the perfect bit wrong. That’s not to say you can only tell your own
vehicle to explore the concept of casting non-disabled story, but when disabled people are not being allowed
actors as disabled characters. “All that stuff, which is to tell these stories we need to ask why.”
quite heavy and complex, if you put it into a musical
it becomes much more enjoyable and accessible.” It’s a tricky balance to ask these questions, without being
The songs also provide license to visit places most over-bearing or becoming cynical, but My Left Right Foot
shows wouldn’t dream of. Lending a hand with some of seeks a way forward. It enables us all to laugh at views
these is Richard Thomas, who’s previously worked on instead of people. There’s been a resurgence of non-
productions like Jerry Springer: The Opera. “He’s got a disabled white men thinking they must ‘get their voice
lot of experience in musicals, but also with writing songs back’. “That idea that, somehow, minorities have had it
that are a little but more risqué or push boundaries. It too good for too long is complete bollocks. The idea that
helps asks questions in a way which is engaging and somehow your BNP or your Trump supporter feels it’s
interesting.” the right time to get their voce back… We need to be
aware of where that leads to.” The rise of these opinions
A sell-out and award-winning success at last year’s is enabling violence against minorities and increasing
Edinburgh Festival Fringe drew the biggest reaction from exclusion. This heightened tribalism ignores the simple
non-disabled audience members. This collaboration truth that society is complex. “Our political systems are
between National Theatre of Scotland and Birds of all based on us and them. I’m a disabled guy, and I relish
Paradise, an inclusive theatre company which puts my identity, but it doesn’t make me special from other
disabled artists centre-stage, My Left Right Foot places people. We all need to be part of a group that moves
most focus on the voiced opinions of its non-disabled things forward. “
protagonists. It offers a gentle way of examining
behaviour and perceptions. “Daniel Day Lewis created My Left Right Foot: The Musical comes to Theatre
the character of Christy Brown in the film, and we Royal Brighton on Tues 14 May - Sat 18 May, as part
all thought that acceptable and enjoyable,” Softley of Brighton Festival
Galesay. “But if you get a boy or a girl in the playground

36 bn1magazine.co.uk

DESIREEBN1 CHATS WITH...
COMING TO THE BRIGHTON COMEDY GARDEN

BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

LA-born Desiree Burch has been taking the UK comedy comedians than ever are breaking into the industry, with
scene by storm ever since she took the leap across women like Sarah Pascoe, Katherine Ryan and Sarah
the pond in 2014. The award-winning comedian has Millican now household names. Female comics are no
featured on shows including Live at the Apollo, Frankie longer a novelty, but the comedy scene is still very much
Boyle’s New World Order, and Mock the Week, and is a dominated by white men. “Men get taken a chance on
presenter on Netlfix’s new comedy show, Flinch. Despite a lot more. There are still older men who run comedy
her long-established relationship with the UK, she admits nights and shows and they’re like: ‘I don’t know, she only
there is still one part of British culture she finds baffling. talks about being a woman.’ But what do you think the
“I’m still like, wow, you really do drink so much here, but male comics talk about? A lot of the time comedy is just
then that’s like, oh it’s the only way that you’re allowed to four bald white dudes named Dave, and they think that
express feelings…I get it! You guys drink way more than that’s normal and that represents everybody.”
Americans in both frequency, and quantity.”
When Desiree isn’t doing stand-up, she’s attaching
Other than our penchant for a post-work pint (or two), a bowl of bird feed to the neck of a brave volunteer,
Desiree has found that both American and British releasing a swarm of hungry chickens and watching
audiences alike enjoy her socio-politically aware style of the chaos unfold. No, this isn’t that weird dream you
comedy. Political comedy is important to the comic, she once had, or part of the comedian’s previous work as a
believes it’s an important tool in engaging people with dominatrix, but it is the premise of her new Netflix show,
current affairs, and it allows often taboo subjects to be Flinch. “It’s a totally fucked up concept, which is why I
spoken about more openly. She does worry that comedy love it! It’s about challenges that are designed to make
normalises political issues to the point where they no people flinch, and if you flinch you get an electric shock.
longer seem like real problems. “We’ve been doing I mean it sounds like a Japanese gameshow. It’s just on
stand up and panel shows about Trump and Brexit for so the right side of cruelty, like Kick Ass or Total Wipeout.”
many years now that it’s become so normal and chaos Desiree is joined by co-presenters Seann Walsh and
has been forgotten. Everybody’s just sitting around and Lloyd Griffith for Flinch, out 3 May on Netflix.
laughing about it.” Desiree sees comedy as a coping
method, and a way to accept feelings of powerlessness So, what does Desiree think of Brighton? “I love it. Where
in times of political turmoil. “Trump is making decisions do you park though?! I want to come down but where
that are going to take decades to undo, and these the fuck am I supposed to park? It’s like, ‘Welcome to
changes are just happening and we have to respond Brighton, keep it moving people!’.”
with humour because the awfulness is that we’re just
letting it happen.” Desiree Burch will be at the Brighton Comedy
Garden, joined by a line-up of the biggest names in
Desiree also speaks regularly about being a black, comedy on 19 - 23 June.
bisexual woman in comedy, a sector which is often
seen as something of an old boy’s club. More female bn1magazine.co.uk 37

