Theater lovers will be well catered for during the fringe, with some acclaimed productions coming to the city. Here’s a few of the highlights.
The Empress and Me
A new play about the true story of a Chinese princess is coming to Brighton. From the team behind the smash Edinburgh Fringe hit The Unknown Soldier, and the much talked about Gratiano, Grist of the Mill productions will be bringing The Empress and Me to the Rialto Theatre next month.
Penned by acclaimed playwright Ross Ericson, whose body of work includes the aforementioned hit The Unkown Soldier and the Off Broadway Award nominated show Casualties, The story examines the life of Lizzie Yu, the woman behind the persona of Princess Der Ling.
Dates/Times: 6th, 9th & 12th May 2017 @ 6.00pm & 26th May 2017 @ 4.30pm, Venue: Rialto Theatre, 11 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3FE, Tickets: £10/ £8.50 conc, Bookings: 01273 725230, Website
Gratiano
The challenging sequel to Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is coming to Brighton’s Rialto Theatre. Grist of the Mill productions will begin their theatrical run at the Brighton Fringe, and then tour the event around the country, where it will return to Edinburgh’s prestigious Assembly Rooms, where it gained five-star reviews at last year’s fringe. Ross Ericson’s play examines the politics of prejudice during the 20th century, including the rise of Mussolini.
‘Ericson gives us… a surprising and startlingly intelligent script, handily performed’ – British Theatre Guide
‘What makes this show refreshingly different from the innumerable adaptations of Shakespeare plays, told from a minor character’s perspective, is its political engagement.’ – ThreeWeeks
‘Beautifully scripted and gamely performed – and it offers views about fascism and racism that seem powerfully prescient given what’s happening in the world right now’ – Bouquets and Brickbats
Dates/Times: 7th, 10th & 13th May 2017 @ 6.00pm & 27th May 2017 @ 1.30pm, Venue: Rialto Theatre, 11 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3FE, Tickets: £10/ £8.50 conc, Bookings: 01273 725230, Website
Petruska
Sascha Cooper’s adaptation of the classic Russian folktale is returning to Brighton after earning rave reviews back in 2012. Crimson Horse Theatre’s eighth production will come to the Rialto Theatre during the world-famous Fringe festival.
‘A brilliant show that was extremely well written. The Puppetmaster was particularly amazing. I really enjoyed tonight and would recommend it.’ – Jamie-Lee Gauntlett
‘Brilliantly written and performed by all cast members. Really worth the effort to get along if you get the chance.’ – Aileen Archer, Dates/Times: 5th, 6th, 12th, 19th, and 20th May 2017 @ 10.30pm & 4th June @ 7.30pm, Venue: Rialto Theatre, 11 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3FE, Bookings: 01273 917272