Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008

People’s Choice exhibition Arlene Phillips on Flashdance The Musical Vicki Michelle in ‘Allo ‘Allo

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Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Contents

4 Choosing Your 18 Catching Up With 30 Making the Most of a 40 Art Mimicking Life Favourites Old Friends Summer Evening Oscar nominated actress The first exhibition at the new Bob Kingdom catches up CQ indulged in a decadent Brenda Blethyn visits Towner gallery will be a with CQ and old friend picnic at EODS’ performance of Eastbourne. people’s choice. Dylan Thomas. The Rivals. 42 Eastbourne Presents… 8 What a Feeling 20 Recycling Transport 32 Amusingly Shocking Information on events CQ talks to Arlene Phillips David Kefford turned the tail of Prostitution and felony came in Eastbourne. about Flashdance The Musical. an aircraft into a recycling to the Under Ground Theatre medley during Airbourne. in June. 44 Improving the 10 Intimately Environment Appealing Sax 21 Opening Doors 34 Moving into a New Era Cavendish School pupils are Derek Nash talks to CQ about Eastbourne Artists is planning a The Heritage Centre sets an making an impression. Jools Holland and Sax Appeal. Christmas Open Houses event. olde-worlde atmosphere. 46 Committing to 12 Retraining the 22 Welcoming Back a 35 Window Shopping a Concept Subconscious British Tradition Towner Collection artworks Julian Sutherland Beatson sits John Humphries tells CQ how I’d Do Anything finalist Niamh are brightening up empty down for an hour every his work challenges perceptions. Perry will star in this year’s panto. shop fronts. morning to paint.

14 Opera Drawing 24 Valuing Film as Art 36 A Day in the Life… 47 Gotta Come New Blood Eastbourne Film Society has of a Stage Manager Dancing Back Bullfights and colour in opera adhered to its core values over CQ follows Mark Sayer around Gotta Sing Gotta Dance is for everyone. the years. the set of Blood Brothers. back by popular demand.

16 Relating to the 26 Expanding its Audience 38 Presenting For 48 Training for Gold Landscape The Under Ground Theatre is Your Enjoyment Devonshire Park is set to be an How Wolfgang Tillman’s broadening its range. A roundup of amateur dramatic integral part of the 2012 End of Land I fits in. productions in Eastbourne. Olympics. 28 Saying ‘Allo Again Vicki Michelle tells CQ 39 Further Unwrapping ‘Allo ‘Allo is like an old friend. Second phase development has brought a second art exhibition. Choosing Your Favourites

The first exhibition at the new Towner gallery will be a people’s choice, and you will be able to vote for your favourite artworks via a website.

To celebrate the opening of reactions, thoughts and feelings bequest of twenty-two (Above) the new Towner gallery, the about favourite works of art paintings by John Chisholm Lighthouse at Newhaven, c.1936 Eric Ravilious first exhibition of the through comments and Towner. The bequest included (1903 –1942) collection will feature works feedback,” said Sara Cooper, Victorian paintings of of art chosen by the public, collections curator for the landscapes, animals and Watercolour and pencil on paper. Acquired 1969. giving everyone an Towner. “The exhibition will be children by popular artists of opportunity to be part of the shown in the Permanent the time, including Henry © Estate of Eric Ravilious. selection process. Collection Gallery in the new Dawson and Thomas Sydney All rights reserved, DACS Ltd Those works from the Towner building. With its tall Cooper. Towner Collection that have ceilings, high performance The collection was later been photographed are timber flooring and bespoke increased through acquisitions available on a CD and on a ceiling panel lighting system, it of Sussex landscape paintings website, which will be available will be a beautiful space in ‘in order to provide the visitor soon. People will be able to which to see both the historic with a complete review of this register their votes and those paintings and contemporary beautiful county’. The scheme artworks receiving the most highlights of the Towner was subsequently extended to votes will be displayed in the collection.“ allow the inclusion of pictures exhibition. The Towner Collection executed by Sussex artists “We also want to gather any began in 1923 with an original regardless of subject matter,

4 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008

Choosing Your Favourites

and then broadened again for the broad landscape theme and, (Left) paintings by non-Sussex based with Eastbourne’s identity Somewhere Special, 1999 artists. It now features works by through its position on the Zoe Walker (b. 1968) artists, including William south coast beside Beachy Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Head, exploring issues of Installation and film. Alfred Wallis and Frances boundaries, borders and edges. Acquired 2002. Hodgkins, a collection of The scheme will provide a © Zoe Walker watercolours by Victorian valuable and unique amateur artist Louisa opportunity for collecting Catherine Paris, and a major works, adding to the already body of work by artist Eric outstanding Towner Ravilious. contemporary artworks. Art Collection. “Despite the widening of the Fund International is one of the “Furthermore, it will help us acquisitions policy, the Towner most important and ambitious in redefining the regional art has maintained a strong schemes launched by the gallery and museum for the representation of images of the charity, and Towner was one of 21st century by celebrating the Sussex landscape,” said Sara. only five partnerships to be characteristics of place and “The coastal aspect of awarded the money. exploring the true Eastbourne has meant a “Collecting through the internationalism of the particular emphasis on award will be in keeping with local regional.”

“An exciting future lies ahead for the collection following Towner’s recent award of £1 million”

seascapes and coastal scenes, (Left) including work by Victor Cattle and Sheep, 1850 Pasmore, John Tennant, David Thomas Sydney Cooper (1803–1902) Tindle, Alfred Munnings and Jeffrey Camp, and harbour Oil on canvas. Acquired 1923. scenes by Edward Wadsworth and Alan Davie.” © Towner Art Gallery The collection has also benefited from a close association with the Contemporary Art Society and its Special Collections Scheme. The lottery-funded project enabled the Towner to purchase significant contemporary art and, during the pilot phase in the mid 1990s, work by Anya Gallaccio, Tacita Dean, Callum Innes, Mariele Neudecker and John Virtue were acquired for the collection. Sara said: “An exciting future lies ahead for the collection following Towner’s recent award of £1 million from the UK’s leading independent arts charity The Art Fund to purchase international

6 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008

What a Feeling

Flashdance brings one image to mind – the chair dance, water splashing off what popular culture knows to be a determined young dancer. Arlene Phillips, the sharp-tongued judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, told CQ that's not even the best bit of the new musical.

Arlene Phillips’ perfectionist The premiere of the tour in (screenplay by Tom Hedley and tendencies are ideal for the Plymouth was a massive success. Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom world premiere of Arlene said: “I was nervous Hedley), Flashdance features a Flashdance The Musical. She throughout the whole evening memorable score, including the was in line to choreograph and, at the end, the audience hits Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Flashdance, the 1983 film, jumped to their feet and Love Rock & Roll and the and is revelling in controlling applauded and applauded and it Academy Award winning the dances for a show that all just took my breath away. Just Flashdance – What a Feeling. carries a hefty weight of as it finished they were all so At a time when, Arlene expectation from a cult quiet and suddenly there was this believes, producers are on the following. burst of cheers and clapping.” lookout for the next film to With a new audience being Set in Pittsburgh, USA, turn into a musical, Flashdance drawn to dance via television Flashdance tells the story of 18- surpasses expectations. competitions, Arlene must also year-old Alex, welder by day She said: “Not only does meet the hopes of newcomers and ‘flashdancer’ by night, Flashdance The Musical have attracted to an ever-popular whose dream is to study at the the famous songs that people tale of passionate prestigious Shipley Dance know from the film but also, to determination and iconic Academy. Based on the develop it as a musical, they imagery. Paramount Pictures film have added new musical

8 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 What a Feeling

Flashdance The Musical writing. That way, it’s not just contestants and even her old Congress Theatre the film on stage. friend, the famously harsh November 3 –8 “For me, it’s really worked. Simon Cowell, is reported to You come away humming the have labelled her the Queen new music when you would of Mean. think it would be the old ones Not that she is bothered you would get attached to again.” – she wants her profession Plot and character taken seriously and won’t development have taken their hold her tongue if people lead from the most loved and have done a bad job. Her intense moments of the film. tick list of “My highlight is one of the accomplishments new pieces,” said Arlene. “Alex since she made her is in the ballet school. In the name with risqué film, you only see a little bit dance troupe Hot when she walks down a Gossip is endless, but she corridor and you see people keeps coming back to stretching and dancing, but theatre for one very clear- here it has been developed. cut reason – it’s where she There is a lot of character and can give her best.

“From the moment I came up with the idea everybody I have talked to about it loves it”

(Left) plot development. It’s quite Arlene said: “Choreography called Brittania High, which The cast of Flashdance intriguing, that’s what I like for the theatre is really what I starts in mid October on ITV The Musical. about it.” love to do. When you are and is set in a High School for (Right) The adrenalin-inducing choreographing on television performing arts. Arlene Phillips factor for her is the opportunity everything is such a rush and, She said: “It sits between to keep fine-tuning – an certainly nowadays, to film High School Musical and Fame. opportunity she wouldn’t have something there is very little It’s the 16–18 category. From had with the film. time available so it always feels the moment I came up with the “When you are a like we have never done the job idea everybody I have talked to perfectionist like me, I am we would like to do.” about it loves it. looking at what I did in Away from television, most “It’s not for teenies. rehearsals and thinking about know her for her work in Nowaways, you have got what I now want to change. I musicals, including Grease, The everybody with three-year-old am itching to make changes, Sound Of Music, We Will Rock children saying their kids love absolutely itching,” she said. You (music by Queen), Andrew High School Musical. Well, this “Normally, you would have Lloyd Webber’s Starlight is not for three-year-olds. It’s for two weeks of previews and we Express, and the US touring young people and adults.” didn’t have that. I have the tour productions of Joseph and Jesus Creating a dance-focused list in front of me and I am Christ Superstar. She has drama for more than one age planning all the dates I can go choreographed everything group has been important to in and do some work on it. This from dances in Monty Python’s Arlene. Comparing it to the one is definitely going to keep Meaning Of Life to music Flashdance audience, she said me busy, I can feel it.” videos for AC/DC and Elton they are already seeing a The 65-year-old seems to John. Over one hundred mixture of generations – those always be busy though. Judging television commercials have who loved the film and those Strictly Come Dancing, Strictly benefited from her expertise. who love the current Dance Fever and Dance X is just Identifying a gap in proliferation of dance shows, a part of it. She has caused a stir television drama, Arlene has from competitions to young with sharp comments about created a new musical drama dramas.

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 9 Intimately Appealing Sax

Swapping sell-out concerts in foreign cities for an intimate yet packed gig at the Under Ground Theatre is strangely scary for award winning saxophonist Derek Nash.

Demand keeps Derek Nash their eyes. finding a nice theatre outside (Above) coming back to Eastbourne’s “In a smaller venue the the city where it all comes Derek Nash Under Ground Theatre again audience is not always so easy together. It’s too much to ask (Right) and again when he’s not to play for. people to come to London to Sax Appeal. performing with the Jools “Sax Appeal is very well see us all the time and you get Holland Rhythm and Blues established in the southeast and something different when you Orchestra or at the many last time we played at the are moving around from a other venues he plays with Under Ground Theatre the massive venue that holds his band Sax Appeal. response was marvellous. I love thousands to a small theatre.” The size and position of the playing that theatre but it is The Under Ground Theatre auditorium below Eastbourne’s strangely more scary.” is such a space. Situated library paints a subdued scene He gave an interview to CQ beneath the Central Library in but, according to the jazz while he paid a fleeting visit to Grove Road, it is the home of musician, it gives him a his home in Bexley, Kent, Eastbourne Arts Centre, a challenge every time. In his four having recently performed in charitable trust. It is run years’ globetrotting with jazz America and Belgium with entirely by enthusiastic and legend Jools he has got used to Jools Holland. Before Sax dedicated volunteers and is peering out over up to 100,000 Appeal arrives in Eastbourne seeking sponsors. faces. The Under Ground on September 12, the band will Musicians like Derek help to Theatre seats 145 people. play several ‘medium sized’ raise its profile and bring in the Derek said: “It’s a big change concerts in Devon. crowds. He has been labelled but almost slightly more scary. Derek said: “As a jazz ‘one of the most versatile You do a Jools Holland gig and musician it is always worth saxophonists in the UK today’ they are pretty well always sold travelling and, with Sax Appeal, by The Guardian newspaper. out, you are guaranteed to get a it’s my baby, my compositions. He has mastered all four good response from the Although we are mainly saxophones from soprano to moment you step on the stage London-based and I live in baritone and has won awards and you can’t see the whites of Kent, we get so much out of with Sax Appeal since the

10 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Intimately Appealing Sax

Sax Appeal band’s conception in 1980. Under Ground Theatre He has appeared live and on September 12 TV with many top performers, including Eric Clapton, Lulu, Tom Jones, Will Young and Sam Brown. The band performs all over the world, from Venezuela to Hartlepool and from Ronnie Scott's to Cardiff Bay. Derek said: “You do all this travelling and you go from large concerts to playing in a little basement jazz club. The difference is, at the small ones you can play ridiculously quietly and people will listen. You can’t do that at the big rock venues, you can’t get the intimacy and the subtlety.” Derek said: “My first contact play. That was four years ago.” His website is littered with with Jools was as a sound His return to the Under support from musicians and engineer, as I used to work for Ground Theatre is expected to critics. Jools Holland says the BBC. I got a personal be another packed event, billed Derek’s ‘brilliant solo’ makes recommendation to join the as funky, exciting jazz. him ‘move involuntarily’. Their Jools Holland band and my Derek said: “From a work together seems like a audition was playing with them musician’s point of view, that collaboration of mutual at a live concert at Hampton sort of audience and those appreciation, which started with Court in front of 4,000. No ifs, acoustics are something to something of a baptism of fire. no buts, just get up there and really look forward to.”

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Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 11 Retraining the Subconscious

John Humphries’ stretched Baby Jesus sculpture on displayed at the Royal Academy of Art this summer is an example of the way his work challenges people.

Sculptor John Humphries said. “There’s a reluctance to the eyes to reveal something else. (Above) works at odds with what you accept what’s in front of your “If you look at it for long John Humphries with his creations. expect to see, recreating the eyes. It’s always a struggle for me enough you become convinced faces of his subjects but because, when I am sculpting, I that’s how it should be. It (Right) stretched long or wide in a want to correct it as well. retrains your subconscious.” John's interpretation of Eddie Powell as way the eyes cannot “The need to walk around it Stepping out of his Pope Paul III understand. It leaves the and take it in from different workshop after days standing in onlooker unable to process the angles is a very common front of a distorted head, that sight and so naturally intrigued reaction because people look at subconscious ‘correction’ can – they cannot turn away. my sculptures and are create its own problems. Spending innumerable hours immediately confused, with “I have walked around on a super-real elongated or their eyes and brain trying to before thinking everyone widened sculpture means he is correct what they are looking seemed to have really pointy completely aware of the at. The brain is saying the eyes ears. They weren’t stretched conflict people face when they can’t be seeing what they are the way my sculpture was and see his work. seeing.” my eyes couldn’t get used to it.” “Artists are trying to solve a He likens it to the reaction of The Baby Jesus sculpture spatial problem. I’m trying to looking at a MagicEye picture – adds another, non-spatial create a spatial problem,” John the patterns are ‘corrected’ by dimension – the smiling

12 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Retraining the Subconscious

religious figure with tears in its eyes is intended to prompt an emotional reaction. It’s a prelude to a new work – a large sculpture of the crucifixion of Christ and the thieves. John, based in Normans Bay, studied sculpture at Cheltenham & Gloucester College and the Royal Academy Schools. Since leaving the Royal Academy in 1980, he has worked in film and television to bring the fine arts and special effects together. The best-known example of his work is the title character Max Headroom. “They wanted a computer Figurative work remains his hoax by some. generated TV presenter in 1985 focus. It’s generating more “A friend of mine bought when the effects weren’t really interest in recent years he says, some film in the US which was up to speed. So we had to make with artists like Damien Hurst meant to be of aliens being a caricature that was not quite becoming ever more famous dissected, but it was a damaged right, distorted, and it neither and drawing people to the film. He asked me to sculpt looked two dimensional or scene. And with more people something that looked like the three dimensional.” interested, portrait thing on the film to see if we John’s television and film commissions continue to could replicate it or make sense credits include Rob Roy, The present John with his of it. My interpretation made it French Lieutenant’s Woman, dimensional challenge. as real as possible while keeping

“If you look at it for long enough you become convinced that’s how it should be”

Dr Who, The He said: “When I’m the feel of what you could see Young Ones and commissioned to do a portrait on the film. It was very Something For the biggest thing is making it successful as an interpretive The Weekend. look like them, making it look process.” His work for the like them but distorting it and His move to the coast and recent film not distorting it so much it away from the throng of the Charlie And The loses the person’s character. more intense art scene in cities Chocolate “If I am making something, it is nothing new, he says. Factory, has to be interesting. The things “One of the fantastic things designing the I make are difficult to make and down here is the light. It’s a trees difficult to realise. I never want very, very bright part of overhanging the to make anything I can pull out England.” Even Constable, he river of of a hat quite easily.” said, had retreated to the south chocolate, was His work has been coast while preparing his own inspired by the misinterpreted in the past – a work for the Royal Academy. seaweed likelihood any artist will face – John’s next exhibition is at the growing in but John’s sculpture of an alien, Pangolin gallery in pebbles at his produced after watching film Kings Cross. For more beachside footage bought by a friend was information go to home. reported as the material for a www.john-humphreys.com

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 13 Opera Drawing New Blood

Dramatically visual operas are being launched at the Congress in September, courtesy of an inspirational producer. Ellen Kent will make bullfights and colour as much a part of Tosca and Carmen as the awesome vocals of a handpicked international cast.

