Now That's What I Call Bach!

If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Brighton this May, you might want to take a look at Now That's What I Call Bach!. It is a musical comedy show coming to The Actors - Theatre, featuring Tasmin Sarkany, who you might recognise if you have been following the BBC New Comedy Awards 2025. The premise is fairly straightforward: Sarkany plays a character named Amelia Crotchet, a classical musician who sets out to perform the Chaconne by Bach for solo violin. However, the show is built around the idea that she gets distracted quite easily, which leads to a mix of musical puns, some questionable historical facts about Bach, and, provided she manages to stay on track, some actual classical music.

The show is scheduled for the 9th and 10th of May 2026, with performances starting at 16:30. It is worth noting that the venue, The Actors - Theatre, is hosting this as part of the Brighton Fringe. In terms of logistics, tickets are priced at £10 for standard entry, with a concession rate of £8 available. The guidance suggests the show is suitable for those aged 14 and over, though children under two are allowed in for free if they sit on a guardian's lap. The venue also permits assistance dogs, which is useful to know if that affects your planning.

It is interesting to see how this has been received by critics so far. Reviews have described it as 'highly skilful' and 'ingenious', with some noting that it captures a specific spirit of musical comedy that is not always easy to find. Others have pointed out that it offers a somewhat original approach to the genre. Whether you are a fan of classical music or just interested in seeing how a comedy show can weave those elements together, it seems like a distinct option for an afternoon in the city. It is a fairly specific setup, but if you enjoy performances that lean into the slightly chaotic side of things, this might be worth considering for your calendar.