Things to do in Sussex this April
PUBLISHED: 12:52 27 March 2019 | UPDATED: 09:58 08 April 2019
Air guitars a-go-go with Rock Of Ages at Eastbourne's Congress Theatre (Photo by Richard Davenport/The Other Richard)
The Other Richard
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
Peter Brown Exhibition - 1-31 April
Shoreham Art Gallery
The 74-year-old pyrographer Peter Brown discovered the art form of decorating wood with burn marks when his wife became ill and he needed to spend more time indoors. Entry is free.
Tom Benjamin, Shore Lines - 6 April-5 May
St. Anne’s Galleries, 111 High Street, Lewes
A solo show of new paintings by the sought-after landscape artist, Tom Benjamin. All the works are painted on location - created ‘en plein air’ - in all weathers in Cornwall, the Hebrides and the artist’s native Sussex.
Eastbourne Spring Open Houses - 13-14, 20-21 April
Around Eastbourne
Eastbourne’s open houses are back with even more artists taking part. Presenting a mix of art from both locals and professionals.
Jilly Sutton and Helen Denerley - 27 April-19 May
Moncrieff-Bray Gallery, Petworth
This joint exhibition looks at the relationship between drawing and sculpture through Jilly Sutton’s wood carvings, relief prints and paintings on wood as well as Helen Denerley’s sculptures, stunning charcoal drawings and monoprints.
Focus Group Exhibition - 6, 8-13 April
Assembly Rooms, North Street Chichester
Marking its 10th anniversary, the annual exhibition of the Focus Group shows the photographers’ work in landscapes, collages, documentary and street photography and projected images. Open daily except Sunday from 9am until 4.30pm, entry is free.
Maunder Maps - Until 28 April
Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft
Artist Jane Pitt has been inspired by the old Sussex word ‘maunder,’ which means ‘to wander about thoughtfully.’ The project sees two vinyl installations hung in the window of the William and Margaret Rowling gallery.
ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk
The Weather Garden - Until 2 June
Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne
Showcasing the Arts Council Collection, curator Anne Hardy has selected the work of 26 artists for a setting she has specially created within the gallery space.
MUSIC AND THEATRE
A Life with Elephants - 1 April
Connaught Theatre, Worthing
Leading elephant conservationist Saba Douglas-Hamilton will captivate audiences with stories of her life and work in Kenya, growing up among elephants and working with some of the planet’s most endangered wildlife.
Rose Cousins - 1 April
The Greys, Brighton
Grammy-nominated Canadian songwriter Rose Cousins will perform songs of from her most recent album Natural Conclusion in her signature haunting vocal style. Tickets start at £10.
A Song at Twilight - 1-9 April
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
Simon Callow and Jane Asher star in this late Noel Coward classic about an ageing author awaiting the arrival of an old flame, who has her own agenda. 7.45pm, 2.30pm matinees, tickets from £22.
Here Come the Girls - 4 April
The Hawth, Crawley
A new dance show featuring some of stars of Strictly Come Dancing features Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden from the hit BBC show, as well as former Strictly dancer Chloe Hewitt. Tickets are £28.
The Solid Silver 60s Show - 6 April
Worthing Pavilion Theatre
For over 30 years, the Solid Silver 60s Show has entertained the nation and celebrated the world’s most loved music. Known as an institution on the 60s circuit, SS60s is the original and premier sixties show, bringing you classic hits performed by the original hit makers.
UB40 - 8 April
Brighton Centre
UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey mark 40 years since UB40 formed with a greatest hits set featuring Red Red Wine and Cherry Oh Baby.
Rock Of Ages - 8-13 April
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
The West End and Broadway juggernaut rock comedy musical Rock of Ages makes its debut visit to Eastbourne. Antony Costa from boy-band Blue leads the cast as leather-clad rock icon Stacee Jaxx in the show set on the glittering 1980s LA music scene, full of classic rock hits.
Rotterdam - 8-10 April
Theatre Royal Brighton
Following critically acclaimed runs in London and a highly successful transfer to New York, Donnacadh O’Briain’s Olivier Award-winning production of Rotterdam comes to Brighton. Written by Jon Brittain, the show follows Alice as she comes to terms with her sexuality.
The Trials of Oscar Wilde - 9-10 April
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
This new play co-written by Wilde’s only grandson Merlin Holland, uses real transcripts from Wilde’s Old Bailey trail in 1895. A rare chance to see theatre in the Pavilion’s Music Room. Starts 8pm, tickets £32.50
www.maximweb.net/brightonmuseums/events
Micky P Kerr - 9 April
Komedia, Brighton
Fresh off his success in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, primary school teacher turned musical comedian Micky P Kerr is coming to Komedia this month with his tour Z List Celebrity. His show will invite audiences to join him on an evening of music, social commentary, as well as spilling some secrets about what it was like to appear on the show.
Someone, Somewhere - 9-14 April
The Lamb Theatre, Eastbourne
Someone, Somewhere is a brand new play inspired by the story of 22-year-old Jessie Earl who disappeared in May 1980 but whose body wasn’t discovered until nine years later. The play mixes Jessie’s diaries with monologues based on Jessie’s other writings to create a moving portrait of loss. Tickets cost £11.
Drum Legends - 12 April
Brighton Dome
World-renowned drummers Ginger Baker, Pete York and Herman Rarebell join forces for a unique live show, showcasing their massive hits including White Room and Gimme Some Lovin’. Tickets start at £35.
An Evening with Sophia Money-Coutts - 12 April
Augustus Brandt, Newlands House, Petworth
Join award winning journalist and author Sophia Money-Coutts for a discussion about her debut novel ‘The Plus One’, in a special live Q&A.
