Re: Winter 2013/14 | Page 56

The Book Lovers’ Supper Club

Tue 4th February 2014
The Barn, Ditchling

We’ve arrived in winter but no need to be glum
or stay at home peering out into the gloaming.
There is an astonishingly diverse amount
of events out there to keep you entertained
throughout the chilly season. Of course
this season spans Christmas which is most
importantly for kids so I’ve included a selection
of family friendly options to keep the children
amused and entranced. I’ll be back in spring.
Justin

£20 www.facebook.com/BookLoversSupperClub
The Book Lovers’ Supper Club was set up in 2012 by
journalist Melanie Whitehouse to combine a love of food and
a passion for books in a beautiful vintage setting. For £20,
guests get a tapas-style supper and a free glass of wine
followed by a talk and reading from two well-known authors.
‘Our guests on Tuesday 4th February are William Nicholson
(co-writer of the script for the film Gladiator) and his wife
Virginia,’ says Melanie. ‘William will be talking about his
gripping new novel, Reckless, which follows the lives of two
young people in the aftermath of World War II. Virginia will
be discussing her non-fiction title, Millions Like Us, which
tracks the lives of women between 1941 and 1951.’

The Nutcracker

Constable at Petworth

Sat 28th
December

11th -14th January
2014

Brighton Dome

Petworth House 

£10 - £19.50

£12

brightondome.org
I think that The Nutcracker is the
ideal way to introduce children to
the ballet. Heavenly and intensely
magical it is taking a step alongside
Clara into an enchanting adventure
through the fantastical Land of
Sweets. Ballet Theatre UK –
renowned for their fresh approach
to ballet - will surely be flooded with
the energy of innovation, exploring
Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable musical
score. However this is a festive
treat for audiences of all ages and
includes the famous The Dance of
the Sugar Plum Fairy and The Waltz
of the Snowflakes so take the whole
family along. I’m warning you though:
with only two performances on one
day tickets will disappear fast.

nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house

Pinocchio

Sun 28th DecemberThur 2nd January
2014
The Old Market
£8 adults and £6 kids
theoldmarket.com
Scamp Theatre and Indefinite Article
grace Brighton with their magical
rendition of Pinocchio. Previously
performed at The National Theatre
and Lyric Hammersmith, it’s a brilliant
post-Christmas afternoon option for the
kids and one all the family will enjoy.
Puppetry and illusions all set to original
music; this highly commended play will
keep the seasonal magic stretching that
lovely little bit longer.

54

Following the sell-out success of their
Turner’s Sussex exhibition earlier this
year, Petworth House are holding a
major follow-up show for 2014. This
will feature some 40 outstanding
watercolours and drawings by John
Constable. These were executed mainly
during Constable’s two visits to Petworth
House in 1834. Principally owned by
the V&A and the British Museum, these
important works have never before been
exhibited as a group. Visitors will be able
to see two of the principal showrooms in
Petworth House – famously described
by Constable as the ‘house of art’.
Also open will be the Old Library, not
normally accessible to visitors, where
major artists of the early 19th century,
such as Constable and Turner, were
encouraged to study and work. Booking
essential to ensure you don’t miss this.
John Constable (1776-1837)
Petworth Church and Windmill, with Petworth House
beyond,1834 © Trustees of the British Museum