F The Temple Bar at the Laughing Horse at the Brighton Fringe - 2025

The Temple Bar

Venue

The Temple Bar

Fringe Venue 270 - Click here for map
121 Western Road, Brighton, BN1 2AD. Phone: 01273 721 501
Food  Wifi  Licensed
Open from 11:00 to 23:00
Children until 7pm, 18+ Only After this

Located on busy Western Road, on the way towards Hove, the new look Temple Bar houses a young and vibrant crowd who know their drink, love their food and demand good music. There’s a discerning yet warm atmosphere in this contemporary drinking den. There food, drink and plenty of outdoor seating that blends the outdoors with indoors in this stylish venue. Fringe shows are located here every day during the Fringe in the upstairs room, with an intimate feel featuring rows of seats located between the styled booth seating.


Shows sorted by Venue Room

Upstairs Temple

A Gerry Christmas Carroll

A Gerry Christmas Carroll

Theatre

A Gerry Christmas Carroll

Theatre

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 4, 11, 18, 25, JUN 1 at 13:00 (60 min) - Buy Tickets from £5

Scrooge is not just for Christmas. Gerry tells you his favourite Dickens story- in May.. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come are here, all in one mad clown. Gerry brings you his unique joyful and innocent comedy, but with an edge. He plays all the parts - Mr and Mrs Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Scrooge's nephew and his pregnant niece by marriage. Gerry can do it- come and see. Gerry first read the book when he was 10, so this show has been sixty two years coming, and it's worth it. He didn't finish it in time for Christmas last year, but he's here now with a brilliant 2025...


A Jumped Up Country Boy

A Jumped Up Country Boy

Comedy

A Jumped Up Country Boy

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 24 at 14:15 (60 min) - Tickets on sale soon
MAY 23 at 20:30 (60 min) - Tickets on sale soon

Shepherd, frogspawn farmer, international IT consultant. How TF did that happen? Matt Roseblade is getting old Should he get old like Morrissey has? Or are there better ways to blaze through his last couple of decades? Join Matt on a journey of discovery and hilarity as he discusses teaching Germans to swear, how male frogs are like spunky Tardises and why the greatest pleasures are obtained from friendship and jingly bells. ...


Alastair Clark: On The Record

Alastair Clark: On The Record

Comedy

Alastair Clark: On The Record

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 22-24 at 19:15 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £8

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

High fidelity stand-up comedy. After almost a decade of shifting vinyl in an independent record shop, Alastair brings you a brand new hour about the stark reality of “living the dream”. A show that waxes lyrical about crate digging, needle dropping and arguing with children about Fred Durst. 'Fresh, entertaining, original and funny' The QR. 'An engaging hour' Chortle. 'Genuine talent' The Skinny. 'Heartwarming' Broadway Baby....


Ashley Haden Presents Crosswords

Ashley Haden Presents Crosswords

Comedy

Ashley Haden Presents Crosswords

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 31, JUN 1 at 14:15 (60 min) - Free and Unticketed (Just show up)

Crosswords is exactly what is says. Top comedians and the audience do a crossword and maybe get around to talking about the news. Get angry, get the clues and get laughs. Pegasus Compilation show of the year 2024...


Bald 2-in-1

Bald 2-in-1

Comedy

Bald 2-in-1

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 17 at 14:15 (60 min) - Free and Unticketed (Just show up)

Do you want to baldly go where no audience has gone before? Then you'll enjoy 'Bald 2-in-1' a split bill standup show by up and coming hairless comedians Jim Hooker and Mark Maloney as they team up for the first time to bring you an hour of silly standup. You'll recede in your seats as our hair lines did years ago. Mark Maloney will bring his daily annoyances and Jim Hooker will navigate you through his Essex-Cockney hybrid life. Mark & Jim have been taking the London comedy circuit by storm, reaching the final stages of the infamous So you Think You're Funny?, Leicester Square Theatre New Co...


