Brighton Festival is set to celebrate its 60th edition with a packed programme of theatre, circus and dance.
This year marks the start of a new era with the first-ever Brighton Festival Production.
The festival's first original work is 'Kohlhaas,' developed by celebrated theatre-maker Omar Elerian, winner of the Best Director award at the 2026 Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
The production was crafted especially for the restored Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and will run from May 2 to 5.
It features a bold stage adaptation of Heinrich von Kleist’s 1810 novella, 'Michael Kohlhaas,' starring acclaimed actor Arinzé Kene.
The play offers a contemporary take on the psychology of protest and resistance, posing questions about justice in broken systems.
The full festival event listings can be found at brightonfestival.org.
From May 8 to 10, the Corn Exchange will also host 'Time Keeps The Drummer' by Fevered Sleep.
The production, which combines theatre, dance, music and visual art, offers audiences a novel experience of time.
Each performance is unique and improvised, with a cast of 12 local children and one adult drummer.
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The much-praised Fix+Foxy’s 'Dark Noon' will also run from May 21 to 23 at the Corn Exchange.
This satirical take on the US frontier era offers audiences an immersive historical journey.
In addition, the festival will witness the world premiere of a new large-scale production by UK circus company NoFit State.
Running from May 2 to 25, this immersive spectacle, directed by Firenza Guidi, combines circus, live music and cinematic imagery.
KlangHaus will present two shows at Brighton Dome’s Anita’s Room: 'Darkroom' and 'Last Haus on Earth.'
Both productions offer immersive, multi-sensory experiences for audiences.
Emma Rice Company’s adaptation of 'Malory Towers' will also be featured from May 19 to 23.
The festival will also host Harry Clayton-Wright’s 'Mr Blackpool,' a theatrical blend of variety, dance, drag and magic, from May 7 to 9.
Other highlights include 'The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady' on May 16 and 17, and Akram Khan Company’s 'Thikra: Night of Remembering' on May 23 and 24.
