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Mark Brailsford still marvels at The Amex

There is many an Albion legend to be found walking around in a daze at the amazing new Amex stadium. Regular fans may be adjusting to their plush new surroundings and now there is a semblance of familiarity with the stadium facilities. It’s easy to forget the powerful impact the Amex has on newcomers, one of which was former Albion winger, Neil Smillie.
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From the moment Seann Walsh walked on stage, he made it clear that he was glad to be back in Brighton. He took the audience through random topics, including the Brighton Wheel, working out at the gym, Brighton’s infamous London Road, hangovers, embarrassing bus and train journeys, childhood and the computer games we all loved so much. His energetic enthusiasm had the audience in fits of laughter throughout the entire evening, barely allowing us to come up for air between his reminiscing and jokes. A thoroughly enjoyable, laughter-filled evening and a great pick me up.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 22 October
Rating:
Claire Peerless

Simon Callow gave a fine rendering of two short stories by Charles Dickens. His usual exuberance as a performer was put to full effect in the first tale of Mr Chops, a midget who comes into a fortune. His vocal characterisations were comedic for sure but he never lost sight of the sad morality of the tale. In the second half story, Doctor Marigold, Callow proves that his exuberance can be reined in. This tragic tale is steeped in tenderness, the humour gentle and Callow reduced his audience to a sniffing mass, few were untouched by his performance. Callow and Dickens are perfectly matched and I left the theatre wanting more.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 24 October
Rating:
Andrew Kay

“Calm it up, everyone. Leave it in.” Baxter Dury’s affectionate reprimanding of his over-refreshed audience revealed the love of wordplay that runs through his late blooming songwriting. Readily accepting the champagne and spirits proffered by the front row, Dury and his tight band ran through a short hour of observational songs from his small but solid catalogue. Slower, partially spoken word material from new album ‘Happy Soup’ just about rose above the Studio Bar’s boozy chatter, but it was the upbeat, organ-heavy tracks that cut through best. A blast through ‘Love in the Garden’ later, they were gone.

Komedia Studio Bar, 24 October
Rating:
Stuart Huggett