BN1 MAGAZINE MAY 2019 by BN1 Magazine

BN1 MAGAZINE

THE GUIDE TO BRIGHTON & HOVE

RAILED HEAD FIRST ACROBATS

AT BRIGHTON FRINGE

THE GREAT ESCAPE / BRIGHTON FRINGE BRIGHTON FESTIVAL / FESTIVAL PLANNER PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS / PIGS X7 May 2019

A J T R A C E Y A S W AY Z E A N D T H E G H O S T A N N A C A LV I A P R E BANG BANG ROMEO BLACK MIDI BLACK PEAKS C H A I C H I L D R E N O F Z E U S C O N A N G R AY C O N F I D E N C E M A N C O N N I E C O N S TA N C E CRACK CLOUD DU BLONDE E L D E R I S L A N D FAT W H I T E FA M I LY F L A M I N G O D S F R A N K C A R T E R & T H E R AT T L E S N A K E S FLOHIO G G A L L A N PA R T R I D G E G E O R G I A GIRL IN RED GIUNGLA G R A H A M VA N P E LT GREENTEA PENG HAELOS INDOOR PETS INJURY RESERVE JAMBINAI J AY K A E J O Y C R O O K E S K AW A L A K E YA H / B L U LAURA MISCH LEISURE LEWSBERG LIELA MOSS LITTLE SIMZ M HUNCHO MAISIE PETERS MIINK M I N I M A N S I O N S M U R K A G E D AV E O H L A N D OUR GIRL PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIP BLOM PIROSHKA POM POKO PONGO RADIANT CHILDREN SELF ESTEEM SPORTS TEAM SNAPPED ANKLES STEAM DOWN STILL WOOZY SURFBORT THE AMAZONS THE BETHS THE RHYTHM METHOD TOURIST VIAGRA BOYS YVES TUMOR ZUZU

Welcome to the May edition of BN1 Magazine... It’s May, and a simple stroll around the city will reveal a plethora of different sights, sounds and sensations. You can sample gastronomic delights at Foodies Festival, check out the best breakthrough music at The Great Escape or get down at the Funk And Soul Weekender. Art is served in generous measures, as the city’s makers display at Artists Open Houses, international performers flock to Brighton Festival and the curious and brilliant light up the night at Brighton Fringe. It’s maybe the last time Britain will participate in the European Elections on Thurs 23 May. The EU make important and impactful decisions, on everything from migration to climate change and employment law to privacy. For over 40 years it has enabled Europe to stand together in the face of a complex world. Yet many MEPs failed to act in our best interests, choosing to be obstructive and use the privilege of representing us as a platform for personal gain. This could be one final chance to show the world what we expect from Europe. Regardless of who you vote for, get registered before Tues 7 May.

NEWSDESK/ GENERAL ENQUIRIES: BN1 MAGAZINE Unit 28, Floor 6, New England House, New England Street, Brighton, BN1 4GH 01273 022991 info@bn1magazine.co.uk

EDITOR IN CHIEF: CHRIS SADLER chris@bn1magazine.co.uk EDITOR: STUART ROLT stuart@bn1magazine.co.uk MARKETING & SALES: sales@bn1magazine.co.uk Louisa Streeting Kai Lowe

CONTRIBUTORS: Charlotte Beldham / Louisa Streeting / Jess English / City Books Team / Cristina Marinache / Rich Wardle / Ray A-J Brad Goodspeed / Meghan Rhys-Challis / Tyler Constable / Carly-May Kavanagh / Izzy Sigston / Carly Pepperell / Tom Boddy COVER: HEAD FIRST ACROBATICS

Cover Image By © Frank Packer Show: Railed (Brighton Fringe)

Internships and Job opportunities: Want to become part of the BN1 Magazine team, gain valuable media skills or submit articles, content and images? Various internships are available for local writers, photographers, marketing, sales, creative types and enthusiasts to join Brighton’s leading culture and events magazine! Just email your CV and a little about yourself to: info@bn1magazine.co.uk

Book Powerful Print and Digital publicity campaigns with BN1 Magazine: 1) Convenient size and very accessible across the city 2) Engaged and captivated audience of readers & followers 3) A physical and tangible medium that people keep 4) A direct impact on the local community

WE WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR EVENT, BUSINESS OR BRAND IN FRONT OF TENS OF THOUSANDS ACROSS BRIGHTON & HOVE! BN1 Magazine is firmly established as the main culture and events guide for Brighton & Hove, distributed in hundreds of venues and prominent stands every month. Promote your business or event in BN1 Magazine with a tailored campaign to suit all budgets through our print and digital strategies. Contact one of our team today on 01273 022991 or message: sales@bn1magazine.co.uk to find out how we can help you stand out from the crowd.

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the largest and leading provider of contemporary music education in Europe, with over 6,000 students enrolled across seven colleges in three countries.

All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process or by any electronic or mechanical device (printed, written or oral), unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. All textual content, design graphics, images and specific photographs used in the magazine are copyright © BN1 Media Ltd 2019. BN1 Magazine has taken every reasonable care to ensure the information contained within this periodical is accurate on the date of publication. It is advisable that you verify any information before relying upon it. BN1 Magazine accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any damage or loss suffered by users of the information, materials or third parties featured within this magazine.

34 46

22 36

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening

Enter to Win Festival tickets

Get Ready For Pride 2019

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

BN1 Chats With Flamingods

16 - Gigs and Nightlife

THE GREAT ESCAPE GUIDE

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

BN1 Chats With Himalayas

Tropical Fuck Storm

A Glance At Brighton Festival

A Broken System

Shift (Fringe Show)

Cooped (Fringe Show)

Railed (Fringe Show)

My Left Right Foot (BTN Festival)

BN1 Chats With Desiree

The Good Book List

25 Years of Komedia

Brighton Festival Guide

Fringe Guide

The Warren

Pocket Angel App

Fringe Survival Guide

On Screen - TV & Film Guide

Crystalz Tavern

Festival Guide

Artist Open Houses

Fitz Wine and Aluna Rum (Fringe)

Foodie News

BN1 Tries The Park View

BN1 Tries Pappa Pitta

The Nutritionist

City Books Crossword

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NEWS WIZARDS AGAINST LIZARDS

SWEETVENUES.COM FOR TICKETS

SAVE CAROLINE LUCAS FROM ILLUMINATI LIZARD SACRIFICE

“Having to go into the escape room and having to solve the clues in there with the timeframe”

An interactive immersive experiential game is taking place throughout Brighton for four teams of up to five players. You have been enlisted for a mission of utmost urgency, a team of wizards against lizards have requested you to join their quest to save Caroline Lucas from being sacrificed by the Illuminati corporate Lizards! Avoid detection as you search throughout the North Laine hunting clues and collect the key items necessary to infiltrate the Annunaki secret base, bring an end to the ritual; and take the system down from within.

“Like a scavenger hunt, mixed with escape rooms, going through the streets of Brighton and in shops to see random people to tell them something that you think they won’t know what you’re on about”

Teams suitable for adult families, groups of friends, stag and hen parties and students. What to expect: Limited time event, learn the art of the Wizard to complete each task within a certain time frame before Caroline Lucas becomes a sacrifice. Lots of gallivanting about in order to unlock the clues to your puzzle with interesting secret code phrases for actors who may be watching you from behind the corner. Find yourself in various venues in disguise, and be prepared immerse yourself in the antics set up by the Wizards against Lizards, with some drinks of course. “Mad, immersive, multimedia experience with invites and chasing people around town” “It was like Pokémon Go but you’re inside the Pokemon” “We were listening as best we could with the video clues, and there’s a sort of palpable excitement as the next clue comes in”

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“QR codes, mad technology and lizard spies”

Performances take place throughout the year, with some special events curated specifically for Brighton Fringe. Tickets are £150 per team of five players.

MARTLETS HOVE CARNIVAL MON 27 MAY // HOVE PARK

Hove Carnival is returning this May and it’ll be another free day of fun for all the family. The event is in aid of the Martlets Hospice and will include stalls from local vendors, exciting activities and plenty of entertainment. Amongst the family friendly acts will be The Black Eagles Acrobatic Show, an exciting troupe of acrobats from Tanzania, and, the ‘pawsome’ K9 display team will be showing off the skills of their highly trained canine companions. The carnival has been very popular with Brighton & Hove residents over the years and 2019 looks to be its best year yet. Taking place over the second May Bank Holiday makes it the perfect opportunity to enjoy fine Spring weather and help raise money for a brilliant cause.

THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK FRI 3 MAY - SUN 2 JUNE / HOVE LAWNS

With entertainment soaring from start to finish at every performance, The Ladyboys of Bangkok is always brimming with magic. Originating out of Edinburgh in 1998, this sparkling cabaret show has become one of the most well-loved touring companies across the UK over the last 20 years. Featuring 16 stunning performers, their latest production The Greatest Showgirls Tour! sees the girls celebrating their 21st birthday. It’ll combine the glamour of Hollywood and glitz of Las Vegas with classic British music-hall traditions in a mesmerising spectacle. With massive production value, a tremendous list of songs, dazzling costumes, and spectacular choreography, The Ladyboys of Bangkok offer a celebration of individually and pride every night. The cabaret’s own Sabai Pavilion is a warm, intimate venue that will find audiences escaping to the exotic surroundings of Bangkok as they step into the eyecatching pink tent. Freshly prepared Thai cuisine and well-stocked bars are also available for customers each evening. Coming to Brighton & Hove as part of this year’s Fringe, the company will deliver splendid performances and making sure the crowds leave with smiles on their faces.

SERGE ATTUKWEI’S CURRENT AFFAIRS WEDS 1 - MON 27 MAY FABRICA GALLERY

Described as ‘incredibly beautiful, yet politically charged’, Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei creates large-scale Afrogallonism pieces out of yellow jerry cans, vessels that are typically used for carrying fuel oil and are imported into Ghana from Europe. Attukwei touches on global issues of plastic waste and access to basic services while promoting his mantra of exploring narratives rooted in colonialism, trade, and migration. Part of Brighton Festival, it’s a breath-taking sight to behold.

COCKTAIL WEEK ORDER UP! BRIGHTON COCKTAIL WEEK IS COMING FROM 1 - 9 JUNE!

Brighton’s very own Cocktail Week comes back for its third year this June and with everything from Finnish Saunas, premium liquor, and cheap drinks - it’s something you won’t want to miss. Sponsored by Amathus, Fentimans and Pernod Ricard, the merry week will be kicking off 1 June, offering up a great way to spend your summer. At Plotting Parlour you can get your tiki on, with island style drinks, or if history’s more your thing, Cargo Cult Rum will also be transforming the venue with their own WWII inspired South Pacific bar. GungHo! are also mixing it up with a Finnish sauna, thanks to Koskenkorva vodka. Organised by Mixology Group and Sharp Media, the festival is also keeping things classy with Premium liquor and spirits on offer at Amathus, and even Masterclasses on cheese and charcuterie pairing with Whitley Neill gins at the boutique Hotel Una Bar. Fancy. If you don’t feel like drinking your money away, don’t worry. You can grab an exclusive wristband for £10 from Amathus, Daddy Longlegs and Medusa Bar or the festival website, and you’ll only have to pay £5 per cocktail for the whole week. If that isn’t enough, you’ll also be entitled to discounts on masterclasses and event tickets throughout the festival. If staggering home off your face at two in the morning doesn’t sound like your thing, you can always opt for lower ABV spirits and non alcoholic cocktails at Fentimans and Pedrino. There’s even England’s first white Vermouth, the Silver Birch, on offer from Blackdown Artisan Distillery. P.S. it’s made from tree sap! Check if your favourite bar is part of the festival, and grab yourself an exclusive wristband here: brightoncocktailweek.com (COMPETITION PAGE 8) bn1magazine.co.uk

WIN LOVEBN1 FEST TICKETS LoveBN1Fest is a celebration of everything Brighton & Hove, a celebration which brings communities and families together for some summer festivities in Preston Park. Wanting to join in on seeing the likes of Jessie J, Grace Jones and other amazing artists? As well as tons of family friendly entertainment and indulge in some delicious street food? Well, BN1 Magazine has your back as we have two pairs of VIP tickets up for grabs for some lucky competition winners! The VIP tickets, each worth £70, provide access to the ‘Golden Circle’, a premium main stage viewing area for the optimal experience on watching the main event!

In order to be in for a chance to win one of two pairs of VIP LoveBN1Fest tickets, Simply answer the following question to enter: Who is headlining LoveBN1Fest this year? Deadline to enter is Mon 3 June

VISIT WWW.BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK TO ENTER!

WIN BRIGHTON COCKTAIL WEEK WRISTBANDS Fancy enjoying some delicious drinks in the warm weather this summer? Then Brighton Cocktail Week is the event for you. Head over to the BN1 website now and enter our competition for a chance to win a pair of event wristbands. With headline sponsorships from Havana Club, Amathus and Fentimans, no cocktail enthusiast will want to miss this. The festival will take place across 20 popular city venues. Wristbands holders are entitled to discounted £5 drinks from any of the participating venues across the weeks Sat 1 June to Sun 9 June, and, we’re giving away a pair of wristbands to two lucky readers! Simply answer the following question to enter: Who is the main rum sponsor for Brighton Cocktail Week? A) Barcardi

B) Havana Club C) Sailor Jerry

Deadline for entries is Mon 20 May Visit bn1magazine.co.uk to enter!

1 - 9 JUNE

19—23 June ‘19 — Preston Park

sean lock alan davies sara pascoe adam hills henning wehn tim key tom allen lolly adefope rose matafeo rachel parris ed byrne david o’doherty desiree burch phil wang bridget christie john robins stephen k amos suzi ruffell ed gamble rosie jones ivo graham zoe lyons andrew maxwell rhys james kiri pritchard-mclean

PRIDE 2019

BY RICH WARDLE

As we barrel towards summer once again, local Brightonians are winding up for arguably the biggest event on the cities calendar – Pride 2019. It feels like the festival is getting larger and more electrifying every year, what with Britney Spears headlining the music in 2018 and now our little seaside city will be graced by poplegend, Kylie Minogue. We are honoured!

Don’t think it ends there though, as Sunday sees the park switch down a gear for the chilled out LoveBN1Fest. Again, there’s going to be some fabulous musicians including Jessie J and Grace Jones headlining the party. Keep an eye out for the BN1 Magazine tent where we will have some fantastic local DJs spinning the decks to keep your Sunday afternoon funky.

As anyone who’s been part of the festivities before knows, music is just one pillar in the Parthenon that is Brighton Pride. The renowned Pride Community Parade will be marching from Hove Lawns, through Brighton to Preston Park. Every year, the parade draws over 300,000 people into the streets in celebration. There will be representatives from a number of Brighton communities including police and fire services, the NHS, Girl Guides and Scouts to name but a few. A 50m rainbow flag will accompany the procession as a beacon of Pride's diversity and inclusivity. This is always a colourful frenzy of fun so make sure you get a spot on the parade path early and expect to be knocking elbows with the rest of Brighton!

Meanwhile, Brighton’s Kemptown will set the scene for a weekend long Pride Village Party where local businesses will throw open their doors with a load more entertainers, DJs, artists and of course, bars. All of this is to raise some extra funds for local charities the Rainbow Fund and the Social Impact Fund. The Pride Village Party is a wristband only event so make sure you purchase yours early to avoid disappointment.

Spanning the entire weekend, the main party will converge in Preston Park for the official Pride In The Park event, where you’ll find Kylie on the Saturday along with Fleur East, Clean Bandit, Bjorn Again and many more. The whole area will be converted into a festival space so expect multiple stages and tents, hosting a range of musicians and entertainers. Little party animals can kick it in the Family Diversity Area for face-painting, costume making, dancing and games. Make sure to get over to the Market Area for some awesome festi-food and produce to keep you fuelled up.

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If you’re not a Brighton local but still want to join in the festivities, Pride is organising a large camp-site to the north of the city, within walking distance of all events. Camping can be arranged through the Brighton Pride website. With support for Brighton Pride growing every year, 2019 looks to be our city's biggest and best event yet. With some incredible entertainment, exciting venues and a atmosphere of equality and inclusion that’s stronger than ever, come and join the hoards of beautiful people and have a party in the streets. Check out the Pride Website at www.brighton-pride.org for more info on all events and tickets.

