Mixing business with pleasure

The Chamber of Commerce is suits, ties and agendas. It’s stuffy boardrooms and superficial light; elevator pitches and slipping cards into wallets before moving on to the next juicy bite. The Chamber of Commerce is for serious business people, seriously engaging in serious business.

The pop-up breakfast with Brighton Fringe took place on the 7th of May at the Famous Spiegeltent - a whimsical ‘tent of mirrors’ that embodies the cheeky, anything-goes magic of the circus. The perfect venue to kick off Brighton’s festival season.

After an hour of networking with bacon butty juice dripping down our eager faces, we gathered in the main tent. The private show was introduced by Julian Caddy, managing director of Brighton Fringe, who made a plea for businesses to help support England’s largest arts festival.

Known to many of us as much more than ‘just a festival’, the Fringe is a Brighton institution that needs our help, especially since their main partner has pulled out of sponsorship for 2019. As Nick Juba from Brighton City College rightly said, “you can’t be in Brighton in May without getting excited.”The opportunities to help propel the Fringe, and the city, forward give reason to be excited far beyond the 3rd June. Get involved.

Next up was Thomas Ford who, from what I can gather, spends his time travelling around the world, getting half naked and singing ‘drop it like it’s hot’ while gyrating against non-compliant bystanders. Add in the fact those bystanders were suited and booted and ready for business and you have yourself another glorious ‘Brighton moment’.

Paul Zenon, comedic magician, was on next. He performed a number of brain-boggling tricks that had Chamber members guffawing in their seats. Even with all the mirrors on the walls of the tent, I have absolutely no idea how he did it.

So there you have it, a speedy roundup of what makes the Brighton Chamber so special. I can think of few other events that feed you, make you laugh, squirm, do a double take, feel incredulous and inspired and excited all in one, all while giving you the opportunity to grow your business. Bravo, girls. You’ve done it again.

Are you looking for your own taste of Fringe action but feeling overwhelmed by choice? Here’s a round-up of what we’re looking forward to seeing this May in Brighton:

Courtney Act: Under the Covers:  17^th – 20^th May, Brighton Spiegeltent

From the runway on Rupaul’s Drag Race to surviving the Big Brother House, Courtney Act dives under the covers at the Brighton Fringe Festival to deliver a mesmerising show of all her greatest hits and a few musical favourites to get everyone in the lustrous mood! Get ready for glamour, glitz and seductive evenings, which will leave you wanting more! Tickets here.

Serena Flynn: Prune – 1^st-3^rd June, The Warren: The Burrow

Serena Flynn makes her solo debut at the Brighton Fringe Festival with her alter-ego, Prune.

Taking her experiences of being cheated on by her boyfriend with webcam girls and turning it into a show which pokes fun at her heartbreak, Serena uses her grief as fuel for a fiery, witty and compelling storyline. This show conveys how you can turn bad experiences into an amusing piece about feminism and gender. Tickets here.

Dollywould: 22 May–25 May, The Old Market

Sh!t Theatre are back with an evening dedicated to Dolly Parton! Following their sold-out event at the Edinburgh Fringe, the comedy group are bringing country vibes to the seaside with their homage to the country legend.  After winning numerous awards, Dollywould is a fun rendition on cloning, immortality and death. Tickets here.

Grace: 2^nd- 3^rd June, The Warren: Theatre Box

Who doesn’t love a show on gender, identity and love? Alfie takes on the character of Zora, a charming woman ready to provoke the audience in a powerful and unique performance about gender fluidity and roles, this piece is not one to be missed! Tickets here.

Five Encounters on a Site Called Craigslist: 11^th-12^th May, Marlborough Theatre

This one-man show is enough to make everyone cringe in their seats. Sam wants to discuss his awkward run-ins with hookups he’s had, creating a space where he allows his vulnerabilities to come to light, but presenting them in a hilarious and remarkable manner.  Using audience interactions, Sam replays his experiences with love and allows a connection to form with the audience, inviting them into his mind of secrets and intimacy. Tickets here.

Thanks to Sophie Turton at the Joyful Web for writing this blog 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk