PhotoHastings summer exhibition at Stade Hall includes an astounding selection of images from 16 photographers. This year, the group has welcomed two new photographers working with a mentor. HOT’s Erica Smith was delighted to meet these budding photographers.
Theatre is back! Two performances in one evening at The Stables Theatre! Two talented, veteran actors! Two solo shows! Both influenced by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Both written and directed by renowned local playwright, John Knowles. One night only! Bringing their brilliance to the stage, Patrick Kealey performs in ‘Fiction Romance’ and Sidney Keane in ‘Toby Belch (is unwell)’. Both have had 5 star reviews and now we have a chance to see them in our own town. Fully accessible theatre. HOT’s Zelly Restorick writes.
See film adaptations of inspirational books and discuss your opinions in a friendly and open discussion forum after the screenings at Electric Palace cinema, says Annie Waite.
The Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra has organised a series of free classical music events entitled ‘Open Doors’ which has something for everyone. The orchestra’s survival through Covid and its ability to perform for free owes much to the generosity of its sponsors, Fairlight Arts Trust and Penn Elcom, with further funding from the Lottery and the approval of the Arts Council, writes Chris Cormack.
Hastings Literary Festival, founded in 2018 with Sir David Hare as patron, was just gaining momentum when it was called off last year due to Covid restrictions. Inevitably, due to restrictions, the Festival will be smaller and in fewer venues. However, the festival is back and raring to go. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths was keen to know more about their planned activities.
The Hastings Philharmonic Choir are now breaking their long 19-month silence (their last concert was in December 2019). Rehearsals began in Autumn 2020 for a concert of top choral pieces from Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) and Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), but the subsequent concert had to be postponed to this Sunday 18 July. It must be the best rehearsed of concerts in a long time and the choir found the Covid lockdown more bearable, languishing in this beautiful music, writes Chris Cormack.
ONE NIGHT ONLY! Already named by The Stage as ‘one of the UK’s leading Shakespearian actors’, actor Emily Carding is now exploring their connection with the bard via their own play, ‘Quintessence’. With humanity wiped out, an AI is given the task of re-creating a thriving humanity – when the time is right – based on the works of Shakespeare. Humanity must thrive…but at what cost? HOT’s Zelly Restorick interviewed Emily Carding about their latest work, their connection with theatre, AI and humanity – and how it feels to be back on stage again.
As we (hopefully) learn to live with the virus, and enjoy entertainment in public venues once more, let us welcome with open arms the return of Fat Tuesday to the life of the town, with a first event planned for late August and others to follow in the autumn and thereafter. The Fat Tuesday Team lay out their plans.
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