Barbara Fernandez: Singing, Sagging and Shagging

Barbara Fernandez: Singing, Sagging and Shagging

Cabaret

Barbara Fernandez: Singing, Sagging and Shagging

Cabaret

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 10 at 14:15 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £5

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

MAY 17 at 13:00 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £5

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

MAY 24, 31 at 15:30 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £5

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

A music-driven, one-woman cabaret show celebrating outrageous, true life stories of a multiple-divorcee/rock-singer-turned-cabaret-comedian who, at age 60, decided to pack her jaw-dropping tales of cult-loving husbands, jailbird exes, shaggable therapists and neurodiverse adventures into an hour show of powerfully funny parodies, with snippets of famous songs recrafted to poke fun at her rocky road to self-discovery. From sultry pop to classical trills and belting cabaret-style showstoppers, Barbara lustily celebrates female power in the midst of chaos using powerful vocals and, unfortunate...


Be Not Afraid! (Work in Progress)

Be Not Afraid! (Work in Progress)

Comedy

Be Not Afraid! (Work in Progress)

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 17-18 at 15:30 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £5

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

Camilla has a theory that who you played in your school Nativity indicates how you will be later in life. Camilla played Mary in her Nativity and things aren’t going so well... Maybe re-creating this moment will sort things out. Through characters, games and lots (and lots) of audience interaction, Camilla re-tells the story of the Nativity from a slightly different perspective. Expect familiar faces, and a few surprising ones- there definitely was a Lobster present at the birth of Christ? She asks the important questions, such as: how wise were the Wise Men? Was Joseph the original cuck...


Best of Brighton Fringe Comedy

Best of Brighton Fringe Comedy

Comedy

Best of Brighton Fringe Comedy

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 3-5, 10-11, 17-18, 24-26, 31, JUN 1 at 16:45 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £6

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

A revolving line-up of the best comedians from around Brighton and the Fringe in a show filled with hilarity. "A solid comedy show well worth the ticket price" ★★★★1/2 - Fringefeed "The best thigh-slapping, cackling laugh of a time I've ever had. Something for everyone" ★★★★ - Fringefeed "A comedy smorgasbord" ★★★★ (GreatScott.media). "A fine set of comics, who entertained everyone in the room" (Rip It Up). ...


Brighton Belles

Brighton Belles

Comedy

Brighton Belles

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 2-5, 9-11, 16-18, 23-26, 30-31, JUN 1 at 18:00 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £4

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

Following on from its success in 2023 and 2024, this delightful, funny show returns with a revolving line-up of the best established and up-and-coming female comedians from around Brighton and the Fringe. Profits from the show will be donated to Havens Community Hub for the Havens Food Cooperative project....


Cat Scully - Sticks & Rhinestones

Cat Scully - Sticks & Rhinestones

Comedy

Cat Scully - Sticks & Rhinestones

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 3 at 15:30 (45 min) - Free and Unticketed (Just show up)

After a difficult couple of years, Cat has dusted herself off, ready to laugh again. Originally hailing from Canada but now stuck in England, Cat flexes her stoicism to take on life's hurdles. Park yourselves and listen while she wrangles through some erroneous decisions. Cat's one and only review said that she 'is perfect for a damp and chilly British evening'. Join Cat at her WIP show, you never know, you might make a friend....


Kayleigh Jones: I Fed My Dad to a Pelican

Kayleigh Jones: I Fed My Dad to a Pelican

Comedy

Kayleigh Jones: I Fed My Dad to a Pelican

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 16-17 at 19:15 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £5

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

Christmas morning 2010, Kayleigh unwrapped the ultimate surprise: her dad wasn’t her dad, and her real dad was... probably someone else. Nominated for Best Debut Show, this comedy hour takes you on Kayleigh's offbeat, nine-year quest to track down her real father—only to feed him to a pelican shortly after. This storytelling hour is punctuated with hilarious songs that have quickly become the highlight of this show. Best Debut Show Nominee (Leicester Comedy Festival), Musical Comedy Award Finalist, BBC New Comedy Award Nominee. Best Show Winner of The Late Stage Comedy Producer Awa...