GET READY FOR

.C REW

O.UK

MUSIC

BN1 CHATS WITH...

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS

BY LOUISA STREETING

There’s a strong craving in the air for heavy guitar riffs and menacing vocals in live music, with Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs creeping to the forefront of this mainstream resurgence. The Newcastle-upon-Tyne rock outfit seems to have engrossed our attention in more ways than one. Matt Baty, the band’s vocalist, assures me there was no moment of euphoria behind their disturbing name. Although, he still remembers conceiving the idea years ago with Johnny, the band’s bassist, during a bad day in the studio predating Pigs. “We knew it would look absurd on posters, so we just went with it. It certainly is funny seeing it on festival line-ups taking up a whole row.” Their name is undeniably obnoxious. I decide not to admit I wasted my time wondering if there was any connection to the number ‘seven’ and the seven deadly sins, the thematic focus of their second record they released last August. It’s effective because it’s meaningless. The foundations of this album, King of Cowards, came together accidently when a few gig dates in Italy were cancelled on their tour of mainland Europe. Seizing the opportunity to stay in a remote location in the Italian countryside, they utilised this time to flesh out rough track ideas and finish writing the record. “It was absolute magic to focus on it and feel energised by it.” Matt explained how rare this moment of inspiring serenity in Italy was. Back in Newcastle, the boys are busy with day jobs and so often can’t get into the practice room until the evening for very little time. Despite the huge success of the record, Pigs initially never set out with intentions to record their music. For the first four years, all they craved was live performance.

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They grasped any chance they could to support bands, which often meant a six-hour drive to London quite early on in their career. “That did benefit us in a way. It made recording the first album super simple, but it also meant that that album was supercharged and full of energy.” Their vigour on stage transfers well to the airwaves of Radio 6 Music, with the station playlisting three of their singles from their album. Pigs were also selected to play a huge slot at 6 Music’s annual festival, this year in Liverpool, of which Matt was immensely grateful for. “The evidence of the support they’ve leant us has been tangible. All of a sudden, our live shows were all selling out and I have no doubt that’s down to the 6 Music support.” The quintet has been moved by the wealth of positivity towards their sound when meeting fans at the merch stand before and after their gigs. “It’s quite heartwarming because it shows if certain heavy bands are put in front of a wider audience there’s still a real thirst and hunger to enjoy that music.” Touring has been an instrumental but effortless component to the band’s success. As I speak with Matt, he has had just a few days rest after Pigs’ almost sold out UK Spring tour. Following their insane show at Brighton venue, The Haunt, the band is eager to kickstart the summer shows at The Great Escape festival this May. “There are different mannerisms in different cities, and some places stick out in my mind. There’s a very particular audience and a very particular character to them as well. Brighton is always the one I look forward to playing because of that.” Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs will play The Old Market at The Great Escape on Fri 10 May.

1-4 augUST

HEVER, KENT

Mystery Jets / Professor Green / Tom Grennan Alma / Black Honey / Dream Wife / Indoor Pets / Lucy Spraggan Sleeper / Sports Team / The Futureheads / Tion Wayne CHILDCARE / Ed The Dog / Ferris & Sylvester / FUR / Georgia / Himalayas / Husky Loops Keston Cobblers Club / LUCIA / Only The Poets / The She Street Band / Too Many T's 404 / CLT DRP / Family Fiction / Grenades / Guru / Kid Kapichi / Lauran Hibberd / Rina Mushonga Squid / Superlove / Swimming Girls / Swimming Tapes / TALK SHOW / The Dunwells / Walt Disco

Shy FX / Grandmaster FLash / David Rodigan MISTAJAM / Craig Charles + A SECRET SPECIAL GUEST! DJ LUCK & MC NEAT / StANTON WARRIORS / FLEETMAC WOOD a Spectacular Kingdom of Music, Party and Arts Beach Parties / Burlesque / Cabaret / Campfires / Cinema / Circus / Cocktails / Comedy Craft Beers / Drag Club / Glitter Wrestling / Goldmine Rave FAMILY FUN / Magic / Paint Fights / Spoken Word / Street Food / Wellness / Workshops

3 IMMERSIVE realms to explore

NEVERWORLD.CO.uk

BN1 CHATS WITH...

FLAMINGODS BY LOUISA STREETING

“I’ll let you listen, it sounds a bit crazy," says Kamaal Rasool, founder of otherworldly alternative rock band Flamingods. He trails off, as he holds the phone towards the enormous burst of energetic sound from their rehearsal room in Kamaal’s garden. The band are getting geared up for the release of their fourth record, with a sequence of shows to follow including Brighton & Hove’s The Great Escape. For Flamingods, rehearsing and composing in the same room are now cherished moments together. Originally from Bahrain, changes in UK governmental visa laws meant Kamaal had to leave London after his studies in 2014. Flamingods’ last two records were written and recorded over the Internet with the band members in different corners of the world (predominantly Dubai and London). “It was a very long process and it created a lot of tension in the band because it’s quite hard to explain yourself, like, trying to write an album over email.” Kamaal suggests having these challenges helped them grow as every band member could tap into their own ideas and realise the albums’ potential. Despite now being able to play together, Kamaal makes it clear their newest album, Levitation, still faced its own difficulties. “We had a few tragedies happen while we were writing the record, so we were trying to take all that stuff and soak it in as much positivity as we could. Trying to get uplifting lyrics matched with euphoric instrumentation – that was our main goal for the LP.” The foreign sounds on Club Coco, the third of their new singles, certainly oozes the band's zeal for travelling. Flamingods’ mutual appreciation for touring means they acquire intriguing new instruments along the way. After spending time gigging in Turkey last year, they fell in love with the Saz, the country’s native guitar. Kamaal tells me the new album also features the Taishogoto, a Japanese stringed instrument, which they bowed to create a harsh

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violin-like sound. “We could capture a real Middle Eastern sound, because khaliji music is very string heavy and none of us play strings.” Khaliji, a contemporary Arabic style ubiquitous throughout Kamaal’s youth in Bahrain, has formed an integral part of the band’s sound. “My dad would be driving me to school pumping out Khaliji classics and I just hated it. There was nothing about it that I liked.” He tells me it wasn’t until he was older when he realised how beautiful this music was, making him think of his home. These influences paired with Kamaal’s eclectic taste make it difficult to pinpoint Flamingods as one solid music genre. When he moved to the UK for university, his eardrums were exposed to the music he once read about in magazines like Low Down and Uncut. “You can imagine, 18 years of just wanting to go to gigs and never being able to – it’s quite a long time. When I finally moved to London, I went to a show every week.” He remembers seeing mindblowing performances from Iggy Pop, The Boredoms and Konono N1 at All Tomorrow’s Parties festival he attended with Charles and Sam from the band. That weekend, the boys were exposed to live performances that would slowly turn into big influencers for them. After two packed out shows in 2017, Flamingods will return to this year’s The Great Escape festival amid their album tour. “There’s a fun energy at The Great Escape where everyone is quite excited about everything, it’s nice to be around. As a music fan, it’s so intense because you’re seeing so many bands from different genres.” Flamingods’ international psychedelic sound will certainly be an unmissable experience in Brighton this May. Flamingods will play The Great Escape Festival on Sat 11 May. Their album, Levitation, is out on Fri 3 May on Moshi Moshi Records.

ese To get th ... for £5

M I XO LO GY G R O U P & S H A R P M E D I A p re s e n t

1-9 June 2019

Enjoy £5 cocktails at 35 of the city’s leading bar venues, plus special events and tastings, from 1 - 9 June 2019

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GIGS & NIGHTLIFE LOYLE CARNER FRI 3 MAY // CONCORDE 2

BN1 CHOICE

24-year-old British rapper Loyle Carner is one of the most lovable members of the hip-hop industry. His sound described by NME as being ‘sensitive and eloquent,’ Carner used his past experiences and various influences to pursue a career in music. With a unique vocal tone and references to very real issues in his life such as ADHD and dyslexia, this is a musician who you can relate to, and enjoy his music all the more for it.

KYLE FALCONER

KING CHARLES

Best known as the lead singer of Scottish band The View, Kyle Falconer comes to Brighton for a solo performance. Inspired by the likes of The Beatles, Oasis and Fleetwood Mac, expect Falconer's individual voice to deliver his indie rock harmonies like no other. Following release of his debut solo album last year, Falconer has sold out in venues across the UK.

Always been a force of nature, especially during his passionate and energetic live performances, King Charles has been dropping a new track every month for six months. Teaming back up with LA powerhouse producer, Matthew Wilder (Miley Cyrus, Christina Aguilera), he’s unleashed a set of compelling and beautifully constructed songs. Now, to celebrate, he’s off around the UK before the summer festival season starts.

A British folk-pop band formed in Brighton, playing in Brighton... Can you imagine a better atmosphere? With their fifth studio album due for release in April, The Leisure Society are kicking off their UK tour in the middle of May, before coming back to their beloved home town to perform for their local and loyal fans, with special guests to be announced.

DEATH AND VANILLA

THE VAMPS

Sweden’s Death and Vanilla create organic sounding electronic contemporary music, emulating the sounds of 60s/70s soundtracks, library music, Krautrock, French Ye-ye pop and psych. The trio revel in the warmth of older analogue instruments to create a more organic sound, each loose wire and off-kilter noise adding to the rich atmosphere.

Formed in 2012, The Vamps rapidly rose to popularity. A boy band with added attributes such as playing their own instruments and producing their own songs, this is not a night to miss. Following lead guitarist's James' nearwin on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018, the pop rock band have been in high demand.

FARA

TUES 14 MAY // THE HAUNT

MON 6 MAY // PATTERNS

WEDS 22 MAY // ROPETACKLE One of the freshest sounding groups to emerge from Scotland’s folk scene. This supremely talented four-piece are ready to unveil new LP Times From Times Fall – a celebration of their homeland packed with songs drawn from the words of Orcadian poets. Blending classical and mainstream influences, they create truly intoxicating contemporary roots music.

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THURS 30 MAY // WESTGATE CHAPEL, LEWES

THE LEISURE SOCIETY

WED 22 MAY // KOMEDIA

FRI 31 MAY // BRIGHTONCENTRE

DJ Pierre

CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN SOLD

OUT!

ENGLISH DISCO LOVERS

NIGHTLIFE PLANNER:

Jacky & Friends // Sat 11 May // The Arch After a short hiatus, Jacky is back. He brings current Beatport chart toppers, summer anthems and LEFTWING:KODY, Kadenza, Kalypso, Lewis Clayton and The Garden. Funk and Soul Weekender: After Party // Fri 17 May // Concorde 2 There are Funk and Soul Weekender after-parties everywhere, and this one has Brighton’s own turntable wizard Krafty Kuts, alongside A.Skillz and Soul of Man. Hunee (3 Hour Set) // Sat 25 May// Patterns With his sunshine grooves and perky house beats, Hunee shows off a love for vinyl, Chicago, Detroit and a special affinity for plenty of glorious uplifting anthems. Shoom : Future Love // Sun 26 May // The Arch Shoom is back with another steller event in the UK. Hosting this Celebration of Dance Music culture of Techno, Acid + House music on May Bank Holid Eats Everything // Fri 31 May // Concorde 2 House music legend Eats Everything heads to town for another massive party. With sublime technique and some stunning selections, he’ll be ripping it right up. Sasha // Fri 31 May // The Arch Ruling the dancefloor back when most DJs were still in nappies, Sasha continues to rock it every time. Now he returns to Brighton for a marathon musical journey.

The Brighton Centre

30 YEARS OF MR BONGO Sunday 5th May

SUN 5 & SUN 26 MAY // BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT Now a cornerstone of Brighton Fringe’s nightlife diary, English Disco Lovers return with a couple of sparkling Bank Holiday bangers. Originally conceived as a means to subvert the acronym ‘EDL’ they continue as a loveable group of renegade party-starters. Confronting intolerance through the medium of huge house and disco anthems, they pay homage to the multi-cultural and poly-sexual heritage of dance music. This community group will celebrate their fifth sell-out season with an irrepressible mix of disco, humour, inclusivity, fundraising and fun. So, get your dancing shoes and big wigs on, because we’re about to have a good time…

Thursday 2nd May

Brighton Dome

LUCY SPRAGGAN SOLD

OUT!

Saturday 18th May Concorde 2

BEAK> SOLD

OUT!

Tuesday 21st May Concorde 2

ECHOBELLY SOLD

OUT!

Tuesday 21st May The Prince Albert

SILVERSTEIN SOLD

OUT!

Friday 24th May Concorde 2

PLAIN WHITE T’S Monday 27th May The Haunt

BRY

Tuesday 28th May Komedia

THE FUTUREHEADS Thursday 30th May Concorde 2

HEART OF A COWARD Saturday 8th June The Haunt

JENNY LEWIS

Wednesday 24th July Concorde 2

KATE NASH

Wednesday 31st July Concorde 2

THE DIVINE COMEDY Wednesday 16th October Brighton Dome

EASY LIFE

Tuesday 22nd October The Old Market

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INDOOR PETS

FRI 10 (HIDEOUT 6:15PM, THE HOPE AND RUIN 9PM); SATURDAY 11 (THE OLD MARKET 7:15PM)

SHADED

The power pop four-piece from Kent, formally known as Get Inuit, recently released their debut album Be Content. Packed with indie-pop bangers, the album is a highlight reel of their best hits so far, with some of their older songs like Barbiturates and Pro-procrastinator getting a shiny new release. Indoor Pets are producing fast and catchy tunes which preach self-acceptance and celebrate the social misfit, and their wonderfully and wacky music videos make for great viewing.

SAT 11 (VOLKS 1PM) Hailing from Surrey, pop-rockers Shaded saw a big rise with the release of their EP A Familiar Love last October. The four piece, consisting of vocalist Matt East, guitarist Callum Irons, and, bassist Dan Bradberry merge catchy melodies, slick vocal work and bright instrumental hooks effortlessly to create a unique infectious sound. Having recently toured across the UK and Europe with Australian pop-punk stars Stand Atlantic, Shaded are set for big things in 2019.

SPORTS TEAM

A. SWAYZE AND THE GHOSTS

FRI 10 (THE HAUNT 11:15PM)

THURS 9 (LATEST MUSIC BAR 12:15AM) SAT 11 (THE DIVE BAR – BEACH SITE 1:30PM)

The six-piece met whilst studying at Cambridge, and their alternative punchy sound and witty lyrics, as well as their manic live performances, quickly caught the attention of the music press. The lyrics of their best tracks, Kutcher, M5 and Margate are humorous, charming, and seem to resonate particularly with a young British audience. Bands like Sports Team are making important contributions to the indie scene, and serve as a reminder of why the genre is having a revival.

Coming all the way from The Island of Inspiration, Tasmanian born four piece A Swayze and The Ghosts bring garage-punk with Iggy and The Stooges inspired undertones to the UK indie-rock scene. Having just released their debut 12” last month, along with lead single Suddenly, and signed to UK based Rough Trade Records, the thunderously electronic rock group are ones to watch. Written by frontman Andrew Swayze and his wife, the lead single lends an ear to topics of gender imbalance.

CHARLY BLISS

THE GREAT ESCAPE

SAT 11 (THE DIVE BAR – BEACH 8PM) After opening for Veruca Salt and touring alongside Death Cab For Cutie, Brooklynbased power-pop four-piece Charly Bliss made ripples in the US indie scene. With their upcoming sophomore album Young Enough set to release next month, the group transform the grungy thrashing of debut album Guppy into a synth-filled pop punk set, fusing the raw energy of Black Honey with the ironically whimsical darkness of Paramore. Complete with intelligent lyrical lamenting, the band promise contemplative head-bobbing.

BRUTUS

THURS 9 (THE HAUNT 6:30PM) Belgium based Brutus recently released their long-awaited second album Nest a follow-up to 2017’s widely received Burst. The three piece, consisting of front-women Stefanie Mannaerts, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and, bassist Peter Mulders offer up a fierce mix of math rock, hardcore punk, and, black metal. Brutus are truly something to behold and shouldn’t be missed at this years Great Escape Festival. For fans of: Rolo Tomassi, Conjurer.

