Twice Nightly - The Glory Days of Variety

If you have ever wondered what the theatre scene felt like back in the mid-fifties, there is a show coming to The Lantern Theatre this July that dives straight into that era. Twice Nightly - The Glory Days of Variety is a one-man performance starring Dominic Goodwin, who takes on the role of Freddie Francis. The narrative centres on Freddie, a comedian who spent thirty years working the variety circuit, and uses his perspective to look back at 1956. It is essentially a snapshot of a performer reflecting on a career spent travelling between venues, dealing with the chaotic and often ridiculous nature of life on the road.

The show touches on specific experiences from that time, including Freddie’s memories of entertaining troops during the war and his time performing at the Glasgow Empire. It also covers some of the more peculiar anecdotes of the variety stage, such as the story of an act that famously lost a snake during a performance. Beyond the personal history of the character, the production incorporates routines from well-known figures of the period like Max Miller, Rob Wilton, Jimmy James, and Norman Evans. The musical side of the show features renditions of songs such as 'The Man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo', 'Happy days are here again', and 'Goodnight Sweetheart'.

For those interested in attending, the performances are scheduled at The Lantern Theatre, located at 77 St James' Street, Brighton. The run begins on July 21, 2026, with shows continuing on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at 19:30. On Saturday, July 25, there are two opportunities to catch the show, with a matinee at 14:30 and an evening performance at 19:30. Tickets are priced at approximately £13.50, though it is worth noting that this is a guide price and can fluctuate. It is a straightforward look at a fading tradition, focusing on the reality of a performer whose world is changing as the variety era begins to decline.