Brighton Dome announces autumn's line-up of events

The autumn programme features events across theatre, music, dance, comedy, and family shows.

Lucy Davies, director and chief executive of Brighton Dome, said: "We are thrilled to share our autumn events programme for Brighton Dome’s three beautiful stages.

"We welcome some absolutely brilliant artists and performers this season, with local superstars appearing alongside international talents and a stellar line up for Brighton Dome Comedy Festival, our flagship autumn event.

"We are also bringing some really special theatre and dance to the city; music from all genres, eras and corners of the world; a rich Words and Debate programme and a host of treats for Christmas.

"Whatever your taste, we hope there is something for you to find light in as the nights draw in."

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto (Image: Brighton Dome)

The Corn Exchange will host Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, a new work by Nigerian-born poet and playwright Inua Ellams exploring the unlikely friendship between an enslaved woman and her former master.

The production is part of Touring Together, a new national scheme to bring bold theatre to wider audiences.

Another highlight is Woodhill, a powerful piece of documentary theatre which blends dance and music to tell the story of three men who died at HMP Woodhill and their families’ fight for answers.

The Studio Theatre will feature shows fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, including Man or Bear, a darkly comic exploration of fear and friendship inspired by a viral meme, and Crush, which tells the story of two Somali teenagers who meet in an eating disorder clinic.

Other Studio highlights include Fire Fire, a brand-new play about climate change, taking big risks and discovering shared purpose, and Nation, a one-man fable about national identity.

Performance artist Louise Orwin will present FAMEHUNGRY, a fast-paced, comedic dive into TikTok culture.

Les Amazones d'Afrique (Image: Karen Paulina Biswell)

Regional talent is front and centre this season.

East Sussex choreographer Ben Duke and his company Lost Dog Dance will present Juliet & Romeo, a humorous duet imagining the true lives of Shakespeare’s legendary lovers.

Brighton poet AFLO. the poet will return with her acclaimed spoken word night Status Flo, featuring a mix of established and emerging voices.

The October edition will mark Black History Month, while November’s event will be themed around Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

Brighton Dome will throw open its doors for two free open days.

Heritage Open Day will share behind-the-scenes stories about the people who keep the venue running, while Family Day Take Part will celebrate Brighton’s diaspora communities through workshops, performances and global cuisine.

This year’s Brighton Dome Comedy Festival is a collaboration with Komedia, promising even more laughs throughout October.

The classical music programme includes new seasons from the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sunday morning Coffee Concerts, alongside special performances by Katherine Jenkins and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

The contemporary music line-up includes Embrace, Les Amazones D’Afrique, and US rappers Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE.

Comedians Phil Wang, Chris Ramsey, and Lucy Beaumont will take to the stage with new stand-up shows.

Other events include a live podcast recording by Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler, and live talks from naturalist Chris Packham and language expert Susie Dent.

Families can look forward to immersive storytelling and interactive workshops.

September will feature the stage adaptation of CBeebies’ In the Night Garden, while October half-term will offer Your Toys, a puppet show using toys brought by children in the audience.

Later in the season, Rabbit & Rey and the Lost Things tells the story of a child and their loyal bunny on a journey to recover everything they have ever lost.

Throughout autumn, Crafty Kids workshops in Anita’s Room will give children and carers the chance to get creative, with all materials supplied and no clean-up required.

Juliet & Romeo - Lost Dog Dance (Image: Brighton Dome)

The autumn programme also spotlights LGBTQ+ artists.

Fatt Butcher’s Congregational will reimagine choral music through a blend of house, trance, gospel, and classical, creating a "service" dedicated to the dancefloor.

Dance duo Thick & Tight will present Natural Behaviour, a variety show mixing choreography, drag, and theatre with a tongue-in-cheek nod to biology lectures.

In December, Brighton Dome will offer festive events for all ages, including Ceilidh the Musical, Christmas concerts, and singalongs by Brighton Festival Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, and Choir with No Name.

Other seasonal highlights include Organoke, organ-backed karaoke with Brighton’s own Ida Barr, and Duck Pond, a circus reimagining of Swan Lake by Australian company Circa.

For younger audiences, Little Red Hen will bring the classic tale to life through puppetry, music, and comedy.

The full programme and booking details are available on the Brighton Dome website.