BIMM STUDENTS CHOICE SHOWS

FLAMINGODS

JOY CROOKES

BLACK HONEY

Originating in 2010, the positively pink psychedelic cyclone known as Famingods fuse their Bahrain and London based roots to create a worldwide musical collage. Emblazoned with the name of their favourite animal, the flamingo, the four-piece multi-instrumental group craft an awry take on jazz complete with eastern stylings. Channeling the cosmic sound of The Beatles, with a twist of middle eastern instrumentation, in their soon to be released album Levitation, the band transcend genre into their own creation dubbed Exotic Psychelia.

A rising new RnB star with over five million plays on Spotify, the future looks bright for South London’s Joy Crookes. The young artist is already being compared to Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, even before the release of an album. Her sophomore EP, Reminiscence, is all about self-acceptance, lessons in love and growing up. Crookes’ music showcases her hypnotic and soulful voice, and is a taste of great things to come from the young artist.

Brighton-based indie band Black Honey made a name for themselves by putting on knock-out live performances, before releasing their stellar self-titled debut album in 2018. Although indie, a lot of the band’s music seems genre-defying, ranging from grunge to rock n’ roll to (almost) pop. Black Honey are an exciting band to listen to and follow, and their debut album, although a long time in the making, is a musical masterpiece.

GAFFA TAPE SANDY

FRI 10 (THE HAUNT 1:45AM)

SAT 11 (PRINCE ALBERT 1PM) Forming in Bury St Edmunds in 2015, three piece garage rock band Gaffa Tape Sandy blitz fuzzy guitar thrashes in a blender with catchy pop hooks and crunchy head banging rhythms to create their juicy take on garage rock. After releasing their debut EP Spring Killing in 2017, and dousing the stages of Glastonbury, and The Great Escape soon after, the now Brighton-based trio have moved onto an indie rock sound akin to Jake Bugg, with their recent single Headlights.

THURS 9 (SHOOSHH 9:30PM)

SAT 11 (ONE CHURCH 10:30PM)

AGBEKO

VALERAS

Mancunian self described Afrobeat mixed with Ethio-Jazz 11 piece band, this exciting blend of genres makes for something to really grab your attention. Even if this isn’t your typical cup of tea, you will soon find yourself entranced by the Ethiopian inspired rhythms blasting in your face with a mix of gorgeous vocals and a unique take on how jazz can be interpreted. This band will have you vibing in your seat from the second the music begins.

Reading five piece alt-rock band with their own unique style in terms of fashion, sound and vocals, with the best influences from grunge, funk and pop punk genres. Age should not be a discriminating factor in terms of talent as the band have quickly gained a loyal following, and have played alongside big names: The Amazons, The Wombats and Fickle Friends. To be young and already so talented and with a lot ahead of them, the future is looking bright for Valeras.

SAT 11 (JUBILEE SQUARE 6PM)

FRI 10 (DITTO STAGE - TGE BEACH SITE 5:30PM)

IMAGE © SAMUEL WILLIAM HESKETH

BN1 CHATS WITH...

PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are the latest Australian four-piece band to come out of the rich waters of Perth, and their unique blend of psychedelic melodies and robust riffs is proving to be a popular combination. Their debut album, High Visceral Pt 1, recorded in a decrepit old barn in rural Perth which the band say was the “crux” of finishing the record, is punchy, vibrant and everything you’d want from a psych-rock band. One thing that can’t be ignored is the bands choice of name. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have, as you can imagine, had some interesting responses to their chosen name, with some fans even attempting to create a physical representation of the randy, acid dropping crumpet. “Some beautiful soul made us a gift which was a circular container wrapped in yellow putty with boggle eyes all over it, when you opened it up there was a picture of some 80s porn star with a note on the back addressed to us, underneath were some crumpets with peacock feathers and a stick of weed, easily the highlight of our careers.” You can be forgiven for thinking with a name that, the PPC’s are not to be taken seriously. However, the band have big plans, and the determination to match. Once stating they were only 10% of the band they could be, the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have a bright future. “I want to spend every waking minute devoted to creating music. Imagine if physicists wrote albums, or high profile athletes who exhaust themselves for moments of greatness. I feel like I write as much as possible but there’s so much interference while creating that it’s almost impossible now to fully shut off from the world and fully immerse yourself into your art.” As well as their musical determination, the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have also created their own label, What Reality? Records. Independence is clearly important to

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them, and owning their label gives the four-piece 100% ownership of their music, as well as the freedom to release music on their own terms and pursue their own creative interests. “Now the label’s grown a bit we’re fortunate enough to talk terms with labels and work together on what we want rather than being thrown a bone for four people to chew on.” The band also hint that their label may someday be used to sign other up and coming bands, giving other artists the same freedom they’ve enjoyed. The band’s name probably doesn’t have commercial appeal, but that’s part of their ethos both in choosing names and making music. “Music is so subjective, I know I’m not going to please everyone but as an artist that’s kinda your main objective, else we’d all be writing interpretative gobbledygook that only the creator likes to listen too.” Despite this attitude, the band clearly care deeply about their sound and the reception of their music. “I’m just happy people are listening to it, even though sometimes that’s a bit daunting. You spend months working on an album which you feel so connected too and then it’s no longer ‘yours’ anymore, or you want to change bits right up until the final deadline. I think in an ideal scenario I’d like to have more time with the record before it’s passed on, make sure I’m completely confident with all the tracks and then playing live we’re nailing them.” Psychedelic Porn Crumpet’s have big things planned for 2019, with their sophomore album dropping in May and plenty more touring throughout the year. The band are also playing two shows at Brighton’s The Great Escape this summer. Despite their big plans, band’s dream to collaborate with The Mighty Boosh’s Vince Noir is still yet to come to fruition. “If he’s ever keen to jam we’d love to get some crimping happening.” Someone get Noel Fielding on the phone, ASAP.

b w hol an ee id k ke ay nd

23-27 May 2019 Hop Farm • Paddock Wood • Kent

2ManyDJs • Erol Alkan Joey Negro • Maurice Fulton Marc Rebillet (Sat & sun) Andy Blake • Bawrut • Bill Brewster • Chida Eric Duncan • Identified Patient • Ivan Smagghe James Lavelle • Jennifer Cardini • Justin Robertson Kuniyuki Takahashi • Man Power • Nancy Noise Neurotic Drum Band • paul daley • PBR Streetgang Prins Thomas • Terry Farley • Terry Francis Vox Low • Warmduscher • Willikens & Ivkovic Zombies in Miami Aerosoul • Al Mackenzie • Allies • Amy Alsop • Andy Taylor • Andy Nicholls • Apiento Ben Random • Bird of Paradise • Cammy • Charles Green • Childsplay • Civilisation of the Rough • Clandestino • Cosmic Sanj • David Cardoso • Dean Griffin • Deaf by Disco Decious (LIVE) • DiscoJuice • Dizko Delta • Dharma • DJ Ironing Board • Donna Leake Douglas Chippendale • Drop in Sessions • Eclectics • Ed Mahon • Eddie Richards Elusive Wax • Eren • Ethan Owen • Feel The Drive • Floydy & Rogers • Forriner Franklin • Freddy Love • Grant Holmes • Gilded Pleasures • Guy Williams Jack Medley’s Secure Men • Jah Shabby • Jamie Tolley • Jason Bakal • Jel Wood Jonny Posh • JnR TuK • John Tree • Ian Blevins • Imogen • Jaye Ward • Jaegerossa Jonjo Jury • Logan Fisher • Larus • Lee Fisher • Lisa Loud • Loose Joints Lord Ant B • Man 2.0 • Mark Collings • Marvin Dez • Matt & Jim Sancho • Mind Fair Michael Prestage • Moritz • Mr Paul • Nathan Coles • Onsight • Oscillate • Osher Ovre • Pete Callard • Paul Gardner • Peza • Phickle • P.I.D.R • Ramjac (LIVE ) Richard Tovey • Sally Love • Samback2myhouse • Si Kurrage & Mr Shiver Si Parkinson • Smiffy • STEVE kiw • Strickland • The Rev JP • The Caulfield Beats The Feel Good • The Two Mamarachos • Tobie C • Stash Magnetic • Tronik Youth Wildblood & Queenie • Will Graney • 7”s of Bliss • and much more

www.alfrescofestival.co.uk

BN1 CHATS WITH...

HIMALAYAS Since their debut in 2015, Himalayas appear to have been touring non-stop, and have made a huge impact on the newly revived indie scene. Hailing from Cardiff, the alt-rock four-piece consisting of Mike, Joe, Louis and James, have built a reputation for their captivating hooks and anthemic tunes, and 2019 is set to be their busiest year yet. The band have found huge commercial success with their track Thank God I’m Not You, which has reached well over 12 million plays on Spotify. They put their success partly down to luck, and partly down to the support of big names on radio. “We’ve had huge support from day on from Edith Bowman, Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Gordon Smart and Bethan Elfyn. It’s been really humbling for all of us.” Although luck seems to have nothing to do with it with songs as brilliant as Thank God I’m Not You and Sigh on a Hurricane, it’s no surprise mainstream radio have been so quick on the uptake. Himalayas have also been spotted by Fred Perry Subculture and This Feeling promotions, a sign of big things to come for the band. Their lyrical influences are diverse, ranging from Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys fame, to Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash. It’s clear to see the influence of these great song writers in song like If I Tell You, which is one of the band’s most impressive songs to date, both lyrically and musically. The song has a fast-paced energy thanks to its heavy

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BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS guitar and drums, paired with hard-hitting lyrics critiquing consumerist society, resulting in an impactful and ambitious single. Musical progress is important to Himalayas, stating previously that they no longer feel that their debut EP Ecstasy represents them as a band. Their music feels like it’s maturing quicker than most young bands, and with a distinctive style difference between the 2016 release, Ecstasy and their most recent track (released 2018), If I Tell You, the band clearly aren’t standing still with their sound. “We’ve progressed a huge amount since starting this band, we’re more open to change with our sound now.” It’s refreshing to see a band like Himalayas progressing so quickly, and makes them an exciting act to keep an eye on especially since they currently have an album in the works. “We can’t say too much, however, it will be everything you know and hopefully love about Himalayas, and so much more. We can’t wait to play some new songs from it over the summer.” During what could be the busiest year yet for the band, they are also returning to Brighton’s multi-venue festival, The Great Escape, for their second year. “Last year we played two shows and they were both one in one out, The Great Escape is amazing and we’re really excited to be back again this year.” The band can be found at Latest Music Bar on 9 May at 2:30pm, and Hope and Ruin on the same day at 1:00am.

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QUICK

Q&A WITH:

TROPICAL FUCK STORM BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

What kind of reactions do you get from your name? People seem to either really love it, or really hate it (Mark Zuckerburg in this camp)... A bit like our music really, so makes sense! How does this project feel different from The Drones? The Drones was really heavy, downer, depressing music. This seems a bit more fun, I think it sounds more fun, it feels more fun at least. How would you describe your sound in 3 words? I. Don’t. Know. What was your creative process in making the album? Well, we formed a band, toured the US, recorded and released an album all within a year. So the creative process was intense. We had to figure out our sound, and each others personalities and musical styles and how we fit it all together. We kinda just did it song by song. The first song we wrote Chameleon Paint, we worked on, recorded and released straight away on a 7". So the first song we released was our ONLY song. Then the second song we released Soft Power, also on 7" was the second song we had. These songs are on our album as are the next two songs in the 7" series we put out in the lead up to the album, but we kinda just chucked them out there hoping they’d work. Thinking about this now I wonder if that’s conceit or stupidity... I like to think enthusiasm. The rest of the album we had a little more time. Though what I described sounds like the actual writing/recording of them was quick. It wasn’t. It was a meticulous process of everyone taking great care to find ways of going against what they would naturally do to make the music more exciting/weird/ interesting. That was the goal anyway. And vast amounts of booze.

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The song Soft Power is about cultural imperialism, which America has obviously been the master of for decades. Do you think with Trump in power this has will changed or has changed? The song implies it has/will change with Trump. But who fucking knows. I can’t think of which country could possibly take over within the Trump era time frame. A lot of the songs in the album cover heavy topics, do you find writing music cathartic or does it just remind you of all the bad stuff going on in the world? That question is obviously for Gaz! He's in the studio madly mixing our second album for deadline, so I couldn’t anwser these questions. I’m trying to think of his response... and to cover myself I’m going to say a bit of both. And maybe he’d say that the heavy topics are just the topics of what’s going on in the world. And drama in songs is just more fun! Would it be fair to say you’re anti-internet, if not, cautious of the internet? Why? Again, this is for Gaz. Oh god....... A lot of bands come out of Perth, why do you think that is? Because it’s such a boring place. What’s the main thing you want listeners to get from your music? I personally like to be emotionally moved by music. I love music that makes me cry. It's not that hard to make me cry though – a soppy rom com at 30,000 ft will do it every time. So, I want listeners to cry when they hear our music. (ha ha). You’re playing The Great Escape this summer, do you have a pre-performance ritual? Vodka. Beer. Pushups.

YOUR

MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE

INDUSTRY LEADING

DEGREE & DIPLOMA COURSES GUITAR • BASS • DRUMS • VOCALS • SONGWRITING MUSIC PRODUCTION • MUSIC JOURNALISM MUSIC BUSINESS • EVENT MANAGEMENT EXPERT TUTORS STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES UNRIVALLED CONNECTIONS TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY EUROPE’S MOST CONNECTED MUSIC COLLEGE

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A GLANCE AT

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS

Musician Rokia Traoré is the Guest Director of the festival this year, and will be opening the programme with Né So (meaning ‘home’ in her native Bambara). The work questions what it means to simultaneously belong and stand apart, to be female, an African artist and mother. Questions of identity are also at play in Nicôle Lecky’s work Superhoe, in which her character, Sasha, takes a journey to the self in this one-woman production. The play explores being lost and then found, and is provocative, raw and honest. If you’re searching for outdoor spectacles, Ghost Caribou can’t be missed. An otherworldly experience set at night using music, song and shadow puppets, the performance will transport you to a dream world full of giant creatures and ethereal spirits. From another world to another time, A Midsummer Night’s Dream transports you to ancient Athens. This open air, all male production of the Shakespearian classic by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men theatre company celebrates its 15th year at the Brighton Festival. Exploring not just another world, but outer-space, the Museum of the Moon is a free exhibition by Luke Jerram. The exhibition sees a seven-meter model of the moon, featuring NASA imagery of the lunar surface, take over Queens Park. The Children’s Parade will also be exploring far-away places this year, with the theme of Folk Tales from Around the World. Over 5,000 children will be taking part from across Sussex, and the event is set to be a display of energy and imagination. 30 Years of Mr Bongo will be one of the stand out musical showcases of the festival this year. The show celebrates the history of Mr Bongo, the Brighton based record shop turned independent label, and will feature the likes of The Skints, Hollie Cook and Moses Boyd Exodus. There is also range of classical performances to choose from, such as A Child of Our Time, by the Philharmonia Orchestra. Performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, it promises to be a poignant and powerful performance of one of Beethoven’s great works. For a more pared-down affair, the Marmen Quartet’s will perform Haydn’s Op. 50 quartets and Debussy’s only string quartet. The string ensemble are known for their musical artistry and this rendition of two masterpieces will be a deeply moving performance. For classical with a twist, The Nature of Why rejects the rules of orchestral performance. Performed by the British Paraorchestra

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and Army of Generals, the show blurs the lines between music and dance, performer and audience, to produce a deeply emotive and personal display. Writer, comedian and mental health activist Ruby Wax will be gracing the stage of the Theatre Royal with her ‘How to be Human’ show, in which she is joined by monk, Gelong Thubten and neuroscientist Ash Ranpura. Wax’s hilarious and insightful show teaches us how to survive in a world dominated by technology. The internationally renowned circus company behind Backbone seem to be far from human in their exploration of the limits of the flexibility and physical stamina. The ‘Gravity, and Other Myths’, company will leave you catching your breath and redefining the genre of circus. If you’d like to get involved in a performance, but Backbone is beyond your ability, Wet Sounds is an immersive art installation set at the Prince Reagent Pool. Wet Sounds pumps abstract electronica through underwater speakers, pared with an impressive lighting display. The result is the ultimate pool party. The Brighton Festival will also be hosting a range of literary figures, including author Ben Okri OBE, who will be taking to the stage to discuss his new novel, The Freedom Artist. Okri, in conversation with author Colin Grant, will be sharing memorable stories and adventures in writing. Some Small Isle explores the impact of the Windrush Scandal. The show will see a range of writers, editors and artists discussing how, as black artists and writers, they respond to injustices such as this. Né So: Sat 4 May. Brighton Dome Superhoe: Written and performed by Nicôle Lecky. Sun 19 – Tue 21 May. Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts Ghost Caribou: Sat 18 May. Queens Park. Free. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Thu 23- Sat 25 May. St Nicholas' Rest Garden Museum of the Moon: Queens Park. Fri 17- Mon 20 May. Free. Children’s Parade: Sat 4 May. Starts at Kensington Gardens. Free 30 Years of Mr Bongo: Sun 5 May. Brightom Dome A Child of Our Time: Philharmonia Orchestra. Sun 26 May. Brighton Dome Marmen Quartet: Fri 10 May. Theatre Royal Brighton. The Nature of Why: Mon 6 May. Brighton Dome How to be Human- Ruby Wax: Sun 19 May. Theatre Royal Brighton Backbone: Wed 15 - Fri 17 May. Brighton Dome Wet Sounds: Sat 4 May. Prince Reagent Pool. Ben Okri: Tue 7 May. Brighton Dome Some Small Isle: Sun 5 May. Brighton and Hove High School.

