Brighton Festival at TOM Announces Full Line-Up, Beginning May 2012

Last May, TOM – The Old Market opened its newly-refurbished doors for the first time. One year on, the venue has seen a fantastic program of events from theatre to gigs, comedy to cabaret.

Brighton Festival at TOM – The Old Market provides two fantastic shows for young folk and their grown-ups; the touching and poetic puppetry of Cloud Man, and rock 'n' roll musical Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals. Sky Arts set up the cameras for a live broadcast of The Book Show With Mariella Frostrup. Finally, conclude your whole Brighton Festival on the last Saturday with an all-swinging, all-dancing Festival Ceilidh.

Brighton Fringe is best begun with our 20-minute film portrait of Brighton eccentricity, Beach Party Animal; it's completely free, and screened regularly. Following that, dive into Naïve Dance Masterclass's expert physical tomfoolery, Nick Pynn's award-winning one-man 'avant-folk' orchestra, and a newly extended version of award-winning puppet show The Table: New And Improved! If you've room for more, The Department of Unreliable Memoirs provides a playful encounter for a single audience member, and James Campbell's Comedy 4 Kids proves that young audiences needn't miss a good giggle. Regular photography night in TOM's Bar Miniclick moves into the main space for a special event, and TOM's Bar will also host a range events itself.

Full event details are listed below. Alternatively, view the full program online.

EVENT FRINGE, Throughout May 2012

Liz Agiss and Joe Murray present the short film:
BEACH PARTY ANIMAL

Free 20-minute film portrait of British eccentricity in Brighton.

Over 24 hours during Brighton's high season, where land meets sea and people come to see and to be seen, we observe private moments in public places. Performers blend seamlessly with Brighton's oblivious, unconventional public. A 20-minute film portrait of British eccentricity. Free entrance. 10 spaces every half hour.

Dates: 05-06, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 May 2012
Every Half-Hour: 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30
Tickets: Free. 10 spaces each performance.
Available: On the door, at TOM's Bar.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/beach-party-animal

MUSIC FRINGE, Saturday 05 May 2012

VOCAL GYMNASTICS
Choral concert of new music directed by MJ Paranzino. Now in its 9th year.

An innovative concert premiering original choral music, interspersed with well-loved classics, arranged and directed by MJ Paranzino, the renowned composer and musical director, and performed by her three community choirs, with over 200 adult voices, in a thrilling multi-media event!

A choral concert of new music directed by MJ Paranzino. Performed by MJ's Choirs: The Brighton City Singers, The South London Choir & The West London Choir.

For the past 9 years, MJ has invited composers to submit original choral pieces based on a theme. Composers rarely get the opportunity to hear their works performed and this is a wonderful way for musicians and their audiences to support the arts. For 2012, the theme is based on the Olympics, held in the UK in August.

MJ's local choir The Brighton City Singers, as well as her London choirs, The South London Choir and The West London Choir – 200 voices in total! – will perform new commissioned choral works, interspersed with well-loved classics, in a thrilling multi-media event.

Time: 19.30.
Tickets: £8.00 (£6.00 concession).
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/vocal-gymnastics

THEATRE FRINGE, Throughout May 2012

THE DEPARTMENT OF UNRELIABLE MEMOIRS
A playful encounter for a single audience member.

Make an appointment with two helpful hostesses to retrieve a half-forgotten moment from a past you may have had. Re-visit the time you saved your city from a freak flood, invented Scientology, or ruined that child's party! The D.U.M offers a playful encounter for a single audience member. All you have to do is turn up and play along…

Company: Stillpoint (www.stillpointtheatre.co.uk) in association with The Nightingale

Dates: 09, 16-17, 23-24 May 2012
Times: Every 10mins from 14:00-17:00 and 20:00-23:00
Suitable for: Ages 15+
Tickets: £5.00
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/department-of-unreliable-memoirs

COMEDY FRINGE, Sundays 06 & 13 May 2012

Inconvenient truth present:
NAÏVE DANCE MASTERCLASS

Expert physical tomfoolery suffused with deadpan wordplay. Inspired by years spent in love/hate relationships with experimental performance, this is the tale of an ex-contemporary dancer who achieves artistic salvation through his love of an immigrant hula-hoopist. 'A joyfully liberating way to spend the better part of an hour', Fringe Guru. 'Surreal, weird and brilliant', Total Theatre. Re-developed for Fringe 2012.

