Fringe Brighton

            Robert Cohen has several critically acclaimed solo theatre shows “in the bag”. His new workshop “Holding Your Own – A Solo Show Workshop” takes place during (Brighton &) Hove Grown 2018 at the Rialto Theatre in Brighton, UK. Robert talks to Paul Levy about the process of making solo theatre […]

Paul Levy talks to George Orange about How I Almost Became the First Lady of the USA. “This is a true story. In the early ’90s in Chicago, I fell in love with a man who was running for president – in a dress. This man was Joan Jett Blakk, and he promised to “Lick […]

Paul Levy talks to Amy Mac from Lamb Comedy about Lost Voice Guy: Disability for Dunces. “Can you really not talk? Have you considered an exorcism? Are you just in it for the parking? Have you ever tried talking, just to see what happens? How do you have sex? Seriously, can you not talk at […]

Paul Levy talks to Neil Davidson about The Thermos Museum. “The Thermos Museum is a comedic but edifying experience. Twelve suitcases  unfold to reveal numerous astonishing displays. However, the public are  not free to reign; visitors are escorted around the museum by a mysterious  and disenchanted tour guide. Digression seems to rule over flask  information. […]

Paul Levy talks to Cat and Nicko about Defrosted, a show we first saw and recommended at the Edinburgh Fringe. “Love that frosty film or hate it, you’ll laugh your stripy socks off at lovable clowns Cat & Nicko and their puppet rock band… A fantastic family adventure featuring live music and physical comedy; ‘Defrosted’ is […]

Paul Levy talks to Chris Neville-Smith about a plat by Adrian Marks,  Waiting for Gandalf. “Meet Kevin Brook, self-confessed fanatic of all things Lord of the Rings. On the eve before ‘Gandalf’ signs the official movie companion to The Two Towers, he sits outside Fenwicks, waiting. He talks about his life-long devotion, friends who don’t […]

Paul Levy talks to Kevin Williams about Bodied, a new play about battle rap, co-written and directed by Kevin from Raise Dark Theatre. ““I feel like battle rap is something everyone’s always been into but they don’t know it.” Forget everything you think you know about battle rap. We take a peek into the lives of […]

Lucy Hopkins decided to surprise and go on anyway when this show couldn’t play at Brighton Fringe. An act of surrender, this award-winning clown/physical performer utterly surrenders and each show is different, the audience key to the collaboration… Paul Levy talks to Lucy Hopkins about her Surprise Show. Listen to our interview with Lucy Hopkins about […]

Paul Levy talks to John Shepherd-Jones about Off the Cuff: Crime and Funishment. Off the Cuff are Brighton impro comedy favourites. How do they create their spur-of-the-moment comedy magic? “Brighton’s improvised comedy favourites present an impromptu detective drama, replete with colourful characters and lurid plots. A completely new episode created each night from audience suggestions. […]

Paul Levy talks to Alice Merrivale about 1 in 3 from Now You Know Theatre Company. “Life is more than the days you have left. Jeff and Jasmine are diagnosed with a life threatening disease, but through each other they learn why life is worth being threatened. ‘1 in 3’ explores the deep and truthful […]

Paul Levy talks to writer Kate Novak and producer Peter Collington about Salmon and Wales from Glass Moon Theatre Company. “Salmon and Wales’ is a one-woman show exploring a young girl’s painful journey through domestic abuse. To escape her fearful reality, she often trickles into the unreal, into the world of dreams. When the demons of her […]

As Ross Gurney-Randall admonishes me at the end, there are no further dates of The Foundry Group’s An Audience with Henry VIII at Brighton Fringe 2016, though I am sure you can catch it on tour. But this interview is much more about creating character and solo work, as well as a “show starring Ross Gurney-Randall […]

Paul Levy talks to Sarah Blanc about Windibops. “A rib-tickling, inclusive and fun dance theatre experience complete with moving lab tables, fart jars, cows and test tubes. Join Volta Flatulence, Caroline Windybottom and Daisy Parphead in the Windibops laboratory to investigate flatulence (yes, we mean farts), and if it has an impact on global warming. Three talented […]

