Alfresco Shakespeare in an English Seaside Garden!

In 2016 the UK is celebrating not one, but two of Great Britain's most wonderful heritage assets; William Shakespeare, arguably the world's most famous play write, and the 'English Garden', indisputably a quintessential feature of British culture.

So, in the 'Year of the English Garden', a tourism campaign launched by VisitBritain and also with the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death being commemorated in 2016, here in Eastbourne we're offering our visitors a delightful double-serving of alfresco Shakespeare set in the stunning and secluded Italian Gardens, which are located at the foot of the South Downs National Park. Plus, a whole lot more gardens for the green-fingered, nature loving visitors to explore and more Shakespeare and the arts for our culture-vulture visitors!

‘All the world’s a stage’ or all the garden is a stage in Eastbourne, when William Shakespeare’s As You Like It is recreated in the Italian Gardens. Located at Holywell Retreat; a quaint and peaceful beach, the Italian Gardens are home to a unique wooded amphitheatre carved out of Beachy Head’s famous white chalk cliffs and surrounded by beautiful trees and this creates the perfect setting for a summer's night watching some of Shakespeare's best works unfold in a stunning alfresco location.

Bringing Shakespeare and nature together, Eastbourne Dramatic and Operatic Society, recreate one of Shakespeare’s most memorable plays from 27 July to 6 August. The ItalianGardens are transformed into ‘The Forest of Arden’, the setting in which Shakespeare’s most modern of women, Rosalind, tries to teach her lover and the audience how to win and keep a lover, whilst dressed as a man!

There really isn't a more romantic way to spend Mid-summer evenings, than in these beautiful secluded gardens which are often referred to as 'Eastbourne’s best kept secret'. Visitors, residents and holiday-makers can come and absorb culture, the striking natural beauty of the beach-facing gardens and a truly enchanting atmosphere. 

The gardens boast undercover seating or a grassed area ideal for setting up a picnic and taking in all the action from the ‘front-row’ and with a refreshment marquee selling hot drinks, soft drinks and wines and beers, plus an array of delicious cakes, theatre-goers will have have both their culture appetites met, as well as their foodie needs met.

More Shakespeare comes in the form of a ‘Macbeth’ parody, when The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company stages Macbyrd in the Italian Gardens for one night only on 10 July. The setting of the Shakespearean satire is Sussex’s very own Jevington village (just a few miles outside of Eastbourne) and this absurd comedy which features 16 birds as lead characters, portrays power struggles in a WW2 English community.

Love Italy, but can't afford that trip to Rome or Milan this year? Nevermind, a trip to Eastbourne will allow you to discover some more Italian culture when the smells and flavours of Italy come to Eastbourne at the Seafront Italian Market, from 28-30 July! There are dozens of edible Italian delights to be scooped-up, from pastas, antipastos and pizzas, to meats, fishes and of course an array of Italy's yummiest sweet treats, ice-cream, tiramisu and more!

Another one for the arts and Italian culture loving visitors this summer, OperaCoast brings a two-day course for aspiring performers to the Birley Centre, culminating in a performance of opera, La Rondine by Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini on Sunday 24 July. You can even sign-up to the two-course and have your five minutes of fame in this community opera!

Even more comedy-esque Shakespeare arrives in Eastbourne in August, when the DevonshirePark Theatre presents The ShakespeareRevue, a comic concoction of hilarious sketches and show-stopping numbers where Shakespeare meets showbiz in a dazzling cabaret-style musical originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

'In an English Country Garden....' Come and Explore the Gardens Trail in and around Eastbourne!

Gorgeous gardens and literary links are bountiful in and around Eastbourne. National Trust run Bateman’s in nearby Burwash is the former home of world famous author and poet, Rudyard Kipling. ‘Just So Story Day’ on 3 August where visitors to Bateman’s can listen to stories inspired by Kipling’s daughter’s inquisitive nature, and ‘The Jungle Book Trail’ on 22 July, are just two literature-inspired ways to explore Bateman’s striking gardens.

Enchanting Charleston, country home of the Bloomsbury Group, has a very colourful history and the walled garden designed in 1916 was inspired by ‘Italian fresco’, with mosaics, box hedges, gravel pathways and ponds. The house and gardens are open to the public Wednesday-Sunday until 30 October.

Michelham Priory boasts a fascinating 800 year-old history, 7 acres of grounds and gardens, a medieval herb garden, a working watermill and forge and an interactive medieval gallery. Garden explorers can visit the Tudor manor house from 10.30am-5pm until 31 October.

If you are planning an overnight stay and you want a gorgeous garden to feast your eyes on, you should book in to Ocklynge Manor, a 300 year-old manor house which is surrounded by a stunning three-quarter acre garden, complete with with an abundance of flowers and plants, it really is dreamy. So dreamy in fact that Mabel Lucie Attwell, the illustrator of J.M.Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ once lived in the house and imagined up many of the splendid imagery featured in 'Peter Pan', in this very house.  You'll find a historic blue plaque commemorating her on the road-side wall of the manor.

