Mystery Musicals Bottomless Brunch.
Komedia Brighton.
Once a month!
When I heard there was a monthly musicals bottomless brunch at the Komedia in Brighton I knew I had to go! Readers of Theatre South East will know that I lurve musicals with a passion, I also love a bottomless brunch with friends. A perfect combination. I thought no more about it and booked myself in!
Hands up, I admit, I didn’t read the blurb, which outlines exactly what to expect. I imagined a pick and mix of songs from a variety of shows sung live or on screen. For the Mystery Musicals Bottomless Brunch one musical movie is selected each month and the songs from that movie are played on screen with subtitles for the purpose of a group singalong.
Was it what I expected? No.
Was it good? Suprisingly so.
Food and Drink
The brunch was served before the entertainment. There was a choice between a breakfast burger, a vegan sausage bun, a chorizo hash or a Belgium waffle. I ordered the Chorizo hash which was delicious and my companion enjoyed her breakfast burger ( which would have benefitted being in a bowl or plate rather than a basket.
The drinks were plentiful – and also rather delicious, the mimosas were free flowing and there was also the choice of other alcoholic (and non) drinks as well. Drinks were served free for the first 90 minutes, which is adequate time to lubricate your vocal chords and for the second half further drinks are available for purchase.
Ambiance
The room is themed by a company called Flamingo Styling, this month the event was decked in trellis’, flowers and greek urns, enabling many photo opportunities. On the 3 screens throughout brunch was an invitation to Sophie & Sky’s wedding so it didn’t take a genius to work out which ‘mystery’ musical movie we were about to immerse ourselves in.
Tables were set up cabaret style to suit your party. It was an intimate gathering with 20-30 people but once we were mimosa fueled we couldn’t wait to get going.
The entertainment.
Have you guessed yet? Our movie of the month was Mamma Mia! Soon we were singing along to all our favourites, Dancing Queen, Voulez Vous, Does your mother know? and more! We didn’t take much encouragement to get up and dance it was a great party atmosphere.
The host Lee Peart was the perfect compere, warm, funny with a sharp eye for detail. He mingled and toyed with the audience enjoying himself and singing along himself. He is perfect for the job.
All in all we had a fabulous afternoon. Fed, watered and happy, we sang, danced and had a few giggles.
It is easy to guess from the Komedia’s website what their next ‘mystery musical’ is going to be, I would be very intrigued to go again and experience a another one with a completely different vibe. Abba is a stalwart favourite for Karaoke and dancing and easy to entice people to join in, not only musical fans know their songs. In other months the musicals are more niche. In May there was Grease, next month is a much loved more traditional musical (movie 1965) and the one in September should delight Brighton audiences. It’s hard knowing which to choose. For £40 a ticket I may have to try them all 😊
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill