The Goth-Father

If you are planning your Brighton Fringe schedule for late May, there is a comedy show called The Goth-Father taking place at the Laughing Horse @ The Temple Bar on Western Road. The show runs from May 24th to May 27th, 2026, with performances starting at 21:15 each night. It centres on a character named Athos Dark, played by Simon Messingham, who presents himself as a forgotten gothic legend. The premise involves this self-styled 'goth-father' claiming to have created Gothic Rock back in 1983 with his band, 'The Leeds 6', and now returning after four decades to promote a new album titled 'Exile'.

The performance blends comedy with music and, somewhat unexpectedly, includes a segment featuring 'the chicken dance'. Alongside Simon Messingham, Liz Downes appears in the show as Crow Maggie. It is worth noting that this is a ticketed event with prices starting from £8. Given the nature of the performance, there is an age restriction of 18+ in place. The production team has also issued specific content warnings regarding audience interaction, strong language, the use of smoke or haze effects, and loud noises, so it is worth keeping those factors in mind if you are sensitive to such elements.

Regarding the venue, the Laughing Horse @ The Temple Bar has some accessibility limitations that are important to consider before booking. The performance space is located up a flight of stairs, meaning it is not accessible for wheelchair users. However, the venue does permit assistance dogs. If you are looking for something a bit different during the Fringe, this show offers a specific narrative-driven comedy experience that leans into the absurdity of a washed-up musician trying to reclaim his former glory.