For more information on ‘As You Like It’, the Italian Gardens and all events and attractions listed here go to www.visiteastbourne.com.  

Fall in love in Eastbourne this Valentine's Day with Stargazing, Ballroom Dancing and More!

Whatever your budget and whatever your style, if you're looking to spoil someone special this Valentine's Day, Eastbourne is the perfect romantic escape!

For culture and passion on the stage, the Congress Theatre has it covered this Valentine's weekend! On 12 February, Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton du Beke and Erin Boag bring the heat of the ballroom to the stage of the Congress Theatre when their sizzling new dance tour stops in Eastbourne, bringing passionate ballroom dances performed to hits of the golden age! 

If dreamy romanticism is more what you're after, then an afternoon at the Congress on Valentine's Day listening to the London Philharmonic Orchestra perform a romantic classical variety is the one for you. The beautifully relaxing concert will include Schumann's musical love letter to his wife: his Piano Concerto; and Sibelius's beautiful and uplifting Symphony No. 5.

For the most romantic of outdoor activities, head to the Redoubt Fortress on Eastbourne's seafront for an evening of stargazing. In the company of your loved-one, gaze at the sky through the eye of the telescope on Saturday 13 February as the Eastbourne Astronomical Society take you on a romantic guided-tour of the night sky, spotting craters on the moon, stars in the galaxy and the Orion Nebula! It's also a completely free event, so you'll be able to splash out more on dinner later on!

If you're looking for fine dining, The Grand Hotel, the only 5* seaside hotel in the UK, provides the fanciest of settings for a perfect Valentine's dinner! Lovers who lunch can choose between the 'Fine Dining Romance Dinner' in the reputable Mirabelle Restaurant, the 'Garden Restaurant Romance Dinner’ or a ‘Romantic Afternoon Tea’ served in The Great Hall. From just £145.00 per person, dine in the Garden Restaurant and stay at the Grand overnight! Enter our competition for a chance to win a Valentine’s Dinner for Two in the Grand’s Garden Restaurant!

For Afternoon Teas coupled with discovery, an afternoon at either Michelham Priory, an 800 year old country house with seven acres of beautiful gardens or at National Trust run Bateman's will be ideal! Michelham Priory is serving up a luxury Valentines canapé tea, complete with a glass of Prosecco, a special Valentine's gift and full entry to the house on 13 and 14 February. On 14 February visit Bateman’s and enjoy a stroll around the garden at the former home of Rudyard Kipling, followed by a delicious Valentine’s Tea! 

If art is the way to your heart, Eastbourne’s contemporary gallery, Towner Art Gallery has two great exhibitions this Valentine’s weekend; Recording Britain; a collection developed at the outbreak of the Second World War which aimed to document rural and urban

environments under threat, and Peter Sellers: Behind the Camera; a retrospective of the career of his career.

Stay overnight and make the most of the romantic coastal location! Go to VisitEastbourne.com/accommodation for all the best places to stay in Eastbourne and some fabulous Valentine's weekend offers!

A Peek at Towner's Incredible Exhibition - John Napier: Stages, Beyond the Fourth Wall

Back in December we took a trip to Towner Art Gallery to check out the new John Napier exhibition, Stages, Beyond the Fourth Wall, which we'd heard so much about. Napier is a multi-award winning set and costume designer who's intricate style and skill is responsible for many of theatre's most iconic and memorable designs, from the horses in Equus, to the outsized junkyard in Cats, to the ever-recognisable set and costumes for Starlight Express.

The exhibition layout planned by Napier himself, is set out in a winding maze-style, taking you on a journey of his career highlights on which you will spot delicately drawn costume designs, detailed replicas of stage sets and many more surprises along the way. As fans of theatre, culture and design, it's needless to say that we were not at all disappointed by the exhibition and will gladly sing its praises from the rooftops, in true musical style! With the exhibition open until 31 January, a visit to Towner Art Gallery this month is essential. In the meantime, here's a gallery of some of the amazing pieces on display to whet your appetite.

 

John Napier: Stages, Beyond the Fourth Wall is open at Towner Art Gallery from now until 31 January. Entry is £5; £3.50 for concessions and groups of over 10 people or free to under 18's and Towner members. Towner Art Gallery is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday.

Yuletide is Upon Us: A month of Eastbourne Festivities

The festive season is well and truly under way, and Eastbourne has plenty on offer for all, this Christmas period. From quaint markets serving up edible delights and hand crafted gifts; to opera, ballet and Rat Pack Christmas classics being performed on theatre stages across Eastbourne. The Sunshine Coast sure knows how to do Christmas, but can we bring snow?

