Now I don’t mean to scare you, but I think robots may be trying to take over the world – or the UK at least - I-Robot style. Yes, it’s true. First it was the turn of the ICA in London to introduce robotic punk clubbers (see Neurotic Robots Love to Party), and now the world’s first robotic barman (I swear, it’s true) is making its shiny and new debut at one of my favourite places to spend money – Selfridges Oxford Street - tomorrow.

The robot, lovingly named Mr Asahi (as in the beer) is …

The thing we love most about the Brighton Fringe Festival is its lack of organisation. The fact that anyone can stand up and be counted in front of their fellow residents (and a large dose of tourists) as long as they can get a venue to agree is what freedom of artistic expression is all about. Although there are always going to be some performers who push the boundaries – why is it always the severely unattractive who insist on ripping off all their clothes and performing as nature intended? Thankfully though, most of the acts every year have more going for them than just nudity and it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Brighton’s creative core.

Let’s be honest though, living in Brighton is 10% about the sea view and 90% about the social life and the Brighton Fringe Festival gives us the excuse to fling ourselves headfirst …