Illuminating the city streets between 4-26 May, the Brighton Festival returns for its biggest year yet. With such a huge variety of events to choose from, planning your festival schedule can be a tricky task. We’ve collated some of the best shows and unmissable events to help make the most out of your Brighton Festival experience.

MUSIC Né So (Rokia Traoré) // 30 Years Of Mr Bongo (Moses Boyd Exodus, The Skints, Hollie Cook, Jungle Brown & DJs) // King of Ghosts // Sam Sweeney // Eye to Eye // AKA Trio // Chilly Gonzales // Dream Mandé: Bamanan Djourou & Djata (Rokia Traoré) // Ko Saba and Ariwo // Played Twice (Sunday at the Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio) // Salomé (Haley Fohr) // Slow Moving Clouds // Neneh Cherry Guest Director: Rokia Traoré 4 – 26 May // brightonfestival.org

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A BROKEN SYSTEM & WELFARE NEGLECT BY WILLIAM CLAY Britain has seen sweeping changes to the way welfare benefits are perceived and paid. For some, the shift has been difficult. One intent is for everyone aged 16 – 65 and claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to have living costs caused by their illness supported by the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

strict and irrational, failing to look at certain problems or establish why people need help. For example, DLA assessed ability to sleep comfortably. Now, provided you’re comfortable in the day, PIP ignores problems faced at night. There’s also a significant rollback with definitions of mobility issues.

The migration between the two systems has seen the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) writing to claimants, asking them to reapply for continued support. It’s a massive undertaking, beset by problems and revealing imbalances in the reforms. Tommy, a local theatre-maker, has witnessed the chaos first hand. “My experiences were bad I suppose,” he tells me. “I lost out on my money for nine months. My benefits had been cut, because I’d never responded. It was a constant battle to prove I’d never received this letter.” He cites several other locals who’ve suffered during the haphazard migration. One was told bluntly he ‘wasn’t disabled enough’, becoming locked in tribunals for 18 months.

Agencies like CASE (who depend on grants and donations from private individuals) are becoming overwhelmed due to cuts at advisory services around the city. “We’ve received more cases from individuals who can’t go to other organisations,” says Josephina. “The work for everyone increases. It’s becoming too much for case workers.” Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) have been forced to slash advice centre capacity after a 55% reduction in legal aid finding. Likewise, local disability charity, Possability People, are facing the closure of their advice centre, after 85% in funding cuts from the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Brighton & Hove City Council. Last year, their centre provided advice to over 4,000 people. “When you ask the CCG, they say it’s not their issue,” says Lloyd RussellMoyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown. “All this money is being spent on people supporting people in benefits, so ‘that’s not a health issue’.” The purpose of benefits is no longer viewed as making reasonable adjustments to claimant’s lives. Benefits are increasingly perceived as just ‘incentives’ for people, valued economically instead of the improvement to health they can bring.

Benefits have become reduced or negated, accompanying an atmosphere of instability and fear amongst claimants. “People give up,” says Josephina, a Welfare Rights Adviser at CASE Central - a Hollingdeanbased charity assisting people on low incomes. “We found people don’t want to claim because they’re terrified.” She tells me the system passes responsibility to claimants, with no exception for circumstances. Inevitably many fall through the cracks. “Depending on how ill you are, you might forget, have anguish about it or simply not understand.” The state is paying huge amounts to private companies for repeated and arguably unnecessary reassessments of claimants. These appear

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Tommy was lucky to be assisted by BHT on his case, but he says negotiating the system without expert advice is becoming impossible. His experiences prompted How Disabled Are You? - a work at Brighton

Fringe exploring public perceptions of hidden disabilities. He’s convinced worsening attitudes have enabled ruthless cutbacks in benefits. “A lot of people’s problems come from the medical interviews, where you have to sit with someone for 15 minutes and they decide if you’re lying or not.” He tells me many struggle with expressing their illness in a way the system can understand, especially around mental health. “A world has been created, where everyone on benefits is ‘conning the system.’ It’s quite a massive thing, that the DWP is feeding into. This filters down into the systems they introduce.”

“This whole world they’ve got, revolves around cuts,” says Tommy. “They’re trying to save money to spend on other things, and it’s the benefits system they think they can reform the most.” If deterring people from claiming is imperative, there’s different ways of achieving this. You can encourage and support people into economic activity, or simply punish them. It depends greatly on your perception of claimants. Perhaps, as a society, we need to ask if contributions to the community can be other than fiscal. Another alternative is to design a system which takes a more holistic approach to illness, which rewards and supports instead of demonising or penalising. “Those claiming PIP are not in a static situation, but treated like they are,” say Russell-Moyle. “People with disabilities often have complex needs, which require a multifaceted and multi-agency approach and that’s extremely lacking.” CASE Central can be contacted through: www.case-central.co.uk How Disabled Are You? comes to Junkyard Dogs: The Doghouse on Fri 3 – Sat 4 & Fri 17 – Sat 18 May, as part of Brighton Fringe 2019.

May 2019

At CASE, Josephina recounts how one client started using the building’s backdoor, fearing neighbours would see her entering and guessing she was a claimant. “The system demonises claimants,” she tells me. “So, there’s lots of reluctance from politicians and other campaigners to speak about benefits.” Statistics show more people in work, but poverty has also risen. Use of food banks has soared, and the most vulnerable members of society, those with the least voce, are bearing the brunt. A vicious cycle is manifesting, where the ability for people to cope with their illness and find employment is being reduced.

BARELY METHODICAL TROUPE’S PRODUCTION:

COMING TO THE OLD MARKET ON 28 MAY - 2 JUNE

IMAGE © CHRIS NASH

AS PART OF FRINGE FESTIVAL

SHIFT BY BRAD GOODSPEED Clowns, ringmasters and lion tamers, these are just some of the things that come to mind when you think of Circus - right? Innovation is hard when you’re trying to evolve something with such prominent imagery into something new and exciting. Charlie Wheeller, Cyr Wheel artist, from the Barely Methodical Troupe gives an insight into how he and the bromance between his fellow performers can reinvigorate classic circus at the Brighton Fringe with their new show Shift. Just who are the Barely Methodical Troupe? “We’re really grappling with trying to figure out what our identity is. We’re still learning, so we are really hungry guys who just love learning; and playing is a big part of us too! The lovely thing about this is that all of us would have different things to say about the experience. I first met the cyr wheel at Circus Space and I’d never seen anything like it! We all have performance backgrounds and we bonded over the urban backyard acrobatic disciplines like breakdance and free running. We’re very much trial and error type of people rather than the traditional methodical gymnasts, and thus we are the Barely Methodical Troupe.” Inside the classic spiegeltent where Shift takes place, the performers will be making the most of a 4.8 meter island in the middle of the audience which brings some new limitations to work around. “We usually love a lot of space and use as much as we can so that really brought such new challenges to us and new limitations! But we really enjoyed having such a small space and so does the audience, being terrifyingly close with them twisting and turning their necks to see what's happening.” “Shift found an uncertainty in the space, so at the end of the show we hope we find a conclusion together. We have a final ‘Autumn Sequence’ where we are just like leaves blowing in the wind. We have this really soft

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gentle finish after this hour of exhilarating movement and we hope they leave with a really big smile inside and a great warm feeling. We certainly do as we’re quite knackered by the end of it; and as are the audience.” “I really didn't know what Shift was for a while until we came to the end of one of our sets in Edinburgh to really get a grip with it.” Shift is an enigmatic production, about instability and trying to get a grip on your surroundings; and knowing that even though you may fall - you can get back up. “We’re in an ever changing world, and we’re forever trying to get a grip on some stability in the world. You have to accept instability ride that wave instead of trying to grab hold all the time - trying to keep your feet on the floor.” You may think that Circus performances aren’t associated with any sort of narrative path, but the Barely Methodical Troupe is trying to change that. “There's not really a proper narrative, unlike some of our other pieces, there's lots of moments of story with speech; but we let our bodies to the talking. We tried to be a bit more purist with our acrobatic research in Shift and the audience really grabs hold of it” Brighton Fringe has an audience hungry for something exciting and different, and this troupe definitely offers that. “We’re very excited to be back in Brighton, we have very fond memories of it. We try and add a couple new things for every show and we can hear straight away how the audience reacts to it. Our shows really develop on the road. From the first show to the last, there’ll be some funky new things to look forward to!” You can catch the Barely Methodical Troupe’s production of Shift at the Old Market during the Brighton Fringe from Tue 28 May - Sun 2 June

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A SPYMONKEY PRODUCTION

COOPED BY BRAD GOODSPEED Described as “A glorious bunch of idiots who like to make seriously ridiculous theatre” - artistic directors from Spymonkey Toby Park, Petra Massey, Aitor Basauri and associate artist Stephan Kreiss give us some details into celebrating their 20th anniversary with the remount of their sublime comedy Cooped which touring the UK and US in 2019. Based in Brighton, the internationally-acclaimed Spymonkey are firm local favourites. So, it’s fitting the tour opens at Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, as part of Brigfhton festival in May. They then head off to Liverpool and Blackpool in June and then an extended off Broadway run, in Florida, for autumn 2019. First created in 2001 and performied for the first time in the UK since 2013, Cooped comes across as Hitchcock’s Rebecca meets The Pink Panther, Spymonkey’s deliciously demented take on the pulp gothic romance overflows with brilliant characters, riproaring farce and virtuoso physical comedy. Aitor says it feels nostalgic after not performing the show for so long. “The shows that you have not done for a while when you go back to them, they fell like and old place that you have not visited in a long time. It feels familiar but you do not know why?” Petra says that the way the humour of Cooped depends on the person. “If [the audience] like this kind of thing then they may snort, wet themselves and at times be moved. If they don't then they will sit with a lemon face and say idiots under their breath a lot. And that would be right.” A spooky mansion, a plucky young heroine and a ‘handsome’ English aristocrat. Add a German butler

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and a Spanish soap star and you're cooped with Spymonkey! Stephan says “Spymonkey is a highly precise and accurate depiction of what Europe seems to feel like at the moment. Two European countries, Spain and Germany, represented by - two idiots! The UK – represented by two idiots! We have shown to each other on numerous occasions that we are idiots and therefore get along pretty well these past two decades. The world would perhaps be a nicer place if people would admit to their foolishness.” Spymonkey fans and first-time audiences alike will enjoy the laugh-out-loud humour of Cooped, with new bits especially created for this anniversary tour. On the success of the show, Toby believes it is because “it is the purest piece of silliness we have ever made, just so much joy on one stage. It is so brimming with ideas and treats for the audience, like a magic box that keeps revealing new surprises.” With their dark, edgy physical comedy rooted ‘somewhere between Monty Python, the Marx Brothers and Samuel Beckett’, and a quartet of performers from Spain, Germany and England, Spymonkey have proved to be a truly international phenomenon, enjoyed by and accessible to a wide range of international audiences. They have created nine shows to date; Stiff, Cooped, Zumanity - Another Side of Cirque du Soleil, Bless, Moby Dick, Love In, Oedipussy, The Complete Deaths and most recently their critically acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol for Liverpool Playhouse. Programmed by Worthing Theatres in partnership with Brighton Festival, Cooped will be performed at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing from Weds 22 - Sun 26 May.

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RAILED IMAGE © NAOMI REED

HEADFIRST ACROBATS PRODUCTION PART OF BRIGHTON FRINGE

BY RAY A-J Scantily clad cowboys in chaps, climbing all over each other and racing around an old saloon for a couple of hours? That’s not what you expect when you hear circus, right? Well down at this year’s Brighton Fringe, you will see just that - the unexpected. Coming all the way on spurred heels from their critically acclaimed performance in Perth and Adelaide Fringe is a circus act defying the boundaries of the circus tent. This show, wait for it, goes off the ‘rails’ with their innovative take on acrobatics. Channeling Cirque Du Soleil with a flash of The Three Stooges, the award-winning troupe known as Head First Acrobats are venturing out to this year’s Brighton Fringe with their wackiest show to date a western-themed circus spectacular. Magic Mike meets Clint Eastwood in the Melbourne natives’ risqué production: Railed. Making its UK debut at Brighton Fringe’s Spiegletent this May, the side-splitting show will take us to Wild West, to catch a glimpse at the lives of four stupidly cheeky half-cut gunslingers as they paint the town red. These outlaws are out for more than just money as they desperately try to rob trains, but actually just end up robbing hearts and the liquor cabinet. Complete with Head First Acrobats’ signature mix of slapstick comedy and inconceivable stunts, the group’s demanding circus production promises daringly human tower style tricks, with some raunchy antics thrown in for good measure. With performances from 4 May to 1 June, the barechested circus will follow a who’s who of western outlaws. The mostly useless 'Drunk Sheriff'; the powerful yet standoffish vagrant the resident barman keeping the boys liquored up, and the all-round good guy town hero.

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Or, as they’re better known, ‘The most wanted bad-asses this side of Dodge City’, through bare-knuckle brawls, and mad storytelling. Their mid-blowing performances are fueled with tricks, flips and possibly splits, along with a range of homo-erotic comedy, including a tender moment between a unicorn and horse. The wild show will stalk our hopeful heroes through an hour of witty banter and ridiculous horseplay. Regulars to the group include creator and performer Callan Harris, directors Debra Batton (of Circus Oz) and John Walton (of Elixir), along with acrobat and trapeze expert Thomas Gorham. They have roped in new performers, trained clowns, ‘Manipulator’ Adam O’Conner-McMahon, and Strut n Fret’s Harley Timmermans to join the rooting-tooting team. With ten-gallons of talent, the Aussie kings of narrative circus are lassoing elements of their previous flagships. With nods to their adult variety show, Circus'cision, and the sillier Children’s pirate circus show, Arrr We There Yet, this theatrical mixture creates a tongue-in-cheek take on the fiendish outlaws of the west. Think Red Dead Redemption but with less clothes and more jokes. But these cowboys don’t just wear fringe. The free rangers have seen acclaim in Fringe festivals across Brighton and Adelaide, winning the Best Cabaret Award in 2015, and Best Circus and Physical Theatre Award with last year’s zombie apocalypse inspired show, Elixir. If this sounds like the show for you, be sure to catch the chiseled cowboys in their gun-slinging action at Brighton Fringe. Railed comes to Brighton Spiegletent from Sat 4 May to Mon 6 May & Mon 20 May - Sat 1 June, as part of Brighton Fringe 2019.

