Rialto
Theatre
The
Is open for business!
The theatre has become
a near neighbour of Mayo
Wynne Baxter by opening
just next door, at 11 Dyke
Road in Brighton.
The building itself is not without historical
interest, being Grade II listed; its curious
fusion of neo-Gothic with Flemish
gabling architecture signifies its status
as a notable Brighton landmark. The
building has previously been a series of
nightclubs and a fear maze, but the team
from The Rialto Theatre have lovingly
refurbished parts of the building, with a
planning application pending for further
changes, sensitive to the building’s
history and commensurate with its
location.
The newly formed theatre is now a
permanent home to theatre group Pretty
Villain Productions and Brighton’s longestablished and much loved satirical
review The Treason Show. However,
this is simply the starting point for
the productions planned here: - The
Rialto Theatre will house a variety of
events including, but not limited to,
jazz, comedy, cabaret, theatre, magic,
literature and music. As the venue
becomes established, it is anticipated
that acting classes, improvisation and
audition workshops and directing master
classes will be hosted here. The unifying
factor linking this cornucopia of activities
will be that of high quality, whether that
be Radio 4 writers showcasing plays,
award-winning theatre groups or simply,
in the case of Barb Jungr, a singer of
truly international acclaim.
The Brighton Fringe – being the 3rd
biggest arts fringe festival in the world
– is on our doorstep and is looming
large on the horizon, starting May 1st.
The Rialto, of course, is due to play a
significant role in the Fringe and will host
a huge number and variety of shows.
deco themed bar, Bacall’s, open until
late, where jazz and acoustic sets can
also frequently be heard.
And finally, what inspired the choice
of name for the theatre? This is in part
homage to the depiction of a bridge
above the stage, evoking, allegorically,
the Rialto Bridge in Venice, whose
heightened centre enabled tall masted
vessels to pass beneath and in part a
nod to the Broadway district of the same
name. But whatever its name, this stylish
city centre has already made its mark
and is set to be a significant feature on
Brighton’s entertainment landscape.
By Roger Kay
rialtotheatre.co.uk
Evenings at the theatre can be
enhanced by a visit to the stylish art-
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