Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-break-from-convention-curious-histories-charity-fundraiser-tickets-1981743773975
Our first in-person show of 2026 sees Curious Histories upstairs at Brighton's kooky East Street Tap with three great returning speakers on typically novel subjects. I'm delighted to say that this event will raise funds for Digital Brighton and Hove; more details on this great local charity below.
Doors open at 7pm, show starts at half-past, and we aim to finish around 9.30pm.
Our talks:
Enid Marx and Margaret Lambert: A Curious Couple
Sara Hiorns uncovers the life and work of groundbreaking graphic designer, Enid Marx, and her partner, the historian Margaret Lambert. Though their relationship was always publicly denied, their shared home became host to an astonishing collection of popular artistic ephemera, featuring everything from commemorative teapots, to scrapbooks, to children's puppets.
A Brief History of Gardens for Pleasure
Gardens have long been more than just a productive space, somewhere to kick a ball, or light up the barbecue. From the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the gardens of the NT, many have been designed and opened solely to bring pleasure to the visitor - whether that’s the pleasure of contemplation, the pleasure of a furtive assignation, or just the delight of a piece of cake while looking at some lovely flowers. Local gardener (and garden-opener) Steve Bustin leads us through some of the most famous and infamous gardens open for pleasure.
A Tweeny-Weeny Crisis of Masculinity
Employing an array of 1950s' Sci-Fi films, Linsay McCulloch delves into the suburban world of America's Sputnik generation. Did the USA's technological triumphs and glossy modernity disguise a growing post-war malaise?
Our speakers:
Steve Bustin is well known on the spoken word circuit around Sussex as an effervescent speaker and lover of garden history. In his day job he’s a business communication specialist and public speaking coach. This is his third talk for Curious Histories.
Curious Histories regular, Dr Sara Hiorns, was a diplomat for many years before doing a doctorate in history and subsequently lecturing at QMUL. She has interests in the history of childhood, women's history, and queer histories. She is the author of Diplomatic Families and Children’s Mobile Lives: Experiences of British Diplomatic Service Children from 1945 to 1990, as well as a published writer of fiction.
Linsay McCulloch has spoken for Curious Histories on cinematic history subjects as diverse as film noir, screwball comedies, and Native Americans in Hollywood. She's also a local Brighton resident and prodigious film podcaster. Do listen to her podcasts on weird twentieth century movies!
Our chosen charity:
The show will raise funds for the work of Digital Brighton and Hove, which helps disabled and elderly people to overcome digital and social exclusion and become more confident in the use of IT technology. If you would like to come to the event but are having difficulty booking, you can get help by calling their Digital Support Helpline on 01273 013661 or Text 4DSA to 88802
Also check out other Arts events in Brighton, Nonprofit events in Brighton, Entertainment events in Brighton.
