2020 was a very strange year for all of us, and BOAT was no exception. However, whilst we certainly weren’t able to provide the season we wanted to, despite all the restrictions, we still managed to deliver a truncated, socially-distanced programme of work. Sold out performances graced our stage from August to October, including A-list comedians, musicians, touring theatre companies and a healthy dash of local talent. 2020 also marked BOAT’s first ever in-house productions, with our Christmas shows ‘The Snow Queen’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel? A Postmodern Pantomime’, both of which sold out to critical acclaim. Whilst it was a year to forget for many reasons, we did our best to bring a little joy to people in amongst the darkness, and hopefully, we succeeded.
None of the work we were able to host last year would have been possible without the support of so many people. BOAT would like to extend our huge thanks to our brilliant team of volunteers, our sponsors Aspect8, Cardens and Visit Brighton, to Brighton and Hove City Council and Arts Council England, and to everyone who donated to our #keepBOATafloat campaign. The money raised allowed us to make the necessary changes to operate in a Covid-secure way, and to press ahead with the building of our new on-site toilets, which should be ready by the beginning of our 2022 season. One particularly generous donation has also allowed us to purchase a defibrillator – a vital piece of first aid equipment. Without this support, we were facing the prospect of being closed for the whole year, so once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who dug deep to help us out; we genuinely couldn’t have do it without you.
This year, we are returning with a bang, with 5 months of fantastic programming. We’ve got a bit of something for everyone; theatre, comedy, music, dance, opera and more! The fantastic sarahmanncompany return in May with The Lady In The Van, following last year’s smash-hit Abigail’s Party, and June sees a host of stand-up comedy dates, packed full of household names, with the June Comedy Festival. In July, we have extended runs of Shakespearean favourites A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, whilst August brings plenty of family-friendly productions, including local regulars Brighton Little Theatre’s production of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Our season closes out in September, with Opera Anywhere’s Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and runs of Julius Caesar and Richard II. Have a look through our brochure for the full programme, and head to our website to book tickets: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk
As per government guidelines, we will be continuing to operate with a reduced capacity and social-distancing in place until such a time when it is safe and responsible to start loosening restrictions. You can keep up to date with everything on our website, and by following us on social media. As always, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our audience, artists, volunteers and staff.
After such a devastating year everyone, our aim for 2021 is to bring as much entertainment and joy to our audiences as possible. We can’t wait to welcome you all back to BOAT, in a safe and responsible way, to laugh, cry, and everything in between. So grab a picnic, a bottle of bubbly, and your family and friends, and join us in putting 2020 in the rear view mirror, with a glorious summer of outdoor entertainment.
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