Sallis Benney Theatre

The Sallis Benney Theatre sits on the Brighton campus of the University of the Arts, and it's one of those venues that punches well above its weight. You get proper contemporary theatre here - the kind of experimental work and student productions that wouldn't fly in a West End house, which is precisely why it's worth your time.

The space itself is intimate without feeling cramped. There's something about watching theatre in a university setting that strips away the stuffiness. Whether it's a cutting-edge dance piece, a daring adaptation of a classic text, or a student showcase, the energy tends to be sharper than you'd expect. Staff are genuinely knowledgeable about what's on rather than just taking your ticket.

If you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Pegs and Pitches is barely a mile away - this is an easy evening out. Brighton's cultural calendar is packed, so checking what's running before you book your trip makes sense. The theatre programmes everything from September through to summer, and quality varies, naturally, but even the occasional dud is worth the gamble when admission is reasonable and you're staying so close by.

Walkers and culture-minded types will appreciate the location too. You're minutes from the city centre proper, and the surrounding area is well connected for exploring further afield. Just check their website before you go - hours shift depending on what's in rehearsal, and some productions are ticketed while others are free.