THE ORIGINAL HARLEM MICHAEL BALL SHAWN KLUSH ELVIS THE GUILTY OLLY MURS
GLOBETROTTERS Wed 8 May TRIBUTE ARTIST FEMINIST LIVE Mon 27 May
Sun 5 May Sat 25 May Sun 26 May

THE VAMPS SEAN PAUL IL DIVO BLOC PARTY THE BEACH BOYS
Fri 31 May Tue 4 Jun Thur 20 Jun Sat 29 Jun Sat 6 Jul

SKUNK ANANSIE BIANCA DEL RIO box office 0844 847 1515*
Mon 26 Aug Tue 3 Sep www.brightoncentre.co.uk

*calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone
company’s access charge

BN1 GOODBOOKS BOCOLKUB: The List

Independent Hove book shop City Books CITY
PROVIDED BY
BOOKS

lists their bestsellers for this month...

1KUDOS BY RACHEL CUSK
The third instalment in Rachel Cusk's Outline trilogy has finally arrived in paperback,
completing one of the most exciting cycles of fiction in recent years. The narrator,
Faye, is en route to Europe to promote her most recent book. Those of you familiar
with Outline will already know about the sheer power and incisiveness of Cusk's
writing and will certainly be satisfied with this conclusion. If you've not read Outline
yet, let this be your incentive to pick up a copy. As Faye travels, the conversations
she has with the people she meets shapes the novels, revealing Faye like a photo
negative, as a result of what she does and does not say. Covering everything -
love, art, politics, family, justice - effortlessly, these books ask big questions and

2 will reverberate long after you turn the final page.
CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN BY SAYAKA MURATA
An offbeat, darkly funny tale of an unusual woman. Keiko is 36 and has been
working in the same supermarket for 18 years, with no desire to make any changes
to her life, as she is perfectly happy - a fact that baffles her friends and family, who
can't understand her satisfaction with her job or her singledom. In an effort to
placate them, Keiko hatches a plan, involving a fake boyfriend...but the moment
her job at the convenience store is threatened, she decides to fight back.

3 THE POLYGLOT LOVERS BY LINA WOLFF, TRANSLATED BY
SASKIA VOGEL.
Open the first page of The Polyglot Lovers and you might see a familiar name...one
of our booksellers has provided a printed quote for this literary tour de force from
Lina Wolff, that's how much she loves it! The Polyglot Lovers follows the tangled
lives of a group of unusual characters - a literary critic and his blind, clairvoyant
ex-wife, a lonely novelist, an Italian noblewoman on the brink of ruin - brought

together by a mysterious manuscript. Expertly plotted and sharply funny.

4 NATIVES BY AKALA
Rapper Akala uses his lived experience of growing up poor and black in '80's
London book to write this visceral, nuanced and wide-ranging exploration of class
and race in modern Britain. To quote, 'How did the sweet, smiley eleven-year-old
that wanted to be a scientist become the scowling, knife-carrying man-boy of
sixteen? How did the knife-carrying sixteen-year-old then turn into the adult that
teaches Shakespeare and lectures at Oxford?'.

5 A THOUSAND SHIPS BY NATALIE HAYNES
Natalie Haynes reimagines the aftermath of the Trojan War from the perspectives of
girls, women and goddesses. An epic story told thoughtfully and compassionately,
aided by Haynes' masterful understanding of Greek mythology, that manages to
be both witty and moving.

