Rice Guys Finish Last: Work in Progress

Brighton Fringe is back, and with it comes the usual mix of polished productions and those raw, experimental sessions that often end up being the most interesting part of the festival. One of the shows popping up this year is Rice Guys Finish Last: Work in Progress. It is a comedy set featuring two comedians, Marco and EJ, who come from different backgrounds—one Chinese and the other Arab-Kenyan. The premise centres on them navigating cultural clashes and finding common ground, which they explore through their comedy routines.

Since this is billed as a 'work in progress', it is essentially a chance to see the material while it is still being shaped. You are not walking into a finished, high-budget theatre production, but rather a space where the comedians are testing out jokes and themes. It is a specific type of comedy experience that relies heavily on the interaction between the performers and the audience, making it a bit more unpredictable than a standard stand-up set.

The show is hosted at The Temple Bar, which is a familiar spot for anyone who spends time in the city. It is scheduled to run from 6 May 2026 through to 27 May 2026. If you are looking for something to do on an evening out, it is worth noting that the event is free to attend. Given the nature of the Brighton Fringe, the audience is generally adult-oriented, so expect the humour to be geared towards that demographic. It is a straightforward option if you are interested in seeing how comedy is developed from the ground up.