The Old Market Hove Review: The Gift – A Feast / A Game / A Ritual / A Show
Summary
Rating: ★★★★★
Running dates: 4th Dec - 21st Dec 2025
Where to see it: The Old Market
Review
“Take a deep breath. Leave the rest of your day at the door. Do you know what will happen tonight? It will soon all become clear. You may enter…”
From the moment you enter, The Gift at The Old Market will plunge you into an evening of carefully orchestrated chaos. You are swept away into an enchanted world where drinks flow, platters of food are shared, deepest wishes are spoken aloud, and some are even fulfilled to the sound of ringing bells.
If you are looking for something different, an utterly unique way to spend an evening, The Gift will leave you feeling inspired and may even restore a little faith in the power of collaboration and imagination.
Photography by Chloe Hashemi
The excellent actors will guide you through a journey that is chaotic, imaginative and hilariously funny. Somehow, you quickly form a bond with your new crew, as you move from hesitation to harmony, from strangers to collaborators coming together to create a surprising group performance.
Part dinner, part choose-your-own-adventure, part musical performance, it is difficult to summarise the experience. Each night is as unique as the people who make up the audience, their individual wishes and the choices they make together.
The delicious selection of food comes from local businesses, including Malo Brighton, Pie O My and Cloud 9 Bakery. Expect to share platters with friends and strangers alike while surrounded by superb midwinter visuals.
You can participate as much or as little as you like throughout the show, but if you enjoy surprises, interactive theatre, or simply want to step into a different world for an evening, The Gift is a fantastic fever dream from start to finish. It’s chaotic, heartfelt, and unlike anything else.
Photography by Chloe Hashemi
The Gift is 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. This is not an experience you want to miss out on.
Reviewed by Phoebe Eleanor