A bicycle percussionist and burlesque acts will be roaming the Old Steine garden tonight as the Parlure Spiegeltent opens its doors.

The free Tease And Taste event launches the Festival Fringe’s 1930s-style travelling theatre and will feature eight cabaret and circus acts performing a half-hour preview show.

For 2009 the Parlure is moving from its previous site behind St Peter’s Church to replace the Udderbelly at the Old Steine.

Project manager Jessica Joy Magill was pleased with Brighton’s response to the Parlure’s first visit to the festival last year and felt “there was a lot of love towards the Spiegeltent”.

From comedy to tea dances, Magill hopes the Spiegeltent’s delights will tempt visitors despite the credit crunch. Those who cannot afford tickets or are simply curious can enjoy lunchtime concerts on certain weekdays, free with any purchase from the bar or cafe. “It’s an opportunity for people to check out the venue, before booking,” she explains.

A family-friendly atmosphere is part of Parlure during the day and many shows are designed to be fun for both adults and children, such as The Man Who Planted Trees and the Yarnbards. Other shows like The Interstella Circus offer a pirate- themed family show during the day and a bawdy and brash adult evening later on.

One highlight at Parlure this year is the Aviator Club, which runs nightly during the opening week. “It takes the audience on a journey around the wonders of the cabaret world, on a 1940s airliner,” says Magill. “Our compere is Captain Dusty Limits who will be performing against a Prohibition-era jazz soundtrack.

“We wanted to feature cabaret heavily because last year’s grand finale sold out. Cabarets are the most magical events because people can appreciate the venue as it was originally intended – for travelling theatre.”

The Spiegeltent also gives a unique feel to already unique events like Silent Disco, the club night listened to through headphones, which pays four visits this year. There will also be live music from Havana Rumba, Dennis Rollins and Four Poofs And A Piano.

Hidden gems include camp satirical duo Topping & Butch, and the Swap-a-rama Razzmatazz clothes-swapping party. “When a klaxon sounds you have to swap an item of clothing with the person next to you,” explains Magill. “Men will be fighting over gold spandex pants.”

  • 6pm to 8pm, free, 0844 8007114
  • The Parlure is open daily from noon throughout the Festival Fringe. Entry to the garden is free, ticket prices for events vary. See the full programme at: www.theparlure.com. The Parlure’s garden café will be serving home-cooked hot and cold food and the bar will offer chilled beers on tap, wines and cocktails.