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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- 61