Exclusive Review: Lolly & The ‘Ol Man’ perform songs about Brighton at Fringe 2025

Brighton Fringe has always been a haven for the eclectic, the eccentric, and the unexpectedly heartwarming—and this year, Lolly & The ‘Ol Man brought all three to the stage in their uniquely homespun show, Songs About Brighton. Originally titled Dirty Weekend in Brighton Songs, the set has evolved into something more than just cheeky seaside […]

Brighton Fringe has always been a haven for the eclectic, the eccentric, and the unexpectedly heartwarming—and this year, Lolly & The ‘Ol Man brought all three to the stage in their uniquely homespun show, Songs About Brighton.

Originally titled Dirty Weekend in Brighton Songs, the set has evolved into something more than just cheeky seaside humour. It’s now a surprisingly poignant, often hilarious, musical tribute to Brighton’s rich character, delivered by a grandfather-granddaughter duo whose bond is as endearing as it is entertaining.

Real Brighton Soul, One Song at a Time, Wama (aka “The ‘Ol Man”) is a veteran of Brighton’s music scene, formerly of local rock band Dirty Weekend. His years of gigging, storytelling, and observing the city’s many shades bring a grounding presence to the performance. Paired with 14-year-old Lolly—fresh-faced, guitar in hand, and confidently stepping into the spotlight—the two deliver a set that’s playful, warm, and rooted in real local love.

From tales of pebbled romance to laugh-out-loud tributes to Brighton’s “kiss me quick” culture, the songs are full of local flavour. There’s a sense that if the city could sing, this is what it would sound like—cheeky, nostalgic, and not afraid to laugh at itself.

Performed across several intimate venues—including The Wick Inn’s Speakeasy, Laughing Horse @ The Walrus, and Hotel Pelirocco—each gig brought its own vibe. Standout songs showed the duo’s range, swinging between upbeat humour and thoughtful reflection.

At its best, the show feels like a fireside chat set to music—light-hearted but occasionally profound, especially when Wama shares a line or two about how the city’s changed (or hasn’t). It’s Brighton storytelling through and through.

While the show delivers its heart with sincerity and a healthy dose of fun, not every venue worked in its favour. The Hotel Pelirocco, despite its iconic status, lacked the acoustics and intimacy needed for this kind of stripped-down, conversational performance. At times, background noise and layout distracted from the delicate moments in their songs.

Still, the charm of the act shines through. Lolly & The ‘Ol Man offer a Fringe experience that’s heartfelt, unpretentious, and unmistakably Brighton.

Reviewers Score: ★★★½ (3.5/5) (Reviewers Note: Venue let them down)

Reviewer verdict: A lovely little gem of a show that’s only held back by its less-than-ideal venue choices. With the right setting, this duo could easily become a staple of the Brighton Fringe for years to come.