Thursday 16 January 2014

The Pride at the Theatre Royal Brighton


The Pride received rave reviews during its West End run, the play is now on tour and is currently on at the Theatre Royal Brighton so last night we went to see what all the fuss was about!

Thankfully we were not disappointed :) Just to give a quick background - the play features a love triangle between Philip, Oliver and Sylvia in the 1950s and also in the present day reflecting the changing attitudes towards homosexuality.

L-R Al Weaver & Mathew Horne - The Pride - Trafalgar Studios - Photo Marc Brenner

Before going in my Mum and I were a little worried that the time split would confuse us (it doesn't take much!) but the simple set design, costumes, music and clipped tones made it very easy to follow. While this must have made things very tricky for the actors, they made it seem effortless.

Given the subject matter this could have been very heavy-handed and maudlin but this was not the case, there were plenty of funny moments which made the heartfelt scenes all the more touching. In historical terms 50 years is nothing and yet the time split effectively emphasised just how far we have come, and while things are by no means perfect we are definitely heading in the right direction. I was also pleased to see that the love triangle didn't focus purely on the men's struggle and that Sylvia's pain & anguish were also given a voice.

And finally, it is so satisfying to see a new play that isn't a rehash of an old story. While I did adore the recent production of Jeeves & Wooster (there always has to be an exception!) I do get a bit disappointed when I read that there is another new play based on a book or a film - there are even plans to write a musical based on Groundhog Day?! - and you do start to wonder if everyone has run out of original ideas. So it was a relief to see that at least one person is capable of writing something new and moving and hopefully more will follow...

The Pride is in Brighton until Saturday so make sure you catch it while you can.

Charlotte


Thursday 9 January 2014

2014 - The Year of the Anniversaries


Happy New Year Brighton Lovers! I don't know about you but I'm still getting used to the alarm clock waking me up each morning, still it's good to back as there is lots to look forward to this year.

My charming colleague Sarah has highlighted some of the 'Only in Brighton' events coming up but did you know there are also a couple of exciting anniversaries to celebrate in 2014? Back in 1974 ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo. What's that got to do with Brighton? Well that year the contest was held at our very own Brighton Dome! There are rumours that the band are planning a reunion to celebrate their 40th anniversary so if Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn or Anni-Frid happen to be reading this do let us know if you fancy a return visit to the city, I expect you'll notice a few changes!



But if Eurovision is just too kitsch and camp for you then perhaps you'll be more interested in this... 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the infamous clash between the Mods & Rockers on Brighton beach. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the film that depicted the clash - Quadrophenia. So why not celebrate with a mod themed trip to the city? Book the Modrophenia room at Hotel Pelirooco; head to the North Laine to get suited and booked at Jump the Gun; go to a Sixties club night at Komedia; visit the Old Police Cells museum to see the graffiti left by the Mods & Rockers who were held their after the clash or simply ride your scooter along the seafront.

Still from the film 'Quadrophenia'
Whatever anniversary you decide to celebrate make sure you book your Brighton break through www.visitbrighton.com ;)

Charlotte