Kanpur 1857 By Niall Moorjani

If you are looking for something a bit different to catch in Brighton this summer, there is a new play coming to The Lantern Theatre on 3 July 2026 that tackles some pretty heavy historical and social themes. The production is titled Kanpur 1857, written and performed by Niall Moorjani, and it takes a satirical look at the complexities surrounding colonial violence, gender, and the challenges of creating art when things feel like they are falling apart. It is an interesting premise: the story centres on an Indian rebel who finds himself tied to a cannon, forced to answer to a British officer for the events of the Kanpur uprising. Rather than just retelling history, the play seems to focus on the blurred lines between who we consider a hero and who we label a villain in these kinds of conflicts.

Niall Moorjani is joined by Jonathan Oldfield, who is co-directing and also acting in the piece. It is worth noting that the production has received some recognition, including the Asian Arts Award for Outstanding Production and support from the Pleasances Charlie Hartill Fund, and it has been mentioned in publications like The New Yorker. It feels like the kind of show that is designed to spark a bit of conversation afterwards, especially given how it weaves contemporary social commentary into a historical setting.

For those planning to head down to the venue at 77 St James's Street, there are two performances scheduled for the day: one at 18:00 and another at 20:00. Tickets are priced at £15.00. Given the subject matter—which deals with political and historical satire—it is clearly aimed at an adult audience who might be interested in a bit of social analysis alongside their theatre. It is a straightforward setup for an evening out, and if you have been following the local theatre scene, this might be one to keep on your radar for early July.