Kenny Sinclair: I think I'll Apply

Kenny Sinclair: I think I'll Apply

Comedy

Kenny Sinclair: I think I'll Apply

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 18 at 19:15 (60 min) - FREE

He has routines about the trials and tribulations of having two sons, adapting to life in the suburbs, fighting middle age and how he feels the world of technology is galloping on without him, as well as observations on current affairs that make his stories fresh and relatable to both young and old. Also, expect the odd rant or two....


Kevin Precious: The Reluctant Teacher

Kevin Precious: The Reluctant Teacher

Comedy

Kevin Precious: The Reluctant Teacher

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 30-31 at 19:15 (60 min) - Free and Unticketed (Just show up)

Kevin Precious used to be a teacher. He enjoyed the teaching part... it was all of the other stuff around the job that he felt was a drag. In the end, he left to seek his fortune via the means of stand-up comedy, and - in so doing - incorporated observations and anecdotes related to his teaching career into his act. Eventually, Kevin built up enough teacher-orientated ideas to create and tour a show specifically about teaching entilted 'Not Appropriate' across arts centres, theatres and festivals throughout the land. Such was the reception that in many instances, he was invited to return to t...


Maddening (WIP)

Maddening (WIP)

Comedy

Maddening (WIP)

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 2-5 at 19:15 (90 min) - Tickets on sale soon

NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian, and Sunday Times best-selling author Benji Waterhouse — is getting ready to go on his first book tour! Join Dr Benji as he unlocks the doors to the psych ward, mixing stand-up and book readings followed by a Q&A (your best chance to speak to an NHS psychiatrist, without the 12-month waiting list). Laugh and learn as he delves into life’s biggest questions, from the secret to happiness to the best way to escape from a psychiatric hospital. Plus, he’ll finally clear up the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a psychic. Pra...


Mumin' It

Mumin' It

Comedy

Mumin' It

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 15, 20-21 at 20:30 (60 min) - PWYC

Fran Longstaff and Emma Cohen. Two women, both mums but living very different lives. Fran is a mother of one in a happy same sex marriage whilst Emma is a divorced single mum of three. Both women discuss navigating motherhood whilst trying to have a life, other peoples opinions on their parenting style and getting it wrong whilst desperately trying to get it right....


Paul Merryck: Ambulance For One

Paul Merryck: Ambulance For One

Comedy

Paul Merryck: Ambulance For One

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 10-11 at 15:30 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £5

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

Essex comedian Merryck returns to funky old Brighton with his new show, Ambulance For One, focussing on living life to the limit as the clock ticks down to the great inevitable. Rest assured no maudlin self-indulgence here, just plenty of gags, lies and funny stories, as he invites eternal damnation out to the pub car park for a punch-up. Remember, everything in moderation, especially moderation, and the grim reaper can fuck right off somewhere else for a bit. Preferably Kent Here's some tired old nonsense about Paul: “The Essex bloke is something of a geezer …plenty of showbiz patter…. h...


Russell Hicks: Comic (WIP)

Russell Hicks: Comic (WIP)

Comedy

Russell Hicks: Comic (WIP)

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 6-8 at 20:30 (60 min) - PAID

After a decade in stand up comedy, Russell Hicks found himself performing on a cruise ship. How did he get here? Is this where he wants to be, and is it too late to turn this ship around? Join him, as he asks himself these questions out loud in front of an audience....


Take me seriously!

Take me seriously!

Comedy

Take me seriously!

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 31 at 20:30 (60 min) - Tickets on sale soon

Take Me Seriously! explores the chaos of being the comic relief while craving validation. Growing up gay in a straight world, Mo Gearing’s journey is filled with awkward moments and sharp, witty observations. From cringe-worthy teenage years to code-switching in adulthood, he dives into the struggle for identity and being taken seriously. Packed with sass and wild stories, it's a show you won’t forget. “His jokes are like having a good gossip session!” – Lindsey Santoro (LIVE AT THE APOLLO) “Mo knows how to grab your attention—by the unmentionables.” – The Reviews Hub "Mo is one to watch!...