Poetry and Physical Performance: Paul Levy talks to Ella D. Gajic and Niamh Brangwyn about their show at 88 London Road,  Did I Choose These Shoes? (which received support from The Pebbles Trust) “A thought-provoking one-woman show exploring the themes of feminism, media, love, society and nature vs nurture. This spoken-word poetry performance focuses on the […]

Sam Chittenden directs Blackbird for Pretty Villain Productions playing at the Rialto Theatre. “Blackbird charts the tense confrontation between Ray and Una, who has found him again 15 years after the abrupt ending of their relationship. As recriminations fly, we see that both are irrevocably damaged. This taut and unflinching drama builds relentlessly to its explosive […]

Paul Levy talks to Roger Kay about The Rialto Theatre Brighton, a performance space in the heart of the city that has established itself as an important year-round theatre for local, national and international work, as well as a Brighton Fringe hub for new and exciting theatre. Roger also talks about the importance of the […]

Paul Levy talks to Isabel Sensier about I do it to Break, from Squall + Frenzy. “Unashamedly political performance company, Squall + Frenzy, presents ‘i do it to break’, a piece of new writing by Royal Court Young Writers’ Programme alumna, Isabel Sensier. Premiering at Brighton Fringe 2016, ‘I do it to break’ will be […]

Paul Levy talks to Tom Corradini about Gran Consiglio (Mussolini). Influenced by Philippe Gaulier, award-winning performer and theatre-maker, Tom Corradini describes the process of stepping onto the skin of Il Duce himself – Benito Mussolini. “July 24, 1943. Rome. The Grand Council of Fascism meets to discuss the deposition of Benito Mussolini. The Duce waits in […]

Paul Levy talks to writer, director and actor Nathan Ariss with cast members Seth Morgan (Shylock) and Steve Larkin (Gratiano) about The Merchant of New York, which plays at the Rialto Theatre. “‘In christening shalt thou have two godfathers… ‘ (Act IV, Scene I). Shakespeare meets the Mafia in this clever, iambic mashup, with a […]

Paul Levy talks to Joshua Crisp from Bard & Troubador  about Hercules. On a very noise New Road in Brighton during Fringe City, Joshua demonstrates why he can hold both a stage and a conversation with ease. “Twelve Labours, Sixty Minutes – One Man. Somewhere between stand-up comedy and traditional oral storytelling, Bard & Troubadour’s […]

Paul Levy talks to Ellis J Wells about Parish Fete-ality A Game of Scones from Tobacco Tea Theatre Company. Where did the idea for this unique show come from? How does the performer find the character? “In the Parish Council elections, you win or you die.” When murder sweeps through Jowlhurst, its Councillors vie for absolute power. […]

Paul Levy talks to Ulysses  Black and Jack Stigner about The Bear Space, a new production from Brighton-based FoulPlay Productions. “‘We are sorry to have to tell you that in this country it all began with a bear… ‘ A man explains the nature of the theatre to his daughter in the 17th century and an […]

Did you know that Pavilion Gardens Cafe is officially Brighton Fringe Venue Number One? Owner of this unique outdoor meeting place and fringe venue, David Sewell, talks about the space, its importance and history as well as its role in the Fringe. Listen to our interview with David Sewell about Fringe Venue Number 1    

Paul Levy talks to Lloyd Robinson about Loud Poets as Lloyd invites those who ditched poetry at school to rediscover it again in this Brighton Fringe show at The Warren. Why does her love poetry? Where does his inspiration come from? “This is slam-style, make some noise, fist-thumping, pint-drinking,  side-tickling, heart-wrenching poetry. This is poetry […]

Oliver Meech loves science and magic. He is a Magic Consultant. Now he turns his attention to magic and good in his new show, Oliver Meech: When Magic and Food Collide, “a comedy magic show packed with mouth-watering, jaw-dropping tricks. Tummies will rumble, ribs will be tickled and gobs will be smacked.” Listen to our interview […]

