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🐦 Demolitions, February theatre picks, and Hove's new date spot

🐦 Demolitions, February theatre picks, and Hove's new date spot

As bin changes and road works loom, we’ve found a new audiophile sanctuary and seven new shows coming next month.

Ben Watkins
January 27, 2026

👋 Hello, Brighton & Hove

With Storm Chandra soaking the city, we’ve found the best indoor escapes to keep you dry. Between bin collection changes and the King Alfred’s demolition, there’s plenty of local drama to digest, plus, we’ve got a new audiophile sanctuary and a stacked February theatre guide.

Here's what's squawking this week

🗑️ Council plans for fortnightly bin collections move forward
🏊 King Alfred demolition greenlit after the listing bid fails
💿 New audiophile hub arrives in Hove for music-led dates
🎭 February’s stage line-up features gritty drama and sharp satire

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🗑️ Council considers fortnightly bin collections

Brighton and Hove City Council is drawing up plans to move kerbside rubbish collections from weekly to every two weeks. The proposal follows an expansion of recycling services and is intended to modernise the city's waste management as residents produce less general refuse.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚦 Major road changes proposed for Hove

A new council consultation outlines significant alterations to Kingsway and surrounding side roads, including new toucan crossings and cycle paths. Residents have until 6th February to comment on the plans, which also involve extending parking restriction hours in several controlled zones.
→ read more on The Argus

🍔 Sisters fight for Clarence Square burger van

Two sisters are appealing to the council to keep their late father’s street trading licence for the family business that has operated outside Churchill Square since 1982. Although council policy usually forbids licence transfers, the family argues that their long-standing local legacy and five-star hygiene rating justify an exception.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚌 Bus fare hikes spark concern for local passengers

Local bus users are facing a pricier commute from February as the council shifts its focus from subsidising fares to keeping services running. Although the £3 national cap is sticking around, campaigners are worried that hiking youth tickets and scrapping cheap short-hop fares will hit those on low incomes the hardest.
→ read more on BBC News

🚧 Demolition looms as King Alfred listing bid fails

The path is now clear to knock down the King Alfred after Historic England rejected a bid to give the 1930s leisure centre listed status. Officials reckon the building isn't of national interest, giving the council the green light to crack on with plans for a brand-new facility and new flats on the seafront site.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🍗 Award-winning jerk kitchen heads to Preston Road

Natty’s Jerk Kitchen, recently named Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year, is preparing to open its newest branch in the unit formerly occupied by Caccia and Tails. While an official opening date hasn't been set, the family-run business is already teasing its arrival with signage offering free meals to new social media followers.
→ read more on The Argus

🏆 Former Brighton student lands eight Oscar nods

Director Chloe Zhao, who attended Brighton College in the late nineties, is back in the Academy Awards spotlight with her latest film, Hamnet. The production has secured eight nominations including Best Picture and Best Director, continuing Zhao’s streak of international acclaim following her previous wins for Nomadland.
→ read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

⛈️ Storm Chandra brings flooding fears: The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning as Storm Chandra moves in, threatening to dump up to 50mm of rain on already saturated local ground. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🍌 Chips and bananas wash up on beaches: Clean-up crews are tackling a bizarre tide of cargo, including thousands of chips and onions, after shipping containers fell overboard near the Isle of Wight. → read more on BBC News

🏗️ North Laine celebrates 50 years: Residents are marking half a century since they successfully fought off plans to demolish Victorian streets for a concrete flyover with a new exhibition at Jubilee Library. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🍕 Police block 3 am pizza bid: Sussex Police have formally opposed a licensing extension for Express Pizza and Chicken on Portland Road, citing a lack of confidence following repeated breaches. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

📋 Social care waiting times slashed: A new council report reveals that waiting times for adult social care have dropped from seven months to just six weeks, though the CQC still maintains an overall "requires improvement" rating. → read more on The Argus

🎭 Curtain Up: February’s Top Picks

February is shaping up to be a stellar month for Brighton’s theatre fans. With the weather set to stay firmly in the indoor fun territory, there’s no better time to trade the sea breeze for some stage lights.

