insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 22 - December 2016 | Page 21

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

The Arts at Christmas
If there is one time of year guaranteed to get people out of the house and into theatres,
cinemas, concert venues and the like, it’s Christmas. The arts spring to life at Christmas,
and although as a nation we have a proud heritage of exceptional live shows and
extraordinary events, during the festive period we really go all out to impress, which is why
so many of us choose Christmas time to go out and enjoy ourselves. And why not? With so
much on at this time of year, it would be a shame not to sample at least some of it. Across
Sussex, we are lucky enough to have a really rich programme of arts at Christmas; here are
some of the most exciting events to fill you with seasonal spirit.

Theatre
Stephen Sheldrake at Worthing Theatres is the man in the know when
it comes to live events. We asked him what makes this time of year so
perfect for going out and enjoying live theatre.

there is a fantastic offering. Not only is there the traditional yearly
pantomime at the Pavilion Theatre, which this year sees a six week run of
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, starring Richard McCourt, one
half of TV duo Dick and Dom. Kippers Snowy Day is also showing at the
Connaught Theatre, as well as Roy Wood and his band at the Assembly
Hall - the man who sung festive classic, ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas
Every Day’. Worthing is a great town for finding Christmas gifts at the
bustling markets; accompanied by some exceptional entertainment, this
makes for the perfect day."

"The festive season is the perfect time to bring families together. With
the hustle and bustle of shopping, sometimes it's nice to slow down
and enjoy the escapism of live theatre,” Stephen told us. “December is
always a great time for theatre programmes as it brings a variety of great
family productions and festive music concerts. In Worthing particularly,

Christmas Gothic

Christmas Gothic
// 3 Dec // Hawth, Crawley

Christmas: a time to remember the past,
celebrate the present, and look to the future;
a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and
mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A
time of ghosts. Come in from the cold and
enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and
spectral woman tells haunting tales of the
festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties
of human nature and illuminating the cold and
chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark...

Kipper's Snowy Day

Father Christmas Needs A Wee
// 17-18 Dec // Connaught Theatre,
Worthing

At every house Father Christmas eats and
drinks the tasty treats that have been left for
him. But, when he reaches number ten he
realises that he’s forgotten to do something
rather important and he really, really, really
needs a wee! TaleGate Theatre Productions
hit the perfect combination of witty humour,
fantastic music and the extra sparkle for which
they have become known in this fabulously
funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation
of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book.

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Kipper’s Snowy Day // 19-29 Dec //
Connaught Theatre, Worthing

Kipper and his best friend Tiger go on an
adventure in the snow – but on the way they
lose their friend, Arnold, in a terrible storm. Will
they find him? And will they find their way back
home? Based on the award-winning Kipper
stories by Mick Inkpen, Slot Machine present the
first stage adaptation of these well-loved books.
Filled with original songs and music, gorgeous
puppetry and gentle humour, this warmhearted Christmas show is perfect for children
and their families.