Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess' - Chris Coull

If you are looking for something a bit different for your calendar, there is a jazz suite coming up at the Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) in Dyke Road Park. It is a project led by Chris Coull that focuses on the music of George Gershwin, specifically his work on Porgy and Bess. The show aims to recreate the atmosphere of 1930s Charleston, using the original 1935 score as a base. It is not just a straight performance; it blends hard bop, ballads, and Latin rhythms to reinterpret those well-known tracks like 'Summertime', 'I Love You Porgy', and 'Ain't Necessarily So'.

The ensemble features Chris Coull on trumpet and handling the arrangements, with Imogen Ryall on vocals. They are joined by John Turville on piano, Arnie Somogyi on bass, and Matt Fishwick on drums. Given the setting at the open-air theatre, it is the kind of performance that relies on the acoustics of the park, which can be a distinct experience compared to an indoor venue. The arrangement of the music is designed to bring a specific historical context to the stage, focusing on the interplay between the musicians and the original compositions.

It is worth noting that there is a bit of a discrepancy regarding the date. While the official BOAT season brochure lists the event for 24 May 2026, other platforms like Visit Brighton and Brighton Fringe have it scheduled for 28 May 2026. If you are planning to go, it would be a good idea to double-check the date with the theatre’s box office before booking to ensure you have the correct information. Tickets are priced at £19.50 for standard entry, with a concession rate available at £17.50. It is a straightforward setup for anyone interested in jazz or the specific musical history of Gershwin’s work, presented in a local, outdoor setting.