Debbie McGee joins fundraiser for Victorian theatre

Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne was built in 1884

An event to raise funds for a Grade II listed Victorian theatre in East Sussex has been announced.

Actor Mark Curry will interview TV personality Debbie McGee in front of an audience to raise money for Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne.

The theatre was built in 1884 and is "one of the best examples of a small Victorian Theatre in the country", according to its owners Eastbourne Borough Council.

Mr Curry, who is a patron of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, said it was "a place where so many legends of show business have appeared".

Mark Curry is a patron of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre

The former Blue Peter presenter and Eastbourne resident said: “As someone who has performed there many times over the years, I am very pleased to support a group of theatre enthusiasts who do sterling work raising funds and awareness for this precious theatre."

The event, at The Hydro Hotel on 22 September, marks the 40th anniversary of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre.

Debbie McGee will talk about her life and career at the Eastbourne event

Ms McGee made her name as assistant to her late husband, the magician Paul Daniels. She was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.

She said: “Performing or attending at Devonshire Park Theatre is always a special memory for me.

"The anniversary tea and chat with my mate, Mark Curry, will be a fun and special Sunday afternoon, I’m sure.”

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