"Brighton Rock" is a thrilling crime novel set in 1930s Brighton, revolving around the life of a young gangster, who is involved in a series of violent acts and murders. The narrative also explores the themes of Catholicism, morality, and the nature of sin, as the protagonist struggles with his religious beliefs and the guilt of his actions. The story is further complicated by the involvement of a naive young woman who falls in love with the gangster, unaware of his dark side.

The novel revolves around the life of Ernest Ralph Gorse, a charming but amoral conman in 1930s England, who preys on the emotions and finances of vulnerable women. Set against the backdrop of the seedy underbelly of Brighton, the story follows Gorse as he embarks on a series of manipulative and deceitful relationships, using his wit and charisma to swindle his victims out of their money. The West Pier serves as a metaphor for the decay and moral decline that Gorse embodies, and the narrative delves into the psychological aspects of his character, exploring the themes of deception, betrayal, and the darker side of human nature.

Set in 1960s Brighton, the play is a hilarious farce that follows the bumbling and perpetually hungry Francis Henshall, who becomes separately employed by two men – Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Unbeknownst to Francis, Roscoe is actually Roscoe's sister Rachel in disguise, her twin brother having been killed by her boyfriend, who is none other than Stanley Stubbers. As Francis tries to keep each of his guvnors unaware of the other, he becomes entangled in a web of deception, love triangles, and mistaken identities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and slapstick humor as he struggles to satisfy his insatiable appetite and keep his dual employment a secret.