Installation
Mars
Following his successful scale image of the moon, artist Luke Jerram is back with a seven-metre diameter model of Mars, which will hang suspended above Chichester Cathedral’s nave. There will be ticketed viewings in the evening, accompanied by a soundtrack from BAFTA and Ivor Novello Award-winning composer Dan Jones. Plus, there will be live classical music with lunchtime shows and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing Holst’s Mars on Thursday, October 24.
Chichester Cathedral, daily until November 10, 9am-5pm, Sun 12.30pm-2.30pm, free, evening viewings from £6, £3 children, chichestercathedral.org.uk
Exhibition
The Art of Participation
Photographer and art director Lorna Allan has been working with 19 Worthing creatives – from artists to musicians – in an exhibition profiling the talent to be found in the seaside town. The photographs of the creative community are accompanied by a biography about their process. It accompanies the launch of a new app My Worthing, funded by the BEACH project, which aims to improve connectivity along the seafront and in the town centre.
West Buildings Shelter, Worthing seafront, until January, free, theconnectedbeach.co.uk
Music and storytelling
John Barrowman: Laid Bare
The star of the West End, Doctor Who, Arrow and Torchwood is bringing a new stripped-back solo show to Crawley, combining his favourite songs and stories from his top-flight career.
The Hawth, Crawley, Friday, November 1, 7.30pm, from £33.50, parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth
Music
From the Jam
Original Jam bassist Bruce Foxton marks the 45th anniversary of his former band’s fourth album Setting Sons, with vocalist Russell Hastings taking on Paul Weller’s duties. Starting out as a concept album about three friends separated by war, the album included Thick As Thieves, Wasteland and Smithers-Jones, as well as the hit single Eton Rifles.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Saturday, November 2, doors 7pm, from £36, dlwp.com
Music
Squeeze
Led by Glenn Tilbrook and Firle resident Chris Difford for the past 50 years, Squeeze burst onto the late-1970s new wave scene with singles Cool for Cats and Up the Junction. Their focus on the minutiae of British life continues on most recent albums Cradle to the Grave and The Knowledge. Support from Badly Drawn Boy. Also at Congress Theatre, Eastbourne on Saturday, November 9.
Brighton Centre, Saturday, November 2, doors 6.30pm, see website for tickets, brightoncentre.co.uk
Music
The Sensational 60s Experience
Members of some of the 1960s’ biggest beat groups are reconvening – including former Manfred Mann frontman Mike D’Abo on his final tour. Also on the bill are Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, The Fortunes, and Brighton’s own Steve Ellis of Love Affair.
Worthing Pavilion Theatre, Saturday, November 2, 7.30pm, from £34, wtm.uk
Event
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
This year’s Veteran Car Run is celebrating both the 120th anniversary of the Ladies’ Automobile Club and Fiat’s 125th birthday. Setting off from Hyde Park at 6am, the 60-mile journey ends in Brighton’s Madeira Drive from 10am, where the vehicles will be lined up for visitors to take a peek.
Madeira Drive, Brighton seafront, Sunday, November 3, 10am-4.30pm, free, veterancarrun.com
Music
Blossoms
Following the release of their fifth album, Gary - which was recorded live with James Skelly of The Coral and Jungle’s Josh-Lloyd Watson - Stockport’s Blossoms are back on the road. The band’s self-titled debut topped the album charts in 2016 and received both Brit and Mercury Prize nominations.
Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Tuesday, November 5, doors 7pm, £37.25, brightondome.org
Theatre
Birdsong
Sebastian Faulks’ career-making World War I novel marked its 30th anniversary last year. This new stage adaptation stars EastEnder Max Bowden, James Esler and Charlie Russell in a tale of a passionate love affair in pre-war France turned upside down by the horrors of the Somme.
Chichester Festival Theatre, November 5-9, 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinees Wed, Thurs and Sat, from £10, cft.org.uk
Theatre
After The Act - A Section 28 Musical
Thatcher’s Conservative government’s ‘Section 28’ banned the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools. Two decades on from its repeal, this camp and funny musical by Breach Theatre’s Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett tells the real-life stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the controversial legislation. Also at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange November 8-9, and Minerva Theatre, Chichester November 27-30.
Connaught Theatre, Worthing, Wednesday, November 6, 7.30pm, from £15, wtm.uk
Music
Adam Ant
The dandy highwayman (you’re too scared to mention) performs a relatively intimate show looking back through his chart-topping hits and personal favourites.
Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Wednesday, November 6, 7.30pm, from £44, brightondome.org
Festival
Cinecity
Brighton’s celebration of cinema returns, combining the latest releases from across the world with short and feature-length submissions by new local and up-and-coming filmmakers. See the website for this year’s eclectic programme.
Across Brighton and Hove, November 8-17, various times and prices, cine-city.co.uk
Music
Faithless
In their first UK tour since the loss of frontman Maxi Jazz, founder members Rollo and Sister Bliss will be looking forward to their forthcoming eighth studio album Champion Sound.
