Playwright Mark Ravenhill used his talk to discuss the changing landscape in Britain over the past 30 years with regards to the chances for youngsters from more modest backgrounds to forge successful careers as actors or writers.
He himself had such a background.
But in Sussex there was plenty to stoke his imagination, from the local library to theatrical productions, including plays and pantomimes.
With government cuts today threatening many libraries and projects connected with the arts, Ravenhill’s was a thought-provoking talk on how this might impact future generations with the talent but not necessarily the money or even the opportunity to watch plays or read all the books they would like in order to fulfil their dreams.
With his parents in the audience, Ravenhill spoke with passion and conviction about his happy childhood and the opportunities that enabled him to become a playwright.
He also spoke of how we needed to get back our sense of civic pride.
After all, he pointed out, we are the joint owners of these libraries and other facilities and we should be willing to go to the barricades to protect them, or risk failing the next generation.
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