What's on this February in Sussex
PUBLISHED: 07:00 04 February 2020 | UPDATED: 08:56 04 February 2020
Dance Those Magical Movies is coming to Eastbourne
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We round up some of the best events and things to do across Sussex this month
ART
1 AND 8 FEBRUARY
SOUTH EAST CREATIVES WORKSHOP
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill Two free workshops this month are aimed at local creative, cultural and digital micro-business owners who are looking for advice and support. Organised by SPACE Studios, these workshops will cover topics such as marketing, finance, intellectual property and presenting with confidence, with a fantastic line-up of highly experienced programme tutors.
www.dlwp.com
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15 AND 16 FEBRUARY
PORTRAITS IN CLAY: SCULPTURE MASTERCLASS
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
It's time to find your creative side. Led by the talented Sue Machado, this masterclass will widen your knowledge of sculpture to produce a clay portrait. You'll be working from a life model all weekend, which aims to increase understanding of the structure of the head and face. As a result, this is an excellent introduction to creating a 3D life figure, offering valuable hands-on experience when it comes to life drawing and painting. Tickets: from £200.
www.pallant.org.uk
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15 FEBRUARY-31 MAY
ALAN DAVIE AND DAVID HOCKNEY: EARLY WORKS
Towner, Eastbourne
The work of two giants of post-war British painting are brought together at this mesmerising exhibition, which will be on display at the Towner Eastbourne from February until May. Organised by The Hepworth Wakefield, it will feature 45 paintings, collages and drawings by Davie (1920-2014) and Hockney (b. 1937), spanning from 1948 until 1965. It will trace the parallel paths of these two figures, revealing a shared preoccupation with passion, love, sex and poetry - as a result, this needs to be in the diary of all art-lovers.
www.townereastbourne.org.uk
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25 FEBRUARY-1 MARCH
SOLACE
Ditchling Museum of Art
and Craft
This captivating sound and video installation is inspired by the South Downs. Designed to get local families involved in more experimental art, it will encourage audiences to ask questions about our relationship with open and urban spaces, wellbeing and digital authenticity. The work will be created by artists Karen Tilley and Kevin Grist, with digital content that has been captured by local people.
www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk
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28 FEBRUARY-1 MARCH
SHIFT THINK
Victoria Institute, Arundel
Celebrate the leap year weekend by paying a visit to this fascinating textiles exhibition. It showcases the work of Alison Baxter and Mona Craven, who met while studying at university; they've since gone on to produce work that explores 'in-between worlds', utilising the familiar materials of thread, cloth and paper to create installations that connect time, space and materiality. Prints and jewellery will be for sale, and workshops will also be taking place over
the weekend.
www.thevictoriainstitute.com
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MUSIC AND THEATRE
3 FEBRUARY
UTE LEMPER: RENDEZVOUS WITH MARLENE
The Old Market, Hove
From the early days of her career Ute Lemper had been compared to the legendary Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich, and one day the 89-year-old Marlene called her and the two shared a three-hour conversation. Thirty years later Ute is taking to the stage to pay a personal homage to the actress and singer, with a performance that explores Marlene's personal life and career. Ute will sing Marlene's most beautiful songs, whilst sharing some captivating secrets of her life. The tour will come to The Old Market, with the show beginning at 8pm. Tickets: from £25.
www.theoldmarket.com
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4-8 FEBRUARY
BLOOD BROTHERS
Theatre Royal, Brighton
Willy Russell's legendary musical tells the captivating tale of twins separated at birth who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. This production will feature stars such as Lyn Paul, who rose to fame in the early 1970s as a member of the New Seekers; she will take up the role of Mrs Johnstone for her farewell tour, so don't miss out on the chance to see her on stage. Tickets: from £13.
www.atgtickets.com
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6-8 FEBRUARY
ZOG
The Capitol, Horsham
Discover the heart-warming tale of Zog, a dragon who is large in size and keen in nature, as he tries as hard as he can to win a golden star at Madam Dragon's school with all kinds of bumps, burns and roars along the way. Freckle Productions are bringing their smash-hit stage adaption of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's book back to the stage for another year, stopping off at The Capitol. Performance times vary. Tickets: £15.50.
