BRIGHTON FRINGE 2023: COMEDY EVENTS SPOTLIGHT

By Federica Purcaro "University of Brighton Press Placement"

A new season is about to begin for Brighton Fringe 2023, taking place from May 5 to June 4 across Brighton and beyond. 

Expect more than 500 events in more than 100 venues in what is gearing up to be a hectic, vibrant and enthusiastic season you surely do not want to miss! 

Once again, one of the most important pieces on the Brighton Fringe events landscape is comedy.

Hundreds of shows, from stand-up to one-person shows, to improvisation and interactive audience games, are waiting for you to join in on the fun. 

Here’s what you can expect to find from our comedy spotlight list for Brighton Fringe 2023. 

Get your tickets before you miss out on all the fun.

CLAP BACK FOR CARERS. May 11, 12, 13. £12 (Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco)

One thing you surely don’t want to miss out on is the return to Brighton Fringe of the multi-award-winning (Brighton Fringe Winner 2022, Sell Out Show 2021, Audience Choice 2019) feminist collective with a celebration of the frontline workers upholding a healthcare system that’s being destroyed by the not-so-great, not-so-bright tories. 

It’s a show where comedy, cabaret and parody come together to call out the impact of patriarchy and structural inequality. 

“Comedy and the bitter truth, is it REALLY possible to deliver both? Yes... it is. And it’s nothing less than theatrical therapy.” ★★★★ (Broadway Baby)

FRYDAYS. June 3, 4. £15 (Komedia Studio)

Turning Hats Production is bringing back their absurd musical comedy about family, fears and fish and chips. What more do you need to know? 

When twins Chris and Chriss are hit by the loss of their father, their initial reaction is to lock themselves away from reality. Their only solace will be the stories they tell to each other as their imagination runs free. With the help of musical instruments and songs, this show will have your bodies between dancing and laughter never stop moving. 

 “Frydays is one of those tales and turns out to be magically absurd and really quite fantastic.” 

 (There Ought To Be Clowns).

CSI: CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION. June 3. £12 (Caravanserai, Luna Parc) (Komedia Studio)

If you fancy an evening full of improvised, witty and absurd murder mysteries, this show is definitely for you, for no one knows the killer, not even the cast! 

A crime comedy made entirely on the spot! The Chandeliers return to Brighton Fringe 2023 following five-star-sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe.

“A novel idea executed superbly” ★★★★★ (The Wee Review) 

CAROLINE MABEY. May 13, 20, 23. £5 (Laughing Horse @ Caroline of Brunswick)

Join this rip-roaring, off-the-wall stand-up from one of the most mischievous, witty and brilliant personalities in the comedy world. 

Half "best mate you shouldn’t have gone on holiday with" and half "drunk school-run mum who’s been dragged backwards through a box of crunchy surrealism", Caroline Mabey is a pure delight. 

"Funny and touching and brilliant" (The Guardian)

IIMPROBOTICS. May 26, 27, 28, 29. £12 (The Rotunda Theatre: Bubble) 

Award-winning theatre troupe Improbotics are ready to deliver a never seen show at the Brighton Fringe 2023. Make sure not to miss this surreal trip to augmented reality. 

Artificial Intelligence Improvisation is a show where robots take control of the show. Artificial intelligence chatbots control some improvisers: will they pass the Turing Test?

"Groundbreaking work" with "superb moments of comedy" that "poses serious philosophical questions" (Fringe Review).

BENJAMIN ALBOROUGH: ABSOLUTE MONOPOLY May 27. £10 (Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco) 

We all know Monopoly. We all jeopardised friendships and family connections while playing it. What if there could be a more competitive and family-destroying version of this game? 

Join comedian Benjamin Alborough as he attempts to improve Monopoly with YOUR help. 

It’s a bold, chaotic and interactive game where audience members compete against each other, and the host, as the audience, becomes the game board. Good luck, and make sure to have life insurance set up! 

“Benjamin Alborough commanded audience attention with a game show host charisma, which made his audience comfortable enough to heckle and yet terrified to go for a piss.” ★★★★★ (Edfringe Review)