Type and hit ENTER

Commonly used tags...

Brighton Festival Brighton Fringe Brighton Pride British Sea Power Cinecity Lewes Psychedelic Festival Locally Sourced Lost & Found Love Supreme Festival Mutations Festival Nick Cave Poets Vs MCs Politics Rag'n'Bone Man Record Store Day Save Our Venues Six Of The Best Source Virgins Streets Of Brighton Street Source Tattoos The Great Escape Tru Thoughts Unsung Heroes
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
Features

Adrian Bunting, Unsung Hero No.41

Jul 1, 2013
-
Posted by Stuart Huggett

Playwright, builder and compere Adrian Bunting passed away in May, one month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Before his death he put in place plans to construct Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) in Dyke Road Park. SOURCE spoke to the BOAT crew.

What were Adrian’s interests?
Adrian was seldom without a cigarette and never without an opinion. In the early 90s he was founder, MC and ringmaster of the legendary Brighton cabaret Zincbar and he wrote, directed and produced the award-winning play Kemble’s Riot. He was also a builder and construction manager, an inveterate inventor and an evangelical atheist with a robust interest in women, cryptic crosswords and croquet.

Why was Dyke Road Park chosen?
In April the council asked for ideas for the defunct bowling green. It was Adrian’s local park for 25 years and he’d drawn up plans of the perfect theatre space, utilizing his considerable experience and his construction know-how to take on the problems of open air productions. When he fell ill he gathered his friends, described his vision, gave them his plans and asked them to see the BOAT to fruition. He left them £18,000 and his complete faith. Adrian died on 11 May, knowing the BOAT would float.

What will BOAT be like?
It will be the only open air theatre of its kind, lawned and landscaped, with state of the art sound and lighting, and other bespoke features. The planning process starts now and we’re looking to launch the BOAT in time for next year’s Brighton Festival.

How did the Dome benefit come together?
Adrian’s friend Susan Murray put the show together in double-quick time. Ade managed Jo Neary for a while and knew all the performers from countless Edinburgh Festivals. The Dome have shown their support too and are giving us the venue at cost, bless them. Tickets are £20 and every penny goes to the BOAT.

How can people assist with the project?
The BOAT is for everyone. You can donate via our Facebook page (Facebook.com/BrightonOpenAirTheatre) or, better still, come along to the Dome show on the 16th.

More Unsung Heroes: Click Hereunsungx

Unsung Heroes
Jul 1, 2013
Email
Stuart Huggett
Stuart Huggett grew up in Hastings, writing fanzines and blogs about the town’s underground music scene. He has been a regular contributor to SOURCE, NME, The Quietus and Bowlegs. His huge archive of magazines, flyers and vinyl is either an invaluable research tool or a bloody pain. He occasionally runs tinpot record label Dizzy Tiger, DJs sporadically and plays live even less.
← PREVIOUS POST
July 2013 Issue
NEXT POST →
Win A Campervan With Fat Face
Mailing List

Recent Posts
  • Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts Review
    Oct 21, 2025

    Expectations are high with a new Inspector Morse story on stage, sadly this is more a ghost of a Morse story, although die hard fans might enjoy it for the nostalgia.

  • The Lovely Eggs Interview
    Oct 15, 2025

    The Lovely Eggs tell us about their 20th anniversary, the new album and tour with Polite Bureax and some comedy legends supporting.

  • Ocean Film Festival Review 2025
    Oct 11, 2025

    A selection of beautifully shot short films covering diverse ocean lovers' passion for interacting with the sea.

  • Fractured Album Launch, Saturday 20th December
    Oct 10, 2025

    Fractured celebrate the release of their new album supported by Amelia And The Housewives.

  • 2:22 A Ghost Story Review
    Oct 7, 2025

    An evening of two couples having dinner together has never before been so gripping and enthralling, filled with tension, with the ultimate question: is their new house haunted or not?

  • Richard Hawley Review
    Oct 5, 2025

    As Coles Corner turns 20, Richard Hawley dazzled and delighted an up-for-it Worthing crowd with a 2 hour-plus set.

  • Brighton Psych Fest 2025 Review
    Sep 26, 2025

    The second Brighton Psych Fest was a beauty as we got down with Getdown Services as the evening sunlight glowed through the Concorde Stained Glass.

  • David Devant & His Spirit Wife, Friday 12th December
    Sep 23, 2025

    One of Brighton's greatest live bands returns for a pre-Xmas homecoming party.

Website developed in Brighton by Infobo
Copyright © Brighton Source 2009-2023
Adrian Bunting, Unsung Hero No.41 - Brighton Source