Brighton Centre, Saturday, November 9, doors 6.30pm, see website for prices, brightoncentre.co.uk
Music
Joep Beving and Maarten Vos
Spotify chart-topper Joep Beving is making his city debut this month, with his signature minimalist piano accompanied by cellist Maarten Vos. The pair will perform tracks from their first collaborative album Vision of Contentment.
The Old Market, Hove, Saturday, November 9, doors 7.15pm, from £23, theoldmarket.com
Music
Peter Hook and the Light
So the legend goes, New Order’s ace mid-1980s compilation Substance came about because Factory label boss Tony Wilson wanted all the band’s 12in singles in one place so he could play them on his new Jaguar’s CD player. Now original bassist Peter Hook is recreating the classic comp, and its sister Joy Division singles collection, to create an all-killer, no filler hits-packed show.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Saturday, November 9, doors 7pm, from £33, dlwp.com
Exhibition
Maggi Hambling: Nightingale Night
A new series of 14 paintings was inspired by a night Maggi Hambling spent in Sussex woodland guided by folk musician and conservationist Sam Lee. Using a gold-on-black palette, Maggi evokes the sense of birdsong cutting through the darkness. Other paintings were inspired by the music of Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen and PJ Harvey. Plus the gallery’s has a retrospective of Dora Carrington: Beyond Bloomsbury (see page xx) running at the same time.
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, November 9-April 27, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm (8pm Thurs) Sun 11am-5pm, £14, under-18s free, pallant.org.uk
Family
Pirate Family Rave
Big Fish Little Fish offer a mix of dance music, laughter and crafts, complete with pirate-themed fancy dress. Behind the decks is DJ Richard Norris of The Grid, who will play club classics aimed at families with youngsters aged from zero to eight.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Sunday, November 10, 2pm-4pm, £14, £12 under-eights, non-walking infants free, dlwp.com
Classical
Worthing Symphony Orchestra: Enigma Variations
Former Fittleworth resident Elgar’s Enigma Variations forms the climax of this month’s WSO programme, which also features Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto featuring soloist Armand Djikoloum in his Worthing debut, and the world premiere of Jessy L Reason’s Lament.
Worthing Assembly Hall, Sunday, November 10, 2.45pm, from £10, wtm.uk
Music
Champagne For Lulu
Taking its name from a running joke in Jennifer Saunders’ Absolutely Fabulous, 75-year-old Scottish siren Lulu is looking back over six decades since her debut hit Shout stormed into the UK charts.
Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Tuesday, November 12, 7.30pm, from £39.50, brightondome.org
Theatre
An Inspector Calls
When Inspector Goole knocks on the door of the Birling home in connection to a poor young woman’s suicide, the prosperous family suddenly discovers the wider impact its actions might have had. This is a touring version of Stephen Daldry’s multi-award-winning National Theatre production.
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, November 12-16, 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinees Wed, Thurs and Sat, from £16, eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Spoken word
Jordan Stephens on Love, Chaos and Becoming a Man
In his new memoir, one half of Brighton’s own Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Stephens, looks back over his sudden fame as a million-selling artist, and the pain that came in its wake, via drink, drugs, sex and chaos. In conversation with a special guest he will explore the concept of masculinity, and how men can have a healthier take on it.
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, Wednesday, November 13, 7.30pm, from £18.50, brightondome.org
Event
Brilliant Brighton: Festive Afternoon
Choirs will pop up in the city streets, while shops take part in a window dressing competition, in advance of the switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights – which are funded by 517 of the city’s businesses.
Brighton city centre, Saturday, November 16, 2pm-6pm, free, brilliantbrighton.com
Classical
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra: The Madness/Lightness of Being
A suite of Bernard Herrmann’s unforgettable Psycho score is at the heart of this cinematic programme, which also features selections from Alfred Schnittke, Astor Piazzolla, Valentin Silvestrov and JS Bach.
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, Saturday, November 16, 7.30pm, from £25, brightondome.org
Classical
Hastings Sinfonia: Music from the Movies
A family-friendly selection of cinematic scores including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Thunderbirds and La La Land, with Hastings Sinfonia joined by the choir of St Richard’s Catholic College Bexhill and East Sussex School of Performing Arts.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Sunday, November 17, 3pm, from £16, dlwp.com
Theatre
Dracula
Having once played host to the legendary Bela Lugosi in a 1951 touring version of Bram Stoker’s classic, Devonshire Park Theatre will be home to Blackeyed Theatre’s Victorian Gothic take on the vampire tale, adapted by Nick Lane with music by Tristan Parkes.
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, November 18-20, 7.45pm, 2.30pm matinee Wed, from £22.50, eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Comedy
The Horne Section’s Hit Show
Midhurst’s own Alex Horne, of Taskmaster fame, leads the six-strong comedy jazz troupe who mix their own takes on some pop classics with enthusiastic dancing, party games and general mucking about.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Tuesday, November 19, 6.45pm, £26, dlwp.com
Musical
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Adam Garcia and Liam Fox star in this musical version of Ian Fleming’s children’s story with songs by the Sherman Brothers taken from the 1968 film. Plus look out for drag queen The Vivienne in the role of The Childcatcher.
