From the Caribbean to Notting Hill, Carnival is a celebration of community and participation.

Since March, community groups across Brighton and Hove have been training with a team of internationally-acclaimed artists from one of the UK's most celebrated physical theatre companies, Told By An Idiot. The result is a show totally unique to the city.

According to Pippa Smith, head of education at Brighton Festival:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for local community organisations to get involved with one of Britain's outstanding physical theatre companies and an equally wonderful opportunity for the company to benefit from the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of Brighton people from eight to 80."

The Evocation Of Papa Mas tells the story of a penniless street beggar, a plantation owner and his daughter.

Deliciously dark and raucously funny, it is also a true ensemble piece. Its spectacular carnival costumes are from Notting Hill's award-winning costumier Clary Salandy, while its larger-than-life set has been dreamed up by one of theatre's most in-demand designers Dick Bird (the man who brought last year's Dirty Wonderland to life).

And its Trinidadian music comes courtesy of Nitro's Felix Cross, creator of the smash hit hip-hop musical Slam Dunk. Overseeing proceedings is former founder of Trestle Theatre Company, writer and director John Wright.

Let the carnival begin!

Starts: Thu May 11 and Fri May 12, 8pm; Sat May 13, 2pm and 8pm; Sun May 14, 2pm. Tickets: £15, family £45 (two adults, two children). Sponsored by SME Network