Paul Levy talks to Stephanie Goodfellow about Airswimming, a FringeReview highly recommended show from The Weird Sisters who “present a touching story about two women abandoned in St Dymphna’s Hospital for the ‘Criminally Insane’. Forgotten for 50 years, Persephone and Dora create a surreal fantasy life enlivened by Doris Day, a Moulinex hand whisk and… Airswimming.  By […]

Paul Levy talks Robyn Perkins about Robyn Perkins [is a] Work In Progress. Robyn is an American from New Hampshire, eight years in the UK. She shares her story and her love of live comedy. “Laugh along as she explores her family, her country, her 1st boyfriend (at age 34) and what happens when you […]

Paul Levy talks to Caspar Thomas about Caspar Thomas: Magic and Mentalism. Caspar talks about his love of magic, how he developed his show and his preference for close-up magic. “Following the show’s successful runs at the Brighton and Edinburgh Fringes 2015, Caspar is back to present his close-up, interactive, before-your-very-eyes sleight-of-hand magic and mentalism […]

Presenting The Iliad in Under an Hour! Paul Levy talks to storyteller Claire Goodall about The Iliad which takes place in an intimate space (The Black Dove) during the Brighton Fringe. “It is the tenth year of the siege of Troy, the year that Calchas the soothsayer has predicted the city will fall.  The mightiest […]

              Paul Levy talks to Sophia George, producer from award-winning Beside the Seaside Productions about Limelight. “A celebration of envy, success and song. Gritty, funny, painful stories shared on open mic night. Musicians & stand-ups perform in search of the Limelight.” Listen to our interview with Sophia George about […]

Paul Levy talks to James Cann from The Chandeliers about CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation. How does such an accomplished group prepare for long form improv comedy? “Following their sell-out run at Brighton Fringe 2015, The Chandeliers return with C.S.I: a rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot. A fully improvised, witty & absurd […]

Enjoy a Shakespeare Fools’ Gameshow: Paul Levy talks to Jaymes Aaron about Mocketh the Weak, from Curious Cloud Productions. Here is “the game-show that pits wicked wits against hapless saps. Jesters battle it out to see who can make the best sport from the most love-struck loons you’re likely to see. Who wins? You choose. […]

Paul Levy talks with Plum (yes, that’s what he called himself) from Drake’s Drummers Theatre Company about Shakespeare’s Avengers Assembleth Age of Oberon. “Ever wondered what would happen if Shakespeare was kidnapped by a crazed fairy king in an enchanted forest? Well, wonder no more. Shakespeare’s greatest characters must band together in a new-look avengers […]

Paul Levy talks to Cherry Shakewell from Pussy Galore Productions about A Night In… Double-Oh Heaven. Bond Film burlesque, circus, cabaret and so much more. Cherry Shakewell loves all things Bond, returning by popular demand to the Brighton Spiegeltent with “burlesque, skilled circus acts and show-stopping live renditions of classic 007 themes, served with a […]

Paul Levy talks to Rebecca Perry about Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl. Coffee shops are hubs for all kinds of people, playing out the human condition with a dose of caffeine. Canadian theatre maker Rebecca Perry offers a host of characters and, in this interview, tell us about her Fringe show. Listen to our […]

“Natalie Cutler brings you the world premiere of her first one-woman show, Not Yet Suffragette.  “It is a full hour of comedy, music, dance and political incorrectness based on how NOT far we have come in the century since the suffragette movement.” Paul Levy spoke to Natalie about how she researched the show and turned […]

“In 2015 Pop Star XNTHONY set out for Eurovision glory. Armed with as many fizzy pop songs as he could muster, he and his backing singers The Penny Slots took Tiger Dublin Fringe by storm and believed they were on the cusp of representing Ireland in 2016. Except they weren’t. But they’re not giving up. XNTHONY’s […]

Mute is a devised piece of theatre, directed by Claire Raftery from Periplum. “Three people dead. Silence. You are your own worst enemy. But did you do anything wrong? The Northbrook company explore Dostoyevski’s ‘Crime and Punishment’ and sound and silence. Walk around this very physical performance. Negotiate dilemmas and witness fights which may or may […]

