Brighton and Hove’s beloved grassroots venue, The Old Market, is set to unwrap a unique festive experience with its brand-new in-house production, The Gift.
Running from December 3 to 21, The Gift is part gig, part theatre, and part dining experience. It promises an immersive and anarchic celebration of the absurdity and wonder of being alive.
Hosted nightly by award-winning director and writer Mella Faye, Artistic Director of Pecho Mama, The Gift draws inspiration from Berlin’s Social Muscle Club and America’s Burning Man.
Each evening will feature live music and cabaret-style performances led by a crew of motley maverick artists. Expect clowning, mime, music, and unrehearsed magic in a show where no two nights are the same.
Audiences are invited to leave their inhibitions at the door and embrace bespoke game-playing, laughter, and joy. The experience includes a winter feast of sharing platters from local suppliers, served at cabaret-style tables.
Mella Faye said:
“It has been my dream to bring these bold, maverick artists together as they are all personal heroes of mine. They are going to lead us all on a choose-your-own-adventure of a night, where the whole room will co-conspire to create an evening of games, rituals and unexpected gift giving. Think of this as a radical alternative to the capitalist rodeo of Christmas, and the best kind of bonkers house party with 100 new best friends. Kudos to the brilliant people at The Old Market for taking on such a wild idea. It is going to be glorious!”
Tickets are priced at £47.50 and include the shareable feast. All performances are for ages 18+ and take place Wednesday to Sunday.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
