Although a self-confessed fan of ‘the arts’, I must admit there were many factors that contributed to my decision to study at Sussex than Brighton’s impressive cultural heritage and thriving arts scene. But, after reading in all those well-meaning yet slightly dull ‘Welcome to Brighton’ guides of this aforementioned cultural clout, I was quite miffed to discover a distinct lack of small, independent theatres putting on new and exciting productions.
So, if you too have a craving for theatre more intellectually stimulating than the latest revival of some dodgy musical, or if you don’t fancy shelling out twenty quid for a ticket à la Theatre Royal, then read on. ‘The Badger’ have picked out a couple of the best small yet perfectly formed theatres that Brighton has to offer…
Upstairs at the Three and Ten, 10 Steine Street, Brighton
The new home of renowned Otherplace Productions, the Three and Ten’s cosy upstairs plays host to a whole host of different events, and there is rarely a night when you can’t catch a show here, be it of a theatrical, comedic or literary nature.
With tickets rarely venturing above five quid for students, this is a fantastic place to see groundbreaking theatrical productions, with recent performances including double bills of plays from Samuel Beckett and the master of dark drama, Harold Pinter.
What helps to make the Three and Ten stand out even more is its ability to attract both up-and-coming (Terry Saunders), and well established (Robin Ince) names in the world of comedy, as well as their endeavours to wrench performance literature out of its pretentious coffee-shop stigma with monthly shows such as Tight-Lip and Sparks.
Brighton Little theatre Co, 9 Clarence Gardens, Brighton
This well-kept secret is hidden down the back streets behind Churchill Square, and unlike the Three and Ten, prefers to keep it strictly theatrical.
With a great mix of drama (A Few Good Men), musical comedy (A Funny thing Happened on the Way to Forum) and more traditional theatre (As You Like It) coming up this season, and tickets no more than £7.50, the Brighton Little Theatre Company is definitely the place to bask in the glory of proper, traditional British amateur-dramatics.
To find out more about Upstairs at the Three and Ten, or Brighton Little Theatre Co and their upcoming shows, go to otherplaceproductions.co.uk or the-little.co.uk
