Mews News
VICTORIA KINGHAM
Those of you lamenting the sudden disappearance of the small museum Bizarre But True in St Andrews Mews will be pleased to know that there are plans afoot for something new and just as exciting. Indefatigable Dean Stalham, whose recent punk poetry evenings and film feature were successful new ventures, has recently signed the lease on the building that housed the erstwhile museum. He has partnered up with an American musician and entrepreneur, Patrick Lyons. They have big plans.
The building is conveniently painted black inside, with a recessed area which will serve as a small stage. The first job is to reconnect the electricity and supply some lighting, but after that there is not only space for an audience of at least fifty in front of the recessed stage, but also upstairs space for a small bar.
Frances Saunders will run his local radio station from there, as well as use it for his already-established drama and writing workshops for young people. Actors are interested in rehearsing and staging plays there: Francis’ play The Tenant, which showed at The Stables some time ago, will be revived and improved and shown in that very interesting niche. Also discussed as a possibility in St Andrews Mews is using the area surrounded by the rather attractive balustrade, as an open-air, promenade-type theatre.
Patrick Lyons has been in the music business for over 50 years, and has discovered and nurtured many new talented bands and musicians. He will be overseeing the live music aspect of the venue, called MeU HQ.
If this is a fine summer, and if this project flowers as it should, then St Andrews Mews, already lively in the season, will become an active and vibrant hub at the bottom of Queens Road, helping to revitalise the area between Priory Meadow shopping centre and Bookbusters book shop. Looking forward to watching all this come to fruition.
MeU is a brand new community arts venue in St Andrews Mews, Waldegrave Road, Hastings The venue will open on 27 April with Stretched Lips 3 – The best in punk poetry. Hosts will be Aaron Barschak and Penny Pepper. Tim Barlow and Patrick Lyons will be on the bill – pay what you can afford on the door.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply