Potentially interesting – but needs further development in script, rehearsal and staging.
Lighthouse ⭐⭐⭐
This has great potential: Broadway Baby: LIGHTHOUSE
Poppies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve seen some GREAT things this Fringe. Not all great, obviously. But the great was truly magnificent – and this tops everything.
Review here: Broadway Baby: Poppies
Krapp’s Last Tape ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The more you think about this, the more fascinating it becomes. You could get lost in thinking about it.
Rotunda Bubble, Brighton Fringe, 12 May 2026.
Fringe is Here!
Happy Brighton Fringe everyone!
I wish you a happy and successful Fringe this year whether you’re performing or watching. I will be in a show as well but more about this in another post.
To everyone who has contacted me about a review – thank you, I can’t reply to them all sadly as I get hundreds asking for reviews at the Fringe. I have a full Fringe reviewing scheduled now and hope to meet some of you afterwards.
See you then! Susanne
To Everyone at Brighton Fringe Festival
I hope you’re all having a brilliant Fringe!
To Everyone who wrote to me requesting a review, thank you – I received hundreds of emails and unfortunately couldn’t reply to them all. There are so many more things in this year’s Fringe that I can fit in my diary, as I’m producing my own show as well, plus in rehearsal for another show in June, so my time has been more limited.
I’ve seen some stunning theatre, my favourites so far are:
Before You Go – A New Musical which was stunning, and C’est Magnifique, a superb Cabaret show – many more show dates through the Fringe, go see it and have tons of fun.
More Fringe! More More More!
So 11 days later – I’ve not been as busy reviewing. Why you ask? Because somewhere along the line I have to prioritise time to rehearse my own show of course! Oh, have I not mentioned it? Really?
As to Brighton Fringe, there has been less these past 11 days to rave about but there have been some true gems. Great Britons (reviewed for Broadway Baby) from The Foundry Group are always superb – they have a unique style that is hilarious, but not just meaningless fluff, it’s really rich writing. I will continue to go and see every show they put on because they are always brilliant. Always!
Another amazing show – so packed and so informative – is The Empress and Me (reviewed for Brighton Source). From the same people who bring us The Ballad of Mulan and the same actress: Michelle Yim – who is rapidly becoming one of my favourites to watch.
We also went to see Born and Bread as a family – developed by Brighton People’s Theatre with real stories of food and nurturing and nourishing and belonging. And bread and soup. We all loved it, Mia loved the movement and singing and all the coloured lights. Found myself nodding, lighting up, and then crying at the end (in a good way). I always love being moved.
AND GREAT NEWS!!! Magpie – that I went on and on about – and am still going on about – is returning for two more shows at the Lantern Theatre. Here is my review again, and here is the booking link. Just go, honestly, just go see it. You’re welcome. In fact, on 30th May you could come see Loyalty (click for booking link) at 6.45 for an hour, then pop up to the Lantern to see Magpie at 9.00. You know it makes sense!
Happy Fringe!
9 Shows in 10 Days – Happy Happy
How’s your Brighton Fringe going? Seen any good stuff?
I’ve been lucky enough to see some phenomenal shows so far. The most surprising has been “Paul and Laura Don’t Give A Sh*t (Sorry)” which I reviewed for Brighton Source, and I absolutely LOVED. I laughed until I cried and nodded so vehemently in agreement with things that I’m surprised I didn’t wreck my neck. It was so incredibly inspiring too. “What would you do tomorrow if you didn’t give a sh*t?” they ask, genuinely wanting to know everyone’s answer.
“Twisted Tales” (also Brighton Source) is so slick and clever – physical theatre done well is like a warm hug. Another little joyful gem (again Brighton Source) is “The Ballad of Mulan”: such power in this petite framed woman, such a fascinating story of war and fear and hiding your true self, and a really interesting exploration of gender labels. That potentially makes it sound academic – it’s not – read my review instead – it’ll tell you more.
But the biggest standout so far has to be “Magpie” (Broadway Baby). I was blown away. I was literally speechless at the end, took a minute to recover, and when I found my voice again I have been going on about it to anyone who would be polite enough to listen.
I can’t stress this enough – if you get the chance, go and see these shows. Don’t even hesitate, just go.
You’re welcome.
Who is No. 1?
Loved this piece of theatre. I was so close to giving it 5 stars – if it hadn’t been opening night where they clearly had added tech difficulties, it would have been.
Back at the Theatre!
Actually saw a couple of shows last week. Both were at the Lantern Theatre and so interesting. The first one – not having been out in ages, I just wanted to enjoy it. The second: “Duty”, was so good, I wanted to write about it.
Written by Bomafabia Wokoma, directed by Laura Rinati, Bomafabia Wokoma and Lenette Randall, and Produced by “A Little Twisted”. Here’s my review on Broadway Baby – enjoy!