Jason Manford

Brighton Centre, Brighton, Saturday, December 8

Well renowned for his fantastic real life observations and ability to connect with the average person, Jason Manford has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s most relatable comedians.

For well over a decade he has been delighting audience both in stand-up and on television.

His Muddle Class show has been a huge success, with the performance in Brighton being the final one in his 108 date run.

As this latest stand up show comes to an end, be sure you take the chance to see its final performance, or you may well regret it.

You never know how long it will be until Manford’s next tour.

River Becomes Ocean

The Green Door Store, Brighton, Sunday, December 9

Formed in 2013, River Becomes Ocean encapsulate everything that the Brighton music scene stands for. Not only are they hard-working as hard-hitting, but they are also a group made up of members of different nationalities who all came to Brighton in the goal of music. Their mesh of rock and metal stylings make them a joy to watch and definitely one for those of you who like it loud. The group are also fantastic fun to watch live, especially in the intimate surroundings of the Green Door Store. It’s been a big year for River Becomes Ocean and a hometown show is the perfect way to round it up.

Michael Portillo

Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne, Monday, December 10

Michael Portillo has certainly has a storied career.

From his political career - which saw him get a seat in the House of Commons following a decade of trying, before losing his seat in 1997.

To reinventing himself as a successful TV personality and man whose knowledge of railways in unmatched.

In his “Life - A Game of Two Halves” show, Portillo will delve into the most memorable moments of his career.

This is your chance to hear from one of the UK’s finest characters and learn all about what has seen him take two very different paths which have had differing success.

Roy Wood

The Hawth, Crawley, Monday, December 10

Roy Wood’s voice is almost as distinctive as his look, especially at this time of year. The man who fronted Wizzard, who themselves released one of the most well known Christmas songs ever, certainly has earned himself a dedicated fanbase. Work in ELO and The Move has ensured that Wood’s career has certainly been entertaining. When you are in the throws of the Christmas spirit then this show is worth seeing simply because of the odds of hearing “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day” are extremely high. With some classic songs to be heard, include the one just mentioned, this is a show not to be missed.

Blood Red Shoes

Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, Brighton, Tuesday, December 11

The alt-rock duo of Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell make up The Blood Red Shoes. Starting in 2004 the pair have made a name for themselves across the genre with their ability to write catchy, upbeat songs that really get the crowd moving. For them, like River Becomes Ocean, a hometown show is a great way to round off what has been a busy 2018. With new album Get Tragic set for release next years, their first studio album since 2014’s self-titled effort, Blood Red Shoes are ready to get themselves back into the alt-rock spotlight with more headbanging music.

Steve Bugeja

Komedia, Brighton, Wednesday, December 12

This show at Komedia comprises part of Steve Bugeja’s largest ever UK Tour.

It has been quite a rise for the young comedian, who has been praised for his well received shows at Edinburgh Fringe in past years.

Such is his talent that he has been twice invited to the prestigious Melbourne Comedy Festival.

He regularly works on writing for a number of comedy shows, so it is possible that you have seen his work without even realising.

But to see him in action on the stage then the Komedia is the place to be.

Check out this rising talent before his hits the big time, because intimate shows are always a lot better.

Rich Hall

Assembly Hall, Worthing, Thursday, December 13

American comedian Rich Hall has been a popular figure both at home and abroad ever since his sketch show days back in the Eighties.

His new Hoedown tour sees him explore the twists and turns of Trump’s America but ends as a well deserved celebration of what true Americana is.

Hall has acclaimed a global fanbase thanks to his deadpan humour and his constantly grouchy-looking facial expressions.

Some rapid wit and fantastic puns, interspersed with hilarious anecdotes, mean that he is always a delight to see live.

If you haven’t witnessed Hall in action with your own eyes then you are in for a treat, snap up a last minute ticket and enjoy.

The Dreamboys

Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne, Thursday, December 13

It might be getting colder outside but clearly nobody has told the Dreamboys about that.

For anybody out there wanting a well-toned winter warmer then you will want to get down to the Hippodrome and get involved.

One of the UK’s top male glamour shows, it is one of the most popular acts around of its kind.

Their celebrity status is well noted and their ability to get the crowd going absolutely wild is unmatched.

Forget sitting by the fire during the winter months, if you want some real warming up then you need to pick up a last minute ticket to this show.

British Sea Power

Lewes Constitutional Club, Lewes, Friday, December 14

British Sea Power aren’t from Brighton, in fact they are from the exact opposite end of the country. Hailing from Cumbria, although they aren’t local the group have a lot to thank the city for and this is the place they now call home. They endeared themselves to the Brighton music scene and that spurred them on to national and international fame. Having established themselves as one of the best talents on the British scene, British Sea Power return to Sussex for a show at the Lewes Constitutional Club. This intimate venue is sure to provide an incredible showcase of exactly why the band have been so popular since their inception nearly 20 years ago.