Dates: Sunday 6 May & Sunday 13 May (Inc. Post-Show Q&A with artistic contributors Petra Massey and Liz Agiss)
Time: 19:00
Tickets: 6 May Show – £8.50 (£7.00 concession) / 13 May Show with Petra Massey & Liz Agiss Q&A – £10 (£8.50 concession)
Available: TOM's Box Office Online or on 01273 201 801.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/naive-dance-masterclass

THEATRE FRINGE, Monday 07 to Tuesday 08 May 2012

THE TABLE: NEW AND IMPROVED!
Acclaimed puppet show brings a newly reworked, extended performance to TOM.

Following sell out runs in Edinburgh and London, star of The Table "Moses" comes to Brighton with a newly reworked, extended performance. This cantankerous two foot puppet is having an existential crisis, on top of a table. How did he get there? Why is he there? Why can't he get off? Does he want to get off?

Dates: Monday 7 May 17:00 / Monday 7 May 20:00 / Tuesday 8 May 20:00.
Tickets: £12.00 (£9.00 concession)
Available from: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/the-table-new-and-improved

EVENT FRINGE, Wednesday 09 May 2012

MINICLICK, PECHA KUCHA AND BRIGHTON UNIVERSITY
An unmissable event for anyone interested in photography of the moving image.

Miniclick, Brighton's monthly photography talks, joins forces with students from Brighton University Photography, Moving Image courses and Pecha Kucha to bring you short presentations from this year's graduating students. An unmissable event for anyone interested in photography or the moving image.

Company: Miniclick: www.miniclick.co.uk, Twitter: @clickclickjim, http://www.facebook.com/groups/119480791486055
Date: Wednesday 09 May 2012.
Time: 19:00.
Tickets: £4.00 (£3.00 concession).
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/miniclick-fringe12

COMEDY, Thursday 10 May 2012

LAUGHTERMARKET
Monthly comedy night with headline and new stand-up acts...

They say laughter is the best medicine, after prozac. We at Laughtermarket recommend 40mg new comedians with a supplement of 20mg award-winning headline acts, administered once monthly at The Old Market by a registered MC. Side-effects may include chuckling, chortling, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, coma or death.

Thursday 10 May, Headliner: AVA VIDAL, with Luisa Omielan, Tim Fusciardi, Mike Cox, Will Allen, Dan Chatfield, Pete Armstrong.
MC: Sami Stone.

Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/laughtermarket
Dates: Thursday 10 May (& monthly).
Time: 20:00 (arrive early to guarantee entry).
Bar Open: From 18:00.
Entrance: £1.50 on the door.

EVENT FESTIVAL, Saturday 12 May 2012

THE BOOK SHOW WITH Mariella Frostrup
Sky Arts brings the UK's leading weekly show dedicated to books to Brighton.

Brighton Festival's Broadcast Partner, Sky Arts brings the UK's leading weekly show dedicated to books to Brighton. You have two opportunities to be part of a live filming and hear Mariella Frostrup interview leading Festival guests.

The Book Show will be broadcast weekly on Thursdays at 8pm, Sky Arts 1 HD. The special guests will be announced online at brightonfestival.org Sky Arts is also presenting a series of events in the Sky Arts Den.

Times: 1.40pm (end 3pm) & 4.40pm (end 6pm).
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/the-book-show-2012
Tickets: £5 each show.
Available: TOM's Box Office Online and on 01273 201 801

COMEDYFRINGE, Sundays 13 May 2012

JAMES CAMPBELL'S COMEDY 4 KIDS

Stand up comedian for children over six, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. James' show may cover ways to make parsnips interesting, how to look a chicken in both eyes at the same time and why owls don't like Easter. (Actual contents may vary). "Has achieved almost holy status – don't miss" (The Sunday Times)

Performer: James Campbell, www.thejamescampbell.com
Date: Sunday 13 May 2012
Time: 14:30?Tickets: £7.00
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/james-campbells-comedy-4-kids
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.

MUSIC FRINGE, Tuesday 15 May 2012

NICK PYNN WITH KATE DAISY GRANT

Award-winning one-man orchestra Nick Pynn brings his acclaimed 'avant-folk' to Brighton Fringe, joined by toy-folk-pop singer-songwriter Kate Daisy Grant.