Ellen Kent has chosen before. They loved the idea and The intervening years have (Above and right) Eastbourne to premiere her I walked away thinking, ‘what seen the demand for opera The cast of Tosca. new company, Ellen Kent have I just said?” grow and Ellen’s business has Amphitheatre Productions, She left behind the seven expanded with it. Based at the and its productions of Puccini’s French actors and 50 goldfish Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Tosca and Bizet’s Carmen. she was working with and ‘made Kent, Ellen now tours Eastern Her first opera in 1993 a few calls around Europe’. This European opera and ballet played to 7,000 people and was her move into an almost throughout the UK, Eire and earned a ten-minute standing surreal world of Eastern Middle East to rave reviews and ovation. European opera. By duly increasing audiences, with the “Never have I got back to that delivering 200 Romanians from specific aim of breaking down excitement and sense of euphoria the Romanian National Opera the barriers of the elitist opera until now,” she told CQ as she with their splendid, emotive and ballet stereotype and prepared for a flight to Moldova production of Nabucco, she had instead creating ‘opera and to see the gladiatorial-style sets to her first opera. ballet for everyone’. be used in the productions. Ellen said: “It was a very History repeats, apparently, as Ellen took an unusual emotional experience for me. I she was asked to create an sidestep from children’s theatre was a pioneer in bringing foreign outdoor opera at Leeds Castle to opera in the 1990s. She was opera here and I pulled out all this August. Her work there asked to put on a foreign piece the stops to make it work.” inspired Ellen to redesign her for the international summer This included borrowing the operas, performed by festival at Rochester Castle by president of Romania’s plane to handpicked international soloists the local council. fly in the set and costumes and alongside the full Chisinau “This was when the Three being met in England by a National Philharmonic Orchestra Tenors were getting very massive press presence, and Chorus, in an amphitheatre popular,” she said. “Off the top interested in the cultural setting. This sparked the creation of my head I said, ‘what about offering being delivered from of a new company, Amphitheatre opera?’, never having done it post-Ceausescu Romania. Productions, which takes its basis

14 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Opera Drawing New Blood

Tosca from early Greek theatre where Congress Theatre the roots of opera began by September 5 providing a lot more than just a performance. Carmen “The way I have been trying Congress Theatre to present opera is certainly very September 6 –7 visual. I want to attract a younger audience and introduce them to the intensity of it by putting them on like large musicals. For me, it’s an injection of new life and new blood. Tosca’s colosseum set is awards from the presidents of “It’s all about entertaining the something else that sends this Moldova and the Ukraine for her public. Don’t let them have to Eastbourne launch into a new contribution to the arts. The day- think too hard and make sure operatic realm. Watching it all to-day workings of her company they are enthralled. That’s what I come together Ellen is have evolved in a way that want when I go to see something philosophical as she watched it proclaims tangible success, from and that’s why I go to ridiculous rain on her Leeds launch just as packing sets into the back of a levels to do the same for others.” it did at Rochester, where not borrowed mini to travelling in a Carmen opens as if the one of the open air audience convoy of lorries and coaches or audience has walked into a got up to leave. charter flights transporting bullfight, with a band marching “It’s a prophetically good performers and backdrops. into the arena and a raw energy omen,” she said. “Some people Every time she draws crowds to being drummed up – an get good ideas in the bath. I rainy open-air venues or packs unusual addition to opera, as is obviously get them in the rain.” out the Royal Albert Hall, it the inclusion of internationally Ellen’s groundbreaking work seems even more remarkable famous flamenco dancer bringing in the best performers that she entered the world of Sam Quy. from abroad has earned her opera almost on a whim.

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Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 15 Relating to the Landscape

Sara Cooper, curator of the Towner Collection, explains how a photograph by Wolfgang Tillmans of a girl lying on Beachy Head fits into the collection.

This photograph from the Although taken locally at late 1980s where he worked as a Towner Collection by Beachy Head, it represents the photographer for magazines, German-born artist global sense of wonder and including i-D and The Face. Wolfgang Tillmans shows a trepidation of being at the In 1990–92 he studied at girl lying precariously on the limits of the land, depicting a Bournemouth & Poole College edge of the cliff looking telescoping of distance and of Art & Design where he down to the sea far below. evoking feelings of vertigo. developed his recognisable raw, The image, titled End of Land Tillmans is one of the most snapshot style. Following in the I, reminds us of our fragile prominent photographers footsteps of photographers, relationship to the working during the last twenty such as Nan Goldin, Tillmans landscape. years. He came to London in the began documenting the lives of

16 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Relating to the Landscape

(Left) his friends, their closeness portrait paintings. It grew Sara Cooper, collections Wolfgang Tillmans resulting in more relaxed and through acquisitions of Sussex curator at the Towner, said: End of Land I, 2002 uninhibited images. landscape paintings by regional “Through the success of the Photograph His powerful and artists ‘in order to provide the Towner’s £1 million award from Acquired 2004, Purchased by occasionally shocking images visitor with a complete review The Art Fund for the purchase of the Contemporary Art brought him to the attention of of this beautiful county’, an international contemporary art, Society Special Collection on galleries, yet he challenged approach that was later we are looking forward to behalf of the Towner Art mainstream photographic extended to allow the inclusion adding work to the collection Gallery, with funds from the Arts Council Lottery display practice by simply of non-Sussex artists. that continues the landscape taping or pinning his images to The collection now features theme but evolves towards an gallery walls. Tillmans won the works by important artists, exploration of boundaries Tate’s Turner Prize in 2001 and including Christopher Wood, between land and sea, urban and his work features in museum Alfred Wallis and William natural environments, natural or collections, including the Nicholson, and a major body of constructed frontiers and real Guggenheim in New York and work by Eric Ravilious. Despite and artificial landscapes. These the Victoria & Albert Museum the widening of the themes reflect current global in London. acquisitions policy, the Towner interests in spatial, geographical End of Land I is a key work, has maintained a strong and political borders being representing the Towner’s representation of landscape investigated through commitment to collecting images. The coastal aspect of contemporary art practice.” contemporary art whilst Eastbourne has resulted in a Limited edition reproductions referring to a more traditional particular emphasis on harbour of the rarely seen Eric genre of topographical image and seascapes by artists Ravilious watercolour, that underpins the collection. including Edward Wadsworth, Lombardy Poplars, are being The collection originated in Alan Davie, Victor Pasmore, offered for sale to raise funds 1922 with a bequest from John John Tennant, Alfred Munnings for the new gallery. Prints can Chisholm Towner of 22 and, more recently, by Tacita be ordered on 01323 413555 or Victorian landscape and Dean and Mariele Neudecker. www.emmamason.co.uk

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 17 Catching Up With Old Friends

Bob Kingdom’s portrayal of Dylan Thomas has been praised since his first performance as the revered poet in 1987. The 20th anniversary revival and subsequent tour were just a chance to catch up with an old friend, he tells CQ.

There is no film footage of talented characters, Kingdom to listen to him, he was a boozer, (Above) Dylan Thomas, but his potent seized the role not just because and that was people’s attitude to Bob Kingdom as Dylan Thomas. poetry, his quirks and his of an uncanny physical him. Points of identification are place as one of society’s bad likeness, but also because there important, though.” pennies left enough of an was already something Making an art of emulating impression for critics to state between them. British icons, Kingdom has Bob Kingdom’s reincarnation “I first heard his voice on the recently been staging a new of the man is ‘captivating’ radio before my own voice had show on Stan Laurel. and ‘spellbinding’. broken,” Kingdom said. “When I “It’s people I love and the Both from small Anglicised discovered he was Welsh, things main thing, the attraction for me, Welsh towns, both multi- came closer. My mother said not is that it’s people I know I can do.

18 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Catching Up With Old Friends

Dylan Thomas: It’s people who have had an deeper is when it goes quiet shape the sad close of the play. Return Journey impact on me,” says Kingdom. afterwards and you hear a sigh. Kingdom says: “I have him Devonshire Park Theatre Alcoholic Dylan drank That’s when you know talking about his future and September 11 –13 himself to death, aged 39, on the something has meant what he’s going to do. He is USA tour Kingdom recreates in something to someone. I know telling his wife that life is going Dylan Thomas: Return Journey. I’m doing the best I can when I to plan, then life isn’t available The show is dedicated to don’t feel like I’m being me.” to him anymore, which at 39 illustrating his love of words in a With that comes an seems ludicrous.” way that was known to understanding of the effect the Thomas’ legacy includes intoxicate his audience. The audience and the lecture tour Under Milk Wood, Adventures result has been described as was having on the poet. In The Skin Trade and A Child's ‘unsettling’ in accuracy. Kingdom says: “He was Christmas In Wales, as well as The secret is about holding his life together, giving numerous poems and short understanding what his work these recitals to send money stories. did to people, Kingdom says. home to Wales. He had a Dylan Thomas: Return “It’s really about the shared love/hate relationship with the Journey is an interpretation of experience. When you are audience, in a sense. He might the legendary lectures at the end reading or looking at a have had a few but he rarely of his life. This one-man painting, certain things grab performed drunk – he had too production began its life in the you. You know you have found much respect for words to just theatre and has played to packed a friend then, someone go and vomit all over the stage.” audiences around the world and speaking for you.” In 21 years, the play that was practically every city, town and He knows when he has got it first directed by Anthony village in Wales. It was made into right. Hopkins has barely changed. a film in 1990 and features poems “Very often I can be doing a Dylan’s most famous and highly Do Not Go Gently Into That poem and people applaud. It’s regarded work, Do Not Go Good Night, A Poem In October, very odd, clapping a poem. Gently Into That Goodnight, And Death Shall Have No What’s more significant and remains the pinnacle and helps Dominion and Return Journey.

