With plenty of bank holidays ahead, add to the fun with some of the best events across Sussex in May
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
4 May
Congress Theatre
The music of pop icon Tina Turner returns to the Eastbourne stage as acclaimed international touring show What’s Love Got to Do with It? comes to the county. In this show, audiences can expect a night of high energy with feel-good rock-and-roll featuring Tina’s greatest hits performed by the amazing vocal talent of Holly Bannis (Tina Turner in ITV’s Starstruck) supported by full ten-piece live band.
Emmanuel Sonubi
5 May
The Hawth Studio Crawley
Emmanuel Sonubi has only been on the comedy circuit for what feels like five minutes and he’s already garnering himself a reputation as the one to watch. Having gone from open spot to closing BBC’s Live at the Apollo in an incredibly short space of time, you will be seeing big things from this big man in the coming few years. This show covers his time as a doorman in some of the scariest clubs in London, his career in musical theatre and life as a parent to two young children. Through his hilarious storytelling, we look deeper into all the experiences that shaped his personality and opinions today.
Van Gogh Alive
12 May-6 August
Brighton Dome
Brighton Dome has announced that the much-anticipated opening event for its refurbished Grade I and II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre will be the ground-breaking immersive experience Van Gogh Alive. This unique multi-sensory experience explores the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. More than 3,000 images will be spectacularly presented in stunning detail, including iconic works such as Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings.
Castle Night Trek
13 May
Herstmonceux Castle
This is a magical 10km night-time charity trek through the fields and forests of the stunning Herstmonceux Castle, with lights to guide your way. Whether you’re a trekking titan or rambling rookie, Castle Night Trek has something for you. So, grab your head torch, pull on your walking boots, and trek the night away. Be a beacon in the darkness for children’s hospice care, on this all-terrain route through 1066 Country in aid of Chestnut Tree House.
chestnut.org.uk/castlenighttrek
Sooz Kemper
18 May
Komedia
Twitter sensation and BBC Radio 4 regular, Sooz Kempner takes to the road in her debut UK comedy tour, following a totally sold-out Edinburgh Festival residency which played to notable critical acclaim. In 1998, Sooz got a PlayStation, a console for the first generation of adult gamers, and finally felt grown-up. But is she a grown up, even now? Audiences will find out in ‘Playstation’, a stand-up show exploring memories of growing up in the 90s through comedy anecdotes, song and multimedia accompaniments.
Don Giovanni
From 19 May
Glyndebourne
For Glyndebourne’s first new Don Giovanni in over a decade, director Mariame Clément will use her incisive, probing approach and humour to interrogate the mythical figure of Don Juan. Rising-star Evan Rogister makes his Glyndebourne Festival debut conducting a score of singular power that seduces its listeners with serenades and love songs, richly layered ensembles and intricate finales.
Goodwoof
20-21 May
Goodwood
The ultimate dog’s day out with their family at The Kennels. You’ll find world-class competitions from top canine athletes; wellness workshops; talks from key behavioural and veterinary experts; free-of-charge activities that you can take part in with your dog; Field & Trail demonstrations, plus treats and plenty of play.
Do You Believe In Ghosts?
24 May
Devonshire Park Theatre
Theatregoers are promised a hauntingly good night at the theatre, “unlike anything you have ever experienced before” when brand-new production Do You Believe in Ghosts? comes to Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre. Show creator James Taylor, of the UK’s leading theatre show producers Entertainers, asks: “Are you feeling brave? If you are, join us, and we tell you all the secrets of what goes on when a theatre goes dark. When the only thing to guide you is the Ghost Light.”
The Ladykillers
25-27 May
Brighton Open Air Theatre
From the team behind 2021’s Don’t Dress for Dinner and last year’s smash hit, One Man, Two Guvnors, comes The Ladykillers. Posing as amateur musicians, a gang of criminals rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet yet strict Mrs Wilberforce. As the villains plot to unwittingly involve her in their brilliantly conceived heist job, Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse, and the gang concludes that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet…
Medieval Festival
27-29 May
Arundel Castle
Experience history depicted like never before at Arundel Castle’s 15th-century Wars of the Roses family event. King Edward IV, Duke of York, faces rebellion from the supporters of the former King, Henry VI, Duke of Lancaster. For one weekend only, Arundel Castle serves as the backdrop for an imaginary Lancastrian raiding party engaging with Yorkist forces, bringing to life a turbulent period in England’s history.
Jonathan Van Ness
31 May
Brighton Centre
Podcast host, Queer Eye grooming expert, TV personality and hairstylist, Jonathan Van Ness, brings his new tour Fun & Slutty to the Brighton Centre. Jonathan is an Emmy-nominated television personality, two times New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, comedian and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series, Queer Eye, where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate, and he is the host and executive producer of the Netflix series, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, based on Jonathan’s popular podcast of the same name.
Three at Brighton Centre this month to get you moving
AND DON’T MISS…
Olly Murs
2 May
Don’t believe everything you see on TV: Olly Murs has been away. After recently signing to EMI Records, the chart-topping star returned with the release of Marry Me, his first new studio album in over four years. Olly is sure to have people dancing – if not proposing – in the aisles this year when he gets back on tour. Last time round he sold 180,000 tickets for UK arenas in 2019. He’s determined to go bigger, better, louder this time and will return with 11 huge arena shows across the UK, including Brighton Centre on 2 May.
Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals
27-28 May
A spectacular line-up of not just one, not two, but 10 of the world’s best professional dancers will be hitting the road next year for the 2023 official Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK Tour. This show will showcase the exceptional talent of TV’s hugely popular professional dancers, performed within the wonderful world of the BBC show, with its stunning costumes and sparkling sets.
Michael Starring Ben
19 May
The UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute show Michael Starring Ben is coming to the Brighton Centre. The acclaimed international production, celebrating the music of the King Of Pop, will be at the Brighton Centre for one night only as part of a series of arena dates in 2023. Now bigger and better than ever before, Michael Starring Ben will delight the audience with a full night honouring Michael Jackson, including hits such as Bad, Beat It, Billie Jean, Man In The Mirror, Smooth Criminal and the phenomenal track Thriller.
See more at brightoncentre.co.uk
