End of the Pier Show 

Brighton Palace Pier glowed in the sun for the press performance of The End of the Pier Show, staged inside the atmospheric Horatio’s Bar, unsurprisingly at the end of the pier! Conceived and produced by award-winning choreographer and seasoned theatre creative Jack Pallister and BBC TV/ Radio presenter and pantomime veteran Allison Ferns, this family musical is a vibrant blend of Brighton’s history and fresh theatrical invention.

Before the curtain rises, the space works it's magic: a red velvet stage, footlights, and cheeky vintage postcard boards set the tone, while rows of golden spoons at the merchandise stall hint at an interactive twist. Sure enough, mid-show the audience is taught the art of spoon-playing, which is a charming nod to 19th-century pier entertainment that has everyone laughing and tapping along. Ferns and Pallister’s witty, warm script follows two modern-day Palace Pier performers, played by the fantastic Neith Alexandra and expressive Alex Kail, who are thrown back to 1901 via a time machine ride. There, they meet Ted Brickley’s grumpy, yet undeniably charming young Ernie and Evie Newman’s quick-witted and energetic teenager. The performances are as distinct as they are harmonious and the detailed and clear contrasts between the characters make their eventual goodbyes genuinely touching. Their performances are matched by their impressive vocal performances perfectly moulding within the various vocal styles required for the diverse styles on display in this show.

The journey spins through Charlie Chaplin’s silent film era, the clash between the MOD’s and Rockers on the pier, ABBA’s Waterloo Eurovision triumph, and the Spice Girls performing on the pier, peppered with pantomime flourishes. The song choices leap from music hall standards to contemporary hits like Shake It Off and Pink Pony Club, which is a mix that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Despite being staged in a bar at the end of a pier, the show sweeps you away completely. At just £5 (with pier entry included), The End of the Pier Show is a witty, warm-hearted treat and I truly recommend a visit for the whole family this summer.