From the reminiscences of an elderly music hall star to a divorcee who’s learning to release her inner diva, Brighton Festival’s Platform has again turned up an intriguing body of new work.

Launched by festival artistic director Andrew Comben when he joined the organisation two years ago, the Arts Council-funded programme gives established artists and performers an opportunity to develop new work and trial it on stage at the UK’s second largest arts festival.

Production manager Gregory Nash says: “It’s very open. Andrew said, ‘If you have something interesting and want to develop it, come and talk to us.’ Sometimes people just want a means of getting feedback, sometimes they want help getting the production staged; it’s about creating opportunities for Brighton-based artists and performers to engage with the Festival.”

Tonight sees the first rehearsed reading of Charlotte Jones’ The Diva In Me. It’s the story of Phillipa, who fell in love, got married and had children – all while harbouring an inner belief she was born to be a diva. Until, that is, her husband leaves her and her best friend dies.

All That I Am/All That I Was is, at the Pavilion Theatre tomorrow, sees Sue MacLaine present the character of Sid Lester, legendary star of stage and cruise ship. Now in his 70s and coping with the loss of beloved wife Florrie, this is Sid’s last go-around.

Developed in part in a care home for the elderly, it looks at reminiscences at the end of a life and at what has formed the character the audience sees before them.

The third piece, Something, Gregory describes as “a glorious mishmash, featuring 11 dance pieces in one evening”. Sample live performance, installation and film works from some of the city’s most interesting dance makers, including Probe, Charlie Morrissey, CiCi Blumstein, B Group and Lila Dance. Gregory adds: “Brighton has a fantastic dance community and this is an opportunity for local audiences to see work audiences around the world are getting to see. It’s a must-see for anybody who has an interest in dance.”

One of the few requirements of the Platform programme is that the artists already have a body of work seen by the public. Sue MacLaine, for example, has been performing for more than 20 years. Other than that, it’s something of a lucky dip.

“Take The Diva In Me,” Gregory says. “In a few years’ time it’s possible that it could be a major, major West End hit and people will be able to say they saw it for £4 at the Pavilion Theatre.”

* SOLD OUT, for other events visit www.brightonfestival.org.uk for full details or call 01273 709709