Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
A Milestone for Crawley
Follow the construction of Crawley's new arts centre, from building site to opening night, in this remarkable and colourful documentary film from 1989.
From the collection of:
Overview
This remarkable amateur documentary charts the construction of Crawley's Arts Centre - a venue sorely needed by the various cultural groups requiring a permanent home in the town. While construction takes place we see stagehands at work, choirs singing, accordions playing and a visiting musical troupe from Ghana. We see the annual fair as well as singing 'Toy Soldiers', writers and performers at work all leading up to opening night, despite the 1987 hurricane.
Known today as the Hawth Theatre and Arts Complex, Crawley's arts venue finally opened in 1988 after earlier attempts had failed. It remains true to its original remit and provides facilities for local dramatic and operatic societies as well as support for the visual arts like photography, filmmaking and painting. As well as its own dramatic productions, which have been many and varied, the Hawth also plays host to visiting companies like the RSC and ENO. Famous names who have appeared on its stages include Eddie Izzard, Ravi Shankar, Richard Wilson and Nigel Havers as well as Jack Dee and Julian Clary. The word 'Hawth' is said to come from the local pronunciation for the word 'heath'.
Related
Watch for free
Green Line Green Line
Amateur film 1980 6 mins Location: Crawley
Crawley is the venue for a great gathering of buses and coaches to celebrate a half-century of Green Line services in this memorable film from Beryl Armstrong
Watch for free
Crawley & District Bowling and Lawn Tennis club Crawley & District Bowling and Lawn Tennis club
Amateur film 1927 11 mins Silent Location: Crawley
Percy Nightingale captures pipe-puffing old codgers on the bowling green while stout ladies do battle on the tennis courts of 1920s Crawley.
Watch for free
Royal visit to Crawley Royal visit to Crawley
Amateur film 1950 8 mins Silent Location: Crawley
Crawley is about to receive a very special visitor in this film from 1950 and decks itself accordingly with flags and bunting for this special Royal occasion.
Watch for free
New Town Story New Town Story
Amateur film 1955 16 mins Silent Location: Crawley
A fascinating narrative film about the development of Crawley, from early days to its post-war transformation into a New Town.
Watch for free
Crawley celebrates a Jubilee and a Coronation. Crawley celebrates a Jubilee and a Coronation.
Amateur film 1935 32 mins Silent Location: Crawley
The citizens of Crawley pull out all the stops to celebrate George V's Jubilee and two years later they do it all again for the Coronation of George IV.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.