Performer Details: www.nickpynn.com, www.facebook.com/nickpynn, www.twitter.com/katedaisygrant
Time: 20:00
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/nick-pynn
Tickets: £8.50 (£7.00)
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.

MUSIC FRINGE, Wendesday 16 May 2012

THE IRON BOOT SCRAPERS' SPEAKEASY
Eschewing classical fair for the traditional folk music of Lady Gaga & Metallica.

Those dapper daddies, The Iron Boot Scrapers, will be slumming it with the hoi polloi of Brighton, and eschewing classical fair for the traditional folk music of Lady Gaga, Metallica, Jessie J etc…; an invitation to the great unwashed, to don their glad rags and cut up a rug or two, at The Iron Boot Scrapers Speakeasy.

Time: Bar open from 20:00, Show 21:00 – 23:00.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/the-iron-boot-scrapers/
Tickets: £12.00 (£10.00 Concession)
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.

EVENT, Thursday 17 May 2012

WHERE I'M CALLING FROM: CONTEMPORARY POETRY NIGHT
Innovative, new poetry readings, open to all and music.

The Old Market presents Where I'm Calling From, a contemporary poetry night that brings innovative, new poetry to TOM's Bar. As well as readings from upcoming and established contemporary poets, there will be the opportunity for Open Mic at the end of the night, just make sure you sign up when you arrive! We'll also have DJs late into the night.

Date: Thursday 17 May (& monthly).
Time: 20:00.
Bar Open: From 18:00.
Entrance: Free, Non-Ticketed.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/where-im-calling-from

MUSIC FESTIVAL, Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 May 2012

KID CARPET & THE NOISY ANIMALS
A rock 'n' roll musical for kids and their grown-ups...

Ready to set off on a rock 'n' roll adventure? Then join Kid Carpet and his Animal Band as they hit the road and prepare to party. Introducing: on drums, Gorilla 'n' the argumentative one; Badger 'n' the chatterbox; Bear, thinks she's from Manchester and needs a rest break; and Hedgehog 'n' the quiet one. Together with their charismatic front man, they make friends, cause mischief, contemplate the world and finally rock out at a grand dance contest. Positioned somewhere between Oliver Postgate and The Beastie Boys, this lively and entertaining show blends theatre and comedy with animation and original live music.

Kid Carpet has been pioneering his catchy, lo-fi electro-pop music for nearly ten years. He has toured with acts like Arcade Fire, Badly Drawn Boy and The Go Team and worked with cult film director Alex Cox. This is his first punk rock musical for kids!

Dates:Saturday 19 May 2012, 14:00 & 16:00, Sunday 20 May 2012, 11:00 & 14:00
Ages: 3-8 and Families. Big kids will love this too!
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/kid-carpet-the-noisy-animals/
Tickets: £6 children, £8 adults.
Available: TOM's Box Office online and on 01273 201 801.

COMEDY, Sunday 20 May 2012

TOM and PBJ present:
POST-ROAST COMEDY PREVIEWS
Two Sunday evening Edinburgh previews and a pint for a fiver.

On Sunday evenings, TOM's Bar and PBJ Management present Post Roast Previews: two full length Edinburgh Comedy previews and a pint for a fiver. In the run-up to Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2012, the country's finest comedy talents are busy creating their 'perfect hour'. On Sundays until August, as your late-afternoon dinner settles and Monday looms, join us at TOM's Bar for two brand new early-evening comedy previews.

Sunday 20 May: Sarah Kendall + TBC
Time: 18:00
Duration: 2hr30 (Two full-length shows plus interval.)
Tickets: £5.00 (Including one Pint per ticket.)

MUSIC FRINGE, Monday 21 May 2012

CARMEN
Impact Opera breathe new life into this glorious musical masterpiece.

Vibrant new production, performed by an ensemble of 14 singers and dancers and 14 musicians, who boldly breathe new life into this glorious musical masterpiece. Don José tells the story of Carmen to a group of his fellow prisoners on the eve of his execution and they respond by acting out with him the colourful scenes and characters he describes.

Times: 15:00 matinee and 19:30 evening.
Duration: 2hr20min.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/carmen
Tickets: £15.00.
Available: TOM's Box Office Online or on 01273 201 801.

