Brighton Telltales

Brighton Telltales is returning to The Yellow Book on 1 July 2026 for another of its monthly sessions dedicated to spoken word and traditional storytelling. It’s a night that the organisers describe as a blend of "wordsmithery and magic," focusing entirely on the craft of oral narrative. For those who enjoy live performance that relies on the strength of the writing and the delivery, it’s a straightforward way to spend an evening in the city.

The event is designed to be inclusive, and the stage is open to anyone who wants to present their material. Whether you are an experienced professional, an amateur writer, or someone who has never performed before, the floor is open to you. Because there are no specific thematic restrictions, the programme tends to be quite varied. You can expect to hear anything from realistic, everyday dramas to more imaginative, fantastical landscapes. It’s a space where the focus is purely on the stories being told, and the audience is just as welcome to sit back and listen as they are to participate. It’s the kind of environment where you might hear a piece of local history one moment and a piece of surreal fiction the next, as the night aims to celebrate the diversity of voices in the area.

The night is managed by Sweet Venues, who operate out of the space at 3a York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU. It is a free event, though you are required to sign up for a ticket in advance to attend. The programme runs from 19:00 until 21:30, providing a solid window for a range of performers to take the stage. If you are planning to go, it is worth noting that the venue is a permanent base for these kinds of events, so it is well-equipped for the spoken word format.