Copyright © 2026 Discover. All rights reserved

All views, information or opinions expressed in Discover Brighton are solely those of individuals involved and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever, including the businesses mentioned within this publication and those to which are affected.

Brighton Open Air Theatre

29 Aug, 2024

Words by Samantha Harman

www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk 

 

BOAT enjoyed their 10th season this year, opening in May with a new production of the hit play ‘Kemble’s Riot’ written by the theatre’s late founder Adrian Bunting. 

It was Adrian’s dream to have a permanent open air theatre in Brighton and this was realised by his friends as a result of his legacy. Discover hopes you have enjoyed this season, there have been some truly amazing shows and performances in Brighton’s only open air theatre. It’s almost time for the season to close and if you are yet to attend fear not, there’s still time to take in some shows this month

Down For The Count Present, A Century of Swing – Sunday September 8th

Join the UK’s hardest swinging band Down for the Count for a celebration of vintage music, as they celebrate A Century of Swing. They will be performing a new selection of the best swing music, once again tracing the origins of the style from 1920s America through to the genre’s heyday in the 30s, 40s and 50s. You’ll also hear other original arrangements of classic jazz, instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, and vocal classics from singers such as Nat ‘King’ Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, all presented with Down for the Count’s own unmistakable witticisms. Described as a breath of fresh air on the swing scene, Down for the Count are regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at prestigious concert halls (Cadogan Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall) at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to Brighton Open Air Theatre – with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour.

Old Time Sailors – Friday 20th September (12+) 

Ahoy there mateys! You are cordially invited to board the Sailorette and join the plentiful crew, The Old Time Sailors, for a night of foot-stomping, dancing and singing! You will be sailing back to the 19th century for an immersive experience of traditional seafaring music performed in a way you have never seen before. The Motley Crew and their plethora of traditional and eclectic instruments will take you back to the time of clashing tankards, and drunken debauchery. Sing and dance along like a drunken sailor as the band perform centuries-old folk and shanty songs. Fancy dress is encouraged, so pull out your best seafaring garments, me hearties, and join the festivities!

Follow us:

More from Discover Brighton:

Brighton i360 Family Saver Package

Brighton i360 Family Saver Package

Brighton i360 Family Saver Package | Make family time go further with the Brighton i360 Family Saver Package, from £25, designed to give you better value on unforgettable days out together.   Take in breathtaking views across Brighton, the South Downs and the...

Plumpton Revival 2026

Plumpton Revival 2026

Plumpton Revival 2026 | The forgotten festival is coming home on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026 at Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, Lewes BN7 3AL. In 1969 and 1970, Plumpton Racecourse played host to one of the most legendary — yet overlooked — festivals in...

BITE Brighton Oyster Festival

BITE Brighton Oyster Festival

BITE Brighton Oyster Festival | Friday 19 - Sunday 28 June 2026   2026 sees the inaugural BITE Brighton Oyster Festival presented by BITE Sussex, a contemporary re-imagination of the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival organisation. Throughout the year,...

Brighton festival season: reviews

Brighton Festival & Fringe: Reviews

Brighton Festival & Fringe: Reviews   Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit A delightful show perfect for the Open Air Theatre. It was a beautifully sunny evening which made it even more special, and the blankets brought out halfway through to...