9 shows to check out in Sussex this week

Tabby McTat is the heart-warming tale of a cat with “the loudest of meows” and a best friend with a knack for playing the guitar.

On this touring show they have been delighting audiences by singing their favourite songs.

One day her friend, Fred, disappears, and after a short time in a new home Tabby decides he wants his pal back.

He goes out in search of him, hoping to bring the music back.

This is the perfect show to take the children to this weekend, with some upbeat songs and a heart-warming message.

Make sure you pick up some last-minute tickets.

Architects

Concorde 2, Brighton, Sunday, December 2

Metallers Architects have had one heck of a 2018.

Off the back of a tragic couple of years, which included the death of drummer Tom Searle at the age of just 28, the group have channelled that pain and struggle into one of the best albums of 2018.

Such is their rise that the band who formed in Brighton in 2004 will be headlining Wembley Arena next year.

To celebrate the occasion they announce an extremely intimate show at the Concorde 2, which sold out in less than a minute.

To anyone who got a ticket, you will be the envy of all your metal-loving friends.

And for anyone who is currently pestering their friends for a spare tickets, I wish you luck.

This is going to be on incredible show.

Christmas Queens

Brighton Dome, Brighton, Monday, December 3

Drag is taking over Brighton Dome for one night only this Christmas, and any fans of the outrageously fun form of entertainment will want to be there.

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen will host a number of other acts in a great night of comedy, music and probably some rude behaviour.

Other acts on the night include Asia O’Hara, Blair St Clair, Eureka O’Hara, Kameron Michaels, Manila Luzon and Sharon Needles.

With plenty on offer and enough to get even the smallest drag fan a bit over excited, this show should not be missed.

Kick Christmas off in style with a spectacular drag showcase.

Zoe Lyons

The Lamb Inn, Eastbourne, Tuesday, December 4

Heading up a fantastic line-up of local talent out in Eastbourne, Zoe Lyons will undoubtedly bring the laughs at this intimate show.

Zoe has been on fire recently, with her newest show Entry Level Human delighting audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe before taking the hour of comedy on the road.

She will be joined on this evening of laughter by George Egg, who will be cooking up a treat with his mixture of making food and cracking puns as well as eggs.

Fellow Brighton resident Jo Neary will also be making an appearance on stage as she delves into her fantastic gag repertoire.

With so much comedy on one night this is a show to get down to.

Deacon Blue

Brighton Centre, Brighton, Wednesday, December 5

The band who took inspiration for their name from a song by Steely Dan, Deacon Blue have made that musical reference go a long way as this tour sees them celebrate 30 years in the industry.

The Eighties pop-rock group from Scotland have proved their longevity by continuing to release material, with their newest album, Believers, coming out in 2016.

This show is sure to be a great celebration of everything the group have accomplished since the release of their 1987 debut album Raintown.

If you fancy heading down to the Brighton Centre and celebrating with them, you almost certainly won’t be disappointed.

Alan Carr

Assembly Hall, Worthing, Wednesday, December 5

A work in progress show is always a treat to see, and when it’s from a stand-up as well known as Alan Carr it’s even better.

The chance to see the TV comedian and talk show host back in his element on stage is something not to be missed.

But as well as this, the chance to see him take to a stage smaller than those he would usually play is even better.

The odds are that the show being performed in Worthing next week will soon be rolled out to arenas across the country.

Nothing beats the joy of knowing you will have seen the show in an early incarnation, before the majority of the population.

Scoop up a ticket.

Katie Melua

Brighton Dome, Brighton, Thursday, December 6

Georgian-born, the country, not the US state, Katie Melua moved to the UK at the age of eight and has endeared herself so much to the country that many don’t even know of her eastern-European roots.

She has been a firm fan favourite not just at home but abroad, since her 2003 breakout.

Her distinctive voice and smooth jazz stylings make her extremely easy to listen to.

It is this that has given Melua such a long running career and why she continues to be so outstandingly popular.

I’d recommend picking up a last-minute ticket for this show.

The Caroline of Brunswick, Brighton, Thursday, December 7

Sara Barron has featured in these pages following her Edinburgh preview show at the Komedia in July.

Her performance that night was spectacularly funny and bringing the same show on tour is sure to delight audiences.

On The Edge Comedy continue to bring forward the best that the UK comedy circuit has to offer.

Andy Gleeks and Ben Pope join Sara in the great line-up.

With so much fantastic comedy on offer there is no reason not to pick up a ticket and check this show out.

If that wasn’t enough, the Caroline of Brunswick is a brilliant place to pick up a drink and chill out before or after the show.

Skindred

Concorde 2, Brighton, Friday, December 7 and Sunday, December 9

With two shows over next weekend, the reggae-metal stylings of Welsh group Skindred are definitely worth checking out.

Not usually two genres that mesh together, singer Benji Webbe and co have made a name for themselves with their heavy and upbeat music.

Their tour is entitled “That’s My Jam” and if Skindred aren’t already your own jam they warrant a listen to just for their uniqueness.