Brand new and original
May begins with our very first Brighton Festival production: Kohlhaas (1–5 May). Adapted from Heinrich von Kleist’s novella, Kohlhaas tells the story of one man’s fight for justice, with violent and far-reaching consequences. Directed by Omar Elerian (Misty, The Chairs, Rhinoceros) and starring Arinzé Kene (Misty, Girl From The North Country, Get Up Stand Up), this show has been developed specially for Brighton Dome’s refurbished Corn Exchange. Bold and compelling, Kohlhaas asks what justice looks like when systems are broken — and how far is too far?
Visit worlds outside of time
Step off the treadmill of work, school and life, and experience time in a different way with acclaimed performance company Fevered Sleep’s Time Keeps The Drummer (8–10 May). With a cast of 12 local children and one adult drummer, each performance is entirely improvised, unique and unrepeatable. Interweaving mesmerising choreography, stunning live lighting and music, you’re encouraged to slow down and linger, or come and go as you please.
Fresh from five-star runs in Edinburgh and Manchester, award-winning, international theatre company Fix+Foxy’s Dark Noon (21–23 May) transforms the Corn Exchange into an absurdist wild west, where the rules are flipped and no power is off limits. Watch a pioneer town spring up in real time as an extraordinary cast of South African actors rebuild the frontier through an outsider’s lens, with slapstick humour, satire and breath-taking stagecraft.
Jaw dropping performances
At Black Rock, world-class circus, live music and bold cinematic imagery collidei n carnation (2–25 May). This brand-new production from leading UK circus company NoFit State and award-winning director Firenza Guidi has its world premiere at this year’s Brighton Festival. Blending humour, heart and real risk, carnation dives headfirst into rebellion, resistance and hope in turbulent times, channelling twentieth century dystopian fiction to speak clearly to the world we’re living in now.
High jinks and high tide
Join plucky heroine Darrell Rivers as she navigates friendship, feuds and fearless adventures, backed by live music, as Emma Rice Company’s renowned adaptation of Malory Towers (19–23 May) stops off at Theatre Royal. Nostalgic, naughty, and perfect for now, this is the original ‘Girl Power’ story, for anyone looking to rediscover their sense of adventure.
Escape to the end of the pier (at the end of the world) in multi-award-winning theatre maker Harry Clayton-Wright’s camp and colourful Mr Blackpool (7–9 May). Four Blackpool performers present a series of shows inspired by their lives and stories, interweaving cabaret, magic, dance and drag with their town’s long history of ‘end of the pier’ entertainment.
Take to the floor
Lose yourself in the sensual power of jazz at The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady (16–17 May) in Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall. Performance company Clod Ensemble and cutting-edge musical ensemble Nu Civilisation Orchestra join forces to celebrate Charles Mingus’ iconic 1963 jazz album. Lose yourself in the music, get up and dance or take a seat and soak up the atmosphere with a drink.
See past and present merge in Akram Khan Company’s final touring production, Thikra: Night of Remembering (23–24 May). A tribe of women come together for one night only to awaken the spirit of those who came before them, transcending time to unite the past and present. Featuring an original score by Aditya Prakash (ROOM-i-Nation, 2025) and an all-female international cast of Contemporary and Bharatanatyam dancers, Thikra weaves a narrative that is at once universal and deeply personal. Drawing on diverse cultures and sacred rituals from across the globe, Akram Khan Company invites you to reflect on heritage, remembrance and the rituals that have shaped our shared humanity.
Experience new realities
Immerse yourself in two Brighton Festival exclusive shows from cross-disciplinary theatre artists KlangHaus (Anita’s Room, Brighton Dome). Last Haus on Earth (2–23 May) is part gig, part installation, part dream, as this unique show unites the raw energy of The Neutrinos’ live music with enthralling and evocative visuals.
Peer into a world on the edge of climate apocalypse in Darkroom (2–23 May). This immersive, multi-sensory installation admits just six audience members at a time and is held in complete darkness. Profoundly emotional and affecting, Darkroom is a climate-chaos wakeup call for our time.
And discover the best of contemporary performance at caravan assembly: a three-day event that presents shows made in England to an audience of international programmers and collaborators. A limited number of public tickets are available: don’t miss outstanding performances from acclaimed artists including Sung Im Her, Krisna Istha and In Bed with My Brother.
Book now for theatre, dance and circus at Brighton Festival (1–25 May).
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Brighton Festival 2026 is indebted to the steadfast support of funders Brighton & Hove City Council and Arts Council England; Principal Supporter The Pebble Trust; Major Sponsor Mayo Wynne Baxter; Higher Education Partner University of Sussex; and all sponsors, patrons, members and supporters.
Kohlhaas is supported by Louise and Jamie Arnell. Thikra: A Night of Remembering is supported by Dishoom Permit Room. caravan assembly is delivered by Farnham Maltings in partnership with Brighton Festival.