World premiere of Peter Quilter's new comedy starring Maureen Lipman as a woman whose spontaneous singing masks a tender story about family and memory.
The Theatre Royal Brighton is set to host the world premiere of Allegra, a new comedy by Peter Quilter, starting on Tuesday 12 May 2026. This production is particularly notable as it marks the beginning of a UK-wide tour before the show eventually moves to the West End. It also coincides with a personal milestone for its lead, Dame Maureen Lipman, who will be celebrating her 80th birthday during the week of the Brighton run. This performance represents her return to national touring after a twenty-year break, bringing her back to the local stage in a role that blends traditional acting with musical sequences.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Brighton and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
The plot follows the life of Allegra, a woman whose irrepressible urge to sing in public places—from local shops to restaurants—creates a mix of joy and disruption in her community. These musical moments sometimes happen in reality and other times only within her own mind, presenting a challenge for her brother Ronen and her carer Anna. The story focuses on their efforts to support her exuberant spirit while managing the practical difficulties that arise as her mind begins to change. It is described as a gentle exploration of family bonds and the complexities of aging, handled with the lightness of a comedy.
Directed and choreographed by Stephen Mear, the cast includes John Middleton, Elizabeth Bower, and Bailey Patrick. The production team, led by Thomas Hopkins, has scheduled a variety of performance times throughout the week to accommodate different schedules. Shows run every evening from Tuesday to Saturday at 19:30, with additional matinee performances at 14:30 on both Thursday and Saturday.
For those looking at the practical side of things, the standard guide price for tickets is £15.00, though this is subject to daily changes. The venue is equipped with accessibility features, and their digital platforms are AudioEye enabled for easier navigation. Since this is the world premiere, it offers a first look at a production that is expected to be a significant part of the theatrical calendar this year, especially for those who follow Lipman’s work or have an interest in new British drama.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Brighton and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