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, November 19-24, 7pm (not Sun), 2pm matinees Thurs, Sat and Sun, from £28, eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Festival
In the Box
This new festival is performed in the round, offering 360-degree AV projections. Already announced are Turkey’s Ah! Kosmos on Thursday 21, electronic producer Forest Swords on Friday 22, Brighton’s own Nick Pynn on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28, electronica band Third Bloom on Friday 29 and Wes Banderson performing the music of Wes Anderson’s cult movies on Saturday 30.
The Old Market, Hove, November 21-30, various times and prices, theoldmarket.com/in-the-box
Theatre
Hedda Gabler
Henrik Ibsen’s tale of a narcissistic new wife longing for something more has often been described as the ‘female Hamlet’, as the titular antiheroine starts to manipulate the lives of those around her. This reimagining takes inspiration from the pulp noir fiction of the 1950s.
The Hawth, Crawley, November 21-23, 7.45pm, £14, £12 concessions, parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth
Music
The Brand New Heavies
It’s now 30 years since the Brand New Heavies’ third album Brother Sister changed everything for the acid jazz band. Home to singles Dream on Dreamer, Midnight at the Oasis and Back to Love, the album sold more than 300,000 copies in the UK and earned them a Brit nomination. Now original members Andrew Levy and Simon Bartholomew are recreating the album in full alongside new vocalist Angela Ricci.
Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Friday, November 22, doors 7pm, £33, brightondome.org
Comedy
Nish Kumar: Nish Don’t Kill My Vibe
The former host of The Mash Report tries to make sense of climate collapse, income inequality and why he, as a British Indian man wasn’t going to vote for a British Indian Prime Minister.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Friday, November 22, 7.30pm, £21, dlwp.com
Music
Gareth Malone: Sing-Along-A Gareth – My Life Through Song
Song sheets at the ready, as choirmaster extraordinaire Gareth Malone and his band take his audience through the songs which have meant the most to him in his life.
Assembly Hall, Worthing, Friday, November 22, 7.30pm, from £27, wtm.uk
Music
Lightning Seeds
When it comes to crafting pure pop melodies Ian Broudie is in a class of his own – as 35 years of hits with Lightning Seeds has proven. Expect to hear a healthy selection of classics including Pure, Sense, Change, Marvellous and Sugar-Coated Iceberg. And probably that football one.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Saturday, November 23, doors 7pm, £31, dlwp.com
Comedy
Daliso Chaponda: Feed This Black Man Again
Malawian-born stand-up Daliso Chaponda is looking back to Feed This Black Man, the show which launched his career 20 years ago. As well as dissecting stereotypes about Africans it included a dodgy rap about poverty and ended with him eating a sandwich on stage. Now he returns to those same themes – but with the benefit of his accumulated wisdom.
Komedia, Brighton, Sunday, November 24, 8pm, £16, komedia.co.uk
Music
Rag’n’Bone Man
Uckfield’s own chart-topping singer-songwriter returns to Sussex to perform songs from his third studio album What Do You Believe In?, which comes out on Friday, October 18. He has described the album as exploring how he feels at this moment in his life: ‘It represents joy, love and happiness’.
Brighton Centre, Sunday, November 24, doors 6.30pm, see website for ticket prices, brightoncentre.co.uk
Music
Villagers
Dublin’s Conor O’Brien has continued his run of stunning songwriting with his sixth album That Golden Time, which explores the theme of romanticism versus realism – when your aspirational ideas meet harsh, cold reality. Prepare to be swept away. Support from Owen Pallett.
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, Monday, November 25, doors 7pm, £33, brightondome.org
Theatre
Never Let Me Go
It’s harder to think of a modern sci-fi book that delivers more of a gut punch than Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Now the nightmarish tale set in a not-too-distant future has been adapted for the stage by Suzanne Heathcoate.
Chichester Festival Theatre, November 26-30, 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinees Thurs and Sat, from £10, cft.org.uk
Family
Glow Wild
Now in its 11th year, more than 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns and bespoke art installations are set to light up a new nighttime trail around the wild gardens near Haywards Heath. This year there will be a chance to enjoy the magic on Christmas Eve too.
Wakehurst, November 28-New Year’s Day, 4.15pm-10pm, from £19.50, children from £13, kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2024
Visual Arts
MADE
It’s the return of the national craft and design fair, perfectly in time for Christmas should you be looking for a bespoke item for the impossible to buy for...
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, November 28-December 1, 10.30am-5pm, from £7.50, brightondome.org
Music
Kast Off Kinks
Led by the band’s original drummer Mick Avory, and featuring the band’s latterday keyboard player Mark Haley, plus Mike Steed on bass, this is a 30-year-old celebration of the music of Ray and Dave Davies, with Dave Clarke of The Noel Redding Band on vocals and guitar.
Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, Saturday, November 30, 8pm, £23, ropetacklecentre.co.uk