www.thecapitolhorsham.com
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7 FEBRUARY
WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT
Brighton Dome
Gain a fascinating insight into the trailblazing music hall legends, early comediennes, divas of early film, drag artists, iconic soap actresses, pioneering managers, all-female jazz bands and the women who gave birth to rock and roll. Many of these women have called Brighton and Hove their home, often performing in some of the city's best-loved venues including Brighton Dome, so this is an event that is not to be missed. Doors open at 12.30. Tickets: £5.
www.brightondome.org
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8 FEBRUARY
ANDY PARSONS: HEALING THE NATION
Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Legendary comedian Andy Parsons is bringing his hugely popular new show to Chichester as part of his bid to soothe a broken nation. On the basis of appearances on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and QI, it's safe to say that guests are in for an evening of side-splitting laughter. The performance will begin at 8pm. Tickets: £15.
www.cft.org.uk
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9 FEBRUARY
BRIGHTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Brighton Dome
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra will bring music to our ears for their first concert of the year, which will showcase the beautiful sounds of Brighton Philharmonic Brass. In the full symphony orchestra, the brass section always sits at the back of the stage, but for this very special concert the French horn, four trumpets, three tenor trombones, a bass trombone and a tuba will be placed firmly in the spotlight. The performance will begin at 2.45pm. Tickets: from £14.50.
www.brightondome.org.
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11 FEBRUARY
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Explosions in the Sky are known for their passionate and powerful instrumental music. Expect melodies that combine both tragedy and romance, with a performance that promises to be every bit as triumphant as their name implies. The performance will begin at 7pm. Tickets: from £24.50.
www.dlwp.com
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15 FEBRUARY
CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA
Celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rat at Devonshire Park Theatre, as Jinlong Culture and Performing Arts brings a spectacular line-up of Chinese acrobats, music and dance to the stage. Expect skilled jugglers, mesmerising magic, an illuminating Dragon Dance and live music, for what is sure to be an evening to remember. The performance will take place at 2.30pm. Tickets: from £18.50.
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
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20 FEBRUARY
DANCE THOSE MAGICAL MOVIES
Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Calling all Strictly Come Dancing fans...Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag have announced a brand new show for 2020. The new production promises oodles of Hollywood glitz and glamour, and it will be set to the music that made it big on the silver screen: expect classics from Singin' in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, The Greatest Showman and Moulin Rouge, making it a real crowd-pleaser. Anton and Erin will be joined on stage by the talented vocalist Lance Ellington, a dance ensemble and a 23-piece orchestra, and there will even be a lively Q&A section. The performance will take place at 7.30pm. Tickets: from £32.
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
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26 FEBRUARY-8 MARCH
HASTINGS INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL
The White Rock Theatre and St Mary in the Castle
Hastings will come alive with the sound of music for two weeks, for the town's inaugural International Piano Festival; expect an exciting array of concerts, including performances by celebrated artists such as headliner Rufus Wainwright
who is one of the world's most revered singer-songwriters, composers and performers. A concert by Guy Chambers will kickstart the festival on the 26th, whilst the likes of Reuben James, Claire Martin OBE, Rachel Portman OBE and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will take to the stage in the following days.
www.hastingsinternationalpiano.org
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29 FEBRUARY AND 1 MARCH
JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH
The Old Market, Hove
The comedian is taking to the stage once again this year for his first tour in three years. Titled John Shuttleworth's Back, this tour will see John recounting hilarious stories about his back trouble, with anecdotes about strenuous DIY, organ-playing and Deep Heat. The performances will take place at 8pm. Tickets: from £18.