Ted Milligan: UNITED

Ted Milligan: UNITED

Comedy

Ted Milligan: UNITED

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 26, JUN 1 at 19:15 (60 min) - Tickets on sale soon

Crubchester United has fallen on hard-times: relegated out of the football league and purchased by a 6 year old billionaire. In this live mockumentary character-comedy show, Ted Milligan (Sketch Off Winner 2024) follows their hilarious story! WINNER Leicester Square Sketch Off 2024 WINNER Late Stage Comedy @LCF Best Performance 2024 Telegraph’s Top Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe 2023 LMAOnaise 30 New Comedians to watch FINALIST Portsmouth Young Comedian of the Year “So funny… The sheer brio of his performance had the audience hooked” - Chortle “Hilarious, properly utterly hilarious” - E...


The Asian Comedy Showcase

The Asian Comedy Showcase

Comedy

The Asian Comedy Showcase

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 9-11, 16-18 at 20:45 (60 min) - Pay What You Want Tickets - from £8

Book a PWYW Ticket in advance for this show to guarantee entry, or turn up at the venue for free with the option of donating at the end of the show

From the East to Brighton, it's The Asian Comedy Showcase! Catch some of the best acts from all over Asia and from all over the world, along with one Token White act! Our performers have been seen on the BBC, Taskmaster, Netflix and various Asian TV Channels you won't recognize! ...


The John Smith Show

The John Smith Show

Comedy

The John Smith Show

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 14-15 at 18:00 (60 min) - Buy Tickets from £10

"Hidden in the hearing world" "A one hour of no apology comedy!" Award Winner Outstanding Achievements in Comedy & Dramatic Arts 2024 John's comedy transcends barriers, offering an inclusive and unforgettable experience that resonates with laughter and inspiration. Get ready to be entertained in a whole new way. John Smith is a comedic force you won't want to miss proving that comedy is a universal language! Featuring John Smith the 1st Deaf UK ground-breaking stand-up comedian shattering stereotypes and redefining comedy with every performance. As a deaf stand up comedian/actor...


The Mayor And His Daughter: A Genuine Appreciation of Comedy

The Mayor And His Daughter: A Genuine Appreciation of Comedy

Comedy

The Mayor And His Daughter: A Genuine Appreciation of Comedy

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 3-5 at 14:15 (60 min) - Tickets on sale soon

The Mayor and his Daughter are in crisis. The soul of their beloved village is in tatter, besieged by the demonic forces of modern Britain. But there’s a light in the darkness; when they discover a sacred tome - a boxset of Russell Howard’s Good News (Series 2) - they make it their mission to repair their fractured community with laughter, by putting on the best sketch comedy show they can imagine. A Genuine Appreciation of Comedy is a chaotic, meta, performance art mash-up of sketches, songs and occult rituals harvested from classic comedic tropes, reinvented in a unique style - think The ...


Tom Short - Nothing Special

Tom Short - Nothing Special

Comedy

Tom Short - Nothing Special

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 10-15 at 19:15 (60 min) - Tickets on sale soon

Tom Short's "Nothing Special" is a darkly comedic deconstruction of the stand-up comedy form itself. By dissecting the very essence of the genre, Tom explores the absurdity of performing stand-up in a world saturated with content. Through a series of self-aware and meta jokes, he questions the significance of a comedian's role in society and the nature of comedy itself. In "Nothing Special," Tom Short doesn't just perform stand-up; he dissects it. By examining the tropes and clichés of the genre, he reveals the underlying emptiness of the stand-up comedian's quest for validation and applaus...


What happens on Earth...

What happens on Earth...

Comedy

What happens on Earth...

Comedy

The Temple Bar / Upstairs Temple
MAY 29-30, JUN 1 at 20:30 (60 min) - PWYC

Welcome to Earth - voted in the top 37 travel destinations in the lower southern Milky Way! Now that your human suits are on and you're about to be delivered to the planet, join your host and fellow alien George Qimarelox as he guides you through the final onboarding program on how to pass as human. This short presentation will give you all the tips you need on how to walk, talk, and nod at people who are passing you in a narrow hallway, like you've been living on Earth for years. And of course no Earth holiday is complete without a quick explanation of primitive human emotions. A ...