Things to do in Sussex this February
PUBLISHED: 11:33 30 January 2019 | UPDATED: 11:37 30 January 2019
Dark Skies Festival (Photo by Anne-Katrin Purkiss)
ANNE-KATRIN PURKISS
We round up some of the best events and things to do across Sussex this month
Discover weekly events and photography in the links above
ART
Young Picasso - 5 and 12 February
The Capitol Theatre, Horsham
A fascinating look into the life of one of history’s best known artists in this new film by Brighton’s Exhibition on Screen. There is the chance to hear from leading experts and even his grandson, Olivier Widmaier Picasso. Tickets from £14/£12 concessions, starts 7.30pm.
Palais de Justice - 17 February-2 June
Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne
Carey Young is bringing her most ambitious video work to date to Eastbourne for its UK debut. Palais de Justice, filmed at the 19th century courthouse in Brussels from which it takes its name, turns patriarchal norms on their head by showing female judges and lawyers at work. The piece was filmed without permission, offering a fascinating, hitherto unseen, counter-narrative. The exhibition coincides with the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, which allowed women to enter the legal professions for the first time ever, so it will be particularly poignant. Free entry.
MUSIC AND THEATRE
His Dark Materials - Until 3 February
Lewes Little Theatre
Join the Lewes Theatre Youth Group as they perform the first part of the two-play dramatisation of Philip Pullman’s fantasy trilogy. Aged between 11 and 18, the actors will take audiences on a thrilling journey filled with all kinds of magical creatures. Tickets from £6, times vary.
Brian Cox: Universal - 2 February
The Hawth, Crawley
Professor Brian Cox OBE will take audiences to the edge of our current understanding of the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the workings of nature. He will be joined by comedian Robin Ince from BBC Radio 4 show Infinite Monkey Cage. From £32.50.
www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth
Russian State Ballet of Siberia - 4, 5 and 6 February
Theatre Royal Brighton
The touring company performs La Fille Mal Garde, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker on succesive nights. Tickets from £13, starts 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on 6 February.
Banff Mountain Film Festival - 5 February
Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Be transported to some of the planet’s most extreme destinations with the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which showcases the work of the most intrepid filmmakers. Highlights include The Mountain Life, a film which charts the adrenaline-packed story of a mother and daughter as they embark on a ski journey from Vancouver to Alaska. Tickets from £16 or £14 for concessions, starts 7.30pm.
Lewes Psychedelic Festival - 8-9 February
Lewes Arms (8 Feb) and All Saints Centre (9 Feb), Lewes
Spectacular visuals and music from an exciting list of artists across the psychedelic spectrum including Group Listening and Kristin McClement on 8 Feb and AK/DK and Soundcarriers on 9 Feb, plus an intimate show at the Union Music Store, Lewes on 9 Feb. Doors open 8pm (8 Feb) and 3pm (9 Feb). Tickets from £10, plus a booking fee.
Elin Manahan Thomas - 10 February
Fairlight Hall, Hastings
Elin Manahan Thomas sang at this year’s royal wedding as the new Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle walked up the aisle of St George’s Chapel. She will be performing closer to home at Fairlight Hall as part of a charity black-tie fundraiser for Barefoot Opera, a small and innovative opera company based in St Leonards. She will be accompanied by the talented Nicholas Bosworth on the piano. Tickets £50 in advance.
Reasons to Stay Alive - 11 February
Komedia Studio, Brighton
Critically acclaimed musician Andy Burrows has put together a mesmerising collection of songs all loosely inspired by best-selling Brighton author Matt Haig’s much-loved books, including Reasons to Stay Alive and How to Stop Time. The tour will see the former Razorlight drummer performing songs from the album as well as his own material. Tickets from £14, doors 7.30pm.
Rough Crossing - 11-16 February
Chichester Festival Theatre
Tom Stoppard’s high seas comedy focuses on two famous but desperate playwrights stuck on an ocean liner to New York trying to rehearse their latest show before they dock. Holding up their preparations are a suicidal composer, a mistimed lifeboat drill and an unorthodox waiter. Stars Celebrity Masterchef John Partridge and Charlie Stemp. Tickets from £10, various times.
