This walk is based on the books Back Row Brighton and Backstage Brighton – both are available to buy from QueenSpark Books.

Brighton & Hove has long been known for innovations in film and theatre-making. This walk around the city begins in St Ann’s Well Gardens at the location of an 1890s film studio, and ends in the centre of Brighton’s Cultural Quarter, near the statue of Max Miller. When cinema was at the height of its popularity, many venues were located in the centre of Brighton — making the most of the visiting crowds.

The walk encompasses little theatres, art house cinema, memories of an escaped elephant enjoying some buns and a mods and rockers’ battle ground. Some of the places are still here, some are long gone. Along the route you will pass other points of interest. These will be named where they appear on the route. 

There is one hill — it is near the beginning of this walk and is not steep. The walk includes crossing busy roads. There are two flights of steps described in the walk—both of these are optional. Leaving the site of the Savoy via Pool Valley and the approach to the Marlborough involve narrow pavements. Please remember to stand back from the crowds and in a safe place when you are listening to the stories.