From the Editor: Tuesday 28th February

Now you’ve had time to digest the Brighton Festival brochure, I’m intrigued to know which shows you’re most excited about. I enjoy the flurry of activity when the programme is launched: texts and phone calls with friends and family gauging their enthusiasm and budget, discussing which shows should be prioritised, where we should sit and so on.

I heard Kate Tempest discuss the programme at the press launch event and her real enthusiasm for the project was laudable. She said that she thought it would be fun, and an honour, but also that she wants to really open up performances in unexpected places to challenge audiences and performers. Tempest argues that art should be social and a part of life, which is music to my ears.

I agree that the arts can often feel a bit closed and comfortable, and I would argue that this can sometimes feel claustrophobic and insular. My current penchant for classical, theatre and dance means that I am often in a different environment to my beloved indie/electronic/metal/jazz gigs. All performances have different sorts of merits of course, but there’s something to be said for the social, often physical bustle of people in diverse locations rather than just being plonked in the same isolated seating.

The ‘Your Place’ performance hubs in community centres in Whitehawk and Hangleton look like a brilliant opportunity to make the arts “social, not elitist” as Kate puts it, which is another thing to be celebrated. As I wrote in an earlier column, the arts shouldn’t be considered esoteric, lofty, pompous or aloof: audiences should feel welcome at all times.

Email me at editorial@thelatest.co.uk if you want to discuss your Festival picks and why you chose them. I booked mine last Friday and have opted for Swan Lake, The Gabriels, Tristan & Yseult and For The Birds so far, with more to come I’m sure.

Joe Fuller
editorial@thelatest.co.uk