Lawrence Dodd: This Can't Be It

Brighton Fringe is back, and with it comes a variety of shows popping up across the city. One of the performances scheduled for this year’s programme is Lawrence Dodd: This Can't Be It. It’s taking place at Presuming Ed Coffeehouse, located at 114-115 London Road. If you’re familiar with the venue, you’ll know it’s a fairly intimate space, which seems to fit the nature of this particular show. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a drink and settle in, which is often the best way to experience the more experimental side of the Fringe.

The show itself is described as a semi-improvised, feverish, and open-hearted exploration of how we manage to stay open to mystery when things feel uncertain. It’s a mix of performance art, contemporary clowning, and what’s being called existential confusion. It’s directed by Lara Ricote, with Rachael Dobbie handling the technical side of things. Because of the nature of the performance, there is some audience interaction involved, so that’s something to keep in mind if you prefer to stay in the background. It’s a specific type of comedy that leans into the unpredictable, rather than a standard stand-up set.

Regarding the schedule, there are two opportunities to catch it during the festival: May 10 and May 24, 2026. Both performances start at 18:30. It’s worth noting that the show originally had a date on May 17, but that has been cancelled, so make sure you’re looking at the right dates if you’re planning to book. Tickets are priced at £8.00 for standard entry, with a concession rate of £7.00 available. Since it’s an 18+ event, you’ll need to be of age to attend, and there is a strict policy regarding children—specifically, no "babes in arms" or anyone under two years old are permitted. It’s a straightforward setup for an evening out if you’re looking for something a bit different during the festival season, and the venue’s location on London Road makes it fairly accessible if you’re already planning to be in the area for other Fringe events.