Brighton and Hove’s much loved, independent and premiere grassroots venue The Old Market, is bringing a brand-new in-house production – The Gift to its Hove-based venue for an exciting, sensory festive run.
Running for three weeks from December 3rd to 21st, this immersive, anarchic and joyful part gig, part theatre, part dining experience is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the year with colleagues, friends and family. Come from work for drinks, dinner, performance and atmosphere all rolled into one glorious, joyous bundle.
Calling all brave pilgrims and curious seekers to a deep midwinter odyssey. We dare you to come exactly as you are, dive into the dark and co-conspire with a motley gang of maverick artists to create, engage, or sit back and enjoy an evening of magic.
Live music and playful performance will take over TOM. Every night will be utterly unique, steered by our collective genius as we choose our own adventure of feasting, creating, giving and receiving. Inspired by the intimate exploration of Columbia’s Theatre of The Senses, the artful anarchy of America’s Burning Man and the collective kindness of Berlin’s Social Muscle Club, this is a celebration of the absurdity and wonder of being alive.
Co-produced and hosted each night by award-winning director and writer Mella Faye – Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pecho Mama – and inspired by Berlin’s Social Muscle Club and America’s Burning Man, The Gift is a celebration of the absurdity and the wonder of being alive. It invites you to expect the unexpected and promises a night of unique and playful entertainment.
Live music and cabaret style performances will take over TOM each night – steered by a crew of motley maverick artists skilled in everything and anything from clowning to cabaret, mime to music. They will entertain, engage and invite participation in an evening of unrehearsed magic and creative joy where no two shows will be the same. This is a perfect way to celebrate Solstice, and the Christmas period in a unique way, and in a beautiful Georgian setting. Perfect for all kinds of Christmas events!
The Gift is about living and loving life and where inhibitions are unwrapped and left at the door for a night full of bespoke game-playing and joy. It is about leaving with a full belly and an even fuller heart. It is the gift of laughter, music, magic and mayhem.
As Mella Faye explains: “It has been my dream to bring these bold, maverick artists together as they are all personal heroes of mine. They are going to lead us all on a choose-your-own-adventure of a night, where the whole room will co-conspire to create an evening of games, rituals and unexpected gift giving. Think of this as a radical alternative to the capitalist rodeo of Christmas, and the best kind of bonkers house party with 100 new best friends. Kudos to the brilliant people at The Old Market for taking on such a wild idea. It is going to be glorious!”
Tickets for The Gift also include a winter feast of sharing platters provided by local suppliers – served to diners on cabaret-style tables during the evening’s merriment. Food supplied by Malo Empanadas, Pie O My and Cloud 9 Bakery. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options will be available.
This event takes place In The Box. Developed in 2023, In The Box is an exclusive programme at TOM that takes events and turns them 360 degrees. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking visuals, allowing you the chance to see your favourite artists in a brand-new way.
Details
The Gift runs at The Old Market (TOM) from December 3-21 2025.
Doors and bar open from 6.30pm. Show starts 7.30pm unless otherwise outlined.
Tickets
All shows are for 18+.
