Hastings People: Peter Mould Photographer, actor, writer and teacher Peter Mould is also an advocate for theatre. On the council at The Stables for ten years, he’s still involved on stage and in the wings. He’s also a director at the Barn Theatre at Smallhythe, where he runs the Ellen Terry Theatre Society. Owned by the National Trust, the theatre has a fascinating history of eminent actors and Victorian scandal.

Are you originally from round here? No, I was born in Streatham, South London, spent my formative years in Yorkshire, and moved to Hertfordshire at 14. Then I worked in Northiam as a teacher and arrived in Hastings five years ago. Best thing about Hastings? The vibrant arts community. And the light here – the sea and beach and clouds are so nice to photograph. Oh and the fresh fish. Worst thing about Hastings? I’d have to say, for me, parking. Especially where I live in the Old Town. Favourite pub? I gave up smoking three years ago and I’ve been avoiding smoky pubs ever since. If I do go, it’s to the FILO. I used to go to the Stag and Cinque Ports – I might start going again now they’re non-smoking! Favourite restaurant? Probably Soupcon or Lathams – I keep meaning to try Pomegranate. Fish and chips? I’d say the Fish Hut – because they serve quickly! I can’t discern between the quality from one place to another - it’s all good and fresh in Hastings. Do you read a local paper? I do read the Observer – purely because it’s the only local paper. Which local issue is top of your agenda? I’d probably say restoring St Mary in the Castle to its status as an arts centre - the arts are important to me and to the town, and I regret the way the Council have handled the situation.	Favourite landmark? I’d have to say the pier, for its photographic qualities. And the fishing beach, I like that a lot too. If you could do one thing for Hastings? Secure the future of St Mary in the Castle as an arts centre. And restore the pier. But that’s two! Do you have one wish for The Stables? Our audiences tend to be very choosy - quite conservative. My message to the public would be take a chance – come and see something you’re not familiar with, you’ll be surprised at the quality of the performance. What projects for the future? Nobody’s Perfect is showing at The Stables in August, which should be fun, and for our 500th performance in November it’s An Ideal Husband. Personally, I’m working on a play written from the point of view of an old man, looking back on his time as a boy-actor in Shakespeare’s day. It will be ready in 2009...
You can see Peter’s photos including flowers, scenes from Hastings, stage photography and much more online at www.artypharty.com - Images are for sale. For info on The Barn Theatre: t: 01580 762 334 www.stables-theatre.co.uk

Hastings People:

Peter Mould

Photographer, actor, writer and teacher Peter Mould is also an advocate for theatre. On the council at The Stables for ten years, he’s still involved on stage and in the wings. He’s also a director at the Barn Theatre at Smallhythe, where he runs the Ellen Terry Theatre Society. Owned by the National Trust, the theatre has a fascinating history of eminent actors and Victorian scandal.

Are you originally from round here?
No, I was born in Streatham, South London, spent my formative years in Yorkshire, and moved to Hertfordshire at 14. Then I worked in Northiam as a teacher and arrived in Hastings five years ago.

Best thing about Hastings?
The vibrant arts community. And the light here – the sea and beach and clouds are so nice to photograph. Oh and the fresh fish.

Worst thing about Hastings?
I’d have to say, for me, parking. Especially where I live in the Old Town.

Favourite pub?
I gave up smoking three years ago and I’ve been avoiding smoky pubs ever since. If I do go, it’s to the FILO. I used to go to the Stag and Cinque Ports – I might start going again now they’re non-smoking!

Favourite restaurant?
Probably Soupcon or Lathams – I keep meaning to try Pomegranate.

Fish and chips?
I’d say the Fish Hut – because they serve quickly! I can’t discern between the quality from one place to another - it’s all good and fresh in Hastings.

Do you read a local paper?
I do read the Observer – purely because it’s the only local paper.

Which local issue is top of your agenda?
I’d probably say restoring St Mary in the Castle to its status as an arts centre - the arts are important to me and to the town, and I regret the way the Council have handled the situation.

Favourite landmark?
I’d have to say the pier, for its photographic qualities. And the fishing beach, I like that a lot too.

If you could do one thing for Hastings?
Secure the future of St Mary in the Castle as an arts centre. And restore the pier. But that’s two!

Do you have one wish for The Stables?
Our audiences tend to be very choosy - quite conservative. My message to the public would be take a chance – come and see something you’re not familiar with, you’ll be surprised at the quality of the performance.

What projects for the future?
Nobody’s Perfect is showing at The Stables in
August, which should be fun, and for our 500th performance in November it’s An Ideal Husband. Personally, I’m working on a play written from the point of view of an old man, looking back on his time as a boy-actor in Shakespeare’s day. It will be ready in 2009...

You can see Peter’s photos including flowers, scenes from Hastings, stage photography and much more online at www.artypharty.com
- Images are for sale.

For info on The Barn Theatre:
t: 01580 762 334

www.stables-theatre.co.uk