A Break from Convention: Curious Histories charity fundraiser

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 splendid local charity below. Doors open at 7pm 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:

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!

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 , as well as a published writer of fiction.

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

The charity also works in partnership with other organisations and provides training, resources, and ongoing support through the Digital Brighton & Hove Network of over 300 organisations working with the shared aim of digital inclusion.

FAQs

How do I find out more about Curious Histories?

You can follow us here on eventbrite, or join our public facebook chat group.

How do I get to the ?

It's towards the southern end of East Street, in the Lanes. On-street parking in the vicinity is very limited, but the NCP theatre car park on Church Street is reasonably close. Better still, all major city bus routes stop within a three-minute walk of the venue (alight at North Street). Brighton railway station is approximately a fifteen-minute walk from the pub.

What are the timings for the evening?

Doors will open at 7pm and the show will begin around 7.30pm. There will be a 15-20 minute interval during the evening and we aim to finish around 9.30pm.

What refreshments will be available?

Buy your drinks in the bar downstairs before the event and at the interval - you can bring them up to the show.

How does this Curious Histories event support good causes?

All profits from this event will be going to support Digital Brighton and Hove.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to attend the talks?

The event will be held in licensed premises, so sadly minimum age is 18.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we will have a list of names on the door.

How does the ticketing work?

The tickets are by donation and we request £5 per person. If you would like to get more than one ticket, simply enter a figure in multiples of five. In other words, £10 buys you two tickets, £15 buys three, and so on.

What if I've bought a ticket but am unable to come?

If you're not able to come, you are welcome to offer your ticket to someone else. If you can't give your ticket to another person, drop Curious Histories a line using the 'contact' button on this page - if the event is sold out we may be able to re-sell it for you.

Will latecomers be admitted?

We will start at approx. 7.30pm, but there will be some places reserved for latecomers.

Is there wheelchair access to the venue?

Unfortunately, the nature of the building makes wheelchair access to the upper floor of the pub impossible.

Gardens for pleasure ~ courtesy of Steve Bustin

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Curious Histories - Public Talks Programme