Counterattack : Youth

If you are looking for something a bit different during this year's Brighton Fringe, there is a production coming to the Cellar Bar at The Brunswick that takes a fairly literal approach to immersive theatre. The play is called Counterattack : Youth, presented by the company Logue Studio. It is a 70-minute drama that unfolds entirely within the setting of a real pub, which is fitting given the venue. The story centres on four women in their late twenties who meet up to celebrate a wedding, but as the evening progresses, the situation shifts away from the initial plan.

The staging is designed to remove the usual barrier between the audience and the performers. There is no stage and no distance; the actors are simply four women having a round of drinks and navigating the conversations they have been avoiding. Because of this setup, the audience is seated as if they were just customers at the table next to them. The narrative touches on topics like rent, work, love, and marriage, framed through the lens of what it feels like to be in your late twenties right now. It is worth noting that the production includes audience interaction, so it is a more active viewing experience than sitting in a traditional theatre row.

For those interested in attending, the performances are scheduled for Friday, 22 May 2026, and Saturday, 23 May 2026, with slots at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. The cast features Siyun Leem as Hannah, Margarida Bartilotti as Sarah, Saho Takano as Yuna, and Yoon Kim as Ella, with the script and direction handled by Gain Amy Park, and production by Jaemin Yu and Euna Ko. Tickets are priced at £7 for a standard entry, with a concession rate of £5 available. The recommended age for the show is 16+, and there is a strict policy prohibiting children under 2 years old, often referred to as a 'babes in arms' policy.