SPOTLIGHT ON: Rialto Theatre , Brighton

The re-opening of theatre doors couldn’t come too soon for a gem of a small performance venue in the heart of Brighton’s shopping area. It’s been the toughest of years for Brighton’s independent Rialto Theatre , which  attracted no Government support during lockdown.

Since 2014 this studio space with its accompanying Art Deco bar/cafe/performance area has attracted local, national and international performers and as it opens its doors again for the  late May launch of indoor Fringe performances, it’s putting out an urgent appeal for funds.

Apart from restoration work to the exterior of this listed building in Dyke Road, next to the Imperial Arcade ,  there’s urgent work needed  inside and to replace technical equipment. I’ve been amused, thrilled and thoroughly entertained at this venue by the likes of local performer Andrew Farr in his depiction of Edith Piaf, the fabulous international cabaret artist Peter Groom with his reinacarnation of Marlene Dietrich, the super-talented Mark Farrelly and his sharp , witty re-creation of Queer icon Quentin Crisp, Brighton female vocalists the Rebelles and many more.

This Fringe season the Rialto is home , among others, to :

Lionel and Cindy – the silliest rom-com you’ll ever see.

Why Am I An Avocado? – Queer narratives, characters and confessions.

After All These Years – a new comedy drama about  two retired showbiz couples who face a late-life crisis.

The After Dark Cabaret and Burlesque Show – Miss Carmen Aurora and her late-night team in a glamorous show of cabaret and burlesque.

Make-Up : Lady Christina is an old-school drag artist who returns to the green room after another performance at another venue over another pub – but what does he seee in the mirror?

Drama King is Mark Stratford’s one-man show about the life and times of the great 19th century actor-manager William Charles Macready.

Mayhem at the Cabaret Voltaire introduces us to the anti-art Dadaists in 1916 Zurich – singing, ballet and wicked humour.

So if you care about live performance venues, think about supporting the pioneering Rialto. And look out for my reviews .

See rialtotheatre.o.uk , please watch their fund-raising video below and check out brightonfringe.org for tickets for Rialto and other venue events