In June 2025 Jane Waller, contacted me to put together a print to celebrate the arrival of spring and the new season of performances at the Brighton Open Air Theatre
A Hidden Gem Under the Open Sky: Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT)
Tucked away just five minutes from the buzz of Seven Dials, opposite the charming Booth Museum, lies one of Brighton’s most magical and welcoming performance spaces — the Brighton Open Air Theatre, affectionately known as BOAT.
This unique venue was born from a powerful act of love and vision. Adrian Bunting, a local playwright and theatre-maker, dreamed of creating a place where performance could thrive in the open air. When he passed away in 2013, he left his life savings to bring this vision to life. With the help of devoted friends and supporters, BOAT opened its gates in 2015 — a living tribute to Adrian’s generosity and belief in the power of community and the arts.
Nestled in a green hollow, BOAT invites audiences to experience theatre in its purest, most enchanting form — beneath the sky, with trees rustling and birdsong overhead. It has since become one of the city’s most cherished venues, hosting everything from bold adaptations of bestselling novels to heartwarming family puppetry, elegant ballet, live music, and vibrant musicals. Whether you’re a theatre lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or just curious to explore something different, BOAT has something for everyone.
One of the best things about BOAT is how easy it is to reach. You can stroll there from the heart of Brighton, soaking in the city’s streets before arriving at the peaceful setting of the theatre. The postcode is BN3 6EH for those needing directions — and yes, the venue is fully accessible, designed to be welcoming to all.
More than just a place to see a show, BOAT is a celebration of imagination, community, and the great outdoors. It reminds us that theatre doesn’t have to be confined to four walls — it can thrive in the open air, under the changing light of the day and the first stars of evening.
Come for the performance, stay for the atmosphere — and discover the joy of open-air theatre at its best.