EVENT: JARED DIAMOND will be discussing his new book

‘UPHEAVAL’ at BRIGHTON DOME, WEDS 29 MAY, 7:30pm. Talk
followed by audience Q&A and BOOK SIGNING.
Jared Diamond is the Pulitzer-prize winning author of the seminal
million-copy-bestseller Guns, Germs, and Steel, which was named one
of Time Magazine’s best non-fiction books of all time, Collapse, a No.
1 international bestseller, and The World Until Yesterday, among other
books. For tickets: www.city-books.co.uk/jared-diamond

25 YEARS OF

IMAGE © MATTHEWANDREWS

BY STUART ROLT

It’s hard to miss the Komedia and its sizeable neon Then 1998 offered them Jubilee Shopping Hall, a former
signage on a stroll through North Laine, just as it’s hard Tesco supermarket turned flea market. This huge
to ignore the impact the venue has had on Brighton building, on a then scruffy Gardner St, had just seen a
& Hove’s cultural landscape. This May sees the iconic failed attempt to develop a ‘super-pub’. Granger and his
mixed arts venue celebrate a weighty 25 years on the colleagues convinced locals that a mixed-arts venue
scene, and they’ll be marking the occasion in typical would help smarten up the area. “We have always had
style. “It’s always been a very important month for us,” a good relationship with the community association
its co-founder, Colin Granger, tells me. “We spend a lot and the business association here. North Laine is
of time watching stuff and programming it. We’ve always such a great area, so it was absolutely perfect for us.”
taken May really seriously.” It’s all a long way from 1994, Offering inspiring and adaptive auditoriums, Komedia’s
when he and his colleagues Marina Kobler and David new home made an indelible impact on the city. Over
Lavender purchased a former billiard hall in Brighton’s the years it’s staged an extraordinary range of acts,
Kemptown. including: Catherine Tate, Stewart Lee, The XX, Kate
Nash, Anna Calvi, Harry Hill, Johnny Vegas, Jimmy Carr,
Previously touring together as directors with Umbrella Bonobo, Mumford and Sons, Foals and Sia.
Theatre, the trio were wowed by Europe’s markedly
different nightlife. “We saw these wonderful cabaret Komedia’s defining moment was the launching of its
venues. People would have a meal there. We had Krater comedy night, hosted by local legend Stephen
an idea it would really work in this country.” While his Grant. “That saved us. We managed to get it to three
background is in theatre, he appreciates it doesn’t reach nights a week, and we can use the money from that
out to everybody. He was impressed how these clubs to subsidise other stuff and keep our programme
could draw a diverse audience, not just middle-aged interesting.” Still repeatedly selling out, it’s line-ups read
people who support the arts, but people from all walks like a who’s-who of international comedy talent. Michael
of life. He wanted to create something similar. McIntyre, Jack Whitehall, Dara O'Briain, Micky Flanagan,
Milton Jones, Stephen Merchant, Russell Howard and
Granger admits they weren’t completely aware of the Alan Carr all gracing the basement during their careers.
situation’s complexities. Being a theatre company Added to these successes are a nod from the in industry
concerns you with only shows, not the building housing with an unprecedented 16 Chortle Awards for Best
you. Opening Komedia meant he wouldn’t have time to Venue in the South.
properly tour again for two decades. The premises they’d
bought on Manchester St were beautiful, but derelict The last 25 years have brought exhausting work for
and listed. After an intricate and expensive restoration Granger, Kobler and Lavender. Much credit is given to
came the long process of forging a reputation. “It took a their bank, who were understanding from the beginning.
long time to get known,” he says with a chuckle. “If I took The last five years have seen a consolidation of the
a taxi down there, the driver would never know where venue’s future, while still maintaining its simple ethos.
it was.” Their space was informal and offered a varied “Our mission was based around the word ’welcome’.
programme for all people. The attitude was to ensure We wanted to welcome customers and we wanted
no one felt excluded. If a show was good and legal, it to welcome performers - because we’d hadn’t been
would be staged. welcomed by a lot of places when we’d been touring -
and we wanted to welcome our staff. I believe Komedia
40 bn1magazine.co.uk does that today. I’m very proud we’ve managed to keep
that tradition going.”