Director and writer, Ivan Andrade,  from The Amateurs Company, talks about A Little Prince: The Musical, which plays the wonderful outdoor theatre venue, BOAT (Brighton Open Air Theatre). Ivan talks about how he turned the classic tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry into a musical and why he choose to perform the piece outdoors at the Brighton […]

A guest interview from young actor, Julian Caddy, who is as much as a fan of 7090 as FringeReview are. We caught their work (PAND7090) at the Fringe last year and he saw them in Amsterdam. they are here this year with a new production, Huldebiet: a Dramatic Concert.  What does Huldebiet mean? You’ll have to head […]

  Behind the Lines (Rosie Wakley and Alison Child) had a hit at last year’s Fringe with All the Nice Girls, a musical homage to the courageous lesbian Variety performers  Gwen Farrar and Norah Blaney. Paul Levy talks to Rosie Wakley about All the Nice Girls and their new show, Deep in the Heart of Me: “Thirty years […]

          There’s a lot of death about! Our guest blogger for Brighton Fringe 2016 is Zelah Senior. Zelah has worked in development all over the world. During May she is seeing shows particularly related to the themes of death and dying. Death is not all dark and many arts maker explore […]

Actors Sophie Dearlove and Laura Tindle star in Would Like to Meet, a new play by Christine Kempell and Hilary Handel. Would Like To Meet is “a collection of hilarious true dating stories, cringe-worthy speed dating scenarios and shocking statistics.” Listen to our interview with Sophie Dearlove and Laura Tindle about Would Like to Meet   […]

Bob and Jim are back at the Fringe, again, again… this time with “the rest of the lot.” How do they make their comedy? Do they ever burn  any of it? “Last year they thought they’d done the lot, then other stuff happened so they’re back to do that too. From Merkel to Zumba via […]

“Communication? Between a father and a child? How difficult can that be? Communication? Between a father and a transgender child? How much of a nightmare can that be? On his 400th anniversary, can even Shakespeare help?” Writer Simon Waterfield is back at the Fringe with a very unique piece of theatre, “written and performed by said […]

Paul Jones is the Nerdfather. “They say you should never meet your heroes… no one ever said you shouldn’t make your kids meet them! Join Squawker awards finalist, Paul Jones, as he presents his guide to parenting for geeks. See a grown man relentlessly force his children onto Time Lords and Star Ship Captains in […]

Paul Levy talks to writer, Lorrane Mullaney,  about The Cunning Mr Lingus. Developed from a character Lorraine penned in a shorter piece, “When a man finds himself homeless after a break-up, he finds a cunning way of ensuring he has a bed for the night. Mr Lingus loves the ladies – almost as much as […]

“The great jazz bass player, composer, arranger and bandleader, Charles Mingus, had a unique approach to music. The Mingus Underground Octet, formed in 2014 and featuring some of the finest jazz and improvising musicians in the South East and London, are dedicated to capturing the excitement and the spirit of Mingus’ music and to giving […]

Tales of Sin, from Sofa Productions, probably boasts one of the largest casts at the Fringe. In this show for adults, we are invited to “Experience sinister deeds, sensual seductions and ruthless betrayals, before finally descending to the underworld.” We spoke to Johan Ribbing about the production. Listen to our interview with Johan Ribbing about Tales […]

Three traditional tales – one you’ll know, two you might now. Sofa Productions bring “Once Upon a Time“,  their unique approach to children’s theatre. “Join us on a journey through the magical forest where three fairy tales are imaginatively brought to life. Not only will you meet ‘The Mouse Family’ and ‘Fearless Hans’ but also […]

Paul Levy chats to comedy performer Ben Watson about The History of Everything in 60 Mins (More or Less). From Newsrevue to solo comedy, via physical theatre, Ben shares his creative journey. Listen to our interview with Ben Watson about The History of Everything in 60 Mins More or Less

Octopus Soup Theatre Company bring A Talent for Lying to Brighton Fringe at Sweet Dukebox. Paul Levy chatted to writer Liam McCarthy and one of the cast about the play’s artistic journey to Brighton. Listen to our interview with Liam McCarthy about A Talent for Lying

Jolie Booth, from Kriyaarts, is back at the Fringe with probably one of the most unique creations in the programme. Oh and she is relaxed too. Jolie tells the fascinating story of how Hip came into being and how she creates her “extra live” theatre. “A bunch of semi-hip young squatters find a once hip […]

There were hippos in Folkestone around 2,000 years ago. There are the bones to prove it. And there is a Fringe show to prove it as well. Georgia Murphy and Oliver Weatherly from Mouth of Lions talk about hippos and their comedy show for children,  Dr Zeiffal, Dr Zeigal and the Hippo that Can Never Be […]

Listen to our interview with Nora and Shea about Morbid Abnormal Me, a production born from a fear of mortality. Based on verbatim interviews, the writer and performers share the creative process that has resulted in a Fringe show that has crossed the Atlantic to be at the Brighton Fringe. “This is a show about […]

Charles Booth brings character comedy to the Brighton Fringe. In this interview he reveals where his characters come from and how he brings them to comedic life on the stage. He’s making his Fringe debut “with an eclectic concoction of characters fizzing with heart-warming lunacy, dazzling originality and mop-centric dance moves.” Listen to our interview […]

   Paul Levy talks to director from Spun Glass Theatre,  Jessica Cheetham about Stamp and Operation Love Story. Jessica creates an artistic link between the two productions, tell us why Spun Glass have brought two shows to the Fringe and takes us into the rehearsal room. Listen to our interview with Jessica Cheetham about Stamp […]

Paul Levy talks to Matt Devitt and Lloyd Ryan-Thomas about playing “Dad” and “Mum” in East. Why is Steven Berkoff’s forty year-old play still igniting the interest of theatre makers and audiences today? We get a glimpse of the rehearsal room and some powerful audience reaction so far (Read our review here). East is playing […]

Physical comedy performers Zach Zucker and Viggo Venn, and director Jonny Woolley talk about their new comedy creation Thundeflop which plays at the Warren and Brighton Fringe. Where do their ideas come from? How do you “script” physical comedy? And what’s the clown scene like in Norway? We found out… Listen to our interview with […]

When is poetry better read in silence and when is better bellowed in a public space to a packed audience. Michael James Parker muses on the nature and style of poetry, at the Fringe and elsewhere. Listen to our interview with Michael James Parker about Poetry

Three Dance theatre masterclasses are being hosted at the new Nelly Lewis Centre during the Fringe. Nelly Lewis invites you to “tease the performer in you” with 15th May 2016: Tango-inspired partner work with Masha Gurina, combining elements of Argentine tango &creative movement; 22nd May: The creative expressive body with Yael Karavan, exploring the hidden possibilities of […]

Moving into Stillness by yoga teacher, dancer and founder of Unity Studios, Sevanti, has been brewing for a while. It comes to birth at this year’s Brighton Fringe where were are invited to “join Sevanti and the Unity team for the beautiful, meditative fusion of yoga and contemporary dance, including Unity Partner Yoga™. Live music, projections […]

“A Dirty Getaway!” is David Wheedall and Second Impression Theatre’s 21st year (and premiere) at the Fringe. In this frank interview David – both a writer and director tells us about his idea=finding, takes us into the rehearsal studio and shares the craft of real fringe-making. Listen to our interview with David Weedall about A […]

88 London Road is the new name for Emporium. Why the name change and how do you go about making such a big change? James Weisz talks to Paul Levy about the evolution of 88 London Road and its scaled up Fringe programme with year. Listen to our interview with James Weisz from 88 London […]

        Photo by Peter Williams   Paul Levy talks to producer Mill Goble from Sweet Venues at Brighton Fringe 2016. Sweet Venues are part of Edinburgh Fringe history and they recently took over the running of the Dukebox Theatre. Sweet now offer a pop-up space at the Waterfront Hotel in Brighton, significantly expanding […]