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Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 19 Recycling Transport

Airbourne is one of those events that gets people thinking what it would be like to fly. This year, parked on the Wish Tower Slopes, was a creation that latched on to the idea of imagined flight.

During this year’s Airbourne home in the cultural quarter. cut, wrapped, taped and bound event in Eastbourne, Artist Kefford is used to creating supplies of cardboard, tins, David Kefford borrowed the alien-like sculptures using every plastics and bottles to create a tail of an aircraft and invited day materials, such as semi-abstract, surreal Eastbourne residents to bring lampshades, bikes or ironing sculpture. discarded household objects boards. He said Airbourne The tail was supplied by the to him and his team so they visitors were open to the idea Imperial War Museum in could unite them in an his creation might evolve into a Duxford, near Cambridge, aircraft and recycling medley flying object. making it look like a plane, but – something of an artcraft. “A lot of people were asking a mast with a hoop attached The four-day sculpture us if it’s going to fly and we could have swayed onlookers project at Eastbourne’s were jokingly telling them it into thinking of it as a boat – internationally famous air show would. It’s down to people’s especially in its seaside location. in August was part of Towner imaginations to will it to fly, or Long spindly arms and legs Offsite, a series of artist want it to fly. I hope that’s what were reminiscent of a sci-fi installations in Eastbourne art can provoke in people.” insect robot. Kefford’s reply to town centre. Its aim is to Working on the Wish Tower those who asked what type of celebrate the lead up to the slope with recycled materials transport it was: “Whatever opening of the Towner’s new from on and offsite, the artist you want it to be.”

20 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Opening Doors

Following its first successful Open Houses in March this year, Eastbourne Artists is planning a Christmas Open Houses event on December 6 –7. Artists will open their houses and studios to the public to offer a variety of handmade Christmas gifts.

(Above) As well as paintings, prints way to spend an hour or so Pat Burns' work. and jewellery, artists will be strolling between artists’ (Below, L –R) presenting stained glass, houses, looking at work and John Warren, ceramics, textiles and special having the occasional mince pie Pat Burns and Christmas pieces. with mulled wine!” Elda Abramson. Julian Sutherland-Beatson, A colour brochure listing the organiser of the Open Houses participating artists and event, said: “We already have including maps to the venues quite a few artists signed up and will be available in November. I’m getting enquiries almost Artists who would like to be every day. I think it will be quite included in the Christmas a busy weekend. Open Houses event can “This will be exciting for all contact Julian Sutherland- concerned. Visitors and local exciting environment of the Beatson on 01323 643727 or shoppers are able to view and artist’s house or studio and buy [email protected] for a buy original pieces in the items often not for sale booking form. anywhere else. Artists are able to sell directly from the comfort of their own homes without having to go through hoops trying to get their work into shops and galleries. “I’ve spoken with a number of artists who are taking this opportunity to create special seasonal pieces. Many artists will be opening on the Friday evening and it will be a great

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 21 Welcoming Back a British Tradition

Pantomime is a British tradition, and audiences always welcome it back to the Devonshire Park Theatre with enthusiasm. The festive atmosphere brings back audiences and cast members year after year to laugh at the puns and hiss at the villain. Oh, yes, it does…

Eastbourne Theatres’ Blind Design. “It is an honour pantomime, Snow White And for Blind Design to be The Seven Dwarfs, showing associated with this great at the Devonshire Park British Christmas and New Year Theatre on December tradition. Blind Design decided 12 –January 11 and starring that, with their own traditions I’d Do Anything’s Niamh of quality and customer service Perry as Snow White, will be matching those of the sponsored by Blind Design of Devonshire Park Theatre’s, it Brampton Road in would be the ideal sponsorship Eastbourne. tie-up.” “Blind Design are absolutely This will be Niamh Perry’s delighted to sponsor this year’s first major role since she pantomime production of appeared in the BBC’s I’d Do Snow White And The Seven Anything and her first Dwarfs at Eastbourne’s appearance in pantomime. The Devonshire Park Theatre,” said 18-year-old from Bangor, Graham Malcolmson, County Down, sang live to commercial sales manager at millions of viewers every week

22 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Welcoming Back a British Tradition

Snow White And during the show and left the The Seven Dwarfs competition in week eight as a Devonshire Park Theatre finalist. Andrew Lloyd Webber December 12 –January 11 said of her future: “I wouldn’t be surprised if (she) were up for a major leading role when (she’s) (Left) Graham Malcolmson (left) twenty,” and she is starting that and Gavin Davis. journey in Eastbourne. Joining Niamh in Snow White (Below left) Niamh Perry And The Seven Dwarfs will be as Snow White. Martyn Knight, back by popular demand as Eastbourne’s (Right L –R) Carl Patrick and favourite pantomime dame and, Martyn Knight. for a third consecutive year, Carl Patrick. Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs promises to be another feast of traditional pantomime fun with plenty of hissing and laughter.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if (she) were up for a major leading role when (she’s) twenty”

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Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 23 Valuing Film as Art

The Eastbourne Film Society celebrates its 60th anniversary in February. With members receiving a significant discount on films shown at the Curzon Cinema in the society’s programme, membership is fiercely contested.

Tony Dodgson, an avid film at all the screenings. But if we had to be scientific, cultural or (Above) enthusiast, created the didn’t have members, we artistic in character and the The Curzon Cinema in Langney Road, Eastbourne Film Society in wouldn’t be able to show them society has been consistent in its Eastbourne, hosts the 1949. He first came to as we pay for them in advance. choices,” said Barbara. “We try Eastbourne Film Eastbourne to stay at Chaseley That’s where the fees go. to select films from a range of Society's season of films. after being injured at Dunkirk “We’re very lucky to have countries and with different during the Second World War, Roy Galloway at the Curzon tones. Members nominate films and his passion for cinema led Cinema as a member. His for the following season and the to the creation of the society cinema is independent, so he’s committee decides from the list and its first screening – Duck in a position to persuade film and checks their availability.” Soup starring the Marx distributors to give up a The Eastbourne Film Brothers on 16mm film. showing of the latest Society’s season is shown at the Since then, the society has blockbuster so we can screen Curzon Cinema in Langney gone from strength to strength our arthouse films.” Road, Eastbourne, on and today its 250 membership Past members of the society Wednesdays in September to places are strongly contested. It include Neil Brand, who was March. Membership costs £21 has always adhered to its asked to play piano and includes entry to 11 films. original core values – film as art accompaniment to silent films This season’s programme will and a medium for information shown by the society and has include Michael and education. since gone on to become the Winterbottom’s A Mighty Barbara Wilson, secretary of ‘doyen of silent film pianists’ Heart starring Angelina Jolie, the society, said: “I have always and accompany Paul Merton and Steve Carell and Juliette joined the local film society on his Silent Clowns tour. Binoche in Dan In Real Life. wherever I have lived, it’s where Members benefit from notes For membership details, you get to see the most on each film in the season written contact membership interesting films. We aim to by film critic and the society’s secretary Alex Buchan on bring them to a wider audience, chairman Mansel Stimpson. 01323 734139 or and non-members are welcome “The films originally chosen [email protected]

24 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 PARTY IN STYLE

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The Under Ground Theatre is kicking off its winter season with free live music and a broader range of entertainment.

The Under Ground Theatre community and give them a The more well known artists beneath Eastbourne Central place to perform and see have a loyal following and Library in Grove Road will hold different productions at a people come from all over. We an open day on September 6 cheaper price. also have an amateur dramatics to kick off its winter season. In 2001, the theatre was group for young people linked Entry to the theatre will be free given a makeover and with the theatre called Under and live music will be played relaunched as the Under Ground Productions.” all day and into the night, Ground Theatre, with a new However, the makeover was when Three Plus One, a jazz, logo and a revitalised offering. spoilt by the flash floods that Latin and soul group, will “Following the relaunch, we ripped through the town in perform onstage. wanted to offer new and August 2006. The Under Ground Theatre innovative material and all our “We had to close for six began life in 1989 as the plays and music are now months for refurbishments,” Eastbourne Arts Centre and professionally produced,” said said Pamela. “Everything made Library Theatre. Ernest Pamela Keen, chairman of the of wood, including the stage, Wiegand, a local resident and volunteer committee that runs and the floors and kitchen had keen amateur dramatist, the theatre. “We are the only to be renewed. We had only wanted to bring the arts to venue in Eastbourne offering just replaced the chairs in the Eastbourne’s younger regular jazz from top names. theatre, but luckily they have

26 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Expanding its Audience

(Right) metal legs and we were able to The Under Ground save them.” Theatre's committee. The theatre reopened again in February 2007 and since January this year has been open every Saturday for coffee mornings. Entry is free on Saturday mornings, and entertainment to go with the coffee and homemade cakes includes art exhibitions and live music. Pamela says the theatre is taken more seriously now than it was five years ago, and it is looking to broaden its offering even further by presenting other types of show, including comedy and dance. Camilla Parker Bowles.” drama companies, amateur “We’re hoping to have a big The theatre is a registered dramatic associations and name as our first comedian,” charity and entirely self-funding. private companies, including she said. “We’ve already “Unfortunately, we have language schools, and the jazz booked an evening of dance recently had to take the decision and chamber music events do through the ages – everything to cancel all our children’s very well. from Morris dancing to street performances as attendance “We’re hoping that our dance – and a female was poor and we couldn’t afford expanded programme will draw impersonator, who I’m told to put them on any more,” said in people who may not have does an amazing Dusty Pamela. “Happily, though, the thought about coming to the Springfield and a very funny theatre is regularly hired out by Under Ground Theatre before.”

