Stage: Fringe Benefits

Brighton Fringe is an annual hotbed of theatrical invention and experimentation. What better way to discover the talent of the future?

Brighton Fringe has always been a favourite, but how does one decide what to see and what not to see? In our view, the Fringe is an opportunity to see new work without prejudice. On the whole, what you find will be of a reasonable quality, but that quality will range from passable to excellent.

Over the years we have witnessed great theatre at the Fringe. Nichola Haydn manages year on year to produce, direct and even appear in work of extraordinary quality and a look at the listings for OtherPlace is bound to unearth some gems. The First Domino, a play about a terrorist bomber, written by Jonathan Cash stunned audeinces at Latest Musicbar, and Adrian Bunting’s Kemble’s Riot has gone on to garner praise beyond the Fringe.

Here are some Fringe events that have already come to our attention. Whether they are good or not so good will be your decision, but what they will be is affordable and never too long.

STAGE: In Your Dreams!

Second Impression Theatre Co present David Weedall’s comedy exploring the darker side of the human psyche. Have you ever wanted to change your life to the one you’ve dreamed of? One girl discovers how stressful it can be as she seeks to be free from her selfish boyfriend and subdue her dominating boss! In a bizarre twist, lucid dreams and reality merge in this dark and mysterious comedy.
Second Impression Theatre premiere their 18th consecutive new show to Brighton Fringe.

Utilising minimalist scenery and props, effective lighting, trailing edge sound and unusual themes, Second Impression’s aim is to create ‘the greatest possible effect from the least possible means’, daring audiences to enter the world of imagination where reality takes on new turns and perspectives. Award winning writer and director David Weedall said: “We are very excited to be back at the Brighton Fringe this year, which is a catalyst for so much creative output! Following the Brighton Fringe, the show will then be taken to a London venue.”

In Your Dreams!, Upstairs @ The Lectern,
5 Pelham Terrace, Lewes Road, Brighton
BN2 4AF, Wed 15–Sat 18 May, 9pm, £8.50/£7 from the Brighton Fringe Box Office on
01273 917272 and online at www.secondimpression.org.uk

STAGE: Poe

Six Lips Theatre presents a celebration of one of the most revered yet slandered authors of early modern fiction.

The clock strikes thirteen as the floorboards pulsate, there is a scream from the crypt and something unusual is being dragged from inside the chimney breast. Autumn falls on a decomposing 19th-century Europe, the smell of cabbage and the threat of the ticking pendulum bringing home the sense of desolation, while puppets join actors onstage to bring to life a menagerie of grotesque, intriguing characters.

This original script is based on the short stories of Edgar Allen Poe. Set in a belfry amidst the clock cogs and cobwebs, William keeps the time in solitude, but on each foreboding chime of the clock a new unwanted visitor appears.

Informally adopted, massively criticised, spoiled and aggressively disciplined. The inventor of the detective fiction genre and re-inventor of science fiction, Edgar Allen Poe lived a tale not too far from those he penned, full of loss, rejection and mourning. We celebrate the legacy of Poe’s works in gothic horror, by telling the story of one of the greatest storytellers of the modern era.

Poe, St Andrew’s Church, Friday 17 May–Tuesday 21 May & Friday 24 May–Tuesday 28 May, 5pm nightly plus 1pm Saturday matinées, £8/£6
Brighton Fringe Box office: 01273 917272