Theatre group in ‘culture’ row

Big Pants Productions have been performing East, a play set in the East End of London, in Moulsecoomb.

Performances have taken place upstairs in The Lecturn Pub, Pelham Terrace, Lewes Road, Brighton, which has recently been transformed into a theatre.

A press release for the group says: “New theatre arrives at Brighton’s culture-starved Moulsecoomb.”

But a councillor has criticised the comments, saying it is “just snobbery”.

Anne Meadows, councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, said: “Why do people always assume Moulsecoomb is lacking in culture?

“It’s not as if it’s in a different country or something. That, to me, is snobbery. Moulsecoomb has just celebrated 29 years of the Moulsecoomb family fun day, the local church St Andrews is part of the art festival week and showcases art from local people.

The Bridge adult education centre offers art as part of its choices for local people.

“There is far more going on in the area than most people assume.”

But Aidan Stephenson, from Big Pants Productions, said: “Whatever councillors say, we all know you don’t normally get theatre companies starting up here. But our ethos is to bring theatre to people and places which don’t normally get it.

“East is a tough piece. It is not your average nice middle-class theatre piece. It confronts the audience, which is a good thing.”

Mr Stephenson said the group hopes to work with local residents to get them involved in the theatre. It has also held a workshop at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy in Lewes Road, Brighton.

East was written by director Steven Berkoff, who now lives in Brighton. It tells the story of his early life in London’s East End.

It will be performed tonight at 9pm. Tickets cost £8.80 or a pint and the play is £10.80, concessions £9.80.