Happy Hills: Create a Comic Character with Sophy Henn

If you are looking ahead to the middle of May, the Studio Theatre at Brighton Dome is hosting a creative session for children focused on the world of illustration. On Saturday, 16 May 2026, author and illustrator Sophy Henn will be leading a workshop titled Happy Hills: Create a Comic Character. Starting at 10:30, the session is built around the idea of teaching participants how to design their own original comic characters, drawing on Henn's professional experience in the industry. It is a practical workshop where the focus remains on the drawing process and character development, providing a look at how a professional illustrator approaches their work.

The event is specifically aimed at children aged 7 and over, which makes it a targeted option for families looking for activities during the school holiday season. Tickets are set at £10.00 per person, and the session is integrated into the local holiday programming for the year. Beyond the drawing itself, the morning includes a book signing session, allowing those attending to meet Henn and talk about her work. The Brighton Dome complex on Church Street (BN1 1UE) is a central location, and having the workshop in the Studio Theatre provides a dedicated space for this kind of hands-on activity, away from the busier main halls.

This workshop is one of the highlighted children's events in the city for 2026, particularly for those interested in storytelling and visual arts. It offers a chance for kids to see the technical side of how books and comics are put together, moving from a blank page to a finished character with guidance from a published illustrator. Since it is a morning session, it concludes at a time that allows for a bit of a walk through the Pavilion Gardens or a visit to the nearby shops, fitting quite easily into a typical Saturday in Brighton without taking up the entire day. The focus is very much on the creative output of the children, giving them the tools to continue their own drawings at home.