You've Gone Quiet By Cerys Duffy

The Lantern Theatre on St James’s Street is hosting a new production this June called You've Gone Quiet, written by Cerys Duffy. Staged by Openhanded Theatre and directed by Andy McLeod, the play centres on Beth, a journalist who is currently struggling to make ends meet. The plot kicks off when her best friend asks for help with getting pregnant; rather than keeping it private, Beth uses the situation as the basis for a journalistic piece. It’s a story that looks at the friction between personal loyalty and the demands of the media, told with a focus on grit and heart. The project has been developed with support from Arts Council England through National Lottery funding, bringing a new perspective to the local stage here in Brighton.

The run takes place over three nights from 18 to 20 June 2026. Each performance starts at 19:00 and lasts roughly 120 minutes, which includes a 20-minute break in the middle. If you’re interested in the process behind the play, the opening night on the 18th will feature a Q&A session once the curtain falls. It’s a chance to get some context on the writing and the themes directly from the team involved without the usual formalities of a larger venue.

In terms of what to expect, the production is strictly for adults with an 18+ age rating. It covers some heavy ground, including transphobia, suicide, and sexual abuse, alongside themes of coercive control, infertility, and sexual content. Given the nature of Beth’s story and the strong language used, it is intended to be an intense experience. Tickets are priced at £13.00, and you’ll find the theatre at 77 St James's Street (BN2 1PA). It is a straightforward option for anyone looking to engage with a new piece of theatre that deals with the more difficult aspects of contemporary life and ethics.