🧶 Meet Fred: 10th Anniversary Tour

⏰ Saturday 7th February, 8:00pm
📍 The Old Market

Fred is a two-foot-tall puppet with a lot on his plate. He’s just trying to navigate life and love, but when his support is pulled, things get messy. This isn't your average puppet show, it’s a sharp, satirical, and surprisingly moving look at independence and ‘the system.’
🎟️ Tickets £18

🕵️ Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift

⏰ Tuesday 3rd February – Saturday 7th February, 2:30pm & 7:30pm
📍 Theatre Royal

The quintessential TV detective makes the leap to the stage in this brand-new adaptation. DCI Barnaby is on the case in Badger's Drift, where a seemingly quiet village death uncovers a web of secrets. It’s got all the suspense you’d expect from the series, served up live.
🎟️ Tickets from £15

🌳 Jerusalem

⏰ Friday 13th February – Saturday 21st February, 7:30pm
📍 New Venture Theatre

Jez Butterworth’s masterpiece lands in Brighton, bringing the chaos of Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron to life. It’s St George’s Day, and while the local fair kicks off, Rooster is facing an eviction notice and a queue of people looking for a piece of him. Expect a wild, booze-soaked ride through the darker side of the English countryside.
🎟️ Tickets from £13

🪄 Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Magician

⏰ Thursday 19th February, 2:00pm
📍 Ropetackle Arts Centre

The world’s most famous detective takes on the world of Edwardian magic. When a magician vanishes into thin air mid-act, Holmes and Watson have to figure out the trick behind the disappearance. A great one for all ages (6+) that mixes sleuthing with actual stage magic.
🎟️ Tickets £12 - £45

🩰 Varna International Ballet - Cinderella

⏰ Thursday 29th January – Sunday 1st February, 7:30pm
📍 Theatre Royal

The Varna International Ballet brings a bit of fairy-tale sparkle to the Brighton stage. This is the classic story of the glass slipper and the stroke of midnight, all set to Prokofiev’s incredible score. If you’re looking for something magical to brighten up a winter evening, this is it.
🎟️ Tickets from £15

🐻 We're Going On a Bear Hunt

⏰ Friday 20th February – Sunday 22nd February, various times
📍 Brighton Dome (Corn Exchange)

Pack your bags for an expedition through long wavy grass and thick oozy mud. This charming production brings Michael Rosen’s classic book to the stage with lovely puppetry and catchy tunes. It’s an ideal first theatre trip for the little ones (and the 3pm shows even let you meet the puppets afterwards!).
🎟️ Tickets from £10

💍 The Constant Wife

⏰ Monday 23rd February – Saturday 28th February, 2:30pm & 7:30pm
📍 Theatre Royal

Kara Tointon takes the lead in this witty RSC reimagining of a 1920s classic. Constance isn't your typical betrayed wife; instead of a scene, she handles her husband's affair with a hilarious, subversive independence. With jazz music by Jamie Cullum, it’s a very classy social comedy.
🎟️ Tickets from £15

💿 ONAIR

This trendy new arrival in Hove is the ultimate low-pressure date destination for music lovers, serving as a coworking hub by day before transforming into a warm, dimly lit space with a live DJ at its heart. Located on Western Road, it ditches the typical rowdy bar atmosphere for a refined vibe that champions the enjoyment of their top-of-the-range sound system. It’s perfect for a relaxed date where the focus remains on the company and atmosphere, complemented by small plates featuring premium produce, from air-dried ham with toasted walnuts and honey to labneh topped with roast peppers and za'atar.

The spot is the creation of 1BTN, which, since its first broadcast in 2015, has flourished as a volunteer-led, not-for-profit radio station dedicated to specialist music. ONAIR was launched as a physical extension of this mission, providing a community-focused home where listeners and broadcasters can connect in a space built specifically for creativity and sound.

One feature you won’t find anywhere else here is the visible radio studio, where you can watch live broadcasts from a rotating roster of local and guest DJs while you sip and snack. The drinks list is just as sharp, with the venue having a focus on natural wines, craft beers, and cocktails made with locally sourced, award-winning Still Room Vermouth, providing a rare opportunity to support an independent music platform while relaxing in one of the most trendy spaces in the city.

📍 85 Western Rd, Hove
🕣 5-11pm (Wed-Fri), 12-11pm (Sat), 12-9:30pm (Sun)
📷 View Their Instagram or View 1BTNs Website

🏰 A Dyke Road Dynasty

It’s yet another mansion on Dyke Road Avenue, featuring ten massive bedrooms and some iconic classical columns that give it a serious sense of grandeur to set it apart from the neighbours. From the balcony to the enormous gardens, it’s a very Brighton blend of period features and modern living with enough room for a private gym, a home office, and then some.