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 27 Saying ‘Allo Again

It was THE sitcom catchphrase, bandied around sitting rooms throughout the country in the 1980s. Ironically, ‘I vill say zis only vonce…’ will grace the lips of new and returning fans again as they pile into theatres to watch ‘Allo ‘Allo on stage at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre this November.

28 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Saying ‘Allo Again

‘Allo ‘Allo “‘Allo ‘Allo is timeless,” is Resistance escape route. The for taking part – it completes Devonshire Park Theatre actress Vicki Michelle’s programme ran for ninety-two his collection of works with November 3 –8 reason for joining the cast of episodes in nine series over ten David Croft. the 25th anniversary years before finally bowing out He said: “Of all David Croft’s production onstage, as the in 1992. television comedies, ‘Allo, ‘Allo only returning series On first approach, Vicki was is the only one in which I have member from the hit BBC unsure just how popular the never appeared and I’m television show. show still was. delighted to be taking part in “Even if I watch it now, I “Dad’s Army was done the stage adaptation, playing laugh out loud and I know it,” brilliantly and ‘Allo ‘Allo is a the iconic René Artois in what is she told CQ. “You don’t have to very funny show. In a way, you possibly one of television’s think ‘is that funny?’, you laugh can’t help thinking will people funniest comedies. Gordon instinctively.” really want to see us again?” Kaye will certainly be a hard act Calibre Productions has hit The filming of a one-off to follow. I am also pleased to be on a wonder formula. They have anniversary special put paid to appearing alongside my old just taken Dad’s Army out to any doubts. Several of the friend Vicki once more.” theatres and made a £2 million available, original cast were ‘Allo ‘Allo first aired in box office success of it. Now it’s reunited to perform their roles December 1982, the creation of the turn of the new stage for the very final episode. Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft. version of ‘Allo ‘Allo, where Including clips from past Co-writer Jeremy Lloyd said:

“‘Allo ‘Allo is like an old friend to me; the writing is truly fantastic, with timeless appeal”

(Left) Vicki will slip back into the role – episodes and interviews with “Both David and I are pleased to Vicki Michelle as Yvette. and petite French waitress outfit the actors, it was the dose of be working with theatre – of saucy Yvette Carte-Blanche. Renee and his crowd people impresario Ed O’Driscoll on the It was the role that made her a wanted. latest stage adaptation of the sex symbol as she flirted with the For Vicki, it was both an show. We had our first clue of its loveable café owner Rene Artois, exciting and emotional impending success when the who is played by Jeffrey Holland experience. show opened at Birmingham’s in this production. “As with the old series, it was Alexandra Theatre and were Vicki said: “‘Allo ‘Allo is like an performed in front of a live amazed to find the audience had old friend to me; the writing is audience, most of whom came dressed for the occasion as French truly fantastic, with timeless dressed as their favourite maids, resistance girls and Herr appeal. Jeffrey is an extremely character. Unbelievably, we had Flick’s German generals – such a talented and versatile actor and I over 4,000 requests for 200 compliment to some much-loved think he’ll make an excellent tickets. I don’t think I’ll ever characters. The rest is history and René. We recently worked forget the reception we all got the show’s success has continued together onstage and I’m looking when we walked out, it was just around the world, as far as forward to the opportunity of amazing. Being back on the set Australia and New Zealand.” working with him once more.” again gave me goose bumps, it Sales to other countries meant Set in war torn France, was almost as though I had Vicki earned a huge following of Gordon Kaye played the central never left it and we all just fell fans, including in India, China, figure Rene in the television straight back into character.” Australia, the USA and, of series. His long suffering wife Broadcast last year, the course, Europe and the UK. Edith (Carmen Silvera) and anticipation has been building The original production mother-in-law Madame Fanny again for the latest stage played to packed houses at the (Rose Hill), together with the adaptation of the show. London Palladium and it is café waitresses, including Jeffrey Holland, well known expected the show in Yvette played by Vicki, all found for his roles in Hi-De-Hi!, You Eastbourne will be as big a hit themselves thrust by default Rang M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor as Dad’s Army, starring Leslie into the very forefront of the Beeching, has another reason Grantham, was in May.

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 29 Making the Most of a Summer Evening

There’s theatre, and there’s open-air theatre. Just as there are picnics and there are special occasion picnics. CQ went to see Eastbourne Operatic & Dramatic Society perform Sheridan’s The Rivals and indulged in some decadent deli delights on the lawn at the Italian Gardens.

Picnic blanket and cardigan: made – pies, couscous salad interest in rosé for an alfresco (Above) check. Food and wine: check. with goats cheese, marinated evening. Apparently, its Claire Watson and Hannah Russell enjoy EODS in a picturesque setting chicken and salmon mousse popularity is soaring year-on- a decadent picnic. on a sunny evening: check. rolls, with a couple of year. CQ leaves with a Spanish The weather obligingly chocolate mousses thrown in rosé called Mercedes Eguren proves that people should for good measure. with blackcurrant undertones make the most of the But there’s always room for and a red, Moulin-a-vent, that is summer evenings for something else sweet. Marga equally suitable for supping in outdoor entertainment. Radsma at The Chocolate the fresh air. The first night of a perfectly House has been in Grand Laying all this out on a performed The Rivals at Hotels Buildings in Compton blanket and positioning our Holywell’s Italian Gardens Street for 15 months. She is hamper set and picnic deserved only the best food and more than happy to put a box of paraphernalia from Lakeland in drink as an accompaniment. Belgian Cerisette together from Cornfield Road, it’s something Cue CQ pawing over a Waitrose her selection of milk, dark, of a spectacle. People wander Entertaining catalogue to order plain and diabetic chocolates. by and stare…they’re thinking in something special. A few doors down, Colin they should have made the A few well-thought out Barnes at the Cooden Wine most of their evening at the selections were eventually Cellar is not surprised at an open-air theatre too.

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131 S EASIDE ROAD • E ASTBOURNE • BN21 3PH OPEN 6 D AYS A WEEK School of Service Management Amusingly Shocking

For one night only, prostitution, incest and felony were brought to the stage at the Under Ground Theatre, Eastbourne’s hidden gem.

32 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Amusingly Shocking

(Top left) Prostitution, incest and for itself on the national touring second half, but overall it was Helen Barford as felony were supplied in June circuit with its distinctive, an entertaining and spirited Moll Flanders. by the fast paced and crowd-pleasing style. performance sprinkled with (Bottom left) inventive theatre troupe, Those familiar with the story 21st century music and mirth, Jonathan Clarkson Brute Farce, who’s audience from the BBC’s 1996 version will making it accessible to all. and Tim Hyam as at the Under Ground Theatre recall a young Daniel Craig Situated under the library the Colchester sisters. was in turns shocked and setting hearts aflutter as the and run entirely by volunteers, (Right) amused by the bawdy loveable rogue Jemmy. Brute the Under Ground Theatre is The cast at adventures of Moll Flanders. Bartholomew Fair. Farce’s Jemmy was more a reminiscent of a village hall, Daniel Defoe’s 18th century lolloping giant in a silly wig, with cans of lager and glasses of classic introduces the reader to however the silly wigs, wine available at £1.50 a time. “...the fortunes and misfortunes accompanied by very low budget The ‘no frills’ approach is to its of the famous Moll Flanders, sets and props, only added to the credit however, providing who was born in Newgate and, humour. The cast of four Eastbourne with a much during a life of continued maintained high levels of energy needed, affordable alternative variety for threescore years, throughout, acting multiple to the more commercial besides her childhood, was characters with comedic cross- Devonshire Park and twelve year a whore, five times dressing and onstage costume Congress theatres. a wife (whereof once to her and set changes. Jude Gooding, head of own brother), twelve year a The fast paced style meant drama at the Under Ground

“Our aim is to keep independent theatre alive”

thief, eight times a transported that there was no time to get Theatre, said: “Our aim is to felon in Virginia, at last grew bored and as we whizzed keep independent theatre alive, rich, lived honest and died a through the life of this offering a low cost venue for penitent. Written from her own shameless but likeable touring companies. We have memorandums.” It was strumpet, the first half offered good calibre shows, many of excellent fodder for this a number of laugh out loud which are on their way to or inventive young company, moments. The play did drag in from the famous fringe festivals which has already made a name places, particularly in the in Edinburgh and Brighton. Our customer base is diverse and we have a number of core supporters. The biggest problem we face is that no one knows that we’re here – we rely heavily on word of mouth.” With hardly any signage, it is easy to see how the Under Ground Theatre gets overlooked. But for those wanting a reasonably priced evening of entertainment in a charming and intimate setting (if a little warm – an air-conditioning fund is desperately needed!) the Under Ground Theatre is just the ticket. Perfect for small-scale companies, such as Brute Farce, as lavish sets and expensive seats are not always necessary ingredients for a great night out.

