1816: The Year Without A Summer

If you have ever wondered how some of the most iconic gothic literature came to be, there is a musical comedy-drama coming to Brighton that dives right into that history. On Monday, 18 May 2026, The Lantern Theatre is hosting 1816: The Year Without A Summer. The show focuses on a specific, rather gloomy moment in 1816 when a group of five Romantics found themselves stuck in a villa by Lake Geneva during a summer that was famously cold and stormy. It is essentially a look at the origins of Frankenstein and the first modern vampire stories, framed through a lens that the creators describe as a mix of Friends and Frankenstein.

It is an interesting premise because it takes figures like Byron and Shelley and presents them in a way that feels a bit more grounded and human than the usual historical portrayals. The production has been touring, having previously appeared at the Camden Fringe and off-West End, and it features a live band. For those interested in the logistics, the performance is scheduled for 21:00 at The Lantern Theatre, located at 77 St James' Street. Tickets are currently listed at around £10.00, though it is worth keeping in mind that prices can fluctuate daily, so it is best to check the current status if you are planning to go.

Whether you are a fan of literary history or just looking for something different to do on a Monday night, this show seems to lean into the absurdity of these historical figures being trapped together. It is not often you get a musical that balances the creation of horror classics with a comedic tone, so it might be worth a look if you are in the area and want to see how they handle the source material.