IMAGE © MIHAELA BODLOVIC

MY LEFT RIGHT FOOT BRIGHTON FESTIVAL BY STUART ROLT In portraying Irish writer and artist Christy Brown, Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award and international acclaim. For Robert Softley Gale, seeing a man with cerebral palsy played on screen by a non-disabled actor was a curious affair. The theatre director’s reaction was to reimagine My Left Right Foot through the eyes of a dysfunctional amateur dramatics society. “They would go for it in a big way,” he tells me. “For them it would be about making the best show they could, it wouldn’t be about being politically correct.” His story tracks the fortunes of the Kirktoon Players, whose ambitions may exceed actual talent, as they try to boost their chances in the Scottish Amateur Dramatic Association competition by becoming inclusive. Throw in some fabulous songs, an awkward love triangle and some robust opinions, and you have the perfect vehicle to explore the concept of casting non-disabled actors as disabled characters. “All that stuff, which is quite heavy and complex, if you put it into a musical it becomes much more enjoyable and accessible.” The songs also provide license to visit places most shows wouldn’t dream of. Lending a hand with some of these is Richard Thomas, who’s previously worked on productions like Jerry Springer: The Opera. “He’s got a lot of experience in musicals, but also with writing songs that are a little but more risqué or push boundaries. It helps asks questions in a way which is engaging and interesting.” A sell-out and award-winning success at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe drew the biggest reaction from non-disabled audience members. This collaboration between National Theatre of Scotland and Birds of Paradise, an inclusive theatre company which puts disabled artists centre-stage, My Left Right Foot places most focus on the voiced opinions of its non-disabled protagonists. It offers a gentle way of examining behaviour and perceptions. “Daniel Day Lewis created the character of Christy Brown in the film, and we all thought that acceptable and enjoyable,” Softley Galesay. “But if you get a boy or a girl in the playground

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pretending to be disabled, that’s not acceptable. Why’s one OK and the other isn’t? Why is it not OK to black up, but is to pretend you’re disabled? I haven’t the answer, but we need to ask those questions.” We rarely see disabled actors on stage or screen, and there’s many reasons. Too often disabled people don’t get the same access to certain education, especially with drama schools. There’s plenty of prejudice remaining in the entertainment industry. The idea disabled actors will be more difficult to work with still lingers. This continued use of non-disabled actors focuses us on performances, instead of celebrating the stories. It’s time to reframe this. “If you’ve got a non-disabled writer, a non-disabled director and a non-disabled actor telling a story about a disabled character, there’s something a bit wrong. That’s not to say you can only tell your own story, but when disabled people are not being allowed to tell these stories we need to ask why.” It’s a tricky balance to ask these questions, without being over-bearing or becoming cynical, but My Left Right Foot seeks a way forward. It enables us all to laugh at views instead of people. There’s been a resurgence of nondisabled white men thinking they must ‘get their voice back’. “That idea that, somehow, minorities have had it too good for too long is complete bollocks. The idea that somehow your BNP or your Trump supporter feels it’s the right time to get their voce back… We need to be aware of where that leads to.” The rise of these opinions is enabling violence against minorities and increasing exclusion. This heightened tribalism ignores the simple truth that society is complex. “Our political systems are all based on us and them. I’m a disabled guy, and I relish my identity, but it doesn’t make me special from other people. We all need to be part of a group that moves things forward. “ My Left Right Foot: The Musical comes to Theatre Royal Brighton on Tues 14 May - Sat 18 May, as part of Brighton Festival

BN1 CHATS WITH...

DESIREE COMING TO THE BRIGHTON COMEDY GARDEN

BY MEGHAN RHYS-CHALLIS LA-born Desiree Burch has been taking the UK comedy scene by storm ever since she took the leap across the pond in 2014. The award-winning comedian has featured on shows including Live at the Apollo, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, and Mock the Week, and is a presenter on Netlfix’s new comedy show, Flinch. Despite her long-established relationship with the UK, she admits there is still one part of British culture she finds baffling. “I’m still like, wow, you really do drink so much here, but then that’s like, oh it’s the only way that you’re allowed to express feelings…I get it! You guys drink way more than Americans in both frequency, and quantity.” Other than our penchant for a post-work pint (or two), Desiree has found that both American and British audiences alike enjoy her socio-politically aware style of comedy. Political comedy is important to the comic, she believes it’s an important tool in engaging people with current affairs, and it allows often taboo subjects to be spoken about more openly. She does worry that comedy normalises political issues to the point where they no longer seem like real problems. “We’ve been doing stand up and panel shows about Trump and Brexit for so many years now that it’s become so normal and chaos has been forgotten. Everybody’s just sitting around and laughing about it.” Desiree sees comedy as a coping method, and a way to accept feelings of powerlessness in times of political turmoil. “Trump is making decisions that are going to take decades to undo, and these changes are just happening and we have to respond with humour because the awfulness is that we’re just letting it happen.” Desiree also speaks regularly about being a black, bisexual woman in comedy, a sector which is often seen as something of an old boy’s club. More female

comedians than ever are breaking into the industry, with women like Sarah Pascoe, Katherine Ryan and Sarah Millican now household names. Female comics are no longer a novelty, but the comedy scene is still very much dominated by white men. “Men get taken a chance on a lot more. There are still older men who run comedy nights and shows and they’re like: ‘I don’t know, she only talks about being a woman.’ But what do you think the male comics talk about? A lot of the time comedy is just four bald white dudes named Dave, and they think that that’s normal and that represents everybody.” When Desiree isn’t doing stand-up, she’s attaching a bowl of bird feed to the neck of a brave volunteer, releasing a swarm of hungry chickens and watching the chaos unfold. No, this isn’t that weird dream you once had, or part of the comedian’s previous work as a dominatrix, but it is the premise of her new Netflix show, Flinch. “It’s a totally fucked up concept, which is why I love it! It’s about challenges that are designed to make people flinch, and if you flinch you get an electric shock. I mean it sounds like a Japanese gameshow. It’s just on the right side of cruelty, like Kick Ass or Total Wipeout.” Desiree is joined by co-presenters Seann Walsh and Lloyd Griffith for Flinch, out 3 May on Netflix. So, what does Desiree think of Brighton? “I love it. Where do you park though?! I want to come down but where the fuck am I supposed to park? It’s like, ‘Welcome to Brighton, keep it moving people!’.” Desiree Burch will be at the Brighton Comedy Garden, joined by a line-up of the biggest names in comedy on 19 - 23 June.

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THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Sun 5 May

MICHAEL BALL Wed 8 May

SHAWN KLUSH ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST Sat 25 May

THE GUILTY FEMINIST LIVE Sun 26 May

OLLY MURS Mon 27 May

THE VAMPS Fri 31 May

SEAN PAUL Tue 4 Jun

IL DIVO Thur 20 Jun

BLOC PARTY Sat 29 Jun

THE BEACH BOYS Sat 6 Jul

SKUNK ANANSIE Mon 26 Aug

BIANCA DEL RIO Tue 3 Sep

box office 0844 847 1515* www.brightoncentre.co.uk *calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access charge

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BOOK CLUB:

GOOD BOOKS List

The

PROVIDED BY

Independent Hove book shop City Books lists their bestsellers for this month...

KUDOS BY RACHEL CUSK

2 3 4 5

The third instalment in Rachel Cusk's Outline trilogy has finally arrived in paperback, completing one of the most exciting cycles of fiction in recent years. The narrator, Faye, is en route to Europe to promote her most recent book. Those of you familiar with Outline will already know about the sheer power and incisiveness of Cusk's writing and will certainly be satisfied with this conclusion. If you've not read Outline yet, let this be your incentive to pick up a copy. As Faye travels, the conversations she has with the people she meets shapes the novels, revealing Faye like a photo negative, as a result of what she does and does not say. Covering everything love, art, politics, family, justice - effortlessly, these books ask big questions and will reverberate long after you turn the final page.

CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN BY SAYAKA MURATA

An offbeat, darkly funny tale of an unusual woman. Keiko is 36 and has been working in the same supermarket for 18 years, with no desire to make any changes to her life, as she is perfectly happy - a fact that baffles her friends and family, who can't understand her satisfaction with her job or her singledom. In an effort to placate them, Keiko hatches a plan, involving a fake boyfriend...but the moment her job at the convenience store is threatened, she decides to fight back.

THE POLYGLOT LOVERS BY LINA WOLFF, TRANSLATED BY SASKIA VOGEL.

Open the first page of The Polyglot Lovers and you might see a familiar name...one of our booksellers has provided a printed quote for this literary tour de force from Lina Wolff, that's how much she loves it! The Polyglot Lovers follows the tangled lives of a group of unusual characters - a literary critic and his blind, clairvoyant ex-wife, a lonely novelist, an Italian noblewoman on the brink of ruin - brought together by a mysterious manuscript. Expertly plotted and sharply funny.

NATIVES BY AKALA

Rapper Akala uses his lived experience of growing up poor and black in '80's London book to write this visceral, nuanced and wide-ranging exploration of class and race in modern Britain. To quote, 'How did the sweet, smiley eleven-year-old that wanted to be a scientist become the scowling, knife-carrying man-boy of sixteen? How did the knife-carrying sixteen-year-old then turn into the adult that teaches Shakespeare and lectures at Oxford?'.

A THOUSAND SHIPS BY NATALIE HAYNES

Natalie Haynes reimagines the aftermath of the Trojan War from the perspectives of girls, women and goddesses. An epic story told thoughtfully and compassionately, aided by Haynes' masterful understanding of Greek mythology, that manages to be both witty and moving.

EVENT: JARED DIAMOND

will be discussing his new book ‘UPHEAVAL’ at BRIGHTON DOME, WEDS 29 MAY, 7:30pm. Talk followed by audience Q&A and BOOK SIGNING. Jared Diamond is the Pulitzer-prize winning author of the seminal million-copy-bestseller Guns, Germs, and Steel, which was named one of Time Magazine’s best non-fiction books of all time, Collapse, a No. 1 international bestseller, and The World Until Yesterday, among other books. For tickets: www.city-books.co.uk/jared-diamond

CITY BOOKS

IMAGE © MATTHEWANDREWS

F YEARS O

BY STUART ROLT

t’s hard to miss the Komedia and its sizeable neon signage on a stroll through North Laine, just as it’s hard to ignore the impact the venue has had on Brighton & Hove’s cultural landscape. This May sees the iconic mixed arts venue celebrate a weighty 25 years on the scene, and they’ll be marking the occasion in typical style. “It’s always been a very important month for us,” its co-founder, Colin Granger, tells me. “We spend a lot of time watching stuff and programming it. We’ve always taken May really seriously.” It’s all a long way from 1994, when he and his colleagues Marina Kobler and David Lavender purchased a former billiard hall in Brighton’s Kemptown. Previously touring together as directors with Umbrella Theatre, the trio were wowed by Europe’s markedly different nightlife. “We saw these wonderful cabaret venues. People would have a meal there. We had an idea it would really work in this country.” While his background is in theatre, he appreciates it doesn’t reach out to everybody. He was impressed how these clubs could draw a diverse audience, not just middle-aged people who support the arts, but people from all walks of life. He wanted to create something similar. Granger admits they weren’t completely aware of the situation’s complexities. Being a theatre company concerns you with only shows, not the building housing you. Opening Komedia meant he wouldn’t have time to properly tour again for two decades. The premises they’d bought on Manchester St were beautiful, but derelict and listed. After an intricate and expensive restoration came the long process of forging a reputation. “It took a long time to get known,” he says with a chuckle. “If I took a taxi down there, the driver would never know where it was.” Their space was informal and offered a varied programme for all people. The attitude was to ensure no one felt excluded. If a show was good and legal, it would be staged.

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Then 1998 offered them Jubilee Shopping Hall, a former Tesco supermarket turned flea market. This huge building, on a then scruffy Gardner St, had just seen a failed attempt to develop a ‘super-pub’. Granger and his colleagues convinced locals that a mixed-arts venue would help smarten up the area. “We have always had a good relationship with the community association and the business association here. North Laine is such a great area, so it was absolutely perfect for us.” Offering inspiring and adaptive auditoriums, Komedia’s new home made an indelible impact on the city. Over the years it’s staged an extraordinary range of acts, including: Catherine Tate, Stewart Lee, The XX, Kate Nash, Anna Calvi, Harry Hill, Johnny Vegas, Jimmy Carr, Bonobo, Mumford and Sons, Foals and Sia. Komedia’s defining moment was the launching of its Krater comedy night, hosted by local legend Stephen Grant. “That saved us. We managed to get it to three nights a week, and we can use the money from that to subsidise other stuff and keep our programme interesting.” Still repeatedly selling out, it’s line-ups read like a who’s-who of international comedy talent. Michael McIntyre, Jack Whitehall, Dara O'Briain, Micky Flanagan, Milton Jones, Stephen Merchant, Russell Howard and Alan Carr all gracing the basement during their careers. Added to these successes are a nod from the in industry with an unprecedented 16 Chortle Awards for Best Venue in the South. The last 25 years have brought exhausting work for Granger, Kobler and Lavender. Much credit is given to their bank, who were understanding from the beginning. The last five years have seen a consolidation of the venue’s future, while still maintaining its simple ethos. “Our mission was based around the word ’welcome’. We wanted to welcome customers and we wanted to welcome performers - because we’d hadn’t been welcomed by a lot of places when we’d been touring and we wanted to welcome our staff. I believe Komedia does that today. I’m very proud we’ve managed to keep that tradition going.”

IMAGE © ALEXANDRE ISARD

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL GUIDE

CHILLY GONZALES

BRIGHTON DOME CONCERT HALL MON 13 MAY, 8PM Grammy award-winning Canadian pianist and entertainer Chilly Gonzales shares his love for the piano with this take on best-selling pop songs. Gonzales approaches the piano with classical training and the attitude of a rapper. He has performed and written songs with the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Feist and Drake and holds the Guinness world record for the longest solo concert (running for more than 27 hours). Beginning with an intimate hour of pieces from his solo piano album cycle, he’ll then be joined by cellist Stella Le Page and drummer Joe Flory for further hits and some hidden surprises.

GRANTA AT 40

BRIGHTHELM CENTRE TUE 7 MAY, 6.30PM Relaunched as a magazine of ‘new writing’ in 1979, Granta quickly gained a reputation for breaking daring new writers such as Salman Rushdie and Bruce Chatwin – and soon, from 1983, for its sometimes-controversial Best of Young British Novelists list. As the magazine celebrates its 40th year, Ian Jack, a former editor, and Sigrid Rausing the publisher of Granta magazine and Granta Books discuss the trajectory of a literary icon.

VARHUNG: HEART TO HEART

THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON FRI 24 & SAT 25 MAY, 8PM; SAT 25 MAY, 2PM Tjimur Dance Theatre presents Varhung - Heart To Heart, a richly patterned performance remembering Ancient Taiwanese cultural traditions. It shows how the indiginous people of Paiwan utilise art forms to discuss emotions. The in-house choreographer, Baru Madiljin, worked in close collaboration with the company’s founding artistic director Ljuzem Madiljin for this special production. Varhung's dynamic dancers demonstrate how even an everyday task for the Paiwan people such as weaving can lay bare your deepest emotions. Fine-tuned awareness lends the distinctly personal, but tribal impulses of this show - an eloquent universal resonance.

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TALES FROM THE LAST DAYS OF AUGUST & THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

BRIGHTON DOME CONCERT HALL FRI 10 MAY, 8PM Explore the curious world of the porn industry with writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker, Jon Ronson. After the success of The Butterfly Effect and new podcast series, The Last Days of August, Jon is taking the shows on tour to discuss new stories and never-heard-before audio. Sit back and listen to his findings from interviews with pornstars and crucial figures within the porn community at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.

Brighton! Axe throwing has arrived! We’re a professional outﬁt of axe slingin’ coaches ready to share our passion for the sport with you. Our mobile unit is capable of bringing you the action anytime, anywhere!

BOOK WITH US TODAY! www.tribeaxethrowing.co.uk hello@tribeaxethrowing.co.uk

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FRINGE GUIDE

HERSTORY

THE WARREN: THE NEST THURS 2 – SAT 4 MAY AT 18.10

THE WARREN: THE HAT SAT 4 – SUN 5 MAY, 10.00; MON 6 MAY, 10.00 AND 16.00 TUES 7 AT 16.00

Molly is an eight-year old genius and Munch is a giant talking dinosaur. Molly brought her once stuffed toy dinosaur to life and ever since they have been singing and dancing their way into the hearts of everyone they meet. This production is full of original music, storytelling and audience participation. You’ll find out how everything began, as well as experiencing a few of their favourite pastimes. A sensational show designed for the entire family and it features a giant talking dinosaur.

BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT: BOSCO, THURS 9 – SAT 11 MAY 19.30 Gareth Southgate Ate My Credit Card is the new comedy play by Paul Hodson (Brighton Til I Die, Fever Pitch) and Brighton Fringe award winner, Mark Brailsford (The Treason Show, The Lad Himself). As his hero worship for Gareth Southgate and England takes hold, Simon (played by Brailsford) is intent on making one final dash for glory to the World Cup in Russia with fateful consequences for his sanity, his credit rating and his veryThur existence!11 - Sat 13

8.30pm (doors 7pm) Tickets £10.00 -16.0 Book online treasonshow.co.uk

With four ukuleles and a penchant for dark comedy, Polly Clamorous takes their latest show HERSTORY; a musical compendium that chronicles the tales of some of the most enigmatic and misrepresented women in history, to the Brighton shores. Through ages and cultures get up close and personal with Lilith; Adam’s first wife who preferred to be on top; Freddie Oversteegen, a teenager who resisted the Nazis with a bicycle and a pistol; and Nelly Bly, the fierce young journalist who feigned insanity in order to write a crushing exposé on the mistreatment of patients at the infamous Blackwell Island Asylum.

THE REMARKABLE FRIENDSHIP GARETH SOUTHGATE ATE MY OF MOLLY AND MUNCH CREDIT CARD

LOLO BROW: ATTENTION SEEKER

BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT: BOSCO THURS 9, FRI 24 – SAT 25 MAY 21.30 Lolo Brow, neo-burlesque artist, seeks your attention for three exciting nights at the Brighton Spiegeltent! Awardingwinning drag queen, burlesque artist sideshow performer and lizard lady, invites you to hang your shame at the door and indulge your inner attention seeker. This is a brand-new show, derived from her infamous burlesque shuffle, playing with concepts of audience voyeurism, quick thinking and plain dumb luck. Lolo is a multi-skilled international feminist clown who loves nothing more than to lower the tone of any evening. Lolo will give you 100% of her Tequila-fuelled drag energy.

CLUB DE FROMAGE BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT SAT 18 MAY 23.00

HOW DISABLED ARE YOU?

Forget Eurovision and join Club de Fromage, "The unofficial institute of cheese" (Time Out), for a romp the decades at London’s legendary pop time machine! Expect sing-alongs, their anarchic stage show, hula hooping, confetti cannons plus the finest pop, rock, disco and power ballads known to humanity. Lay your dignity at the door and prepare to dance like no one is watching! Clubdefromage.com

Tommy asks three disabled people, who receive benefits and have no performance background to take the stage and read a script for the first time in front a live audience. Winner of our Fringe Bursary, How Disabled Are You explores real attitudes towards those who claim benefits and have disabilities that aren’t always visible to many people.

JUNKYARD DOGS: THE DOGHOUSE; FRI 3 MAY - SAT 4 MAY 16.30, FRI 17 MAY - SAT 18 MAY 16.30

FRINGE GUIDE

THE JOHNNY CASH STORY WARREN: THE HAT TUES 14 – THURS 16 MAY 20.00

CIRCUS EXTREME – EXTREME STUNT SHOW

Naomi Paul’s satirical four-star show is complete with original songs, topical stories and Jewish humour. Despite Everything, Price Still Includes Biscuits is poignant, funny and ultimately uplifting. With biscuits, of course. ‘A fine comic celebration of modern Britain', [British Theatre Guide]. ‘A sprinkling of nicely observed Victoria Wood-style songs adds to the charm’ [Ludlow Fringe] ‘Fabulous - sharp, cultural, witty, poignant and very VERY funny’ [Birmingham Fest].

Merging modern and contemporary styles with extreme stunts and classic clown escapades, audiences will be amazed by the jam-packed Circus Extreme Their show-stopping performances will have you on the edge of your seat, when not falling off it with laughter. Acts include the Danguir Troupe, who will be preforming a high wire and double wheel of death stunt which has never been seen before in the UK, with leader of the troop, Mustafa Danger, flying in all the way from Africa for the performance.

JUNK YARD DOGS: THE KENNEL WED 15 – THURS 16 MAY, 18.30

PRESTON PARK BIG TOP - FRI 10 – SUN 12, TUES 14 – SUN 19 MAY, VARIED TIMES

Following sell out shows and standing ovations at Edinburgh Fringe, The Johnny Cash Story premiers at Brighton Fringe to take you on an incredible journey through the career of the 18time Grammy winner. Immerse yourself in the world of the ‘Man in Black’ in this ground-breaking “show-umentary” format. Powerful renditions of ‘Folsom Prison’, ‘Ring Of Fire’, ‘Man In Black’, and ‘Hurt’, delivered with authenticity by Jamie Rodden, whose Cash interpretations have won critics and audiences all over Europe.“powerful and compelling singer” Fringe Guru

DESPITE EVERYTHING, PRICE STILL INCLUDES BISCUITS

RAILED – HEAD FIRST ACROBATICS

TOMATOES TRIED TO KILL ME BUT BANJOS SAVED MY LIFE

BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT SAT 4 MAY – MON 6 MAY 19.00, MON 20 MAY – TUES 28 MAY 19.00, THURS 30 MAY – SAT 1 JUNE 19.00,

THE WARREN: THEATRE BOX FRI 3 MAY – 8:30PM THE WARREN: THE NEST FRI 3 MAY – MON 6 MAY 13.40

Railed is a western-themed circus spectacular, combining the trademark physical talents, finely chiselled bodies and hilarious comic timing of the Head First Acrobats. Prepare yourself for when bare chested circus meets bare knuckle bar fights. A racy, heart-stopping display of the finest acrobatics by the most ridiculous storytellers in the circus. Leave your expectations at home, come to the wrong side of the tracks, and let the Head First Acrobatics boys steal your hearts.

Don’t miss your chance to catch this inspirational, humorous and internationally toured one-man show. The production received three awards at the New York City Frigid Fringe Festival in March. Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is a story of a multi-cultural boyhood, a meteoric rise to the boardroom and the startling news that changed life forever. Thus, a banjo-picking storyteller was created with a message of resilience, hope and perseverance.

FROM THE CRADLE TO THE BIN

THE WARREN: THE BLOCKHOUSE THURS 2 – MON 6 MAY 18.15

Strap in Brighton, for A Ship of Fools are sailing to the Warren. That's right, your favourite mischief-makers are back and ready to take you on a hilarious, raucous and uncomfortable voyage aboard the leaky vessel of a broken care system. From the Cradle to the Bin is a comedy brimming with humanity, wild imagery, and twisted takes on well-known songs. This brilliant bouffon clown show pulls no punches and is guaranteed to have you laughing out loud one minute and squirming in your seat the next. Welcome to Happy Valley Care Homes. We care... so you don't have to.

FRINGE GUIDE

THE GEMINUS

BLUE PLANET III

NAVAGRAHA LIVE

After a critically lauded, sold-out London run of Apparatus, Blue Devil Productions returns to Brighton with a brand-new play, The Geminus, based on Conrad’s The Secret Sharer. In this gripping story of a different heart of darkness, inexperienced Captain George Hotson encounters a fugitive called Leggatt, an enigmatic stranger with blood on his hands. With the tale of a brutal and disturbing murder, a sexy and suspenseful romance, a violent struggle as the ship sails through perilous, exotic seas and a few laughs along the way, this promises to be rich and rewarding night at the theatre.

The team behind the sell-out hit Planet Earth III bring their family comedy nature documentary Blue Planet III to the Brighton Fringe. Two idiots at the BBC are making another series of Blue Planet - using only office supplies and their surreal imaginations. But, how do you know what a fish is if you've never left your office? Blue Planet III introduces the issue of ocean plastic waste to a young audience through the medium of physical comedy. Featuring swashbuckling swordfish, hammerhead and spannerhead sharks, wailing whales and nasty things that lurk at the bottom of the sea...

Bring yourself a cushion or blanket to the Spiegeltent for a multi-sensory journey into the 'nine celestial bodies'. Respected electronic music producer, Liam Blackburn, takes you through ‘Ancestral Voices: Navagraha’, using pioneering harmonic scales and technology inspired by ancient civilisations to bring you a truly immersive experience. "Seeping with textures and loaded with a taut energy that whispers tales of shamanism and transformative life experiences"."Seeping with textures and loaded with a taut energy that whispers tales of shamanism and transformative life experiences".

SLEEPING BEAUTY

THE OLD MARKET – STAGE THURS 16 & SAT 18 MAY 22.00, FRI 17 MAY 22.45 Sleeping Beauty is a one-to-one participatory performance that approaches sexuality through power and role play. Performances at The Old Market on May 16, 17 and 18 from 10 pm. The performance offers an opportunity to carry out fantasies with a 'sleeping' person. The participant can choose to be either the sleeper or the visitor, and bring accessories or props to their liking. Tickets cannot be booked in advance, but audience is invited to queue from half an hour prior to the event starting.

BRIGHTON SPIEGELTENT MON 20 MAY 22.00

THE WARREN: THE BLOCKHOUSE WED 22 MAY – MON 27 MAY 16.30

RIALTO THEATRE WED 8, TUES 21 – SAT 25 MAY 19.00

UNMYTHABLE

THE WARREN: THE BLOCKHOUSE SAT 4 – MON 6 MAY 16.30; THE WARREN: THE HAT FRI 24 – SAT 25 MAY 18.00

Three women. 50 characters. All the Greek myths. Out of Chaos bring their hit show, Unmythable, to their home town for the very first time! Their five-star production has toured over 80 venues across the UK, Europe and New Zealand after winning the Three Weeks Editors’ Award in Edinburgh. An amazing mix, of comedy, clowning, stories and songs, Unmythable takes its audience on the ride of a lifetime. Heroes, monsters and randy gods go head-to-head in a hilarious and unforgettable journey.

JACK TUCKER’S COMEDY STAND UP HOUR WARREN: THEATRE BOX TUES 21 – MON 27 MAY 22.00

Winner: Best comedy at Brighton Fringe (Zach and Viggo). Fresh off sold out shows in New York, London, LA and Australia, award-winning comedian Zach Zucker returns with his stand-up alter-ego, Jack Tucker! Hailing from the historic New York 'The Big Apple' City, Tucker is the ultimate comedian's comedian and a well-respected journeyman on the comedy circuit. Ask any comedian, they'll all say the same thing: Jack Tucker is going to make it big any day now. His five-star comedy show is not to be missed at this year’s Fringe.

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

FRIDAY 26 JULY

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THE WARREN A much-loved annual mini-festival within a festival, The Warren returns with a brand-new location! Moving from St Peter’s Church, down the road to Victoria Gardens, it offers another dazzling array of theatre, comedy and performance arts. For those hearing about this little but ingenious pop-up village for the first time, The Warren is a multi-venue hub returning as part of Brighton Fringe on Thurs 2 May – Sun 2 June. It has been organised by the fantastic guys at Otherplace Brighton – a not for profit venue management and production company that has been bringing high-quality performance to the city for over a decade. The new location has allowed organisers to expand their venues and stage more shows. Going from 700 performances across four stages last year to a whopping 1000 performances in over six stages, this year’s season is set to be their best yet! “We’re really pleased to have inched closer to the heart of the city,” said Nicola Haydn, Otherplaces’s Artistic Director. “Victoria Gardens offers more space for us to play with and we have some exciting plans in the pipeline that will make The Warren 2019 even bigger, better and more exciting for our audiences.” The Warren’s site is free to enter and open every day during Brighton Fringe, from 9am until late. Here people can explore a hidden world of the fantastic and unusual, nestled among bright lights and wonderous experiences. Returning to The Warren this year is the festival’s famous centrepiece, The Hat, a venue seating 250 people in the shape of a bowler hat. Other venues making an appearance in 2019 are The Blockhouse, a flexible performance space hosting anything from comedy to cabaret, the Theatre Box and The Burrow, both black box venues ideal for minimal set theatre, music or solo comedy and The Den, a dedicated family area perfect for storytelling and family activities. Having recently released their 2019 brochure, you can now take a look at what is on at The Warren, and with a hefty selection of cabaret, circus, stand-up, dance and physical theatre, film, music, spoken-word, theatre and family activities, there seems to be something for everyone. The festival favourite Pick of the Fringe is returning this year, taking place in The Hat and showcasing a handpicked line-up with the best acts form across the Fringe on Thurs 2 May and Sat 1 June. King Sammy Silver is also making a comeback at the Fringe this year with his award-winning queer comedy cabaret, Sass, Sex and Surrealness for five dates in May.

One suitable for all ages is Circus Abyssinia, who are performing Ethiopian Dreams, the tale of two Ethiopian brothers told through heart-stopping stunts and stunning feats on several dates at The Warren. If you’re in the mood for a laugh, Bla Bla Land, an improvised musical comedy about the pursuit of dreams and love, inspired by the Oscar-winning film La La Land, will take place at The Nest on four different nights in May. Or if you’re in the mood for some stand-up comedy, Zach Zucker is returning to Brighton after his sold-out shows in London, New York and LA, with a brand-new hour of absurdist comedy on Tue 21– Mon 27 May at the Theatre Box. What Doesn’t Make the Cut, a powerful new dance production that explores the pressures on young girls to achieve the ‘perfect’ online profile, will be showcased at The Hat on Sat 18– Sun 19 May. Other dance performances such as Elicitations, a Hack Ballet production consisting of flawless and gracefully articulated contemporary ballet will take place throughout the month of May. When it comes to their film showings, The Warren have lined up a number of Iris Prize film categories. These include Youth, which consists of several colourful films exploring LGBT+ lives around the world, and Best of British short films, shown on various afternoons in May and June. Satisfying our endless thirst for music events, The Warren are putting on a Silent Disco every weekend from Thurs 2 May to Sat 1 June featuring special DJ, fancy dress nights, takeovers and more. And if you’d like to attend something more intellectually captivating, An Adult Dr Seuss, by Geoff Allnutt (Fri 24 – Mon 27 May) takes the work of the childhood favourite Dr Seuss and reimagines it for an adult audience using rhythms and tongue-twisting alliteration to create some game-changing poetry. Insolence is one of the many theatre plays performed at The Warren. This darkly funny new play comes from the multi-award-winning company Put the Book Down and revolves around single parenting: from joyous to nightmarish. This winner of the Brighton Fringe Theatre Award in 2017, comes to the Theatre Box on Sat 4 May. Aside from the jam-packed list of events and activities put on at The Warren, the festival has promised four fairylit bars, serving everything from craft beers, to cocktails, to hot beverages, and even more delicious street food stalls than last year.

NEW APP

POCKET ANGEL A new voucher app wants to help make it easier to give food or provide shelter for homeless people across the UK. Pocket Angel, brainchild of local entrepreneur Alcia Loach, is a cashless app which allows users to buy vouchers which homeless people can redeem for food, drink shelter and other essentials in registered outlets and hostels.

The app generates a voucher which the user can print off at home before heading out, alternatively app can generate a digital code which is sent to the homeless person. With Alcia’s app, nothing will go to waste, as any unused vouchers will be collected and donated to charities providing support for homeless people.

The app creator had the brainwave whilst on her daily commute, when she noticed many homeless people were given food or drink without being asked what they needed or wanted. She hopes the app will help give society’s most vulnerable the option to choose what they need, when they need it and in turn minimise food waste.

According to the charity Crisis, homelessness is set to increase nationally by 76% in the next decade, so apps like Alcia’s may be key in providing vital supplies for those sleeping rough. If you’re interested in supporting Pocket Angel, Aclia has set up a Gofundme campaign to raise the last vital funds for promotion, further app development and maintenance. www.gofundme.com/app-for-homeless-rough-sleepers

FRINGE SURVIVAL GUIDE You’ve probably noticed something is happening around the city this month. There are more clowns than usual on the streets, multi-coloured tents are springing up everywhere and you’ll often hear laughter or gasps burst from the most unlikely buildings. Fear not, it’s all perfectly normal (apart from the clowns, their nefarious agenda has yet to present itself) because Brighton Fringe is here again. The largest open-access arts festival in England, Brighton Fringe embraces almost every artistic discipline you can think of, for a sprawling month of performance, shows and exhibitions. This internationally acclaimed event brings artists and audiences together. As a platform for new and developing creatives, last year brought over 1008 events to 164 venues in front of an audiences of over 596,000. It’s art presentation on a massive scale. So, how do you choose what to see? Will Platoon On Ice be a better show than The Wisdom Of Mark Francois? We have a few tips on how to navigate Brighton Fringe without being overwhelmed.