Doubt: A Parable - 12-16 and 19-23 February
Printers Playhouse, Grove Road, Eastbourne
New ethical theatre company Dark Unicorn Productions present John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning play Doubt. Set in a New York Catholic elementary school in 1964, it explores the uncertainty raised when the principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier, begins to suspect the intentions of local priest Father Brendan Flynn towards a vulnerable pupil. A gripping human drama, turned into an acclaimed movie starring Meryl Streep. This production sponsored by Much Ado Books, Alfriston. 7.45pm nightly, tickets £10.
Dr Michael Mosley - 12 February
Pavilion Theatre, Worthing
Join the man who created the 5:2 diet and now hosts the BBC’s Trust Me I’m A Doctor as he embarks on his first ever UK theatre tour, True Fast Health.
Dr Mosley will pick apart popular health myths, leading a fascinating tour of the human body. Tickets from £25, starts 7.30pm.
Dance Those Magical Musicals - 19 February
Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Calling all Strictly Come Dancing fans… Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag, two of the nation’s favourite professional dancers from the show, are bringing their talents to Brighton Dome as part of their magical UK tour. Joining them on stage will be the London Concert Orchestra, a West End dance ensemble and vocalist Lance Ellington, for what promises to be an evening to remember. Tickets from £34, starts 7.30pm.
Rock of Ages - 19-23 February
The Hawth, Crawley
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton stars in this smash hit tribute to the glory days of the rock era. Tickets from £25.50.
www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth
Without Borders - 23 February
The Birley Centre, Eastbourne
The London based Modulus String Quartet and the New Network Singers come together to perform a captivating array of music in response to one of the biggest challenges of our time: the migrant crisis. Featuring new work by three talented Eastbourne based composers – Melody Woodham, Clive Whitburn and Tim Laverack – alongside Classic FM presenter Jessica Curry. Tickets £12 or £8 for under 18s in advance, all profits to Migrant Help. Starts 7.30pm.
www.melodywoodham.com/withoutborders
OUT AND ABOUT
It’s All About You - 3 February
The Hamblin Centre, Bosham
Run by the Hamblin Trust, this powerful one day event offers women the chance to kick start 2019 in one of the best ways possible. A series of workshops and sessions have been designed to encourage participants to step off the treadmill and take time to focus on themselves, with the retreat day being led by life coach and children’s author, Lynne Healy. Tickets £69, including refreshments, lunch and a goody bag, from 9.30am and 4.30pm.
Stephen Jones - 7 February to 9 June
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Master milliner Stephen Jones is filling the Royal Pavilion with hats as part of an eclectic exhibition. His creations have featured in the catwalk shows of many leading designers.
The Story of Eastbourne - From 16 February
Victoria Mansions, Eastbourne
For the first time ever, the town’s fascinating history is to be told through the eyes of the real people who lived it, spanning from pre-history right through to present day. The exhibition will showcase artefacts such as an ancient elephant’s tooth and a piece of Roman flooring, complete with child-friendly activities and interactive exhibits. It is to run for two years before possibly becoming permanent.
Normans and Saxons 18-22 February
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, Battle
Venture back in time at Battle Abbey this half term, where soldiers will once again descend on the grounds. Younger visitors can brush up on their skills in the field with a sword, shield or spear as they take part in the Kids’ Battle of Hastings, but first they’ll have to decide whether their loyalty lies with the Normans or the Saxons. Who will clinch the coveted victory?
The South Downs Dark Skies Festival - 20 February
Town Hall, Lewes
In celebration of a momentous 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing, this year’s festival will follow a lunar theme, offering participants the chance to learn about galaxies far, far away. Gather at the Town Hall before going outside for some star and moon-gazing, alongside fascinating indoor talks. Meet the wildlife who love the night-time, and try an astronaut’s space suit for size. Free, from 4pm to 8pm.
Kenny Tutt - 23 February
Lancing College
Kenny will be hosting a pop-up dinner to support the College’s Foundationers campaign. Launched in late 2017, the campaign aims to support 25 students from disadvantaged backgrounds through the College over the next few years. Through this programme the school is working to ensure that the benefits of a Lancing education are made more widely available than ever before.
www.lancingcollege.co.uk/events
The Grand Brighton Half Marathon - 24 February
Grab your trainers and take part in, or support, the half marathon – now entering its 29th year. The 13.1 mile route takes in some of the city’s most iconic scenery, as it winds past the Palace Pier and the Grand Hotel with its newly refreshed façade.
The race is organised by The Sussex Beacon charity, who are doing fantastic work to support those living with HIV in the county, so it’s a great way to raise money for a very worthy cause. The main race starts at 9.30am.
