Bangkok Rock

There aren’t many places in the UK that are as culturally diverse and accepting as the southern seaside city of Brighton. I mean there political views alone speak volumes for the tone of the town with The Greens calling the shots at the Brighton & Hove City Council. The streets scream contemporary culture in the narrow meandering lanes and also reflect a bygone era of decadence and royalty, embodied by the regency architecture of the sea front. These contrasting architectural styles are mirrored by the multicultural residents of Brighton, a cosmopolitan utopia within decent travel distance of London what more could you ask for? I sandy beach you say? Well...ok fair enough, it is leaning towards pebbly on the beach spectrum.

Nevertheless there’s a reason people (not just pebble fanatics) flock to Brighton year in year out and a reason it, and let’s not forget Hove are the UK’s favourite seaside resort. It’s easy to see the attraction; it’s brimming at the seams with events and festivals, sea air and the aforementioned pebbles, artistic venues, quaint cafes and famous faces such as Neil Buchanan (the guy from Art Attack that wasn't the flailing clay head), and Noel Gallagher. You may even catch sight of one of the Lady Boys of Bangkok throughout May, as the ladies take the party down south and grace Brighton with their red hot presence.

Now Brighton is home to many a festival, but May sees the return of two of the biggest and similarly timed, The Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe. Let’s kick off with the most topical, wacky and red hot (two name drops in one post, you’d think I have an ulterior motive) festival, Brighton Fringe which is the biggest annual arts festival in England. Much like its Scottish cousin Brighton Fringe is a celebration of all things art. With a menagerie of acts from comedy to cabaret it is one of the largest fringe festivals in the world, all taking place within the confines of bustling Brighton. People who frequent Fringe will also be glad to hear of the return of the award winning Spiegeltent, which not only has an awesomely Germanic name but also turned out to be one main attraction at last year’s festival.

The Lady Boys fit right into this contemporary festival, the audiences love us and we love them and it’s the reason why were back for our 11^th year. The Ladies and all the fabulous production staff are as we speak getting ready for our first performance tonight at 7, so let’s hope Brighton’s ready for our red hot (that’s 3) new show.

It’s a busy month is May for Brightonians and visitors alike, not only is Fringe around for the whole month but the previously mentioned Brighton Festival is also taking place in the first 3 weeks of May. The show is delivered by the same people who run the Brighton Dome, one of the city’s leading arts venues and focuses more on traditional artistic mediums. It also pioneers a rather cool idea called Artists' Open House, where artists and craftsman open their homes to festival goers to view and purchase their works, much more personal than a trip to IKEA but with a distinct lack of meatballs.

You may think this would be enough to entice anyone to visit Brighton in May, but the Brighton Centre is also playing host to some other acts you just may have heard of, Pet Shop Boys, Paolo Nutini and even Elvis brought to audiences in much the same way as 2pac at Coachella 2012. At least hologram Elvis wont have to worry about anyone stepping on his shoes. On a by note I never thought I would compare 2Pac and Elvis in the same sentence, but there you go. As you can see Brighton is certainly the place to be this may, so if you’re lucky enough to live there or happen to visiting make sure you come see the Ladies do what they do best at The Sabai Pavilion in Victoria Gardens, we promise not to disappoint.