Spring Theatre and Live Shows in Brighton

Brighton’s theatre scene is shifting gears this spring, and while some of the winter’s big hitters like the Midsomer Murders adaptation have already wrapped up their runs, the upcoming schedule at the Theatre Royal Brighton and the Brighton Dome is looking busy. If you are heading to New Road, the Theatre Royal is currently finishing its run of The Ballad of Johnny and June on Saturday 18 April. Following that, the venue moves into a mix of contemporary music and physical theatre. The Choir of Man takes over from 21 to 25 April, followed by Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at the end of the month. For those interested in the inner workings of the Grade II listed building, backstage tours are starting on 25 April and will run periodically through to July. May brings a varied lineup including Ruby Wax on the 7th, the production of Allegra from 12 to 16 May, and the Brighton Festival’s staging of Malory Towers later in the month. Musical fans have Operation Mincemeat to look forward to from 26 May, while June features The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and the high-energy Priscilla Queen Of The Desert*.

Over at the Brighton Dome, the focus for the next few weeks is on comedy and music, with Josh Widdicombe performing on 24 April and Ray LaMontagne scheduled for early June. If you prefer a different atmosphere, the Royal Pavilion is hosting a series of Candlelight Concerts. These include tributes to Fleetwood Mac and a program featuring Coldplay and Ed Sheeran music, running on various dates between April and June. There is also a 'Best of Bridgerton' themed evening starting in May for those who follow the series. These sessions offer a chance to see the Pavilion’s interior in a specific light, quite literally, as the spring evenings stay brighter for longer.

As the weather settles, the Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) in Dyke Road Park officially opens its season on 1 May. The May schedule is packed with one-off performances and short runs, starting with a mix of wrestling, improv, and a Dire Straits tribute on opening night. Throughout the month, the park will host everything from Impromptu Shakespeare and a poetry slam to a ballet version of Alice in Wonderland. Mid-month sees a run of Ben Hur and several performances of Romeo & Juliet. By the time June arrives, the BOAT program expands significantly with outdoor adaptations of Northanger Abbey, Jekyll & Hyde, and The Great Gatsby. There are also several family-oriented events like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Peter Rabbit scheduled for the afternoons. The venue operates regardless of the typical coastal breeze, so it is a staple for local theatre-goers from now until September.

For those who enjoy a more interactive or educational approach to the arts, the Theatre Royal is also running several workshops this season. There are 'Stories With Skip' sessions for younger children themed around caterpillars and the seaside, alongside family workshops focused on The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and Paddington. For adults, there are 'School of Clowns' sessions and even a Women in Tech course scheduled for early May. The variety of shows in June is particularly strong, with The Beekeeper of Aleppo and The Simon & Garfunkel Story rounding out the month. Whether you are looking for a classic musical, a night of stand-up, or a play in the park, the local venues have a consistent stream of productions lined up for the next few months.