Open air theatre raises curtain on 11th season

An open air theatre is raising the curtain on its 11th summer season, which includes music, comedy, drag and family shows.

Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT), in Dyke Road Park, will host performances from Friday until 21 September.

General manager Will Mytum said the theatre aimed for "a balance of supporting local artists and keeping prices keen".

"It's wonderful to welcome new visitors each season as well as our loyal regulars," he added.

There will be more than 70 productions from when the venue opens, including a brand new version of Winnie The Pooh.

In August, Drag in the Park: Pride Edition will celebrate Pride Weekend, and there will be theatre performances of Cinderella, Moby Dick and Twelfth Night.

Comedians Sara Pascoe, Romesh Ranganathan and Al Murray will also appear.

Community group Dad La Soul, which aims to address masculinity and men's mental health, will throw a family-friendly "block party" in August.

Mr Mytum said the theatre, which is completely self funded, aimed to keep prices low for the audience.

"We want to be a venue that anyone can come to," he added.

The 400-seat theatre, a registered charity, was the brainchild of Brighton playwright and construction manager, Adrian Bunting.

In April 2013 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and spent his final days planning for a long-held ambition to create an open air theatre in the city.

He left his life savings of £18,000 to kick-start the project and asked four of his friends to continue his dream after his death.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.