Monologue!

If you are looking for something a bit different to catch during the Brighton Fringe, there is a production coming to The Lantern @ ACT that might pique your interest. It is called Monologue!, an Iranian theatre piece making its UK debut. The show is described as a post-modern experiment that plays with the boundaries between reality and fiction. It starts off as a crime narrative told in six fragments, but the structure shifts as it progresses, moving away from traditional storytelling. It is worth noting that the performance is primarily in Persian with English subtitles, though it does weave in some English improvisation and physical theatre elements.

Arshia Etemadi takes the lead role in this 60-minute performance, supported by a creative team that includes director Farnood Sami, writer Moein Ramezani, visual artist Sadegh Ghorbankhani, lighting designer Pedram Rezvani, and makeup artist Ahmad Negahban. The production is brought to us by the Clidook Theatre Company. You can catch it on May 18, 2026, at 19:00, or the following day, May 19, at 17:00. Tickets are priced at £15, operating on a 'Pay What You Want' basis.

Before you book, there are a few practical details to keep in mind regarding the venue and the content. The show is recommended for ages 16 and up, and the production team has flagged several elements to be aware of: there is audience interaction, strong language, strobe lighting, loud noises, and depictions of violence. Also, children under two are not permitted. Regarding the venue itself, The Lantern @ ACT is located at 77 St James's Street, East Sussex. It is important to be aware that the building does not have wheelchair access, though they do welcome assistance dogs. It is a specific kind of theatre experience, so if you enjoy experimental work that challenges standard narrative forms, this might be one to consider for your calendar.