Blazing Saddles Free Outdoor Performance Coming To Brighton

Sussex Blazing Saddles (SBS), a project exploring the pioneering heritage of women and cycling since the 19th century, will be bringing a unique outdoor performance to Brighton on Sunday September 22.

The performance is based on a little known moment in the 1890s when women, led by Brighton’s Tessie Reynolds, transformed their clothing to be able to ride bicycles.

The audience are invited to ride, skate or scoot along the route – starting at St Peter's Square at 2.30pm, going through the Level, along London Road to Preston Park then back to finish at 4.30pm.

Take part in the performance

Local women and girls are invited to get on their bikes and get involved over the weekend.

On the Saturday, there will be a workshop in the morning where the group will learn basic techniques and skills, plus the show's choreographic structures and sequences.

This will be followed by rehearsals along the route.

On Sunday, everyone will rehearse in the morning then perform between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, with a picnic break halfway. Participants can sign up here.

Other events happening as part of the wider Sussex Blazing Saddles project:

Saturday, September 14th – Sussex Blazing Saddles talk, Jubilee Library

SBS Creative Director Karen Poley will give a free talk at Jubilee Library about the project and the heritage of women cycling across Sussex, as part of the national Heritage Open Days Festival. Free but ticketed, Tickets here.

September 16-29 – Sussex Blazing Saddles pop up exhibition, Jubilee Library

Following two years of research in local archives around Sussex, SBS has created a touring exhibition to share the stories uncovered.

The display will be in Jubilee Library September 16th-29th (coinciding with International Car Free Day on the 22nd)