Niusia

Beth Paterson is bringing her solo show, Niusia, to The Lantern Theatre this May as part of the Brighton Fringe 2026. The performance is a personal account based on the life of her grandmother, Niusia, who was a Holocaust survivor. Through this work, Paterson examines themes of identity, the long-term effects of trauma across generations, and the cultural legacy that remains after such experiences. The production has already been recognised with a Scotsman Fringe First award and a nomination for the Filipa Bragança award, providing some context for the type of work being presented. It is a piece that relies on a single performer to bridge the gap between historical record and personal memory.

If you are planning to attend, the show runs from 3 to 7 May 2026. Most of the performances are scheduled for 17:00, with the exception of Monday, 4 May, when there is an earlier show at 14:00. The performance itself lasts for 60 minutes, and tickets are available for £13.00. The Lantern Theatre is located at 77 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1PA. The production is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over, which is worth keeping in mind when considering the show. It is a relatively intimate setting, which often changes how a monologue of this nature is received by the audience.

The narrative deals with heavy historical subject matter, and there are several content warnings provided for the production. The play includes references to war, antisemitism, concentration camps, war crimes, and genocide. It also addresses themes of mental health, the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the presence of hate symbolism. These topics are integral to the story Paterson tells about her grandmother’s life. It is a production that approaches these historical realities through a specific, personal lens, focusing on the lived experience of one individual. Because the play covers such sensitive ground, it is useful to know that the content is handled with a focus on the survivor's perspective. Whether this is the kind of theatre you are looking to see depends on your interest in these specific historical and personal narratives, but the information is there if you want to make a decision.