BE OPEN-MINDED

The best way to sample England’s largest arts festival is to take a few risks. For every one-man show disturbingly revolving around screaming into a mirror, you’ll find at least ten truly beautiful spectacles. Moving out of your comfort zone a little will unlock a new spectrum of work to challenge, amaze and entertain. Often the most memorable works are the oddest ones. Over the years I’ve personally seen two pairs of breasts and three penises in their unclothed glory at Fringe, all perfectly in context. It’s a place where performers can shed inhibitions and present the most honest work you’ll ever see. Prepare for the unexpected.

EAT

Don’t forget to refuel in-between performances. This is especially important if you’re visiting several shows in a row. It’ll boost your concentration and enthusiasm. Cafes

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and restaurants can be a great place to make sense of what you’ve just seen. After all, great art makes you want to talk about it. City centre eateries are always a good place to gather tips about the festival’s hits and misses.

BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME

You might believe it possible to pile out of a standup show, race across town and get into a one-person disassembly of emotional abuse, in under 20 minutes. That’s not going to happen. Turning up late for a show is massively rude. And many audiences will help you realise this, if you get let in at all. Leave plenty of time. It’s a pleasure not a parade, as nobody has ever said. Show a little respect. Get a watch and some realistic expectations.

KEEP YOUR EARS TO THE GROUND

Not literally ‘to the ground’, or a stilt-walker might stamp on you. Many of the best Fringe experiences are prompted by recommendations, word of mouth and random flyers out on the streets. Hanging around at the festival’s many hubs, or any area with a high number of venues, is great way to discover what’s generating a buzz. Your favourite guide to Brighton & Hove will also shining a spotlight on the best shows in print and online (that’s us BTW)

RELAX

The kids have a saying - FOMO. Not sure what it means, but it’s something to do with being unrealistically envious of other people’s experiences. Everyone’s Fringe is different. Yes, that Danish cat-herding trapeze artist might have been spectacular, but was it a more profound than the synchronised swimming with shopping trolleys? All art is subjective and resonates in different ways. The trick is to celebrate a wide range of what Fringe has to offer.

Brighton Fringe comes to venues across the city, and beyond, on Fri 3 May – Sun 2 June

ON SCREEN

TV & FILM

DETECTIVE PIKACHU FRI 10 MAY // CINEMA

Pokemon’s first live-action adventure is tearing onto cinema screens this month and it’s shaping up to be a blast. Former Pokemon trainer Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) partners up with the titular detective Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) to uncover a devious plot that threatens to unravel the entire franchise’s universe, encountering a diverse group of monsters along the way.

A DOG’S JOURNEY

WHEN THEY SEE US

GOOD OMENS

Universal’s sequel to the heartwarming A Dog’s Purpose is almost here and we’re already emotional. Lovable hound Bailey pawed his way into our hearts in the 2017 comedydrama and now he’s back! Reunited with owner Ethan, Bailey’s new duty is to watch over his granddaughter CJ and no matter how many lives it takes he’s determined to do so.

The acclaimed Ava DuVernay’s latest directorial comes in as a true crime chronicle of The Central Park Five, teenagers of colour who were wrongfully convicted of rape in 1989. The four episodes will follow the 25 year long fight to prove their innocence. The cast is full of rising stars including Fences Jovan Adepo and Moonlight’s Jharrell Jerome.

Iconic writers Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman have their best-selling fantasy novel brought to life as a lavish new sixpart series. Starring the delightful duo of David Tennent and Michael Sheen, the series follows the domesticated demon Crowley (Tennent) and angel Aziraphale (Sheen) who strive to prevent the impending arrival of the antichrist on Earth.

FRI 17 MAY // CINEMA

FRI 31 MAY // NETFLIX

FRI 31 MAY // AMAZON VIDEO

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS FRI 31 MAY // CINEMA

You’d think there’d be no need for more Godzilla films at this point, but 35 films in and evidently the franchise is still standing strong. The lizard’s latest includes Kyle Chandler, (who’s no stranger to monster flicks having previously featured in King Kong) and, breakout Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. It should get your adrenaline rushing. bn1magazine.co.uk

C RY S TA L Z TAV E R N BY KAI LOWE This May, The Marlborough Theatre presents a tantalising transformation of the famously all inclusive venue, curated and hosted by its co-director/foudner Tarik Elmoutawakil. From Thursday to Saturdays (and some Sundays) The Marlborough hosts a queer, Afro-futuristic inspired speakeasy for Brighton Fringe 2019. Tarik is thrilled to bring us the rare opportunity to hear some of societies more marginalised voices to collectively envision a utopian haven. Crystalz Tavern sets itslelf apart by providing a platform for a talented collective of intersectional queer peers to express themselves within a radically supportive environment, centerting the voices of black and brown, queer, trans and intersex performers as well as audiences. Crystalz Tavern brings togerth some of tte UK’s leading interdisciplinary black and brown live art/cabaret performers to Brighton over the course of the month, to share the stage with established and up and coming local Brighton performers as well as visiting talent from across the festival. Crystalz Tavern also acts as an Artists Residency, with different queer artists of colour in resdience each week, developing new boundry breaking work in a supportive environemnt. Lasana Shabazz, Symoné, XANA, Ebony Rose Dark, and The Astrothot will be dazzling crowds with performance enccompassing vogue ball beat box/loop pedal, drag, spoken word, circus skills, pole dancing and live art in this “Cabaret of Camaraderie”. Performances take place between 7 and 9pm, before the venue evolves into a queer crystalline disco. The Marlborough is working with young designer Jack Poole of Poile Art, who fuses engingeering and creativity to create new ways to engage with the public and who

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will turn the theatre space into a crystal cavern meets old worlde Tavern, using their hand made installation pieces. Local artists involved in the festival include Subira, Harry Clayton Wright, Noé Warren and Vlad Von Kitsch, all of whom are ground breaking artists in the their own rights. To keep you cool ampgnst such hot talent, The Marlborough Theatre are serving exlcusive Crystal themed cocktails in a pop up bar in the transformed theatre space. These top secret recipes are kept under lock and key in true speakeasy fashion. We have been told these delectable indulgences won’t disappoint. Having spoken to Tarik to find out more, BN1 magazine is told to expect a “A throbbing neon lighthouse guiding you to a space of safety, away from the jagged rocks of late stage capitalism. A speakeasy that heals the wounded and holds the oppressor to account. Featuring a shifting constellation of the UK’s best live art/cabaret performers and guest DJs.” Crystalz Tavern will be available every Thursday through to Saturday throughout May, visit the Marlbooruh’s website for the venue. Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD, Tel: 01273 273870 Thurs 3 - Sat, Thurs 9 - Sat 11, Thurs 16 - Sat 18, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 May Performances: 7pm-9pm, with Crystal Disco lasting until 11pm. Tickets: £10, £5 Concessions Book Online at brightonfringe.org, or at the Fringe Box office (New Road)

with top chefs

brighton hove lawns 4, 5, 6 may

foodiesfestival.com BN1 160mmx110.indd 1

25/03/2019 13:39

Treason Productions

Gareth Southgate Ate My Credit Card A new comedy by Paul Hodson (Brighton ’Til I Die & Fever Pitch) & Mark Brailsford (The Treason Show & Southern Fail the Musical)

NOW IN IT’S RECORD BREAKING 19TH YEAR!

THE TREAS N SHOW “Savagely funny - fantastically silly” The Guardian The Latest

Broadway Baby

chortle.com

Northern Echo

The Argus

Fringe Guru

DIRECTED BY BRIGHTON FRINGE AWARD WINNER MARK BRAILSFORD

How love and football can ruin your life: a comedy

Thur 9th - Sat 11th May 7.30pm Tickets £11.50 & £13.50 Box oﬃce www.brightonfringe.co.uk or call 01273 917272

Thurs 23 - Fri 24 May @ 8.30 Sat 25 & Sun 26 May @ 9.30 Tickets £10 -£15 Meal deals & Cocktails! Tickets www.treasonshow.co.uk or via fringe box office 01273 917272

FESTIVAL GUIDE BARN ON THE FARM

THURS 4 - SUN 7 JULY // GLOUCESTER An independent festival focussing on finding diamonds in the rough, Barn on the Farm has already hosted stars like Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Catfish and the Bottlemen, James Bay and George Ezra. 2019’s names include Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, Maggie Rogers, Jade Bird, Grace Carter, Samm Henshaw, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Maverick Sabre, Zak Abel, Swim Deep, Gabrielle Aplin, Nina Nesbitt, The Japanese House and Youngr. It has a strong emphasis on intimacy, breaking the boundaries between audience and artist, whilst bringing together impeccable line-ups. This year, the award-winning Barn on the Farm also celebrates its 10th anniversary. An down-to-earth gathering of like-minded music lovers, it’s a great place to hook up with old friends, party with new ones and check out an impressive range of artists. This year, the new music credentials are bolstered by partnering with BIMM Music College to create a stage of fantastic breaking-through artists. Small but perfectly formed, Barn on the Farm is spread over three stages (The Wooden Barn, Outside and Main), only a hop, skip and hoedown apart. It started with a barn, a couple of bands, a few pints and very high expectations. A decade on and it’s celebrating with some very special friends this summer.

ROCK WERCHTER

TOMORROWLAND

FRI 19 JULY - SUN 28 JULY BELGIUM Tomorrowland makes it feel as though you’re stepping into a fantasy land when you enter through its gates. The festival maintains a spiritual ethos which encourages the audience to respect Mother Nature and each other. One for the dance fans, the line-up includes the likes of The Chainsmokers, A$AP Rocky, Armin Van Buuren, Afrojack and so many more. The festival takes place over two weekends, both of which maintain the same if not slightly amended line-ups. For a magical weekend of atmosphere and music then this is your kind of festival.

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THURS 27 – SUN 30 JUNE // WERCHTER, BELGIUM If you’re a little more adventurous, Europe has amazing events to fire up your summer. Belgium’s very own Glastonbury, Rock Werchter offers a star-studded line-up who were born to headline festivals, including Florence and the Machine, P!NK, Tool and Muse. It’s not just the headliners who are impressive, acts on the smaller intimate stages are something the UK could only dream of booking as a headliner. Stars like Kylie, New Order, Elbow, Richard Ashcroft - the list really is endless. You could bring your whole family here and there would be an act to suit everyone on its four different stages…

RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL

THURS 30 MAY - SAT 1 JUNE Hey now! How’s about taking a little jaunt up to the old country this summer, taking things down a notch with some good ol’ honkey-tonk, country rock. If that sounds like your kind of jam, have a look at the Red Rooster Festival over in Suffolk. This rarity of a festival celebrates all things southern and by that we mean the deep south USA, not Brighton & Hove for a change! Red Rooster is different from most UK festivals. Some may be unfamiliar with its country, Americana and bluesy line-up, but for those in the know, this sounds like a slice of music heaven. There’s just something about this kind of music, something that really gets you moving. It resonates through you and takes you to the deep south, you feel like your hanging out in the blues bars and bayous of Louisiana. It feels pretty cool. This year, the festival is hosting some amazing bands from all over the USA, UK and a couple from further afield. Check out headliners The Budos Band and Nick Low & Los Straightjackets. Tthe pirate-pilots of this year’s ship, supported by some awesome names like Dale Watson & His Lone Stars, Cedric Burnside, Low Cut Connie and The Black Eyed Dogs featuring legendary producer Ethan Johns, to name but a few. Also have a little look at Prinz Grizzley, these guys supported Seasick Steve at Brighton Dome last year, it was a serious jam - they’ll be rocking the main stage too. All these artists are real heavy hitters in their genres and guaranteed to get you going, night and day.

That’s what Red Rooster is offering, well that’s part of it. As well as the pick plucking tunes, the festival is paying tribute to southern food and drink, a real taste of Creole and Cajun. We’re talking smoky ribs, deep fried shrimp, po’boy sandwiches and the unmistakable smooth bite of Bourbon whiskey cocktails. That’s not all though, this year Rooster will be joined by some awesome US favourites, think meatballs, mac n cheese, sweet, sweet desserts and Mexican from Brighton’s best burrito – Deadgood Burrito. You’re all covered for camping and accommodation, the beautiful Suffolk location has plenty of room for standard camping, which is included in the price of your ticket. If you fancy a more luxurious sleep, there’s some great options to upgrade to a pre-pitched tipi, yurt or bell-tent. These spacious and comfy tents are perfect if you’re bringing the whole gang and younger kids. Honestly, the Red Rooster Festival has all the ingredients for a heck of a good time. It’s a friendly, laid back festival where you can bring the family and have a party. The Red Rooster vibe - it’s all good, take it easy, listen to some world-class southern music and try some amazing Cajun cuisine. I don’t know about you, but to us that sounds a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. Get on over to the Red Rooster website - www.redrooster. org.uk for full info on artists, camping and ticket options.

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ARTIST OPEN HOUSES A MUST VISIT:

4-26 MAY

RUTH MULVIE

SARA LE ROY

Ruth returns to Brighton Artists Open House Festival for the second time. She is thrilled to be displaying work at this unique and very original venue around the 1940s art deco pool, at a private house in Hove. When she first saw the venue, she knew she had to just take the plunge and ask the owner if I could use the space for the festival! Pools are a theme she often visits in my work, and therefore couldn’t think of a more fitting location to show these new paintings. 'Waterworld' is open weekends 11/12, 18/19, 25/26 11am until 5pm Closed first weekend.

Newly opened, the Le Roy Art Gallery is the world’s first 3D Gallery and is a newcomer for the Artists Open Houses 2019. Situated in a 3 storey 1780 fisherman’s cottage, the building, restored back to its former glory is an ideal setting for Sara Le Roy’s darkly humorous fairy tale painting series ‘3D Tales’. Old school red/blue 3D glasses need to be worn to see the effect which allows visitors to explore through narrow corridors & stairs at their own pace, interacting with paintings in a whole new way.

SARAH JONES

KATE SCOTT

11/12, 18/19, 25/26 11AM UNTIL 5PM 1 COURTYARD LANE, HOVE, BN3 4BP

LE ROY GALLERY: 4-27 MAY. 11AM-6:30PM 1 BOND ST, COTTAGES, BN1 1RP

MILTON HOUSE, 72 CLYDE ROAD, BN1 4NP

ART AT ZERBS 4-6, 11-12, 18-19 & 25-27. 11AM-6PM 188 DYKE ROAD, BN1 5AA

Milton House has been one of the city's most popular houses for over a decade now. Voted onto the best house short list every year since 2012 and home to last year’s best artist nominee Sarah Jones, it is everything you would want an open house to be. Full of quality and a brilliant mixture of both functional and practical to the quirky and bizarre. It offers the chance to meet the makers and eat truly delicious cake too! Every weekend and both bank holidays 11-6pm.

Kate is delighted and proud to have been asked to cocurate ‘Art at Zerb’s’ for this year’s Artist Open Houses and will be exhibiting some of her own work. It is an exciting new open house joining the Dyke Road Arts trail this year and is aiming to help bring together a unique mix of artists and makers in 2019. She is also thrilled to have been asked to exhibit some of her paintings at Art at 21, which is part of the 7Dialls trail.

4-6, 11-12, 18-19 & 25-27. 11AM-6PM

Constantinople Bistro Constantinople Bistro with its rich, varied and venerable cuisine fuses the tastes of the Middle East, the Balkans, Greece, the Caucasus and central Anatolia. As an independent and family-run business with the years of experiences in Istanbul, we now offer the unique flavours of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchen main dishes, traditional mezzes, entrĂŠe selection and desserts in Brighton & Hove, all made with fresh and organic ingredients.

