Bluff Creek By Charlie Flynn

Bluff Creek is a new play written by Charlie Flynn, forming part of the upcoming programme at The Lantern Theatre. The production is the work of Loose Threads, a Brighton-based theatre company founded by Charlie Flynn and Aya OShea. The play centres on the 1967 Bigfoot phenomenon, specifically the 60-second film captured by Bob Gimlin and Roger Patterson. Rather than focusing solely on the creature itself, the script examines the lives of the two men who set out with a film camera and ended up creating a piece of footage that has been debated for decades. It touches on the nature of belief and the enduring fascination with what is often referred to as America’s 'Abominable Snowman'. A central line in the play, 'To some, it’s the real McCoy; to others, it’s just a man in a monkey suit', highlights the divide in public opinion that the production aims to explore.

The Lantern Theatre, situated at 77 St James' Street, serves as the venue for these performances. As a versatile space in the heart of Brighton, it regularly hosts a mix of theatre, musicals, opera, comedy, and concerts. For those planning to attend, there are two performances scheduled: one on Sunday, 3 May 2026, and another on Monday, 4 May 2026. Both shows are set to begin at 17:00. The standard ticket price is currently £7.50, although it is worth keeping in mind that pricing can change on a daily basis.

Loose Threads has established a focus on finding the human element within strange or true stories, and Bluff Creek continues this approach. By looking at the men behind the camera, the play shifts the perspective from the mystery of the creature to the reality of the people involved in the event. It provides a look at how a local production company interprets a piece of cultural history that has persisted in the public imagination since the late sixties. If you are interested in independent theatre or the history of the Bigfoot phenomenon, this production offers a specific take on the events that took place in Bluff Creek. It is a straightforward look at a story that has been told many times, now presented through the lens of a local theatre company.