BRIGHTON FESTIVAL GUIDE

IMAGE © ALEXANDRE ISARD

CHILLY GONZALES GRANTA AT 40 TALES FROM THE LAST
DAYS OF AUGUST & THE
BRIGHTON DOME CONCERT HALL BRIGHTHELM CENTRE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
MON 13 MAY, 8PM TUE 7 MAY, 6.30PM
BRIGHTON DOME CONCERT HALL
Grammy award-winning Canadian Relaunched as a magazine of ‘new FRI 10 MAY, 8PM
pianist and entertainer Chilly Gonzales writing’ in 1979, Granta quickly gained
shares his love for the piano with a reputation for breaking daring new Explore the curious world of the porn
this take on best-selling pop songs. writers such as Salman Rushdie and industry with writer, journalist, and
Gonzales approaches the piano with Bruce Chatwin – and soon, from 1983, documentary filmmaker, Jon Ronson.
classical training and the attitude for its sometimes-controversial Best After the success of The Butterfly
of a rapper. He has performed and of Young British Novelists list. As the Effect and new podcast series, The
written songs with the likes of Jarvis magazine celebrates its 40th year, Last Days of August, Jon is taking the
Cocker, Feist and Drake and holds the Ian Jack, a former editor, and Sigrid shows on tour to discuss new stories
Guinness world record for the longest Rausing the publisher of Granta and never-heard-before audio. Sit
solo concert (running for more than magazine and Granta Books discuss back and listen to his findings from
27 hours). Beginning with an intimate the trajectory of a literary icon. interviews with pornstars and crucial
hour of pieces from his solo piano figures within the porn community at
album cycle, he’ll then be joined by the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.
cellist Stella Le Page and drummer
Joe Flory for further hits and some
hidden surprises.

VARHUNG: HEART TO HEART

THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON
FRI 24 & SAT 25 MAY, 8PM; SAT 25 MAY, 2PM

Tjimur Dance Theatre presents Varhung - Heart To Heart,
a richly patterned performance remembering Ancient
Taiwanese cultural traditions. It shows how the indiginous
people of Paiwan utilise art forms to discuss emotions.
The in-house choreographer, Baru Madiljin, worked in
close collaboration with the company’s founding artistic
director Ljuzem Madiljin for this special production.
Varhung's dynamic dancers demonstrate how even an
everyday task for the Paiwan people such as weaving can
lay bare your deepest emotions. Fine-tuned awareness
lends the distinctly personal, but tribal impulses of this
show - an eloquent universal resonance.

42 bn1magazine.co.uk

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bn1magazine.co.uk 43

FRINGE GUIDE

HERSTORY THE REMARKABLE FRIENDSHIP CGRAERDEITTHCSAORUDTHGATE ATE MY
OF MOLLY AND MUNCH
TTHHEURWSA2R–RESNA:TT4HEMNAEYSATT 18.10 TBHRUIGRHST9ON– SSPATIE1G1ELMTEANYT1: 9B.O3S0CO,
THE WARREN: THE HAT
With four ukuleles and a penchant for SAT 4 – SUN 5 MAY, 10.00; MON 6 MAY, Gareth Southgate Ate My Credit Card is
dark comedy, Polly Clamorous takes 10.00 AND 16.00 TUES 7 AT 16.00 the new comedy play by Paul Hodson
their latest show HERSTORY; a musical (Brighton Til I Die, Fever Pitch) and
compendium that chronicles the tales Molly is an eight-year old genius and Brighton Fringe award winner, Mark
of some of the most enigmatic and Munch is a giant talking dinosaur. Molly Brailsford (The Treason Show, The Lad
misrepresented women in history, to brought her once stuffed toy dinosaur Himself). As his hero worship for Gareth
the Brighton shores. Through ages and to life and ever since they have been Southgate and England takes hold,
cultures get up close and personal with singing and dancing their way into Simon (played by Brailsford) is intent
Lilith; Adam’s first wife who preferred the hearts of everyone they meet. This on making one final dash for glory to
to be on top; Freddie Oversteegen, a production is full of original music, the World Cup in Russia with fateful
teenager who resisted the Nazis with storytelling and audience participation. consequences for his sanity, his credit
a bicycle and a pistol; and Nelly Bly, You’ll find out how everything began, rating and his veryTexhisutenrce!11 - Sat 13
the fierce young journalist who feigned as well as experiencing a few of their
insanity in order to write a crushing favourite pastimes. A sensational show 8.30pm (doors 7pm)
exposé on the mistreatment of patients designed for the entire family and it Tickets £10.00 -16.0
at the infamous Blackwell Island Asylum. features a giant talking dinosaur. Book online
treasonshow.co.uk

