Our Day Out

If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Brighton this June, the Newman Drama Academy is bringing their production of Willy Russell’s Our Day Out to the Brighton Open Air Theatre on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. This is the academy's third annual production at the venue, and they have adapted the original 1980s Liverpool-based story to fit a local context. Instead of the original setting, this version follows a group of school children on a trip from Brighton to Pevensey Castle, making stops at various familiar locations along the way. It is a play that balances humour with a look at the realities of disadvantaged school children, touching on themes of social deprivation and educational inequality.

The performance is scheduled for two different times on that day: a matinee at 14:00 and an evening show at 19:00. The Brighton Open Air Theatre, located in Dyke Road Park, is an outdoor venue with 400 seats, so it is worth keeping in mind that the doors open an hour before the show starts. The production is recommended for anyone aged 8 and over, making it accessible for families or groups who might be interested in seeing a local student production.

Regarding the logistics, tickets are priced at £10.00 for adults and £8.00 for concessions, though it is worth noting that these prices can fluctuate. The play runs for about an hour and a half. It is interesting to see how the academy has reworked the script to reflect the local area, contrasting the freedom of a school day out with the more difficult circumstances the characters face in their daily lives. If you enjoy supporting local theatre or are just curious about how this classic play has been reimagined for a Brighton audience, it could be an interesting way to spend a Tuesday afternoon or evening.