SPOTLIGHT: The revival of the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne
Gary Murray’s piece chronicles the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne, highlighting its survival through historic threats and restoration efforts. From its grand opening in 1883 to recent refurbishments, the theatre has hosted notable acts and faced scandals. Today, it thrives with diverse performances and community involvement, reliant on volunteer support and donations.
SPOTLIGHT: Extensive cuts to culture and leisure likely in bid to save £2.7 million
By Rebecca Maer Drastic cuts are set to be made to cultural life and leisure in Eastbourne. Eastbourne Borough Council is considering cutting funding for the Towner gallery (above), closing the Beachy Head heritage centre, changing how the theatres operate and selling assets. A second round of cuts later this year may also see changes […]
REVIEW: Murdered to Death
By Gary Murray Spoof crime thrillers are all the rage at the moment. Murdered to Death, one of a trilogy, came to Eastbourne last night: it’s a parody of the Agatha Christie country house genre. A variety of characters assemble in the drawing room. It’s 1936 and the hostess Mildred, along with her prim niece […]
SPOTLIGHT: The Channel swimmer who battled to reach the French coast
Craig Kircher, a 49-year-old electrician, successfully swam across the English Channel to France in 14 hours, overcoming a migraine and challenging currents. His intense training and mental resilience enabled him to achieve what fewer than 2,000 people worldwide have done, raising £4,500 for charity.
SPOTLIGHT: Solar panels on Eastbourne Levels given go ahead
By Rebecca Maer Solar panels will be installed across an agricultural flood plain either side of the railway track into Eastbourne after councillors approved the scheme. They voted narrowly in favour – with three for, two against and one absention – after the scheme was discussed at last night’s Eastbourne Borough Council planning meeting. The […]
SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign Harbour flats scheme still too big, say councillors
By Rebecca Maer A controversial retirement scheme planned for Sovereign Harbour was last night deferred for the second time as councillors dug their heels in over the scale of the design, rejecting a recommendation to approve it. The original plan for three blocks at Martinique Way at the edge of a shingle beach has already […]
REVIEW: Grease – The Musical
By Paul Bromley A profusion of ‘Pink Ladies’ poured into the Congress Theatre for a stylish and colourful production of Grease – The Musical. Some of the audience members were mature enough to remember the film first time round; others seemed too young to be familiar with the story of Danny and Sandy at Rydell […]
REVIEW: The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company
By Gary Murray The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company’s summer residence in a big top tent in Helen Garden has become a regular fixture of the Eastbourne summer scene. The Rudes, as they are affectionately known, specialise in a highly visual type of theatre incorporating elements of the Italian theatrical form of commedia dell’arte plus several […]
SPOTLIGHT: Have your say on Orchard Road apartments plan
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Council plans to build town centre apartments in Eastbourne on the site of the former magistrates’ court are now open for comment. In a planning application validated last week, Eastbourne Borough Council has put forward fresh proposals to build housing on the site in Old Orchard Road. The […]
SPOTLIGHT: Plan for 100 homes to replace ‘eyesore’ car park
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter A developer has submitted plans to replace a multi-storey car park near the station in Eastbourne with more than 100 homes. In plans validated by Eastbourne Borough Council last week, developer Elstree Land is seeking planning permission to demolish the now-closed multi-storey car park in Junction Road and […]