Local History Resources

Photo:Backstage Brighton: Theatre-going in Brighton and Hove

Backstage Brighton: Theatre-going in Brighton and Hove

Cover Design by Louise Richardson and Matthew Parker. Cover image Sarah Croft

Backstage Brighton: Theatre-going in Brighton and Hove
By Anne Morrison

October 2010: QueenSpark launches 'the perfect Brighton & Hove Christmas present'!

In 1900 Brighton had more theatres than anywhere in the UK outside London. Backstage Brighton celebrates theatre and theatre-going in the city past and present. If you ever wondered what once stood on the site of the Brighton Centre or why the Sallis Benney is so called, then you’ll be enthralled by the book’s fascinating journey through the history and heritage of Brighton & Hove’s many theatrical venues.

"My memories of Theatre Royal Brighton were ‘The Single Gulp’ bar (a backstage bar)… with an old barmaid who couldn’t resist playing the fruit machine during performances, so always had to wait for a round of applause or a good laugh before she pulled the handle. I have to say that her timing was not that good!" Stanley Bates

Featuring:

  • An interview with veteran performer Clive Dunn (incl photographs of the comedian from his private collection)
  • A winning cover design by 2nd Year Graphic Design students at Brighton University
  • Sections on many of the city’s long lost theatres such as: The Alhambra, The Hippodrome, The Grand, The Palace and West Pier Theatres, The Imperial, The Dolphin and The Gardner Arts Centre
  • Anecdotes from local people
  • Evocative, previously unseen photographs (many from private collections)

Visit the QueenSpark website today to find out how to purchase your own copy.

This page was added on 26/10/2010.

Comments about this page

I must get a copy...A photo of my Mum Winnie Smith (nee Taylor) is in the line up at the Grand Theatre, when she was in her teens.

By Maralyn Eden (27/10/2010)

Hello Maralyn, you can buy it online by following the link provided - but if you'd rather purchase it in person it's on sale at: Waterstone's at the Clocktower, British Bookshops and Stationers (most branches), Kemptown Books and City Books. That's a great photo. Sarah (QueenSpark Books)

By Sarah Hutchings (28/10/2010)

Thank you Sarah. My complimentary copy arrived. Very happy my photos are in it. Well done to all concerned, as you say a very good idea for an Xmas present. A lovely book. Many thanks.

By Jennifer Tonks nee Smith (29/10/2010)

Hi Sarah, my brother Graham Smith has picked the copy up for me, I'll collect it next time I'm in Sussex. Glad some of my mum's collection came in useful for the book. It seems a shame when we have old photos that get put into an album which  only the family see.

By Maralyn Eden (31/10/2010)

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