📍 Dyke Road Avenue
💰 £2,900,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

27/1/26 - 30/1/26

Tuesday

🎤 Komedia New Comedy Award (Semi-Finals)
Tue 27 Jan 2026 @ 8:00 PM @ Komedia Catch the next big things in comedy as nine rising stars battle it out in the semi-final heats for a spot in the KNCA Final. More Info

💡 Shoreham Catalyst Club 2026
Tue 27 Jan @ 7:30 PM @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Be inspired and entertained as three guest speakers talk on secret subjects close to their hearts at this unique monthly event. More Info

🎭 The Unrehearsables - 'My Ridiculous Superpower'
Tue 27 Jan @ 7:30 PM @ The Shoreham Centre
Join this lovely group of adults for drama games and improv in a safe, light-hearted space with tea and biscuits provided. More Info

Wednesday

🕵️ Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote
Wed 28 Jan 2026 @ 8:00 PM @ Komedia
Experience a unique and hilarious night of games and audience participation as you help solve a classic Cabot Cove mystery. More Info

🤣 Rotunda Comedy
Wed 28 Jan @ 8:00 PM @ Rotunda Café Bar
Internet sensation Jack Skipper joins a stellar line-up for this monthly stand-up showcase in the heart of Preston Park. More Info

🦋 Madama Butterfly (Opera)
Wed 28 Jan 2026 @ 7:30 PM @ Theatre Royal
Ellen Kent’s farewell tour features a spectacular Japanese garden and antique wedding kimonos in this award-winning opera production. More Info

📽️ IN THE DARK MOVIE CLUB - SUNSHINE
Wed 28 Jan 2026 @ 7:30 PM @ Presuming Ed’s Coffee House
Join local filmmaker Simon Drake for a screening of Danny Boyle’s overlooked sci-fi adventure followed by an engaging discussion. More Info

🧠 The Psychology of Psychopaths
Wed 28 Jan @ 7:00 PM @ Brighthelm Centre
Forensic psychologist Dee Anand examines the traits and behaviours of psychopathy to reveal the science behind the condition. More Info

🍦 The Avengers Double Bill
Wed 28 Jan 2026 @ 8:00 PM @ Bom-Bane’s Watch two undisputed classics from series four of The Avengers at this surreal and kinky folk horror film club night. More Info

🤡 Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night
Wed 28 Jan @ 8:00 PM @ Caroline of Brunswick Visit Brighton's longest running new material comedy night to see pro and semi-pro acts testing their latest jokes. More Info

Thursday

🎤 Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress (Extra Show!)
Thu 25 Jun 2026 @ 7:30 PM @ Brighton Dome
The master of one-liners returns with a brand new show packed with expertly crafted gags and his signature off-the-cuff audience interaction. More Info

📜 Luke Wright: Later Life Letter
Thu 29 Jan 2026 @ 8:00 PM @ Komedia
Wright navigates his audience through a moving hour of poems and stand-up regarding his adoption journey. More Info

⭐ Angela Barnes & Friends
Thu 29 Jan 2026 @ 8:00 PM @ Ropetackle Arts Centre Mock
The Week star Angela Barnes performs a special extended headline set alongside support from Sunil Patel and Tom Toal. More Info

🎸 The Damned: In Conversation + Signing
Thu 29 Jan @ 6:15 PM @ Resident Music
Join the legends of punk for an intimate conversation and signing to celebrate their upcoming album release. More Info

🍻 The Branding Needs Work
Thu 29 Jan @ 7:30 PM @ Caxton Arms
Experienced and new comedians join forces for a diverse and supportive evening of experimental material in a friendly local pub. More Info

Friday

🎨 Meet, Mingle, and Make Art!
Fri 30 Jan @ 2:00 PM @ Caroline of Brunswick
Meet new arty friends and collaborate on creative collage projects at this pressure-free social meetup. More Info

🐯 My First Cinema: The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Fri 30 Jan 2026 @ 11:00 AM @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Sophie and her mum receive an unexpected visitor for tea in this beautiful hand-drawn animation based on the classic book. More Info

🗞️ The Treason Show
Fri 30 Jan 2026 @ 8:00 PM @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Mark Brailsford and the team bring topical songs and sketches to the stage in this savagely funny satirical showcase. More Info

🎻 Vivaldi Four Seasons & Hanz Zimmer by Candlelight
Fri 30 Jan @ 7 PM & 9 PM@ Royal Pavilion
Experience the cinematic magic of Hans Zimmer and the emotional power of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as the Piccadilly Sinfonietta performs both masterpieces under the glow of candlelight. More Info

Live Music

Kaia Kater | The Folklore Rooms | Wed, Jan 28 | Tickets

Congratulations to just over half of you who got last week’s trivia correct with Nomadland, the film from Chloe Zhao that won her both best picture and best director at the 2021 Oscars.

This week, with Storm Chandra bringing gusts (a sudden spike in wind speed) of over 60mph to parts of the UK, we’re asking about the storm that caused the highest gusts in the Brighton and Hove area:

A tree felled by the extreme winds in Queens Park