© ANTHONY LYCETT
© MATT GOLOWCZYNSKI
LOLO BROW: ATTENTION CLUB DE FROMAGE
SEEKER HOW DISABLED ARE YOU?
SBARTIG1H8TMONAYSP2I3E.G0E0LTENT
BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT: BOSCO FMJURANIYK3-YMASAARYTD 1-D8SOAGMTSA:4YTMH16AE.YD301O6G.H3O0U, SFER;I 17
THURS 9, FRI 24 – SAT 25 MAY 21.30 Forget Eurovision and join Club de
Fromage, "The unofficial institute of Tommy asks three disabled people,
Lolo Brow, neo-burlesque artist, seeks cheese" (Time Out), for a romp the who receive benefits and have no
your attention for three exciting nights decades at London’s legendary pop performance background to take the
at the Brighton Spiegeltent! Awarding- time machine! Expect sing-alongs, their stage and read a script for the first time
winning drag queen, burlesque artist anarchic stage show, hula hooping, in front a live audience. Winner of our
sideshow performer and lizard lady, confetti cannons plus the finest pop, Fringe Bursary, How Disabled Are You
invites you to hang your shame at the rock, disco and power ballads known explores real attitudes towards those
door and indulge your inner attention to humanity. Lay your dignity at the door who claim benefits and have disabilities
seeker. This is a brand-new show, and prepare to dance like no one is that aren’t always visible to many people.
derived from her infamous burlesque watching! Clubdefromage.com
shuffle, playing with concepts of
audience voyeurism, quick thinking and
plain dumb luck. Lolo is a multi-skilled
international feminist clown who loves
nothing more than to lower the tone of
any evening. Lolo will give you 100% of
her Tequila-fuelled drag energy.

FRINGE GUIDE

© IAN REYNOLDS
© ANDREA GIACHI

THE JOHNNY CASH STORY DESPITE EVERYTHING, PRICE CIRCUS EXTREME – EXTREME
STILL INCLUDES BISCUITS STUNT SHOW
WTUAERSR1E4N:–TTHHEUHRAST16 MAY 20.00
JUNK YARD DOGS: THE KENNEL PRESTON PARK BIG TOP - FRI 10 – SUN
Following sell out shows and standing WED 15 – THURS 16 MAY, 18.30 12, TUES 14 – SUN 19 MAY, VARIED TIMES
ovations at Edinburgh Fringe, The
Johnny Cash Story premiers at Brighton Naomi Paul’s satirical four-star show is Merging modern and contemporary
Fringe to take you on an incredible complete with original songs, topical styles with extreme stunts and classic
journey through the career of the 18- stories and Jewish humour. Despite clown escapades, audiences will
time Grammy winner. Immerse yourself Everything, Price Still Includes Biscuits is be amazed by the jam-packed
in the world of the ‘Man in Black’ in poignant, funny and ultimately uplifting. Circus Extreme Their show-stopping
this ground-breaking “show-umentary” With biscuits, of course. ‘A fine comic performances will have you on the
format. Powerful renditions of ‘Folsom celebration of modern Britain', [British edge of your seat, when not falling off it
Prison’, ‘Ring Of Fire’, ‘Man In Black’, Theatre Guide]. ‘A sprinkling of nicely with laughter. Acts include the Danguir
and ‘Hurt’, delivered with authenticity observed Victoria Wood-style songs Troupe, who will be preforming a high
by Jamie Rodden, whose Cash adds to the charm’ [Ludlow Fringe] wire and double wheel of death stunt
interpretations have won critics and ‘Fabulous - sharp, cultural, witty, which has never been seen before in
audiences all over Europe.“powerful poignant and very VERY funny’ the UK, with leader of the troop, Mustafa
and compelling singer” Fringe Guru [Birmingham Fest]. Danger, flying in all the way from Africa
for the performance.

© FRANK PACKER

RAILED – TOMATOES TRIED TO KILL ME FROM THE CRADLE TO THE BIN
HEAD FIRST ACROBATICS BUT BANJOS SAVED MY LIFE
TTHHEURWSA2R–REMNO: NTH6EMBALYOC1K8H.1O5USE
MBTSAHROTUINGR4H2SMT03OAM0NYAMS–YPAMIY–EOGT–NUESLE6ATSTEM2N1A8TJYMU1NA9YE.011099,..0000,, TFTFRHHRIIEE33WWMMAAAARRYYRREE––NNM8:: :TTO3HH0NEEP6AMNTMERSAETYB1O3X.40
Strap in Brighton, for A Ship of Fools
Railed is a western-themed circus Don’t miss your chance to catch are sailing to the Warren. That's right,
spectacular, combining the trademark this inspirational, humorous and your favourite mischief-makers are
physical talents, finely chiselled bodies internationally toured one-man show. back and ready to take you on a
and hilarious comic timing of the Head The production received three awards hilarious, raucous and uncomfortable
First Acrobats. Prepare yourself for when at the New York City Frigid Fringe voyage aboard the leaky vessel of a
bare chested circus meets bare knuckle Festival in March. Tomatoes Tried To broken care system. From the Cradle
bar fights. A racy, heart-stopping Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is to the Bin is a comedy brimming with
display of the finest acrobatics by the a story of a multi-cultural boyhood, humanity, wild imagery, and twisted
most ridiculous storytellers in the circus. a meteoric rise to the boardroom takes on well-known songs. This
Leave your expectations at home, come and the startling news that changed brilliant bouffon clown show pulls no
to the wrong side of the tracks, and let life forever.    Thus, a banjo-picking punches and is guaranteed to have
the Head First Acrobatics boys steal storyteller was created with a message you laughing out loud one minute
your hearts. of resilience, hope and perseverance. and squirming in your seat the next.
  Welcome to Happy Valley Care Homes.
We care... so you don't have to.