Yes! Well almost. Druisilla’s Park switches on its Winter Wonderland Illuminations at 16.30 on Saturday November 29, transporting visitors to a magical ice-capped Kingdom where penguins and polar bears made of dazzling lights, will be animated for a 20 minute illumination display every day until January 4, perfectly synchronized to festive and pop music. 

Children (and adults) can also meet and hug a Husky dog, Hello Kitty, Santa’s Reindeer, Christmas elves and Santa himself – there really is so much on offer at Drusilla’s this Christmas; it will make the perfect Winters day out for family festivities.

Shopping locally for your Christmas gifts couldn’t be easier, with numerous Christmas markets and crafts fairs dotted around the town. ‘Meads Magic’ in Meads Village is happening from 14.30 this Friday 28 November. As well as the delightful food stalls and unique seasonal gifts, Christmas magic will be brought to Meads in the form of live street music from the Swing Ninjas. Santa will be making another trip to Eastbourne especially for the magical Meads event. 

Another charming corner of Eastbourne, Little Chelsea, will be holding their ‘Little Christmas’ outdoor market on Friday 5 December between 17.30 and 22.00. South Street will be taken over by market stalls, offering more traditional gifts, festive culinary delights, rides and attractions. Various street performers will keep Christmas spirits high with entertainment throughout the entire evening. Real life reindeer will be travelling down from the North Pole with Santa (again) to meet and greet one and all.

For another alternative evening of shopping, the Towner Art Gallery is holding an ‘After Hours Christmas Shopping’ event on Tuesday December 2, 18.00-21.00. You’ll find more unique Christmas treasures for your friends and families gifts, and receive mulled wine and mince pies, complimentary of the gallery.

Visitors to Eastbourne can make a night, a weekend or a whole week of it. There are a number of very welcoming hotels who love to welcome in guests at Christmas, with some brilliant offers on for the festive period. The Langton’s, a Victorian seafront guest house, have 20% off of a three night stay or more until March 30. The Royal is a beautiful and charming hotel with offers on 6 and 7 night stays. All available hotels and B&B’s can be booked online at http://www.visiteastbourne.com/accommodation/

For those that like to keep active, even throughout the gluttonous month of December, the Santa Fun Run and Walk is happening on Sunday December 7. All runners will be decked out in Santa’s suits (he’s a fashion role model), and be rewarded with a mince pie at the end of their promenade run. More details about can be found at www.events.myastheniagravis.co.uk/SantaEastbourne.

The Christmas theatre season is packed out, catering for all musical tastes, and age groups. Classical dance fans will be mesmerised by Russian State Ballet and Opera House productions of Gisele at the Congress on Friday 5 December, and The Nutcracker, a favourite Christmas story, on Saturday 6 December. Beauty and The Beast is the pantomime not to be missed this season, and with a whole month of performances, there is no excuse. See it at the Devonshire Park Theatre between December 12 and January 11. The Rat Pack Big Band will be bringing Sinatra seasonal classics and more hits from 1950’s America, to the Congress on December 23. For a full theatres list and to book tickets visit www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

And the grand finale of festivities is the trio of annual free Bandstand concerts. Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will be celebrated in traditional Eastbourne style at our unique Bandstand. A Christmas vacation in Eastbourne would be incomplete without experiencing at least one of these concerts, if not all. The Eastbourne Silver Band will grace the Bandstand stage on Christmas Day, caroling the morning away. Boxing Day and New Year’s at the Bandstand promises two fun and lively concerts from the Ray Campbell Dance Band, joyfully rounding off Eastbourne’s festive season.

There is no better place to be this December, than the Sunshine Coast – Merry Christmas One and All!

EASTBOURNE’S FAMOUS PANTOMIME IS BEASTLY GOOD FUN!

Eastbourne’s stunning pantomime is the family favourite Beauty and the Beast, at the Devonshire Park Theatre from 12 December until 11 January. With a cast of pure talent and plenty of magical surprises in store it is sure to be the highlight of the season!

Eastbourne favourites Martyn Knight and Tucker return to cause more chaos and calamity with Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson, fresh from her West End roles in Spamalot, Legally Blonde and Shrek making her Eastbourne debut as Malevolent.

Our heroine Belle (Emily Bull) is set to go on a journey of love and adventure which will prove that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Imprisoned in an enchanted Chateau by a hideous looking beast, her only friends are Dame Derriere (Martyn Knight) and the hapless Potty Pierre (Tucker), but what has happened to the handsome Prince? Will the wicked enchantress’ spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?

Eastbourne’s pantomimes are famed for giving audiences a true live theatre experience, with a full band, beautiful costumes designed and created especially for the show and of course lots of magical onstage effects. And with tickets prices that are far from beastly, priced from just £12, this is a pantomime for everyone to enjoy.

Beauty and the Beast at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, from 12 December until 11 January. Tickets priced from £12 to £20 with concessions available, to book or for more information call the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.