5/5rip onT

Advis

11am - 11pm, Mon - Sun 51 Norfolk Square (on Western road), BN1 2PA Tel: 01273 777 355

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FRINGE CITY FRINGE CITY FRINGE CIT

FITZ SPARKLING WINE

Fringe City, the Brighton Fringe weekend street festival, is known for hosting new and exciting food and drink pop-ups. This year for the first time, Fitz are gracing stalls of New Road and Jubilee Square with their fresh take on sparkling wine made in England. Created by Divergent Drinks, Fitz are based in Worthing and make affordable, consumer-focused bottles of fizz. “This is for your average wine-drinker, somebody wants an introduction to what wine can be”. Started in 2016, Fitz wine is already causing a stir amongst the traditional English wine makers due to their avant-garde winemaking method, which is the first UK product to be created using the Charmat style, a technique usually used for Prosecco. “By adopting this new technique, we found there were some rumblings. ‘Why are you doing this? Is it going to detract from the quality that we’ve already experienced from the industry thus far?’” However, Fitz aren’t worried by the

traditionalists; their wine business is bubbling away nicely and they are set to sell close to 100,000 bottles this year. The company are also primed to bring out a Fizz Rose, a dryer demi sec to diversify their portfolio. Fitz use high quality grapes which are grown by a network of talented farmers across the UK. Combine this with their Charmat method of fermentation, and Fitz have created a distinctively fruity and fresh wine. Unlike traditional winemakers, Fitz don’t have to ferment the wine in the bottle for 3 years, which makes their product cheaper than some competitors. “I do feel there’s a bit of a disconnect from some of the producers, ignoring the fact to pay £35 for a bottle of wine is a lot of money.” Pop over to sample Fitz sparkling wine at Fringe City / Jubilee Square on Sat 18 - Sun 19 and Sat 25 - Sun 26 May.

ALUNA COCONUT RUM

Aluna Coconut, Winner of the best flavoured rum at the World Rum Awards, will be at Fringe City, Brighton Fringe’s weekend street festival which runs for the whole of May. Created by the makers of The Kraken, Sailor Jerry, Hendricks and Black Cow, Aluna boasts an impressive pedigree, and is sure to be a firm favourite of rum lovers this summer. Aluna is made with a combination of pure, sustainably sourced coconut water blended with toasted coconut and rums from Guatemala and the Caribbean. The rum contains a fraction of the sugar of its competitors whilst maintaining the signature sweetness of coconut rum, so what’s not to love? The award-winning Aluna Coconut will be at a pop-up stall for Fringe City on New Road from 11am - 6pm on Sat 4 - Sun 5 and Sat 11 - Sun 12 May.

FOODIE NEWS WAKE UP TO ORGANIC

15 VINE STREET

In a world where we settle for a bowl of coco pops or shreddies for our breakfast, it can’t be that great for us in the long run. That’s why Organic UK is spreading the ‘feelgood’ factor over Brighton this June.

Lucky for us Brighton foodies, ex-Fat Duck chef Aaron Dalton is back with his exciting and experimental dishes. For those who don’t know, he’s created quite a buzz in the Brighton & Hove food scene over the last few years after his four pop-up restaurants were a huge success. He has finally taken it upon himself to open his own permanent restaurant in Vine Street, hence the creative name.

This summer independent food businesses will be opening their doors to the public to ‘Wake Up to Organic’, encouraging people to swap their unhealthy unethical breakfasts for something tasty and organic.

The style of cuisine is hard to describe, but if the sound of everything being cooked over a wood fire and options such as smoky cured meat sandwiches doesn’t get you salivating then, weirdly, this isn’t your kind of food joint.

All stores taking part will be offering mini delightfully organic breakfast treats, and in some selected stores there will be activities taking place which you can join in with, including cooking demonstrations and meeting local farmers and producers.

There will also be a chance to try Dalton’s experimental menu on Friday and Saturday evenings, and even options to pair your perfect beer with your meal. There will also be roast dinners on offer every Sunday, as well as the most deliciously experimental Brunch you could imagine available every weekend. Get yourself down to 15 Vine Street in May to tingle your taste buds.

WEDS 12 JUNE

Businesses taking part include Infinity Foods, Rainbow Organic Chocolates and Wild Cherry.

SUSSEX VINEYARD TOUR THURS 2 MAY - FRI 31 MAY

Possibly the most perfect event you could think of doing in late May, when summer is almost done brewing. Get picked up from Brighton Station and enjoy the ride as you are taken through Sussex’s beautiful countryside to end up at Ridgeview Wine estate. An informative tour of the vineyard will be given as well as a lesson on English wine production. Wine tasting and a hearty pub lunch is included, get the opportunity to climb to the highest viewpoint in Sussex for a stunning panoramic view of Sussex and the sea. A full day dedicated to fine wine is priced at £89 per person, a small price to pay for an unforgettable day (if you don’t over indulge on the alcohol!)

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NEW RESTAURANT - HARBY'S AT HARBOUR HOTEL BRIGHTON OPEN FROM FRI 3 MAY

Introducing ‘Harby’s’, the brand new restaurant based in Brighton’s own Harbour Hotel. Equipped with a diner and bar, the restaurant will be hosting a variety of ‘unmissable’ live events; as well as some of ‘the best’ cocktails in town. The seaside inspired menu has been created by chef director, John Pollard, featuring a twist on classic favourites along with traditional choices and a host of vegetarian and vegan options for every palette. The Harby’s bar, hosted by an expert team, will tempt you into trying some new cocktails, craft beers and a selection of wines and fizzy drinks. Harby’s will be open from the Fri 3 May 2019.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS ARE TAKING PLACE ON THURSDAY 23 MAY 2019 Plan ahead so you don’t lose your vote To vote in these elections you must be: • registered by 7 May • aged 18 or over • a British, qualifying Commonwealth, or European Union citizen (EU citizens need to complete a form stating they are choosing to vote in the UK) • either resident in Brighton & Hove or a UK citizen formerly registered in Brighton & Hove but living abroad

If you won’t be able to get to your polling station: • apply for a postal vote by 8 May • apply for a proxy vote by 15 May

Find out more at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/vote

The Park View 71 Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6LD 01273 541663

BN1 TRIES...

THE PARK VIEW

Preston Park would certainly count as one of my happy places in Brighton. Whether it's being far too drunk and doing some incredibly cringeworthy dancing during Pride, or strolling through as the sun sets and seeing all the healthy people jogging. I frequently have to remind myself that I do in fact own a pair of legs and that if I occasionally used them for running then my arse wouldn't be getting so big. On this particular Wednesday there was an usually bright sun in the sky and I had a general feeling of contentment as I ambled along to The Park View, which as the name suggests, is a mere stone's throw away from the park on Preston Drove. What was immediately notable was how busy it was for midweek. The tables outside were nearly all full, and there was an undeniably busy and excitable atmosphere upon entering. We were greeted by smiley Georgina and shown to a lovely table near a rather fabulous marble fireplace. The décor is effortlessly modern while still displaying nice touches like the large plants and Art Deco chandelier - it has managed to be both unpretentious and aesthetically pleasing which I've noticed is often a coupling that Brighton pubs find difficult. We surveyed the Vegan friendly menu and settled on Fried Squid with a sweet chilli glaze (£6) and Vegan Tikka bites with raita sauce, mango chutney and flatbread crisps (£6). I have to give full disclosure and say I can be slightly sceptical of Vegan food that purports to taste like meat, however when the Tikka bites arrived and I cut into them I initially thought there had been a mistake and that we had actually been served the meaty version of the dish! They tasted fantastic and the texture was spot-on. The flatbread crisps were huge, fantastically crunchy and ridiculously moreish when eaten with the raita and mango chutney. The squid was unlike any squid i'd had before as it had a beautifully sticky yet crunchy outside while remaining succulent inside. Squid is such a nice ingredient but is often woefully overcooked so it is nice to be able to report that the chef behind this dish knows what they are doing.

bn1magazine.co.uk

By Lucy Hallett

While choosing our mains of Chicken, portobello mushroom, leek and pancetta pie with roasted root veg, red wine jus and mash (£11) and chargrilled beef burger topped with cheddar and served with gherkin and fries (£12) we ruminated on what we wanted to drink and settled after some words of advice from the helpful Talia on Gin, a spirit so luscious that if it had a face I would snog it. We worked our way through a fair few fantastic gins but my favourite had to be the Raspberry flavoured Whitley Neal served with fresh berries and Fevertree Mediterranean tonic (£9 for a double). Tasty, refreshing and brilliantly fruity it was like sunshine in a glass. Palettes cleansed (well that's my excuse anyway), I started on the pie which was positively bursting with filling while still remaining incredibly light partly owing to the wonderful puff pastry. The mash potato was smooth and fluffy and the root veg was still perfectly al dente. The lovely meal was completed by a flavoursome gravy that had a glorious shine to it. Onto the burger which was everything a burger should bewell seasoned, beefy and nicely cooked. The chips were absolutely gorgeous and if I'm honest I didn't really feel like sharing them with my dining companion! Dessert-wise there were some really appealing options, but the moment I spot a chocolate brownie on the menu it is pretty hard to persuade me to look elsewhere, so I didn't and quickly indicated to the lovely Kirstie that I would like their Brownie with hazelnut ice cream (£5.50) and why not throw in a Sticky toffee pudding with bourbon ice cream for good measure (£5.50)? My brownie was remarkably chocolatey and rich tasting and the accompanying hazelnut ice cream was a thing of beauty. I ate it so fast that it looked like my greed had performed some sort of magic trick. I tried the sticky toffee pudding and it was gooey, unctuous and coated my tongue in an incredibly satisfying manner. Really quite full but in a good way I reflected on what a brilliant job they are doing at The Park View. I'm already planning on ditching the unappealing, lacklustre Summer picnics and heading on by after my trips to the park whereby I inevitably drink too much cava and dance like an idiot and continue to watch the joggers as my arse gets even bigger.

Did you know we can ďŹ t free smoke alarms and offer advice on staying safe at home? www.esfrs.org | 0800 177 7069 bn1magazine.co.uk

1 Howard Rd, Brighton 12–3pm, 5–10pm 07919 271701

BN1 TRIES...

PAPA PITTA AT THE FREE HAUS

After a somewhat taxing day, including replacing a punctured tyre on the steepest part of Hanover, BN1’s editor and myself were more than happy to take a break at Brighton’s newest Cypriot kitchen – Papa Pitta. Operating out of Brighton Bier’s Free Haus location, Papa Pitta is the brainchild of chef Yoddi Papa, a local Brightonian of Cypriot heritage which reflects in his cooking. The first thing we noticed was how easy-going the venue was. With a nice low ceiling, bare brick walls and lots of real greenery, Free Haus definitely lends itself to the taverna feel found at local restaurants and cafes throughout the Mediterranean. We were warmly greeted by Yoddi who radiates a good positive energy, he showed us his new menu which boasts several different pitta options as well as interesting traditional sides like calamari and Badada chips. We went with the chef’s recommendation, Yoddi was particularly keen that we try the Sheftalias (Cypriot sausages) pitta. We went with that, a haloumi pitta and most of the sides on the menu. Then we grabbed some drinks from the bar, stocked with the finest local craft beer, before finding a quiet corner to relax in. There was an old picture on our table of Yoddi and his family in Cyprus, a nice throwback to his Cypriot roots that seemed to tell a story in itself. Papa Pitta is a small open kitchen, giving a real sense of intimacy. On quieter days such as our visit, you can hear and smell the delicious food cooking away, giving the Cypriot style kitchen a very authentic feel. It wasn’t long before Yoddi brought out a couple of sides, a beetroot salad with feta cheese and some of the Badada chips. These were perfect starter size dishes or would be awesome on their own as a light bite. The beetroot salad was fantastic, the flavours of all the ingredients contrasted with each other, it was sweet with a little sharpness from the feta and some lovely fresh herbs to finish. The Badada chips are sliced like sautéed potatoes then twice fried and seasoned with oregano, the effect this has is like thick crisps with a light and fluffy interior, the perfect snacking food with one of Brighton Bier’s craft brews.

bn1magazine.co.uk

By Rich Wardle

Next came the Souvlaki pitta kebabs, served on reclaimed terracotta tiles which was a nice touch. Immediately you can tell the pittas are going to taste clean and fresh, packed with traditional Cypriot ingredients like diced tomato, cucumber and herbs as well as the main ingredient of your choice and a drizzle of chilli sauce for a faint bite of heat. They also come with a lemon wedge to squeeze over your pitta, completing that wonderful Mediterranean flavour. At that point the table started to fill up with dishes as more sides arrived, some calamari, baked feta and an extra side of Sheftalia sausages. We got stuck in, sharing the pittas and trying a bit of everything. The pittas were not your average kebab to say the least, the Sheftalias were herby and juicy while the haloumi was just the right consistency with a nice squeaky chew to it. What’s great about these is the hint of spice followed by the cool, fresh flavours of the herbs and salad. They didn’t leave you feeling uncomfortably full and would be a perfect meal on a hot summer afternoon. To be thorough, the calamari was thin and lightly battered with rice flour then seasoned with red peppercorn giving a pleasant kick to the delicate dish. The baked feta is another simple yet complex dish, similar to the beetroot salad, it has a few key ingredients like peppers and onions on top of the baked cheese that when combined produce a crazy variety of flavours, sweet, savoury, salty, you name it. This came with chargrilled flatbread, just right for dipping. While we ate Yoddi talked us through the dishes and spoke a bit about his vision for Papa Pitta. It’s clear that he’s very passionate about his cooking but also wants Papa Pitta to have the right atmosphere and feel to it. The food is just part of the experience, it’s healthy, fresh, affordable pub grub that you can snack on with friends and family. In Cyprus, eating and drinking is a communal affair and this is what Yoddi wants Papa Pitta to replicate here. This is what makes Papa Pitta such an interesting new location in the Brighton food scene, they have a strong ethos driving their business, combined with a great location and fantastic menu. As the days get longer and warmer, grab some friends and head over to Papa Pitta at the Free Haus for a taste of the Mediterranean and some laid-back vibes.

Ask Jess...

The Nutritionist Jess English, Registered Dietitian

IS THIS THE FUTURE OF FOOD? LUNCH IN A MUG

We live in Brighton & Hove - tech hub and wonderful bubble. As such you probably know someone who has one of those meal replacement drink shakers in their desk, heck that might even be you. There’s a veritable diet tribe built around them but I don’t want to get into this bit; I wanted to take a look at the pros and cons of them in terms of overall health.

• • •

WHAT ARE THEY?

For those who haven’t heard of them, these powdered meal replacement drinks are intended to replace all or part of our food intake. The big players at the moment are Huel (‘Human fuel’) and Soylent (Yes, like the film… hopefully not too much like the film). Most are nutritionally complete - meaning that you should technically be able to consume these powders alone and meet your nutritional requirements.

WHY DO PEOPLE DRINK THEM?

For most people it appears to be about convenience and cost - they’re simple to prepare (mix powder with water) and replacing a meal with a shake costs just over a quid; a big saving compared to a store-bought lunch or dinner. Flavour isn’t usually listed high up there. They’re marketed as a healthy alternative for those who don’t have the time, inclination or desire to eat actual food. Some tech companies even offer them as ‘perks’ for staff who’re working long hours at their desks.

ARE THEY HEALTHIER?

It’s tricky to say. Whilst they may be nutritionally complete in terms of one ‘average’ person’s intake; they may not provide enough nutrients, satisfaction or energy for another.

WHAT MEALS MEAN - IMPACT ON SOCIAL LIVES ETC.

Food is a massive part of our lives; for celebration, commiseration, relaxation - so many things. Taking the time to eat with friends, co-workers and family can also be a massive boost for our physical and mental wellbeing.

•

The science is new; there have been no longterm studies into meal-replacement drinks and how they might affect our health. Swapping your meals out for a few shakes may improve your nutritional intake for those days but may not improve your overall health. Restricting your intake to having a liquid meal replacement may also leave you craving other foods - increasing your likelihood of bingeing at a later time. How we eat and the whole foods themselves appear to have a big part to play in our health just topping up with these shakes won’t balance out a nutrient poor diet.

Besides the nutritional content of their meals, countries listed as ‘Blue Zones’ (places where people regularly live to 100 years or more) regularly sit down to enjoy leisurely meals together. Compare this with these aspirational ‘biohacking’ methods and meal-replacements touted by Silicon Valley’s finest and you have a very different set-up.

IS THIS THE FUTURE OF FOOD?

I appreciate that some people genuinely do not have time or the desire to cook and prepare meals and so these powders may be a useful occasional alternative. However, you don’t have to drink them to be healthy. In the overall balance of health, there are so many more important factors to consider - socioeconomic status, stress, mental health, sleep, activity levels, cultural microaggressions, alcohol, smoking. In terms of food, some of the biggest barriers people report to eating a balanced, varied diet include time, knowledge and cooking skills. Having a quick shake for lunch when sitting at your desk is a great sticking plaster but if we focused on improving our working lives could the future look less powdered for the next generation? www.levelupnutrition.co.uk @levelupnutritionuk

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