(Brighton &) Hove Grown 2025

The Gift

Genre: Cabaret, Clown, Event, Interactive

Venue: The Old Market

Festival: (Brighton &) Hove Grown, Brighton Year-Round

Low Down

Review

In the film It’s Wonderful Life, a bell is rung each time an angel gets its wings. I think of this, not because I’m feeling Christmassy, at least not quite yet, but because bells jingle all the way through Mella Faye’s exuberant party-game.

Wrapped in Tarot colours of red, gold and green and performed in “The Box, The Old Market’s programme of special events with 360 degree visuals” set designer Joe Fleming conjures a distinctive never-land. Projections of woodland, insects and creatures flicker, curtained booths tempt and a pine-scented throne, piano and fairground style Wheel of Fortune stand by on the stage. The richness of the scenery and detail of design, from graphics to Lucy Bradridge’s exuberant costumes soften the corporate look of well spaced tables and chairs.

Mella Faye hosts and MC’s with a sharp tongue and keen eye on the clock, encouraging everyone to think for themselves and for others. We begin in her vestibule as she sets out what will unfold during the evening, gives some house rules and plenty of encouragement. We’re about to enter the Garden of Wishes. Should we be careful what we wish for? Let’s see.

Over the next couple of hours a complex game unfolds between groups identified as Lovers, Magicians, Devils, Emperors and Fools each led by a charismatic Guide. It’s a game that requires everyone to work together, to listen, respond. A wish may be a call to action, or there may be a need to create something from nothing. You may find yourself doing an activity you’ve not thought about in years. What you will be is amazed at the ingenuity of others, in awe of what you learn and lifted (perhaps literally) by the generosity of those that had been strangers.

If this sounds puzzling, rest assured the team of Guides make it simple and fun. They also make a Christmas cracker of a band, more please, with The Fool (cheeky imp Lucy Hopkins) on percussion and beautifully forlorn Lover Tom Curzon on piano. There was a glut of Devils at this performance, but Abigail Dooley’s glamorous saw-playing Guide controlled their anarchy with an arch of an eyebrow. Together with Jack Stigson and Oliver Harrison (Emperor and Magician respectively) the audience was held where needed, coerced (time is ticking!) and enthusiastically got stuck in.

Wishes that seem simple “I wish for a hug” become moments of joy, some are more grandiose and take a team vote and the whole room to join in. From human pyramids to Grandmother’s Footsteps, the inevitable conga and plenty of songs, it’s a total blast. And perhaps the resulting list of countless wishes over the long run will say something about the state of the nation, its humanity, humour or obsessions. Justice is clear that our imperative is to think of what we can do to make us, and everyone, feel strong, good and whole whilst being ridiculous. The gifts we give and take are personal and achieved collectively, not imported or shop bought. Delivered through play it’s a message that young people could grasp; strip out the dinner aspect (the least memorable part of the evening) and The Gift would be accessible to a broader audience.

Presented by The Old Market and Mella Faye and the talented creative team, The Gift is an ambitious, layered and richly rewarding event, fitting perfectly the season’s changing weather and the in-creep of holiday mood.

Published December 8, 2025 by Lisa Wolfe