Porgy and Bess at BOAT - Brighton Fringe
Porgy and Bess at BOAT
A new jazz suite from Chris Coull, featuring award winning vocalist Imogen Ryall, playing the music of George Gershwin in an engaging and enthralling story that is both accessible and permeates the traditions of the post bop jazz movement.

Embark on a story through time as we take you to 1930’s Charleston and a love story between down on his luck ‘Porgy’ and the sassy ‘Bess’. Featuring songs instantly recognisable (Ain’t Necessarily So, I Love You Porgy and of course Summertime) unhackneyed classics (I’ve Got Plenty Of Nothing, There’s A Boat Leaving Soon For New York) and rarely heard gems (Buzzard Song, Prayer, Strawberry Woman).

In this project, Chris has brought together three of the finest rhythm section player London has to offer, one of the finest vocalists on the UK scene and his own skills to create a dynamic, swinging and above all thoughtfully hip jazz suite, that swings from hard bop grooves, sumptuous ballads, toe tapping Latin grooves and orchestrally inspired harmonies

Cast & Creative Team


Chris Coull - musical arranger, band leader, trumpet and flugelhorn

Imogen Ryall - vocals

John Turville - piano

Arnie Somogyi - bass

Matt Fishwick - drums

https://youtu.be/IifDhDFO9yk

Reviews


Chris Coull’s rendition is far from just a note-for-note recreation - Ian Hewitt

- The Daily Telegraph

★★★★★

Easilly the best slot on the billing - don't miss it. - Peter Vacher

- Jazzwise

★★★★★

A star studded cast playing music by the world's finest jazz composer, what's not to like?

- Jazz in Britain Today

★★★★★

Company: Chris Coull's 'Porgy and Bess'

(Website)

Genre: Music & Nightlife

Duration: 110 mins


This event has an interval.


Venues: Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT)


Venue Accessibility:

Assistance Dogs Welcome Assistance Dogs Welcome

Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Accessible

Accessible Toilet Accessible Toilet

Step-free Access Step-free Access

This is combined information – if this event is happening across multiple venues, please be aware this may not be applicable across all performances.

For any queries about venue accessibility, including step free access, please contact box office.

Age suitability: 12+ (Guideline)

Babes in Arms policy: Under 2's are allowed in for free on the lap of a guardian.

Content Warnings:

None

May 28, 2026

7:00 pm

Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

Standard: £19.50

Conc: £17 paid


×





Please Wait
Talking to the Box Office...

×
×





Please Wait
Talking to the Box Office...

×
Skip to content