FRINGE GUIDE

THE GEMINUS BLUE PLANET III NAVAGRAHA LIVE

RIALTO THEATRE THE WARREN: THE BLOCKHOUSE BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT
WED 8, TUES 21 – SAT 25 MAY 19.00 WED 22 MAY – MON 27 MAY 16.30 MON 20 MAY 22.00

After a critically lauded, sold-out London The team behind the sell-out hit Planet Bring yourself a cushion or blanket to the
run of Apparatus, Blue Devil Productions Earth III bring their family comedy Spiegeltent for a multi-sensory journey
returns to Brighton with a brand-new nature documentary Blue Planet III to into the 'nine celestial bodies'. Respected
play, The Geminus, based on Conrad’s the Brighton Fringe. Two idiots at the electronic music producer, Liam
The Secret Sharer. In this gripping BBC are making another series of Blue Blackburn, takes you through ‘Ancestral
story of a different heart of darkness, Planet - using only office supplies and Voices: Navagraha’, using pioneering
inexperienced Captain George Hotson their surreal imaginations. But, how harmonic scales and technology
encounters a fugitive called Leggatt, do you know what a fish is if you've inspired by ancient civilisations to bring
an enigmatic stranger with blood on never left your office? Blue Planet III you a truly immersive experience.
his hands. With the tale of a brutal introduces the issue of ocean plastic "Seeping with textures and loaded
and disturbing murder, a sexy and waste to a young audience through the with a taut energy that whispers tales
suspenseful romance, a violent struggle medium of physical comedy. Featuring of shamanism and transformative life
as the ship sails through perilous, exotic swashbuckling swordfish, hammerhead experiences"."Seeping with textures and
seas and a few laughs along the way, and spannerhead sharks, wailing loaded with a taut energy that whispers
this promises to be rich and rewarding whales and nasty things that lurk at the tales of shamanism and transformative
night at the theatre. bottom of the sea... life experiences".

© ALISA JAVITS
© ALEX BRENNER

SLEEPING BEAUTY UNMYTHABLE JACK TUCKER’S COMEDY
STAND UP HOUR
TTHHEUROSLD16M&ARSKAETT1–8 SMTAAYGE22.00, STTHHATEE 4WHA–ATRMFRORENIN2:64TMH–EASYBALT1O62C.53K0MH;OATUYHSE1E8W.0A0RREN:
FRI 17 MAY 22.45 TWUAERSR2E1N:–TMHEOANT2R7EMBOAYX 22.00
Three women. 50 characters. All the
Sleeping Beauty is a one-to-one Greek myths. Out of Chaos bring their Winner: Best comedy at Brighton Fringe
participatory performance that hit show, Unmythable, to their home (Zach and Viggo). Fresh off sold out
approaches sexuality through power town for the very first time! Their five-star shows in New York, London, LA and
and role play. Performances at The production has toured over 80 venues Australia, award-winning comedian
Old Market on May 16, 17 and 18 from across the UK, Europe and New Zealand Zach Zucker returns with his stand-up
10 pm. The performance offers an after winning the Three Weeks Editors’ alter-ego, Jack Tucker! Hailing from
opportunity to carry out fantasies with Award in Edinburgh. An amazing mix, the historic New York 'The Big Apple'
a 'sleeping' person. The participant can of comedy, clowning, stories and songs, City, Tucker is the ultimate comedian's
choose to be either the sleeper or the Unmythable takes its audience on the comedian and a well-respected
visitor, and bring accessories or props ride of a lifetime. Heroes, monsters journeyman on the comedy circuit. Ask
to their liking. Tickets cannot be booked and randy gods go head-to-head in a any comedian, they'll all say the same
in advance, but audience is invited hilarious and unforgettable journey. thing: Jack Tucker is going to make it big
to queue from half an hour prior to the any day now. His five-star comedy show
event starting. is not to be missed at this year’s Fringe.

PLUS
SPECIAL GUESTS

FRIDAY 26 JULY

bn1magazine.co.uk 47

THE WARREN © H-PINKNESS PHOTOGRAPHY

A much-loved annual mini-festival within a festival, The One suitable for all ages is Circus Abyssinia, who are
Warren returns with a brand-new location! Moving from performing Ethiopian Dreams, the tale of two Ethiopian
St Peter’s Church, down the road to Victoria Gardens, brothers told through heart-stopping stunts and stunning
it offers another dazzling array of theatre, comedy and feats on several dates at The Warren.
performance arts. For those hearing about this little but
ingenious pop-up village for the first time, The Warren is If you’re in the mood for a laugh, Bla Bla Land, an
a multi-venue hub returning as part of Brighton Fringe on improvised musical comedy about the pursuit of dreams
Thurs 2 May – Sun 2 June. and love, inspired by the Oscar-winning film La La Land,
will take place at The Nest on four different nights in
It has been organised by the fantastic guys at Otherplace May. Or if you’re in the mood for some stand-up comedy,
Brighton – a not for profit venue management and Zach Zucker is returning to Brighton after his sold-out
production company that has been bringing high-quality shows in London, New York and LA, with a brand-new
performance to the city for over a decade. hour of absurdist comedy on Tue 21– Mon 27 May at the
Theatre Box.
The new location has allowed organisers to expand
their venues and stage more shows. Going from 700 What Doesn’t Make the Cut, a powerful new dance
performances across four stages last year to a whopping production that explores the pressures on young
1000 performances in over six stages, this year’s season girls to achieve the ‘perfect’ online profile, will be
is set to be their best yet! showcased at The Hat on Sat 18– Sun 19 May. Other
dance performances such as Elicitations, a Hack
“We’re really pleased to have inched closer to the heart Ballet production consisting of flawless and gracefully
of the city,” said Nicola Haydn, Otherplaces’s Artistic articulated contemporary ballet will take place
Director. “Victoria Gardens offers more space for us throughout the month of May.
to play with and we have some exciting plans in the
pipeline that will make The Warren 2019 even bigger, When it comes to their film showings, The Warren have
better and more exciting for our audiences.” lined up a number of Iris Prize film categories. These
include Youth, which consists of several colourful films
The Warren’s site is free to enter and open every day exploring LGBT+ lives around the world, and Best of
during Brighton Fringe, from 9am until late. Here people British short films, shown on various afternoons in May
can explore a hidden world of the fantastic and unusual, and June.
nestled among bright lights and wonderous experiences.
Returning to The Warren this year is the festival’s famous Satisfying our endless thirst for music events, The
centrepiece, The Hat, a venue seating 250 people in Warren are putting on a Silent Disco every weekend from
the shape of a bowler hat. Other venues making an Thurs 2 May to Sat 1 June featuring special DJ, fancy
appearance in 2019 are The Blockhouse, a flexible dress nights, takeovers and more.
performance space hosting anything from comedy to
cabaret, the Theatre Box and The Burrow, both black And if you’d like to attend something more intellectually
box venues ideal for minimal set theatre, music or solo captivating, An Adult Dr Seuss, by Geoff Allnutt (Fri 24
comedy and The Den, a dedicated family area perfect – Mon 27 May) takes the work of the childhood favourite
for storytelling and family activities. Dr Seuss and reimagines it for an adult audience using
rhythms and tongue-twisting alliteration to create some
Having recently released their 2019 brochure, you can game-changing poetry.
now take a look at what is on at The Warren, and with
a hefty selection of cabaret, circus, stand-up, dance Insolence is one of the many theatre plays performed
and physical theatre, film, music, spoken-word, theatre at The Warren. This darkly funny new play comes from
and family activities, there seems to be something for the multi-award-winning company Put the Book Down
everyone. and revolves around single parenting: from joyous to
nightmarish. This winner of the Brighton Fringe Theatre
The festival favourite Pick of the Fringe is returning this Award in 2017, comes to the Theatre Box on Sat 4 May.
year, taking place in The Hat and showcasing a hand- Aside from the jam-packed list of events and activities
picked line-up with the best acts form across the Fringe put on at The Warren, the festival has promised four fairy-
on Thurs 2 May and Sat 1 June. King Sammy Silver is lit bars, serving everything from craft beers, to cocktails,
also making a comeback at the Fringe this year with his to hot beverages, and even more delicious street food
award-winning queer comedy cabaret, Sass, Sex and stalls than last year.
Surrealness for five dates in May.

NEW
APP

PAONCGEKLET

A new voucher app wants to help make it easier to give The app generates a voucher which the user can print off at
food or provide shelter for homeless people across the UK. home before heading out, alternatively app can generate a
Pocket Angel, brainchild of local entrepreneur Alcia Loach, digital code which is sent to the homeless person. With Alcia’s
is a cashless app which allows users to buy vouchers which app, nothing will go to waste, as any unused vouchers will
homeless people can redeem for food, drink shelter and other be collected and donated to charities providing support for
essentials in registered outlets and hostels. homeless people.

The app creator had the brainwave whilst on her daily commute, According to the charity Crisis, homelessness is set to increase
when she noticed many homeless people were given food or nationally by 76% in the next decade, so apps like Alcia’s may
drink without being asked what they needed or wanted. She be key in providing vital supplies for those sleeping rough.
hopes the app will help give society’s most vulnerable the
option to choose what they need, when they need it and in turn If you’re interested in supporting Pocket Angel, Aclia has
minimise food waste. set up a Gofundme campaign to raise the last vital funds for
promotion, further app development and maintenance.
www.gofundme.com/app-for-homeless-rough-sleepers

FRINGE
SURVIVAL
GUIDE

You’ve probably noticed something is happening around and restaurants can be a great place to make sense of
the city this month. There are more clowns than usual what you’ve just seen. After all, great art makes you want
on the streets, multi-coloured tents are springing up to talk about it. City centre eateries are always a good
everywhere and you’ll often hear laughter or gasps burst place to gather tips about the festival’s hits and misses.
from the most unlikely buildings. Fear not, it’s all perfectly
normal (apart from the clowns, their nefarious agenda BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME
has yet to present itself) because Brighton Fringe is here
again. You might believe it possible to pile out of a stand-
up show, race across town and get into a one-person
The largest open-access arts festival in England, disassembly of emotional abuse, in under 20 minutes.
Brighton Fringe embraces almost every artistic discipline That’s not going to happen. Turning up late for a show
you can think of, for a sprawling month of performance, is massively rude. And many audiences will help you
shows and exhibitions. realise this, if you get let in at all. Leave plenty of time.
It’s a pleasure not a parade, as nobody has ever said.
This internationally acclaimed event brings artists Show a little respect. Get a watch and some realistic
and audiences together. As a platform for new and expectations.
developing creatives, last year brought over 1008 events
to 164 venues in front of an audiences of over 596,000. KEEP YOUR EARS TO THE GROUND
It’s art presentation on a massive scale. So, how do you
choose what to see? Will Platoon On Ice be a better show Not literally ‘to the ground’, or a stilt-walker might stamp on
than The Wisdom Of Mark Francois? We have a few you. Many of the best Fringe experiences are prompted
tips on how to navigate Brighton Fringe without being by recommendations, word of mouth and random flyers
overwhelmed. out on the streets. Hanging around at the festival’s many
hubs, or any area with a high number of venues, is great
BE OPEN-MINDED way to discover what’s generating a buzz. Your favourite
guide to Brighton & Hove will also shining a spotlight on
The best way to sample England’s largest arts festival is the best shows in print and online (that’s us BTW)
to take a few risks. For every one-man show disturbingly
revolving around screaming into a mirror, you’ll find at RELAX
least ten truly beautiful spectacles. Moving out of your
comfort zone a little will unlock a new spectrum of work The kids have a saying - FOMO. Not sure what it means,
to challenge, amaze and entertain. Often the most but it’s something to do with being unrealistically envious
memorable works are the oddest ones. Over the years of other people’s experiences. Everyone’s Fringe is
I’ve personally seen two pairs of breasts and three different. Yes, that Danish cat-herding trapeze artist
penises in their unclothed glory at Fringe, all perfectly might have been spectacular, but was it a more profound
in context. It’s a place where performers can shed than the synchronised swimming with shopping trolleys?
inhibitions and present the most honest work you’ll ever All art is subjective and resonates in different ways. The
see. Prepare for the unexpected. trick is to celebrate a wide range of what Fringe has to
offer.
EAT
Brighton Fringe comes to venues across the
Don’t forget to refuel in-between performances. This is city, and beyond, on Fri 3 May – Sun 2 June
especially important if you’re visiting several shows in a
row. It’ll boost your concentration and enthusiasm. Cafes

50 bn1magazine.co.uk