St. Andrews Hove

If you (or anyone you know) would like to use the church for a performance, exhibition or an event, please contact Gerry McCrudden by email, gerrymccrudden@hotmail.com

We helped to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Churches Conservation Trust , which supports St Andrews and other redundant churches, with a special concert on the evening of Sunday 16th August.

An Evening with Ivor Novello - A Brighton Premiere Photos: David Beard

In a unique musical and theatrical event a number of Brighton’s popular singers, musicians and performers brought to the stage their acclaimed show ‘An Evening with Ivor Novello’. The show took place in the award winning St Andrew’s, Waterloo Street on Sunday 16 August at 7.30 pm.
This fun show has been performed around the South of England but has never previously been staged in Brighton. The talented cast included Jason Pimblett, Samantha Howard, Gerry McCrudden and Dame Margot Hamilton,DBE, The Dowager Countess of Richborough. They were joined by a very fine chorus ensemble.
Dame Margot, who despite her advancing years, still has many happy and vivid memories of Ivor Novello said;
‘ I learned everything I know from dear dear Ivor. I rather fell in love with him but for many reasons our love was not to be. What can I say - a girlish infatuation. This show is a tribute to him from those who loved him well.’’

As part of this year’s Brighton Pride celebrations which have the theme of 'Pride beside the Seaside' the Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus took to the stage at St Andrews, Waterloo St, Hove for a very special Pride show on 30 and 31 July. We were highly honoured by the presence of Dame Vera Lynn for the Thursday night performance.

John Hamilton- Chair BHAGMC, Gerry McCrudden- Chair Friends Of St. Andrews, Dame Vera Lynn, Jason Pimblett- Musical Director

©Tony Mould – My Brighton and Hove Website
Renowned TV broadcaster and journalist Loyd Grossman visited St Andrews Waterloo to present certificates of achievement to dedicated volunteers at St Andrew’s on Wednesday 17th June. He was joined by the Trustees of The Churches Conservation Trust in a unique visit to the Church. Local MP Celia Barlow also attended.

Bert Hobden, one of the recipients of the award, is a familiar face at St Andrew’s and a supporter of the Friends of St Andrews who have successfully organised a variety of events in the historic church and work tirelessly to keep its doors open to visitors. Bert had been a choirboy in the church 80 years ago and keeps an active interest in the Church. Arnie Spence who is a long standing member of the Friends, also received an award.

Chairman Loyd Grossman says: “it is especially significant in our 40th year that we have the opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution that volunteers and friends have made to the Trust over the years”.

Photos (above): Toni Tye

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The church was transformed into a vibrant, exciting, and much admired key venue for the Brighton Fringe Festival, thanks to Fletch Productions

This beautiful building is Grade 1 Listed, so the lighting and stage rigs had to be completely freestanding!

The windows were temporarily blacked out with rollerblinds that Adam cleverly constructed to sit on existing ledges. Fleck built a freestanding frame for the drapes.

Fletch at St Andrews have just finished a very successful run at the Brighton Fringe Festival , winning awards and plaudits. Among the accolades are an Argus Angel award in recognition of Artistic Excellence – Fletch at St Andrews Best Venue Award. Also Latest 7 award for Outstanding Contribution to Brighton Festival 2009 awarded to Fiona Fletcher (Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe and Great Escape).

Gerry McCrudden of the Friends of St Andrews said:

‘’We are delighted at the success of Fletch at St Andrews being able to play such a full part in the Fringe. It was good to see our Church by the Sea being at the centre of the community again. We have had many thousands of visitors to the Church over this past month at various Fringe events. We hope these new friends will return to see us again.’’

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