Brighton playwright's friends seek to realise his theatre dream

Friends of a Brighton playwright who died last weekend are campaigning to make the plans he drew up for an outdoor theatre in the city a reality.

Before Adrian Bunting, 47, died of pancreatic cancer, he asked five of his friends to ensure his dream came true.

One of them, James Payne, said the site of the former bowling green in Dyke Road Park was his preferred location.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it was aware of several ideas for the site and was listening to suggestions.

Mr Bunting wrote Kemble's Riot, which won Best Theatre award at the Brighton Festival in 2011.

His funeral is being held on Friday, and Mr Payne said the playwright had told his parents he wanted his ashes to be scattered at the site of the open-air theatre.

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"He asked each of us [the five friends] to realise his dream.

"He was totally determined it would happen," Mr Payne said.

He added: "We're keeping our fingers crossed and doing all we can.

"The council have been incredibly supportive towards us and encouraging."

A charity event featuring comedians Stewart Lee and Tim Vine is being held at the Brighton Dome on 16 June to raise funds for the theatre.

"The momentum for the project is growing... I think it will happen," Mr Payne said.