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English Touring Opera are bringing two new productions, La Duenna and Promised End, to the De La Warr Pavilion, writes Andrew Kay

This summer saw audiences lapping up a slice of Sheridan as part of the Chichester Festival Theatre, which staged his very personal view of theatre in The Critic. And it would seem that Sheridan was not shy of using personal thoughts and material in his works. In the late 1770s, Sheridan became aware that opera was becoming the most popular theatrical form and set about writing La Duenna, the plot of which closely mimics his own personal situation and elopement with Elizabeth Linley, a relationship that her musician father did not approve of.
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Curated by The Wedding Present’s David Gedge, At The Edge Of The Sea promises to be festival heaven for Brighton indie fans. Jeff Hemmings reports.

Now based on the South Coast, Wedding Present frontman David Gedge has firmly devoted himself to the area by curating and co-promoting At The Edge Of The Sea. This ‘festival’ has become a family affair, as it also involves alter-egos of the band (Cinerama), off-shoots (The Ukranians), solo sets by members past and present (Terri de Castro, Paul Dorrington), and many friends. “To be honest I feel like a fraud,” says David. “It’s a Wedding Present concert with a load of mates and former colleagues… It’s my festival, so I can do what I want I suppose!”
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Beirut

Only date in the South East for Zach Condon and his band of multi-instrumentalists who wield accordions, trumpets, mandolins, ukuleles, a trombone, bass and double bass. Inspired by Balkan folk-pop, French chanteuse, Mexican troubabdour, ‘80s synth, and ‘90s house, the aptly named Beirut (after the highly pluralistic city) are an unlikely success story.
Friday 27 August, Winter Garden, Eastbourne
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The Wailers + Samsara

Strictly speaking this is The Wailers Band, the backing band for Bob Marley and The Wailers from 1974 to 1981. Familyman on bass continues to be the main axis of the band. In support are the excellent Brighton reggae band Samsara, an outfit who do great credit to the enduring legacy of Jamaican reggae.

Thursday 19 August, Concorde 2
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