WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey

The National Garden Scheme

Washington

A great place to see a stunning display of Spring colour. Each year thousands of spring bulbs, are planted in the 3½ acre garden, which is set around an 1832 Regency house in Washington, West Sussex. The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to over 3,500 private gardens across the UK, and raises money for nursing and health charities.

The Old Vicarage, Washington

Every Thursday, 10.30am-4.30pm www.visitsoutheastengland.com

VERY PRIVATE

Firle

Exploring themes of sex, intimacy, gender and identity, this exhibition presents a selection of Duncan Grant’s erotic drawings alongside responses by six contemporary artists. Drawn during the 1940s and 50s when sex between men was illegal in England, these drawings by Grant were feared lost. Instead, they were secretly passed down through the queer community.

Charleston House, Firle

Until March 12th www.charleston.org.uk

The Treason Show

Shoreham-by-Sea

Now in its 22nd year, The Treason Show returns to Shoreham with its trademark high jinx and japery and spiteful satire on the What’s What in the world of politics, sport and celebrity. Featuring parody songs and topical sketches carved out by a team of over 30 writers. Nominated Best TV Sketch Comedy Show by UK Comedy Awards 2021.

Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham

March 11th https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/ events/the-treason-show-mar

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (*SORT OF…)

Chichester

Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is an audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation, where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the matchmaking begin.

Chichester Festival Theatre

February 21st-25th www.cft.org.uk

Stargazing At Beachy Head

Eastbourne

Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society. Using the society’s telescopes to catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy – the furthest thing we can see with our eye. We will search for Jupiter’s moons, the rings around Saturn and watch for light from the sun highlighting the craters on the moon. Find the new stars on the block – The Seven Sisters are a mere 78 million years old!

Beachy Head, Eastbourne

February 25th www.visitsoutheastengland.com

CHEESE & WINE EVENING WITH PATRICK MCGUIGAN

Ditchling Common

Join us at Ridgeview for an evening with Patrick McGuigan, one of the country’s leading cheese writers and communicators, author of The Philosophy of Cheese. Hosted in our newly winterised restaurant, The Rows & Vine, you will taste four specially selected cheeses, individually paired with four of our most limited-release English sparkling wines.

Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common

March 24th https://ridgeview.smart-gift.co.uk

NELLIE’S ARCTIC ADVENTURE

Sheffield Park

Walk in the footsteps of Nellie Soames, the pioneering former owner of Sheffield Park, as she heads North on her great Victorian adventure to the farthest reaches of the Arctic Circle.

Two Worlds Entwined

Petworth

‘Two Worlds Entwined’ delves into the artistic practices of couple Annie Morris and Idris Khan within the Newlands House gallery. It will be transformed into the creative realm of Annie and Idris, presenting both new works and historic pieces. Audiences will be invited to fall into the colours, words, thoughts, and emotions stirred by the artworks and experience the atmosphere.

Newlands House Gallery, Petworth

Until May 7th https://newlandshouse.gallery

Discover Nellie’s unique story as you journey with her around this stunning Grade I Listed Garden. Look out for sculptures of polar bears, icebergs, an ice cave, and, new for 2023, a woolly mammoth skull – all created from re-purposed plastic containers.

She eld Park, Nr Uckfield

Until February 26th www.nationaltrust.org.uk