You Oughta Be In Pictures

If you are looking for something a bit different during this year's Brighton Fringe, you might want to take a look at You Oughta Be In Pictures. It is a theatre piece written and performed by Polis Loizou, and it is scheduled to run at The Lantern Theatre—sometimes referred to as The Lantern @ ACT—on May 20 and May 26, 2026. Both performances start at 21:00 and run for about 60 minutes. It is worth noting that the show carries a 16+ age recommendation, and children under two are not permitted, which gives you a sense of the tone the production is aiming for.

The story itself is set in the 1940s Hollywood scene. It follows a director who is auditioning a young actor for a horror film, specifically to replace a lead actor who died under mysterious circumstances. The narrative touches on themes like exploitation, broken promises, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction, with the creator describing it as a tale intended to evoke dread and doubt. Given the subject matter, the production includes content warnings for strong language, references to mental health, sexual abuse, and suicide or self-harm, so it is definitely a show that leans into darker, more unsettling territory.

Regarding the logistics, there is a slight variation in the pricing information depending on where you look. Visit Brighton lists the standard ticket price at £9, while the official Brighton Fringe website puts the standard price at £12, with a concession rate of £9. It is probably safest to check the direct booking link when you go to purchase your tickets to see which price applies to your specific booking. The show has received some critical attention, including a four-star review from The Wee Review, which described it as an unsettling mosaic of realities, which might help you decide if this fits your taste for the upcoming festival season.