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 33 Moving into a New Era

A £1 entrance fee and a ticket torn from a roll – before a visitor even gets to the displays of artefacts and models of old Eastbourne, the Heritage Centre sets an olde-worlde atmosphere.

For all the Heritage Centre’s museum – have been suggested. shows – Eastbourne was fields The Best Days Of Our Lives history, it’s prime spot on an The Society is keen to talk to with a spattering of houses. Eastbourne Heritage Centre historic site and its status as schools and organisations about A volunteer offered: Until October 5 a Grade II Listed building, its their needs for space and their “Eastbourne only really got situation opposite ideas for the Heritage Centre. started when the railway (Left) Eastbourne’s theatres and “It is now Grade II listed. arrived.” Eastbourne's Heritage new gallery see it moving The society got a grant to have Now, in the old kitchen, Centre in Carlisle Road. into a new era. it improved. Historically, it’s boards labelled Noble Terraces The Eastbourne Society important for Eastbourne to and Princely Mansions, The looks after this building – it’s look after it. Creators and The Vision tell the like a reward after preserving it “It’s on a very important site, story of how an upmarket for the town. But with this new both in terms of its position on seaside resort came about, era comes the responsibility of the corner of Compton Street setting its sights on making sure it is put to best use. and opposite all our theatres and promenades and a bandstand Hugh Riddick, joint cultural buildings, and in the rather than whelk stalls and chairman of the Eastbourne fact it has a lot of history to it.” fortune tellers. Society, said: “It was saved by The entrance on the middle Today, the Heritage Centre is the Eastbourne Society because floor opens out into what was run by a partnership between it is a unique building. It used to once the kitchen of the the Eastbourne Society, be a house occupied by the Devonshire Park manager’s Eastbourne Local History baths’ superintendent and later quarters. Society, Eastbourne Natural by the director of outside It was built in 1886 for him History & Archaeological activities at the council.” and his family when – as a Society and Eastbourne Now it holds exhibitions, model of the area in 1849 Borough Council. currently including one called The Best Days Of Our Lives, and has created some space for the items displaced by the closure of the museum at the former Towner Art Gallery. The Eastbourne Society is tasked with reporting to the council on what its future use could be and the society wants the town’s input. “If the Eastbourne Society can remain the occupier of the building, which is very much what we would like, then we would also like it to be used for what the town wants,” Hugh said. Ideas for offices and continued usage for exhibitions – especially important while Eastbourne does not have a

34 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Window Shopping

Artworks from the Towner Collection have been reproduced on a massive scale to brighten up empty shop fronts in Eastbourne.

(Above) By blowing up some of the 226 Terminus Road add an project will hopefully encourage Fields Near Rievaulx by most cherished pieces from the element of window shopping shoppers and visitors to the area, David Reeve-Fowkes at internationally renowned to the collection, which will which will help in its long-term 222 Terminus Road. Towner Collection and soon be officially rehoused in a development and prosperity.” displaying them on empty new gallery. The Towner has been shop fronts, paintings from the No 222 will display Fields Near working closely with the collection are reaching a new Rievaulx, a relatively modern Council’s economic audience whilst adding to the landscape painted by David development department, scenery in Eastbourne’s streets. Reeve-Fowkes in 1984. David is a which has acknowledged the Councillor Margaret relation of Arthur Reeve-Fowkes, help and support of Marcus Bannister for museums and who was the first curator of the King, the owner of the units, in galleries said: “It is a fantastic Towner Art Gallery. developing the project. opportunity to bring the On display two doors up is The council hopes that the Towner Collection out into the Tirzah Garwood’s Hornet With project will encourage all owners public realm, giving people the Wild Roses, painted in 1950. of empty units in the town centre opportunity to enjoy it in a Garwood was the wife of to provide similar opportunities unique outdoor setting.” Eastbourne’s best-known artist, to improve the appearance of The works also promote an Eric Ravilious, and the Sunday their premises and enhance the interactive initiative, the Telegraph recently voted Hornet visual amenity of the area. Towner’s People’s Choice With Wild Roses into its ‘Top 50 A similar project has already exhibition, which will ask paintings outside of London’. been successfully implemented Eastbourne residents to vote Councillor Steve Wallis, by Brighton & Hove City Council for their favourite artworks Eastbourne Borough Council to tackle graffiti and vandalism in from the collection and give cabinet spokesperson for certain parts of Brighton. reasons for their selection. economy said: “Many thanks to For more information on this Those works receiving the all those involved in helping to and the Towner Offsite most votes will go on display. dramatically improve this part of programme visit In the meantime, 222 and Terminus Road. The current www.towneroffsite.org.uk

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 35 A Day in the Life… of a Stage Manager

CQ went backstage at the Congress Theatre during Blood Brothers in July to find stage manager Mark Sayer and ask him how he and his team help make the show go on…

Mark Sayer has been stage once during Starlight Express audience would not normally (Above) manager at the Congress that a performance had to be be aware of behind-the-scenes Mark Sayer on the fly floor. Theatre since 1990 and is stopped due to a computer technical hitches.” (Left & top right) probably one of the longest breakdown – but there were 25 Mark has stage-managed The cast of Blood Brothers. serving stage managers in performances of the show Blood Brothers with his team the country, so he has a few during its stay in Eastbourne of 10 local crew, including four years’ experience at putting and that was the only one electricians and a sound on a show. where we had a problem. technician. When general CQ caught up with Mark in “Although quite often things manager Gavin Davis booked July on the last day of Blood don’t happen exactly as they the show, Mark had to examine Brothers, hailed by critics as should backstage, thanks to the the technical drawings of the one of the best musicals of all expertise of my team, the set to check the lighting bar time. The story tells of twins positions and the weight of the separated at birth who are scenery (30 tonnes, including reunited by a twist of fate. lighting and sound equipment). Mark and his crew arrive two Two days before the show hours before the performance opened, three lorries arrived at to reset the scenery, sweep and 9am with scenery and props. mop the stage, carry out “Plenty of coffee was lighting and sound checks and needed,” said Mark. “It took us revise health and safety issues. and the touring company two During the show, Mark hovers days to unload and set up the stage left in prompt corner to scenery, working 12 hour shifts coordinate his team or respond each day.” to a crisis. Mark’s crew used two four- Mark said: “Very rarely is a wheeled platforms called dollies show stopped due to technical to move the sets from the lorries problems, but I do remember into the theatre. The sets of

36 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 A Day in the Life...of a Stage Manager

(Below) Blood Brothers were designed Mark in prompt corner. to be lowered from the fly floor, a level above the stage. Massive bars were lowered to the stage from the fly floor using a counterweight system and the tops of each set were attached to the bars by steel cables. The bars were then raised so that the scenery hung below and could be raised out of sight of the stage until needed. On the first day of the show, the set-up continued and rehearsals began in the afternoon for the benefit of local crew, checking timings for lighting and sound. leave the stage after the last quicker at least than it took to “The first show day starts at performance, Mark and his crew bring it in, but everything has 9am and continues until the work to get the show out so that to be packed away in a show ends in the evening,” said it can be moved on to the next particular order so that it can be Mark. “It’s another 12 hour day.” venue. The crew load the sets easily put back together at the Mark organises 20 scenery onto the visiting company’s next venue. changes during the lorry, which waits at the dock In the wee, small hours, they performance, with another big door at the side of the Congress wave goodbye to the three change in the interval that has Theatre, taking care not to lorries, and Mark and his team eight crew rushing to get it exceed the lorry’s weight limit. head off for a well-deserved done in 20 minutes. It takes five hours to pack up night’s sleep before coming back Immediately after the cast all the scenery and props, tomorrow to start all over again.

“It took us and the touring company two days to unload and set up the scenery, working 12 hour shifts each day.”

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 37 Presenting For Your Enjoyment…

There are several amateur dramatics societies in Eastbourne. Here, CQ gives a roundup of what some of them have to offer this season.

Eastbourne Operatic & Rattonians Southern Youth Ballet (Above) Dramatic Society Southern Youth Ballet's An evening of song and dance at Southern Youth Ballet’s will production of The Nutcracker. EODS will present Treasure the Congress Theatre on present The Nutcracker at the Island at the Devonshire Park November 30 will consist of a Congress Theatre on November Theatre on October selection of the Rattonians’ 29. Tchaikovsky’s music will be 29–November 1, with script and favourite show numbers, performed by the Southern lyrics by Stephen Kingsbury. celebrating its 24 years of Youth Ballet Orchestra and Based on the novel by Robert producing musicals in conducted by Kenneth Roberts. Louis Stephenson, Treasure Eastbourne. The show will The story tells of a nutcracker Island tells the story of young Jack include a selection of songs from shaped like a soldier that comes Hawkins, who sets off in search of the Rattonian Youth Group, to life on Christmas Eve and Captain Flint’s pirate treasure together with much loved takes a young girl to the with Dr Livesey and Squire Christmas classics, including Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Trelawney and, unknowingly, Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow Sugar Plum Fairy. with Captain Flint’s crew, and White Christmas. Produced Book on 01323 412000 including Long John Silver. by Mark and Melanie Adams. www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Book on 01323 412000 Book on 01323 412000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

38 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Further Unwrapping

The second phase of development at art hotel Da Vinci Eastbourne has brought with it a second art exhibition.

