Stage: A scintillating season at the Dome

Elements of the Dome complex may be undergoing radical reconfiguring and refurbishment right now but that does not mean that the creative team there are resting on their laurels, there is still a vibrant programme of arts and entertainment to be had, some on site and others in satellite venues around the city.

For spine-chilling theatre from Brighton Dome this October, Séance (27-29 Oct, Jubilee Square) is an intense 15-minute sonic performance from Glen Neath and David Rosenberg, set in complete darkness in a shipping container, exploring group psychology; in What If I Told You? (19 & 20 Oct, Sallis Benney Theatre) an interactive solo performance by Pauline Mayers, she tells her own story of defying assumptions based on her gender, race and background, entwined with that of James Sims, self-ascribed ‘father of modern gynaecology’. With Handa’s Surprise (13 & 14 Oct), younger audiences are transported to Kenya in a show combining performance, puppetry, live music and song. Forum Theatre (26 Oct) is about creating a platform for debate and using theatre to present it – the audience can stop a performance where a character is being oppressed in some way and suggest different actions for the actors to carry out.

International dance icon Carlos Acosta launches his new company Acosta Danza with their first UK tour, coming to Brighton Dome on 26 & 27 Oct. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company brings the ancient South Indian dance drama to Brighton, for two performances (4 Oct, Hangleton Community Centre; 15 Oct, The Old Courtroom). On World Mental Health Day, Company Chameleon brings Witness This to Jubilee Square (10 Oct, FREE), a powerful dance piece telling the story of choreographer Edward Turner’s struggle with bipolar disorder. High energy dance extravaganza Tap Factory (13 & 14 Oct) blends urban tap, percussion, comedy, and acrobatics.

A vibrant programme of arts and entertainment

One of the UK’s greatest songwriters and guitarists, Richard Thompson, comes to Brighton Dome on 11 Oct, while electronic jazz trio GoGo Penguin return on 15 Oct with a live performance of their own original score to Godfrey Reggio’s cult film Koyaanisqatsi, performed live with the film. Iconic Brighton label Tru Thoughts celebrate their 18th birthday on 18 Oct with a party featuring performances from the likes of Hot 8 Brass Band, Alice Russell and Quantic.

In classical music, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (8 Oct) open their season with works by the great masters of romanticism, with soloist Alexandra Dariescu on piano. London Philharmonic Orchestra (28 Oct) perform a programme of works by Beethoven including the landmark ‘Eroica’ Symphony.

BAFTA and Emmy-winning actor and comedian Matt Lucas (6 Oct), star of Little Britain, will take to the stage at Brighton Dome telling tales from his memoir Little Me. A new spoken word night for Brighton, Trope showcases top UK artists, local musicians, and ‘poet in residence’. The line-up for this first edition on 14 Oct at The Basement includes Kat Francois, Too Many Dragons and Chris Parkinson.

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