Brighton Fringe AT BN1 Arts

"This year in April 2024 I took part in the BN1 Arts  Graduate Development Scheme.

As a young developing artist this scheme gave me the time, space and funding to put on my own piece of work, which I’m sure you’re all aware is a very rare thing. I cannot express how valuable having this after drama school was. It gave me a total confidence boost and reinforced my love for the creative arts. Which is exactly what you need after leaving training.


While I was part of this scheme I was given access to all the rehearsal space and time I needed. The studios are the perfect size and equipped with sound systems. Also the central location of the building makes it super easy for everyone get to.


I was also fortunate enough to receive mentorship from both Lorna Tucker and Ray Shell. Having access to two professionals with such a wealth of knowledge was beyond helpful as they both took the time to guide me through the creative process and gave me feedback on my play.

I cannot begin to express how great and opportunity this was and it was all thanks to Lorraine!! If you’re offered to be part of this scheme, take it. You will not regret it."

Daisy Feeney - Writer, Director, Actor. Graduate 2023 ICTheatre Acting For 21st Century

Our Artist Development Scheme is built on the same foundation as our Graduate Development Scheme, but with one key distinction: it empowers artists to take full ownership of their creative process without mentorship. By selecting exceptional talent from Brighton and the surrounding areas, we provide a platform to develop plays, musicals, films, or solo performances. Crucially, the scheme removes financial barriers such as rehearsal space costs, theatre hire, and marketing expenses, allowing artists to focus entirely on their craft and innovation.

This year’s artists brought extraordinary creativity and vision to their projects:

·  Aflo the Poet, a renowned Brighton-based spoken word artist, has made waves on the poetry and spoken word circuit, regularly sharing stages with other celebrated performers. Through the Artist Development Scheme, Aflo was invited to create her debut one-woman show for the Brighton Fringe. The result, I Wanna Change The World...Do You Wanna Come With Me?, was a deeply impactful performance that resonated with audiences. Her two sold-out shows at BN1 Arts Centre CIC showcased her raw talent, authenticity, and ability to connect through the power of spoken word.

·  Lee Payne, Simeon Weedall, and Lorraine Le-Blanc, three outstanding tap dancers, came together to develop a performance that celebrated the pioneers of tap while introducing the artform to new audiences. Their show was not only an entertaining and educational homage to tap’s rich cultural history but also a forward-thinking project designed with the future of UK tap dance in mind. By creating a platform for emerging tap artists, the trio sought to build a sustainable legacy for the artform. Their hard work culminated in two sell-out performances at BN1 Arts Centre CIC, with plans to evolve the production into a touring show that creates opportunities for UK tap dancers for years to come.

This year’s participants exemplified the transformative power of creativity, using the Artist Development Scheme to break new ground, inspire audiences, and lay the foundation for future artistic endeavors.

"I was invited to perform my one woman show ‘That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland’ at BN1 Arts for two nights as part of the Brighton Fringe festival 2024. 

Having not been involved in the Brighton Fringe Festival before, and being London based without an existing network in Brighton, the team at BN1 Arts (namely Lorraine Le Blanc Davis) supported me wholeheartedly with all my administrative and promotional requirements. This included a generous amount of emails with various technical questions about how to use the festivals website! They were also proactive in promoting the shows locally. This included listings on their website and socials. 

The venue itself is incredibly welcoming. Beautifully presented and well organised. I was given ample time in the space to do everything I needed to prepare for the performances. Everyone seemed genuinely engaged in things going as well as possible, which is not always the case when arriving at a new venue for a short run. Technical support was flawless, and the dressing room area was comfortable and private. I was regularly asked if I needed anything, I felt welcome and supported. 

I am pleased to say that we had full houses for both performances. I believe the warm hospitality of BN1 Arts was not lost on all those who came. Many of the audience members commented on how much they liked the venue, perhaps demonstrated by how happy everyone was to stay at the bar after the show!

Financial settlements were prompt and all arrangements were a made clear from the beginning. 

I hope I get to return to BN1 Arts, and I would highly recommend it to fellow performers and audiences alike. "