Category:The Old Market

2018: The Old Market, signage facing North [image info]

2018: The Old Market, North face [image info]

2018: Northeast corner, The Old Market [image info]

2018: Cover of The Old Market events guide, Sep-Dec [image info]

2018: Event Listings, Sep 2018-Jan 2019 [image info]

The Old Market ("TOM"), is a large grade II listed theatre, performance, events and arts space in Hove.

Creation and development

The building was originally constructed between 1826 and 1828 by Charles Busby, as a market space to support his 1820s Brunswick development. The original concept for Brunswick Town was that it was to be an exclusive, independent and "free-standing" development with its own services and administration, gardens, and seafront, and that people living there would never have to venture outside its boundaries if they didn't want to – giving it its own grand market in a large dedicated building being part of that plan.

However, the marketspace alongside Brighton Town Hall was then further developed (including the Floral Hall), making the (small) extra journey time to central Brighton more attractive, and making it more difficult to justify having a second market nearby.

The Old Market building then became a riding academy and stables for a while, and was then a warehouse until rewiring and refitting in the 1980s allowed it to be turned into a theatre space.

Location and size

The building is very easy to miss for the casual visitor, as it's not on a major road. Its current main entrance faces North along Upper Market Street, which connects to Western Road. If you're travelling along Western Road and don't happen to look directly south down Upper Market Street as you pass by, you'll miss it.

This North-facing facade is supposed to have been a subsequent addition ... the original entrance seems to be the East-facing side of the building, which has a narrow courtyard with potted greenery, behind the decorative Waterloo Arch (white-painted rendering, on brick), which faces onto Waterloo Street. The Arch is a landmark for people using Waterloo Street, but it's not a hugely busy street.

The building is a lot bigger than it first appears. While it has an impressive "front" face when first encountered, many Brighton buildings have an impressive facade with not so much behind them: The Old Market's building goes back as far as it is wide: the building is essentially square as seen from above.

1880 reference:

In Waterloo Street, the first thoroughfare in Hove running from the sea to Western Road, will be found Dupont's West Brighton Riding Academy, a most complete establishment of its kind.
— , -, , Eyles & Son's Brighton Guide, , 1880

1885 reference:

... Waterloo-street, and extending thence southward along the middle of the last-named street for a distance of one and a half chains or thereabouts to a point opposite the centre of the gates which form the eastern entrance to the building known as Dupont's Riding School, ...
— , -, , The London Gazette, , 1882

2020: About the venue

The Story So Far ...

If you're reading this, chances are you have an interest in what we are about here at The Old Market. Either that or your train is running late and you want to keep your head down and avoid eye contact if at all possible. Don't worry, we totally understand, just keep reading and let us enlighten you about all things TOM in the interim.
When we say The Old Market, we really mean it - in 1826, Charles Busby, the mastermind behind the grand Brunswick Town construction, designed this place to be what it said on the tin: a market. It's been through many different guises over the years, from a riding academy to a bacon smokery (don't worry, we got rid of the smell). The iconic arches and elegant wooden roof beams from Busby's original design are still a spectacular sight to behold ... just don't mention the ghost horse ...
Then in 2010, when the venue was on the brink of being lost to "modern developments", a rather wonderful thing happened. Local residents Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell said to themselves, "Wouldn't it be great to own a venue? Not just any venue, though - wouldn't it be great to own The Old Market?" So, simply put, they bought the place. After they invested in various upgrades for the venue, including a brand-new lighting rig, automated 'raked' seating unit and full internal refurbishment, the venue re-opened in May 2011 under the directorship of Loretta Sacco with a new lease of life and a new nickname: TOM. Though there's more to it than that - Steve and Luke are the creators and directors of the global phenomenon that is STOMP, and The Old Market was the very first place that they worked together as part of Cliff Hanger Theatre and Pookiesnackenburger. They wanted to give back, and TOM gave them a way to do this.
To date, we've hosted well over 2,000 different performances here at TOM. Our music programme has featured Fatboy Slim, Sam Smith, Anna Calvi, Kano, Morcheeba, Sleaford Mods, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Metronomy, Paul Weller and many more.
From the world of comedy, the likes of Michael McIntyre, Ricky Gervais, Katherine Ryan, James Acaster, Miranda Hart, Daniel Kitson and Rachel Parris have all performed on our stage. Our theatre programme has helped artists like Spymonkey, 1927, KoKo Brown, Barely Methodical Troupe, A&E Comedy and The Hiccup Project perfect their craft in front of an engaging audience. We're part of some of the biggest festivals in the city, including The Great Escape, Brighton Fringe, Brighton Festival and Artist Open Houses. We host nationally recognised mini seasons like our #TOMtech and Reigning Women programmes (seriously, go check them out, they're awesome even if we say so ourselves). On top of all that, we're proud to serve our community, as the home of fantastic groups like Brighton Theatre Group and BTG Youth, BIMM, ACT BREMF, Sussex Downs College, Wham Jam and Cabaret Boheme, plus many more.
But TOM is more than just another venue putting on shows. With Steve and Luke's vision, TOM has become an environment that treats everyone who visits with joy, love and respect. For artists, that means treating everyone with integrity, giving top level support to all aspects of their craft, as well as providing a space to express, engage and entertain. For audiences and for our community, it's all about the experience – being able to enter a safe environment away from the chaos of the current climate and immerse yourself in another world. From the fairy lights and natural foliage that adorn our bar to the warm welcome you'll get from our friendly Front of House team (they're award-nominated, fact).
To date, Steve and Luke have invested not just a ridiculous number of hours, but well over one million pounds of their own money into TOM - thats huge.
That's also an investment into the arts industry, the Brighton and Hove tourism sector and the local community. They've given our current team of 40 lovely jobs, with many more working here over the years prior. They've brought life back into the Brunswick community, making the area a destination in the city once again. We cannot put into words the amount of love and gratitude we have for them, as without them, TOM would not exist. To our venue parents Luke, Steve and Loretta, we want to take this opportunity to thank them for everything they've done - you guys are amazing.
What's next we hear you cry? Well, 2020 marks an exciting new chapter as we put on our 'Grown Up' shoes and take our first steps into the world as a charity. Being a charity provides us with countless opportunities to put on new and exciting work, offer support to artists and public groups to get them actively involved with the venue and the local community and a whole lot more. But in order to keep doing what we do, we need your help, and it's really easy to help - if audiences see our shows, then we'll be around for a long time to come. We've got music, comedy, theatre, film, dance, talks - there's something for all, guaranteed. What's more, we know this is the best place to experience the thrill of live entertainment, trust us.
What you're seeing isn't just a makeover, it's a whole new attitude. We are no longer a hidden gem. We are a quiet riot, and we are ready to make a mark on the city.
Come see what all the fuss is about.
TEAM TOM x

— , TOM, , events brochure intro, , Jan-Apr 2020