Aled Jones - 13 April
Pavilion Theatre, Worthing
The former choirboy turned presenter and musical star performs a one-off charity concert in aid of Chestnut Tree House, with support from Britain’s Got Talent’s Faryl Smith and The Voice’s Classical Reflection. 7.30pm, tickets £25.
An Afternoon with Evelyn Glennie - 14 April
Eastbourne College Theatre
Dame Evelyn Glennie, the Scottish virtuoso percussionist, has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12 and claims to have taught herself to hear with parts of her body other than her ears. She will be performing and answering questions at Eastbourne College Theatre. 3.30pm, tickets £28.50.
Pixar in Concert - 14 April
Brighton Dome
Pixar films have captured the imagination of generations through endearing characters, amazing animation and wonderful music. This concert celebration features memorable moments from the films with a full orchestra performing the stunning scores. Tickets from £29.50.
The Comedy About a Bank Robbery - 16-20 April
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
The welcome return of Mischief Theatre, the company behind show The Play that Goes Wrong. This screwball caper has been wowing the West End since 2016 where it’s received rave reviews.
Bakk Lamp Fall - 20 April
The Verdict, Brighton
Bakk Lamp Fall return to The Verdict for a night of contemporary African fusion music strongly rooted in the Baye Fall tradition. The line-up of the band comprises outstanding West-African percussion accompanied by an ensemble of eminent UK instrumentalists, all topped by the soaring vocals of Senegalese singer Khadim Sarr.
All Mod Cons - 20 April
Assembly Hall, Worthing
From the Jam will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Jam’s third studio album All Mod Cons by playing it in its entirety. The band features former The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton. Expect classics such as Down in The Tube Station at Midnight and A Bomb in Wardour Street.
The Adam Riches Experience - 25 April
Komedia, Brighton
Comedian Adam Riches launches his debut UK tour The Adam Riches Experience with at date in Brighton. He’ll be bringing a whole set of brand new, immersive characters to his show, which promises a night of off-the-wall, at times absurd, comedy.
Glengarry Glen Ross - 22-27 April
Theatre Royal Brighton
A new adaption starring Mark Benton and Nigel Harman from one of David Mamet’s greatest plays. Set in an office of cut-throat Chicago salesmen who are pitched in a high-stakes competition against each other, we see them going to any costs to sell real estate. 7.45pm, 2.30pm matinees, tickets from £13.
Singing with Nightingales - 25 April-26 May
Near Lewes
Now something of an annual event, Mercury Music Prize-nominated folk singer Sam Lee leads a campfire gathering with music, story-telling, wildlife lore and a backwoods feast before heading to ancient woodlands for a duet with the birds. 6.30pm to midnight, tickets £75.
www.singingwithnightingales.com
Musical Variety Evening - 27 April
Birley Centre, Eastbourne
English Opera tenor Anthony Flaun headlines a night in support of The Chaseley Trust. 7.30pm, tickets £9.
OUT AND ABOUT
Wave: Brighton Podcast Festival - 2-13 April
Across Brighton
The first edition of Wave: Brighton Podcast Festival features a line-up of incredible guests and recordings across Brighton and Hove. Highlights include Romesh Ranganathan’s Hip Hop Saved My Life with Rag N’ Bone Man on 13 April at The Old Market and No Such Thing as a Fish at the Brighton Dome on 2 April. There will also be an edition of Ctrl Alt Delete on 8 April at Komedia hosted by Emma Gammon.
Bertram Bunny - 6-22 April
Borde Hill, Haywards Heath
This Easter holiday, the Bertram Bunny is back with a brand new garden adventure. Youngsters can spot the signs of spring as they explore the trail looking for Hetty the Hen’s ten golden eggs. For £2 per trail plus admission.
Mayor’s Luncheon - 10 April
Crowborough Beacon Golf Club
The Crowborough Acorns for Cancer Research UK is one of the Crowborough Mayor Greg Rose’s charities this year. The charity will be hosting the Mayor’s Luncheon at the golf club from noon. Tickets £25 including a two-course meal and coffee.
Email: nigsue@me.com
Arlington Bluebell Walk - 11 April-19 May
Bates Green Farm, Polegate
The Arlington Bluebell Walk opens for its 47th season, offering spectacular views of one of the UK’s most beautiful bluebell woods, with a cafe and shop and family fun including farm animals and dairy milking. £6 for adults and a range of walk options are available.
Easter Eggstravaganza - 12 April
Fontwell Park Racecourse
Why not try something a bit different and come down to Fontwell Park Racecourse for a day full of fun. The kids will be spoilt for choice with a selection of free entertainment and activities, including the famous Easter Egg Hunt and you can watch 7 races up close to all the action.
Fairy Tale Fair - 14 April
Charmandean, Worthing
More than 70 stalls selling Easter and spring creations in aid of St Barnabas House. Open 10.30am to 4pm.
Mad Hatter Raceday - 20 April
Brighton Racecourse
Great races lined up alongside some phenomenal views and the new hat competition.
Tulip Festival - From 22 April to 7 May
Pashley Manor Gardens
Pashley Manor’s spectacular Tulip Festival sees the garden carpeted with over 35,000 tulips, creating stunning scenes for visitors to enjoy. Bloms Bulbs are on site with cut tulip display and taking bulb orders.
London Harness Horse Parade - 22 April
South of England Centre, Ardingly
More than 100 horse-drawn vehicles and carriages parade with vintage motor cars, tractors and motorcycles for the 134th annual event, which moved from central London 13 years ago. Gates open 8.30am, tickets £10.