www.theoldmarket.com
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OUT AND ABOUT
1 FEBRUARY
WINTER STARGAZING
Sheffield Park and Garden, near Haywards Heath
Learn to navigate the stars with a talk and viewing by the experts at the Seven Sisters Astronomical Society. The event begins with supper and hot drink, followed by a talk from Jane Green who is an inspiring speaker and an elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. It is suitable for those aged 10+, and participants are welcome to bring along their own telescopes to try them out or to learn more about how to set them up for a viewing. Tickets: £25 for adults and £15 for children, and booking is essential.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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11 FEBRUARY
GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: WINTER
Nymans, near Haywards Heath
Join Roger Bloxham for a half-day workshop, where you'll learn how to photograph your garden to capture it in all its wintry glory. This is suitable for those who have experience of using their digital SLR or mirrorless camera and the price includes tea, coffee and cake. Tickets: £25.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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12-16 FEBRUARY
VALENTINE'S AFTERNOON TEA
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens Indulge in a special afternoon tea within the spectacular surroundings of their Mansion House: it would certainly be a romantic way to spend Valentine's Day. There will be sweet and savoury delights on offer, which will all be prepared by the Michelin-starred executive chef Jean Delport and his team. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it...
Tickets: from £40 per person
or £21 for children.
www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk
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15 FEBRUARY
CHANGE THE WORLD - WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Brighton Museum
On the United Nations' International Day of Women and Girls in Science, head to Brighton Museum for a fascinating insight into the work of the pioneering women in this field - uncover the story of fossil hunter Mary Anning, as well as the founders of the RSPB, and get hands-on with some fun family activities. This is part of the museum's themed Free Days series, which take place once a month.
www.brightonmuseums.org.uk
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15-23 FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM FUN
Wakehurst, near Haywards Heath
If you're in search of ways to keep the little ones busy over half-term, Wakehurst might just have the answer - the glorious botanic gardens will be hosting all sorts of family-friendly events, including storytelling around the campfire, the chance to explore the woodlands on a collecting trail and a cookery workshop. Prices vary.
www.kew.org/wakehurst
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15-23 FEBRUARY
BRIGHT SPARKS TRAIL
Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead
Sparks will fly this month over the half-term week - visitors will have the chance to learn all about electricity in Victorian times as part of their Bright Sparks Trail, which will offer an insight into just how exciting this innovation was. Standen was one of the first houses to be built with electricity, so it's the perfect family day out for history buffs young and old. Ticket prices include a prize at the end. Tickets: £2 per child with normal admission charges.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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23 FEBRUARY
THE GRAND BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON
Brighton
It's time to get those running shoes out because the famous race is taking place this month, and it's celebrating its 30th anniversary so there's no excuse not to take part. The 13.1 mile route will start at Brighton's iconic pier, before taking runners through the centre of the city and along the seafront past The Grand Hotel. Your efforts will be for a great cause too, since the race is organised by the locally based charity The Sussex Beacon, which provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV; however, you can choose to run for over 30 partner charities, including Chestnut Tree House, Alzheimer's Society and Macmillan. In honour of the 30th anniversary, the organisers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who took part in the early races in the 1990s.
www.grandbrighton.co.uk
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23 FEBRUARY
NATIONAL SPIRIT HURDLE
Fontwell Park, near Chichester
The thunder of hooves will fill Fontwell Park for the National Spirit Hurdle, which will see horses and their jockeys put through their paces over a two-mile course with 10 jumping efforts. It is now regarded as a trial for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham, with some of the very best horses in the sport taking part every year. Previous legends from the National Sprint hurdle include the likes of Baracouda, Lough Derg and My Way De Solzen, so it's a key date for discerning racing fans. Tickets: from £22.
www.fontwellpark.co.uk
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29 FEBRUARY
PARK MILL RE-OPENING
Bateman's, Burwash
After several years of intensive and major conservation work, Bateman's in East Sussex will
celebrate the official re-opening of Park Mill this month - the water-powered flour mill sits on the banks of the River Dudwell, and it will once again be producing flour for visitors. They're inviting people to come and see the impressive mechanism in action, with the chance to buy a bag of flour
that can then be used to bake your own loaf. The event is free, but normal admission charges apply.
www.nationaltrust.org
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