Hastings Theatre Festival which launches Monday 1 July, brings the talents of national and international performance to The Stables Theatre for the first time ever, cementing Hastings as a destination for powerful, relevant theatre. This programme’s engaging stories reach out to the region’s diverse communities which contribute to its vibrant cultural life. It seeks to provide an aspirational model for performers involved in open access arts festivals such as Hastings Fringe, as well as scope for future performance opportunities. 

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Among the highlights in its premier year is Apphia Campbell’s play, Black is the Colour of My Voice, with music inspired by Nina Simone’s volatile journey from piano prodigy to spokeswoman at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Praised by critics in New York, Shanghai and Edinburgh, Campbell’s vocal performance and her compelling portrayal of Nina was described thus by The Times: “Campbell may wear Simone’s trademark head wrap, but her performance is beyond impersonation”. (Sunday 7 July, 7.30pm)

Other unmissable productions include, on Tuesday 2 July, 7.30pm: Those Magnificent Men, by acclaimed writing duo Mitchell & Nixon, the hilarious and true story of pilot Captain John Alcock and his navigator, Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown, British daredevils whose non-stop transatlantic flight flew them into the history books and celebrity cult status. 

Those Magnificent Men

On Saturday 6 July, 7.30pm you can see Neil Gore’s Edwardian Magic Show, performing The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, based on Robert Tressel’s semi-autobiographical 1914 working-class novel set in the fictional town of Mugsborough, widely acknowledged to be based on Hastings. 

Yours Ever, Jane, written and performed by Sarah Finch, is a revealing account of Jane Austen’s life told through words, music and dance, woven from a combination of Pride and Prejudice and letters to her sister Cassandra, some of which were so intimate they were later burnt, Thursday 4th July, 7.30pm.

• Age Guideline: 12+

• Tickets, prices and the full programme of events can
be found here: hastingstheatrefestival.com/programme 

Further links:
Facebook: Hastingstheatrefestival
Twitter: @HastingsTheatre
Instagram: @hastingstheatrefest