Four things to do in East Sussex

Wondering what to do over the next few weeks? Here are four of the best events.
Maria Ziółkowska stars in Snow QMaria Ziółkowska stars in Snow Q
Maria Ziółkowska stars in Snow Q

Complex themes in a Snow Queen adaptation

A re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen is coming to East Sussex.

The show combines poetry, music and visuals, and will be at Lewes All Saints Centre, on Tuesday, February 18. Tickets £8 (booking fee). Doors 7.45pm.

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The show is also at The Spire, Brighton, on Saturday, February 22 (3.45pm). £8 (booking fee) or £10 on the door.

Age 13+ for both events.

A spokesperson said: “Snow Q is a live literature performance, which was inspired by Andersen’s enigmatic tale of friendship, love and loyalty to explore contemporary themes of social isolation, gender, sexuality, migration and exile.

“At the centre of Snow Q are lifelong friends Gerda and Kai, two lost young people. When winter comes, ice enters Kai’s heart and when Kai disappears, Gerda embarks on a quest to rescue their lost friend, meeting a wise, at times acerbic, Crow who tells stories in an extraordinary hybrid language of English and Polish.

“Writer Maria Jastrzębska has re-imagined the story with a series of poems in the voices of the Crow and Gerda and Kai, who both identify as non-binary, and are played by Anglo-Polish actors Rita Suszek and Maria Ziolkowska.”

Welcome in the Year of the Rat with music and acrobatics

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A Chinese New Year Extravaganza takes place at the Devonshire Park Theatre on Saturday, February 15.

Jinlong Culture and Performing Arts brings a spectacular line-up of Chinese acrobatics, music and dance to Eastbourne to welcome in the Year of the Rat (the first in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac).

There will be skilled jugglers, magic, Dragon Dance and live instruments, as well as some ‘playful pandas’, in a show that’s suitable for the whole family.

The fun starts at 2.30pm and tickets cost £18.50-£22.50. Under 16s can get £2 off. A Family Saver (two adults and two children) costs £68. Groups of ten can get an 11th ticket for free. Visit eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

Enthusiastic dragon tries a little too hard at school

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There’s a lot to like about dragons as Zog at Brighton Dome proves from February 19-21.

It’s an adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school where dragons learn all the things they need to know. Zog tries so hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three.

Director Emma Kilbey said: “Children just love it. They are so fascinated by dragons because they find them so fantastical. He is at dragon school and he is a real have-a-go hero. He is just full of enthusiasm and desperate to get things right.”

Great writers and musicians at Seaford’s LitFest20

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LitFest20, Seaford’s annual celebration of words and music, will be hosted by the Crypt Gallery, Church Street, Seaford, from February 27 to March 1.

Starting with a free reception from 5-7pm on February 27, with opening remarks from the Mayor of Seaford, LitFest20 features a host of local writers, performers, and musicians. These include author Simon Parke, motivational speaker Barry Winbolt, storyteller Umi Sinha, poet Janet Sutherland, academic Nicholas Royle, violinist Maeve Jenkinson and more.

Tickets for each event are £5 on Eventbrite or from Seaford Tourist Information. A three-day pass is £40. Visit www.thecryptgallery.com.

Four things to do in Hastings, Rye and Bexhill. Click here to read more.

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An interview with Baxter Dury ahead of Hastings Fat Tuesday’s launch night. Click here to read more.

Inspiring workshops with Claire Martin and Guy Chambers: Hastings International Piano Festival. Click here to read more.

Four great shows to see in the Eastbourne area. Click here to read more.