Stables Theatre – Blue Remembered Hills

Preview Corner: What’s HOT in August

It’s August, school’s out, the sun is shining, the politicians are on holiday, and all is – or should be – right with the world. Throw in the start of the football season and it’s almost impossible not to mutter those immortal lines of John Milton – ‘Bliss it was in that dawn to be alive, but to be young was very heaven’ (It was Wordsworth, you idiot: Ed). But the relentless juggernaut of things to see, do and enjoy in this town never rests. And here’s Toby Sargent, our man with the wash-and-wear windcheater and the faux tortoiseshell pocket comb to tell us about just some of them.

First out of the bag this month is a showing of We Love This Town, at The Electric Palace Cinema in the Old Town on 6 August. It’s by local filmmaker Jack Edmonds and is a short piece, followed by Q&A, looking at the fishing community, followed by more fantastic films of the colourful events that have taken place in and around the Old Town and St Leonards over the last 30 years by our own Glenn Veness. Oh, and it’s just a fiver to get in.

Jolted out of his comfort zone

Also at this excellent venue, look out for The Sense of an Ending, a film starring the estimable Jim Broadbent as a retired chap who is jolted out of his comfort zone to confront memories from his past. Screenings on 24, 25 and 27 August, with an 11.00 ‘Silver Screening’ for oldsters like myself on the Thursday morning for just £5.00, with a cuppa thrown in. Lovely cinema and a terrific programme of showings.

Achingly stylish

Running down the coast to Bexhill and the achingly stylish De La Warr Pavilion, look out for their latest wheeze, ‘Sunset Screenings’ on Saturdays 5, 12, 19 and Sunday 27 August, with this years theme Sci Fi & Adventure. The films are screened outside on the sea-facing wall at sunset (approx. 8.30pm) and are absolutely free. TOP TIP: Bring something to sit on and wrap up warm as summer nights down here aren’t necessarily always the balmy tropical experience we might wish.

I’ve written before about the ‘live’ cinema beam-backs of major London plays, operas and ballets. They’re a brilliant and very affordable way of getting a front-of-stalls theatre experience and you’ll find them at the Hastings Odeon, the Kino Teatr and the good old Danny La Rue, mentioned above. Not every venue shows every beam-back, so check individual websites for this month’s two hot tickets: Yerma from the National Theatre and starring Billie Piper on 31 August and the gory triumph that is Titus Andronicus from the RSC on 9 August.

‘Forever in Blue Jeans’

Speaking of the Kino, I’m drawn to their offering on 11 August: Hot August Night – Lenny Beige sings Neil Diamond. Over to the PR blurb – ‘After sell-out shows in March at London’s prestigious Crazy Coqs, light entertainment all-rounder (and sometime resident of St Lenny’s) Mr Lenny Beige pays tribute to singer/songwriter Neil Diamond, described as The Jewish Elvis. With a career spanning over 40 years there is an embarrassment of riches to choose from; America, Forever In Blue Jeans, Red Red Wine…and MANY MORE. Expect music, comedy and a uniquely Beige take on this great man’s life and work.’

Weary procession

I guess you want to know what the White Rock Theatre has to offer the high-season holiday-making crowds this month. Yes? Well, the good news is that, if tribute bands are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. The weary procession begins with The Johnny Cash Roadshow (4 August) followed by Little Mix Experience (24 August), Purple Rain, A Celebration of Prince (25 August) and Whitney, Queen of the Night (26 August).

BBC ‘Play for Today’

Older readers may recall an extraordinary TV production in the ‘Play for Today’ series on BBC back in 1979 – Dennis Potter’s Blue Remembered Hills. The play, set in the Forest of Dean in 1943, follows a group of children (played, at the stipulation of the author, by adults including Helen Mirren, Colin Welland and Michael Elphick.) It is being presented at The Stables from 8 August and, directed by Peter Mould, promises to be one of their most challenging productions yet: a must-see both for fans of Dennis Potter and for this remarkable local theatre company.

But this, as always, is just a snapshot of the treats available locally throughout the month. There are hundreds more events, concerts and performances. Keep your eyes peeled for posters all over this brilliant town and . . make the most of it.

Also in: Hastings Life