My contribution to 'Stephen Chapman's blog - '5 on the Fifth #26'
a) The domed building is the 'Dome' cinema on the sea-front. One of this country's first, it started operating in 1911. It still has one of the old-style long auditoria and a few years ago a second small screen was added upstairs. I visit here occasionally, but the films shown tend to be only the big blockbusters. If I want to see a quality art-house or non-English language film I've got to look elsewhere.
b) The Connaught is Worthing's main theatre, starting as a cinema in 1914. In 1935 it was converted to a theatre and since recent years it now alternates between live theatre and films. A second cinema screen was added in the neighbouring property, which, now and again, shows 'minority-appeal' films. But for regular art-house films I've got to travel to nearby Brighton, which I do nearly every week.
The last live show I saw at the Connaught was 'Cowardy Custard' a couple of months ago - a compilation of Noel Coward songs with Dillie Keane and 'Kit & the Widow'. And excellent it was too.
I also the final 'Harry Potter' here a few days ago. I make no further comment, though I could. Well, okay then. In terms of my own personal enjoyment - 3/10.
c) Harold Pinter lived here! True, only from 1962 to 64, but it was also the very place where he wrote what must be one of his and this country's greatest 20th century plays - 'The Homecoming' - bleakly and disturbingly funny. Pinter was and is one of my 'gods' and even now I feel privileged to know that he lived and breathed in this vicinity, just 10 minutes walk from where I'm living. He gave a BBC radio interview in which he talked about living in Worthing and taking his dog for a daily morning walk down to the sea-front. Awesome stuff!
d) Brookfield Park on the far eastern edge of the town. The picture was taken the three days ago on what was to be the last day of the current hot spell.
e) Looking westwards with Worthing pier in the distance.
Great photos Ray... thanks for the tour. I love the Connaught as I love all things art deco. But I really like Harold Pinter's old house - what style!
ReplyDeleteVery nice pics, Ray. I especially like the pond at Brookfield Park.
ReplyDeleteYes, Craig - I think Pinter's house, even if it was so for only a couple of years, deserves to become a shrine for that great man. (Pity that he bowed out with such a coarse script for the re-make of the 'Sleuth' film - so much inferior to the original, both film and play. But the greater part of what he wrote during his entire life was really or very near top-notch.)
ReplyDeleteConsidering its relatively small size, Worthing is comparatively rich in interesting architecture and the performing arts, though nowhere near as extensive as in nearby (and much bigger) Brighton. So, despite my reservations about living here it's not entirely negative.
Cubby, thanks. In the foreground of that pic you can see the lines of a kiddies' miniature railway that was actually operating on the day. But the train and carriages were so nursery-kitsch it rather detracted from the splendour of the park itself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing. The old cinema looks great. Why not suggest an arty screening evening once a week - one not far from me does that.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, I love hopping on my bike for a cycle up the coast (or down depending on your view of what is up and down) to Worthing. I usually go right to the end of the prom and then turn around and cycle back to Brighton, after a pause on the pier for a little drink.
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of Dome, it always reminds me of the film Wish you were here, that was filmed there. Thanks for the memory
Good idea, Stephen, but there are such accessible riches in not just Brighton but, in the other direction, Chichester, that, well, I just can't be bothered.
ReplyDeleteJason, that's VERY interesting re 'Wish You Were Here' which I hadn't realised. I've not seen it since its release in 1987, at which time I was living in Oxford. I liked the film then, and now you've given me an additional reason to look out for it again.
ReplyDeleteYes, Worthing may be worth a visit once in a (longish) while. But your staying for a little time before returning on your bike to the vibrant energy of Brighton just about sums it up!
Great shots, thanks for sharing. As a railway buff I'm naturally curious about the narrow gauge railway in the 4th pic. What is it?
ReplyDeleteLove
Daniel
Love the Connaught too - what a fabulous building!
ReplyDeleteI am still recovering thinking about living that close to Mr. Pinter. I love his writing!
ReplyDeleteLove the architecture. Such wonderful buildings! Beautiful pictures, really really lovely.
ReplyDeleteDaniel, thanks so much for visiting here.
ReplyDeleteThe 'railway' is just a miniature children's railway, as I say in my reply to Cubby above. I'm assuming that you have no interest in any further details. I didn't post any pictures as nowadays they have these trains in parks all over - and anyway, one now has to be so careful of taking photos where children may be seen, even incidentally! Best wishes.
Andrew - I'll take your word (and that of Craig's too) that the 'Connaught' is of architectural merit and interest. 'Fraid I have no eye for these things, but that's my failing! Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteHoward, I see you're a soul-mate in loving Pinter. It took me some time before I saw how funny his plays were (though not all of them, of course). For some years I found them so uncomfortable they made me squirm, but it eventually dawned on me how he skilfully subverts the audience's expectations. I'd nominate him as easily among the greatest 5 Brits of the 20th century. (Thanks for popping in here!)
ReplyDeleteHello Biki. Very grateful for your visit here. When I read opinions like yours on what is before my very nose I think I ought to start being more aware of what's around me. I do tend to be looking down when I'm walking outside and contemplating life's problems rather than up at surrounding riches. Best wishes to you - and regards to all in the HUGE state of Alaska.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. I love the Connaught. Beautiful town.
ReplyDeleteIt looks charming and so different from places I've lived. Sharing photographs and info on blogs, I think, really does make us appreciate what's right in front of our noses.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, NewLeaf. Your comment once again is causing the scales to fall from my eyes.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Mitch. This exchanging info and seeing others' photos on blogs has extended my own knowledge and awareness immeasurably - and is also very comforting in helping us appreciate what we have.
ReplyDeleteLove the buildings Ray, especially the theater.
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