The Summer Palace

If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Brighton this May, there is a new stage play coming to The Lantern Theatre that might catch your interest. It is called The Summer Palace, written by Paul Bassett Davies. The story centres on an internationally acclaimed theatre director who finds himself caught up in an interrogation under a totalitarian regime. It is essentially a two-hander, as he ends up face-to-face with an actor he has not seen in nearly twenty years. The narrative focuses on the tension between these two characters as they navigate their shared history while dealing with the immediate pressure of the interrogation.

It is described as a dark comedy, which usually suggests a specific kind of tone—balancing the weight of the political setting with the personal dynamics between the two men. The play seems to explore how personal grievances and professional history can resurface in high-stakes environments. Given the setting of the play, it feels like the kind of production that relies heavily on the dialogue and the chemistry between the performers rather than elaborate staging.

The performances are scheduled for the 19th and 20th of May 2026, with both shows starting at 19:00. The Lantern Theatre is located at 77 St James's Street, which is a familiar spot for those of us who frequent the local theatre scene. Tickets are priced at £10.00. It is a straightforward setup for an evening out if you enjoy contemporary drama that leans into darker, more political themes. It is not a massive production, but it offers a chance to see some new writing in an intimate venue right here in the city.