(Above) The Da Vinci Eastbourne in Also showing with Sue’s wildlife photography from Artwork displayed at the Howard Square is presenting work are Kate Sayers’ large Kenya. Da Vinci Eastbourne. Unwrapped MK II – a vibrant watercolours, Mary Unwrapped MK II continues (Right) celebration of the opening of Beaney’s inspirational still lifes on September 6–7, 13–14, Sue Barnes. a further four bedrooms and flowers, Julie Snowball’s 20–21 and 27–28 from dedicated to Joan Miro, John stoneware and smoke-fired 11am–5pm, with artists in Miller, and local resident ceramics and Adam Beaney’s attendance. artists Elda Abramson and Mary Beaney, Da Vinci’s art director. Da Vinci Eastbourne is being restored, with a hint of the contemporary meeting the Victorian elegance of the building. Sue Barnes, a recent graduate of Brighton University, is a featured artist. Sue’s 4’ x 4’ pieces cover three huge walls, and her work is primarily drawn from the South Downs. She exploits the physicality of paint – pouring, dribbling, rubbing through the layers, looking for the marks that grow naturally out of her work – the marks that we leave on the landscape to show we have been there before.

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 39 Art Mimicking Life

Oscar-nominated actress Brenda Blethyn visits Eastbourne for the first time this autumn.

As one of the country’s best- eccentric family, in the arrives, their lives are The Glass Menagerie known actors, Brenda autobiographical play that was changed forever. Devonshire Park Theatre Blethyn’s performance this Williams’ first success. The Glass Menagerie’s September 29 –October 4 September in a classic Amanda, a faded Southern characters and story are said to Tennessee Williams play belle, clings to the memory of a mimick Williams’ own life (Above) will be a high point of genteel past. It becomes her more closely than any of his Brenda Blethyn as the season. life’s ambition to see wallflower other works. Tom is based on Amanda Wingfield. The new production of The daughter Laura receive a suitor, Williams (whose real name was Glass Menagerie sees her and she and son Tom, a would- Thomas), Amanda on his reprise her role as Amanda be writer, arrange a visit. But mother and Laura on his Wingfield, the matriarch of an when the reluctant beau sister Rose.

40 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Cameo Opera

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ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR GIBBS TRIO GOTTA SING GOTTA DANCE PETER DUNCAN – DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE DUNCAN DARES Tue 2–Sat 6 September 7.45pm, Sat 13 September 10.00am Tue 23–Thu 25 & CONGRESS THEATRE Wed Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm Sat 27 September 7.45pm, Sat 4 October 7.30pm 80S LIVE Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm TOSCA WINTER GARDEN See page 47 DUO CONGRESS THEATRE Sat 13 September 7.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE Fri 5 September 7.30pm SPITTOON Sun 5 October 3.00pm See page 14 EASTBOURNE STAGERS EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE PRESENTS ANYTHING GOES Thu 25 September 7.00pm MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES OPEN DAY DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Tue 16–Sat 20 September 7.30pm, BLACK STRAP MOLASSES Sun 5 October 7.30pm Sat 6 September 10.00am & 7.30pm Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 27 September 10.00am OUR HOUSE CARMEN JIVE TALKIN – CONGRESS THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE THE BEE GEES STORY CHILDREN’S SHOWTIME Mon 6–Sat 11 October 7.30pm, Sat 6 September 7.30pm, CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm Sun 7 September 3.00pm Wed 17 September 7.30pm Sat 27 September 10.30am See page 14 CANTERBURY TALES VAN GOGH INTERNATIONAL STARS EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE ROCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE OF MAGIC Tue 7 October 7.00pm CONGRESS THEATRE Thu 18–Fri 19 September 7.00pm CONGRESS THEATRE Mon 8 September 7.30pm Sat 27 September 8.00pm ONE FOR THE POT UNNATURAL WORLDS DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE ULTIMATE 60S SHOW ART EXHIBITION Tue 7–Sat 11 October 7.45pm, CONGRESS THEATRE EASTBOURNE COLLEGE – Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm Thu 11 September 7.30pm CASSON GALLERY Fri 19 September–Fri 5 December PATSY DYLAN THOMAS: Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE RETURN JOURNEY Fri 10 October 7.30pm DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE DANCE, DANCE, DANCE Thu 11–Sat 13 September UNDER GROUND THEATRE LETTERS FROM NYC 7.45pm, Sat Mat 2.30pm Fri 19 September 7.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE See page 18 Sat 11 October 10.00am ART OF NICK BASHFORD GLASS MENAGERIE SAX APPEAL UNDER GROUND THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE JOHNNY’S MIDNIGHT UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 20 September 10.00am Mon 29 September– GOGGLES + CELLO RECITAL Fri 12 September 7.30pm Sat 4 October 7.45pm, UNDER GROUND THEATRE See page 10 DEATH & LIFE OF Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm Sat 11 October 7.00pm SHERLOCK HOLMES See page 40 UNDER GROUND THEATRE LONDON PHILHARMONIC Sat 20 September 7.00pm RUSSIAN CLASSICAL BALLET ORCHESTRA CONGRESS THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE HISTORY OF BRITISH Tue 30 September 7.30pm Sun 12 October 3.00pm JAZZ PART II UNDER GROUND THEATRE SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA HENRY BLOFELD Sun 21 September 3.00pm STRICTLY BIG BAND DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Sun 12 October 7.30pm AFRICA WITH LOVE Wed 1 October 7.30pm CONGRESS THEATRE MURDER WITH LOVE Mon 22 September 7.00pm ART OF ROSIE ROLLISTON DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE OPERABABES UNDER GROUND THEATRE Mon 13–Sat 18 October 7.45pm, CONGRESS THEATRE Sat 4 October 10.00am Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm Fri 12 September 7.30pm

Congress Theatre Devonshire Park Theatre To book tickets: Congress Theatre, Devonshire Park Theatre and Winter Garden 01323 412000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Eastbourne College Theatre 01323 452255 [email protected] Under Ground Theatre 01323 737677 www.undergroundtheatre.org.uk

FLHIP FLHOP LONDON PHILHARMONIC READINGS BY WENDY COPE DIONNE WARWICK EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE ORCHESTRA EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Wed 15 October 6.45pm CONGRESS THEATRE Thu 13 November 7.00pm Wed 26 November 7.30pm Sun 2 November 3.00pm DON COSSACKS STATE ANDY KIRKPATRICK CHRISTMAS MUSIC HALL DANCE COMPANY FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL CONGRESS THEATRE WINTER GARDEN CONGRESS THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE Thu 13 November 7.30pm Thu 27 November 2.30pm Wed 15 October 7.30pm Mon 3–Sat 8 November 7.30pm, Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm ART OF SYLVIA & ELVIS ON TOUR ESCALATOR! See page 8 LINDA HUGGAIR CONGRESS THEATRE EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Thu 27 November 7.30pm Thu 16 October 6.45pm THE TIGER THAT CAME TO TEA Sat 15 November 10.00am WINTER GARDEN DEREK LEGG’S STORYTELLING THREE-DAY QUILT SHOW Mon 3–Wed 5 November, Mon & LYCYDAS PIANO TRIO UNDER GROUND THEATRE UNDER GROUND THEATRE Tue 1.30pm, Tue & Wed 11.00am UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 29 November 10.00am Fri 17, Sat 18 & Sun 16 November 3.00pm Sun 19 October 10.00am ‘ALLO, ‘ALLO! SOUTHERN YOUTH BALLET DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER ALEX Mon 3–Sat 8 November CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE 7.45pm, Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm Sat 29 November 7.00pm Tue 21–Sat 25 October 7.45pm, See page 28 Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm SISTER QUEENS EVERGREEN SINGERS UNDER GROUND THEATRE SKIDDLE-AM-BAM JUG BAND UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 29 November 7.00pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sat 8 November 10.00am Sat 25 October 10.00am RATTONIANS PRESENTS A SHOUTING, STAMPING & CELEBRATION OF MUSICAL YOUNG EODS PRESENTS SINGING HOME THEATRE & CHRISTMAS MUSIC TREASURE ISLAND UNDER GROUND THEATRE JOE BROWN 50TH CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Sat 8 November 7.00pm ANNIVERSARY TOUR Sun 30 November 7.00pm Wed 29 October–Sat 1 November CONGRESS THEATRE 7.30pm, Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm VAUGHAN WILLIAMS – Tue 18 November 7.30pm OH, WHAT A LOVELY WAR THE POISONED KISS EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE ELIXIR STRING TRIO WINTER GARDEN AN AUDIENCE WITH Tue 2–Sat 6 December 7.30pm EASTBOURNE COLLEGE THEATRE Sun 9 November 3.00pm SALLY MORGAN Thu 30 October 6.45pm CONGRESS THEATRE CABARET VICTOR SPINETTI Wed 19 November 7.30pm CONGRESS THEATRE GARY WILMOT & DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Tue 2–Sat 6 December 7.30pm, MIKE ALEXANDER Sun 9 November 7.30pm MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE Thu Fri & Sat Mat 2.30pm CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Thu 30 October 7.30pm REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Thu 20–Sat 22 November 7.45pm, GREAT BIG CHRISTMAS SING FESTIVAL CONCERT Sat Mat 2.30pm WINTER GARDEN SI’S THREE CONGRESS THEATRE Wed 3 December 7.00pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE Sun 9 November 7.30pm TERRY PACK QUINTET Fri 31 October 7.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE BRANCO STOYSIN TRIO AFFAIRS IN A TENT Fri 21 November 7.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE AN EVENING WITH DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE Fri 5 December 7.30pm TONY BENN Tue 11–Sat 15 November 7.45pm, JOHN CAVE & LIZ RANDALL CONGRESS THEATRE Wed & Sat Mat 2.30pm UNDER GROUND THEATRE SNOW WHITE & Fri 31 October 7.30pm Sat 22 November 10.00am THE SEVEN DWARFS BUDDY HOLLY & CONGRESS THEATRE ART OF JOHN GROSS THE CRICKETERS THE HOLLY & THE IVY Fri 12 December–Sun 11 January UNDER GROUND THEATRE CONGRESS THEATRE DEVONSHIRE PARK See page 22 Sat 1 November 10.00am Wed 12 November 7.30pm Mon 24–Thu 27 November 7.45pm, Wed Mat 2.30pm