MUSIC FRINGE, Tuesday 22 May 2012

Heavy Load and Stay Up Late Present:
HEAVY LOAD PRESENT WILD THINGS 2012
Showcasing learning disabled musicians from around the world.

Brighton's own punk film stars follow up last year's sell-out with the world premiere launch of the latest Wild Things CD, showcasing learning disabled musicians from around the world. We're also celebrating Southdown Housing's 40th birthday with special guests joining in for another night of anarchy and mayhem.

Time: 19:30
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/heavy-load/
Tickets: £5.00 (£3.00)
Available: TOM's Box Office Online or on 01273 201 801

THEATRE FRINGE, Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 May 2012

BLONDE POISON
Gail Louw's fascinating play examines the motivation of evil.

Cruel killer, betrayer of friends, promiscuous lover: victim and persecutor. Stella Goldschlag, 'Blonde Poison' to the admiring Gestapo, betrayed fellow Jews to save herself and her family. Decades later, the vast dimensions of Stella's morality are revealed in her last grasp for redemption. Gail Louw's fascinating play examines the motivation of evil.

Company: New Vic Productions
Time: 20:00
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/blonde-poison/
Social Media: www.blondepoison.com, www.facebook.com/Blondep
Tickets: £12.00 (£9.00)
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801

THEATRE FESTIVAL, Monday 07 to Tuesday 08 May 2012

CLOUD MAN
A touching and poetic theatre experience for young folk and their grown-ups.

Cloudia has always had her head in the clouds. She is a cloud expert and all of her life she has dreamt of seeing a Cloud Man; an extremely rare creature who lives a quiet life high up in the sky.

Follow the clues to the very top of Cloud Mountain where the views are always surprising. If you are lucky, you might see something very special indeed.

Featuring a blend of puppetry, storytelling and sumptuous visuals, Cloud Man is a touching and poetic theatre experience for young folk and their grown-ups. It is performed by Jen Edgar and directed by Alasdair Satchel, with original music from Niroshini Thambar and Nik Paget-Tomlinson. The set and puppets are created by Edinburgh Fringe favourite Ailie Cohen (Rumpelstiltskin at the Fairytale Laundry; Jazz Mouse).

A deceptively simple story that will melt even the flintiest of hearts. ****The List

Presented by: Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker
Dates and Times: Saturday 26 May 2012, 13:00 & 15:00; Sunday 27 May 2012, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00.
Suitable For: Ages 4-7 and Families.
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/cloud-man
Tickets: £6 Children, £8 Adults.
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.

EVENT FESTIVAL, Saturday 26 May 2012

FESTIVAL CEILIDH
An evening of traditional knee-slappin', toe-tappin', barn-dancing fun.

Take your partner by the hand and get ready to do-si-do with South London's The Flying Chaucers. What better send-off to this year's Brighton Festival than with our all-swinging, all-dancing Ceilidh!

Whether you're seven or seventy, the polka-lovin' Chaucers and their encouraging caller will get you jigging around the dancefloor in an evening of traditional knee-slappin', toe-tappin', barn-dancing fun for the whole family. Suitable for parents and children who love to dance.

Time: 19:00
Duration: 3hr
Online: http://www.theoldmarket.com/festival-ceilidh
Tickets: £8 Each, Or £28 Family (2 adults & 2 children).
Available: TOM's Box Office online or on 01273 201 801.

Performances, gigs, theatre, dance, events; TOM, The Old Market, is a dynamic cultural venue just outside Brighton city centre. TOM's main space is a 300-500 capacity room with the flexibility to showcase everything from rock bands to exciting new theatre or cabaret.

Recently re-fitted, TOM is also home to rehearsal spaces, production facilities and art and photography galleries. The cosy TOM's bar, open every Thursday and Friday night, also hosts its own entertainment from live music to comedy nights.

The Old Market (originally less 'old' of course) began life in 1828 housing meat, fish, vegetables, sellers and buyers. It supplied the residential development of Brunswick town, which was originally independent from Brighton and Hove village. As Brighton and Hove have grown up around it, the building has catered for changing needs, operating as a stables, warehouse and more recently as an arts venue.

In 2010 current owners Yes/No Productions bought and rennovated the building, fitting it out for gigs, theatre productions, events, performances and generally transformed The Old Market into TOM; a fantastically flexible cultural space.