Seaford Splash

Welcome to Andrea Hargreaves’ rundown of arts and cultural events coming up in Seaford this month. Drama

What was life like for women during the World War II occupation of the Channel Islands? Find out by going to Meeching Hall, Newhaven from Friday 1st July until Sunday 3rd July at 7pm with an additional matinée on the Sunday at 2pm. Ignite Theatre is continuing to stage Gabriel, billed as ‘a dark, compelling comedy wartime thriller.’ Tickets from citizen ticket. Cinema

On Friday 1st July at 7.30pm Pedro Almódovar’s knotted and subversive Parallel Mothers (15) is on at Seaford Community Cinema at the Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane. The story, about two mothers who give birth on the same day, is a vehicle for exploring dark Spanish history. It stars Penélope Cruz, Israel Elejanide, Altana SánchezGiljón, Rossy de Palma and Milena Smit. The summer season concludes on Friday 8th July with the brilliant Belfast (12A), set at the start of The Troubles and starring Jude Hill, Judy Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan. BAFTA voted it Outstanding British Film. This film goes straight into my personal Top Ten. Tickets from seafordcinema.org, from the Tourist Information Office in Church Street or on the door. Voice

Seaford Choral Society is being joined by the choir of Seaford County Primary School and a jazz quintet on 2nd July when a concert of songs of Africa is being performed at the Baptist Church at 7pm. Zimbe is the choral work of Alexander L’Estrange. The school choir is being led by Kate Steer. Tickets from choir members and Newberry Tully estate agents in Church Street. Jazz

Pianist/singer Neal Richardson and his trio are back at Splash Point Jazz Club at The View, Seaford Head Golf Club, on Wednesday 13th July at 7pm with a session featuring tenor sax Brandon Allen (photo), whose big-toned, distinctive tenor style has seen him featured on film soundtracks including Alfie & The Look of Love, as a regular in Kyle Eastwood’s band and fronting many bands of his own. Also in the lineup will be Nigel Thomas (bass) and Paul Cavaciuti (drums). Tickets from wegottickets or on the door. Folk

Seaford Sessions is hosting Tim Keegan and the Gentle Men at Seaford Little Theatre, Steyne Road on Saturday 23rd July at 7.30 to 9pm, tickets from seafordsessions. org and the TIC, see page 22. Open gardens

Geoff Stonebanks’ Garden Trail for Macmillan is back on Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th July with seven local gardens to admire. Visitors to Geoff’s Driftwood garden at 4 Marine Drive, Bishopstone will be able to enjoy its new sunken garden. The event is to be opened there on the Saturday by patron TV gardener Christine Walkden. Most gardens will be open from 11am until 5pm. Also open will be The Walled Garden at The Schoolhouse on The Egg, Bishopstone, Seaford Community Garden at the Crouch (Saturday only), 8 Downs Road, Seaford, Burford, Cuckmere Road, 14 Lullington Close (Saturday only) and 27 Alfriston Park. All day tickets from geoffstonebanks.co.uk, singles from the individual garden. Art

The summer-long Beacon Show, set up and run by Sussex Contemporary Illustrators and Printmakers (SCIP) continues with its exhibition of informative blocks along the seafront. On Saturday 30th July a free drawing workshop is taking place on the beach where you can learn how to portray the environment using mixed media, try new techniques and enjoy drawing in the landscape. For children of 8+ accompanied by an adult, and also for adults. Book via wearescip.co.uk. After the success of Cliffhanger at South Hill Barn last year, Last Minute Artists are back with an even larger exhibition, Cliffhanger 2, from Friday 5th to Sunday 14th August, free entry, more next month. Events coming up? Please email Andrea at andylouhargreaves@icloud.com at least a week before the Seaford Scene deadline with forthcoming events and jpg images.