Winter Garden Eastbourne College Theatre Improving the Environment

Outstanding artworks produced by Cavendish School students are making an impression on Eastbourne’s business community.

44 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Improving the Environment

(Top left and centre right) GCSE pupils at Cavendish pupils to appear on the Saatchi Rebecca Knapp School in Eldon Road, Gallery website. (Bottom left) Eastbourne, have launched a The Saatchi Gallery has Bonnie Bowley new art loan service after developed a school portfolio for (Top right) their exam works generated primary and secondary pupils to Julia McGill huge interest at the school’s display artwork online. Alongside (Bottom right) annual exhibition at the this, a Portfolio Schools Prize has Chris Warland Chatsworth Hotel. also been launched and is open to GCSE pupils at Cavendish all schools around the world. School in Eldon Road, Cavendish pupils’ work will Eastbourne, have launched a new be competing for a first prize of art loan service after their exam £10,000 that will be awarded to works generated huge interest at the winning school’s art the school’s annual exhibition at art pupils still have a very department. A further £2,000 the Chatsworth Hotel. extensive range of superb will be given to the winning Head of art Mary Watts artwork available to improve pupil to be spent on computer organised the exhibition before the business environment.” and art equipment, and there the summer break. This was the first time the will be two runner-up prizes of annual exhibition was held outside the school and reflects the growing quality and quantity of the pieces. The work includes paintings, 2D relief work, collage, pencil tonal studies, mixed media, 3D sculpture and ceramics. Businesses can display a piece for six months and then choose another, effectively giving them a collection to pick

“Cavendish School art pupils still have a very extensive range of superb artwork available to improve the business environment”

She said: “Local businesses from while supporting young £5,000 each awarded to the were invited to see the quality creative people in Eastbourne. second and third place schools of artwork that is available to It’s not the first time that work with a further £1,000 to each of them on a short term loan by pupils at Cavendish has caused the winning pupils. basis. The response was a stir. Mary recently secured a slot A panel of art critics will excellent and Cavendish School for masterpieces by Cavendish choose their favourite works. The three winning works will be displayed at the new Saatchi Gallery, which opens in October. The online exhibition can be viewed at www.saatchi- gallery.co.uk/portfolio/ SchoolInfo/Cavendish+School and Mary Watts can be contacted at Cavendish School for more information on office art loans on 01323 744291 or mwatt@cavendish. e-sussex.sch.uk

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 45 Committing to a Concept

Local artist Julian Sutherland Beatson sits down for an hour every morning to paint, but it’s a different painting every time.

Since April, Eastbourne helps artists identify what success Saturday. The last course in (Top) based professional artist really means to them, develop a Eastbourne was run at the Julian Sutherland-Beatson and his one hour paintings. Julian Sutherland-Beatson strategy for their future, stay Grand Hotel. has committed to producing motivated and effectively manage "It's amazing how much we a daily painting and making their time. cover in a day. We start by it available on his blog and "So many artist friends of looking at our strengths and website. mine just don't know where to weaknesses as artists, our He said: "I first noticed artists start and I developed this achievements and where we committing to the daily painting system to help them. A couple would like to be in five years. concept a year or so ago. One of of years ago, I placed an ad in a We then look at goal setting the first I saw was an Englishman local paper announcing a and ensuring we change our who had retired to the south of workshop to help artists make habits to make sure we do what France and each day produced a more money. I was amazed by we say we're going to do. Postcard From Provence. the response and have run “We then look at the things “I loved the idea on a number monthly courses ever since. that are holding us back and of levels and decided to do the “I usually run them in how to eliminate them. same for Sussex. I love the Eastbourne, Lewes and Marketing, public relations, the discipline of committing to Hastings but have also run the internet and guerrilla painting at a specific time each workshops in Chichester, marketing are all covered day, normally 8–9am, and find Tunbridge Wells and before the introduction of the it's a great way to really focus on Cambridge. I am currently core of the course, the the work I'm doing. It's also a negotiating with an artplansystem itself, where we brilliant way of keeping a visual organisation in Ireland to run a actually plan a week’s activities diary that others can share.” series of courses for artists and in line with the strategy we As well as organising the Open makers living in remote areas.” created earlier in the day." Houses event and producing his The Make Money As An For details of Julian’s daily own work, Julian has also Artist workshop is a full day paintings and workshops, visit developed Artplansystem, which and usually takes place on a www.sutherlandbeatson.co.uk

46 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 Gotta Come Dancing Back

Following it’s world premier in Eastbourne earlier this year and having played to packed houses across the country, Gotta Sing Gotta Dance comes back to the town by popular demand.

Gotta Sing Gotta Dance Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, songs in Chicago that gets you The show will feature over 60 Devonshire Park Theatre coming to the Devonshire excited, by the end of Gotta songs from some of the greatest September 23 –25 & 27 Park Theatre in September, Sing Gotta Dance you will leave musicals, including Joseph, is a new breed of musical feeling like you’ve seen all your Cats, Les Miserables, Wicked, theatre compilation, featuring favourite bits at once.” Grease and Mamma Mia. (Photos) The cast of Gotta Sing Gotta Dance. song and dance numbers from stage and screen. “If you’re a fan of any kind of musical theatre, then Gotta Sing Gotta Dance is the show for you,” said Tim Sitwell of show producer Jordan Productions. “A cast of top West-End performers, accompanied by a live band, will take you through the world of musical theatre in a fully choreographed show. If it’s the tap-dancing feet of 42nd Street or the criminally catchy

Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 47 Training for Gold

Eastbourne is set to be an integral part of the 2012 Olympic Games with the acceptance of the Devonshire Park International Tennis Centre as a pre-games training camp.

Devonshire Park years and a home venue for the national tennis teams from International Tennis Centre GB team for Davis Cup ties as around the world to consider has been chosen as a pre- recently as 2006 and on many being based in Eastbourne and games training camp for the occasions in the past. The using its tennis facilities prior to 2012 Olympics by the venue has 20 grass courts and the 2012 Olympics. London Organising has a record as one of the LOGOC chairman Sebastian Committee for the Olympic longest continuous tennis Coe said: “As a former Games (LOCOG). playing venues in the UK, competitor, I’m fully aware of Eastbourne Borough Council having staged its first the importance of preparation bid as a consortium, offering the tournament in 1881, 15 years and training for every athlete facilities at Devonshire Park prior to the first Olympics. So it and team at the Olympic and supported by medical expertise is an honour and a privilege Paralympic Games. That’s why provided by Sportswise based at that the venue has been chosen I’m delighted to be able to the University of Brighton. Over to assist in the preparations for introduce this guide to our pre- 1,000 venues applied to become 2012.” games training camps pre-games training camps, with In partnership with national programme – the most more than 600 sporting facilities tourism agency VisitBritain, comprehensive of its kind. meeting the criteria for LOCOG has developed an “There’s a record number of inclusion. online guide for National sporting facilities to choose Cabinet Spokesperson for Olympic Committees (NOCs) from – more than 600 – each of Housing, Health and and National Paralympic them high quality and Community Services, Committees (NPCs) to search specifically selected to make Councillor Margaret Bannister for training camps in the UK on sure every team will have said: “The International Lawn a sporting and geographical everything it needs.” Tennis Centre at Devonshire basis, which was presented to Devonshire Park is one of Park has been the venue for the NOCs and NPCs at the Olympic only 15 tennis training camps WTA tour International and Paralympic Games in accepted by LOGOC, and the Women’s Open for over 30 Beijing. The guide will allow only one in the southeast.

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Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008 49 Classified Ads

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50 Cultural Quarterly Autumn 2008