Autumn at Fitzroy
26th Sep - 4th Oct 2026
We invite you, neighbours and friends, to join us in celebrating a week of art in the breathtaking setting of Fitzroy House. With a programme of international artists developed by local creatives, from musicians to dancers, from opera to visual arts, this series will have something for everyone and we can't wait for you to join us.
Artwork by Louise Crowhurst
We would love for everyone living in or visiting Lewes to share, create, learn, explore and play.
With an interdisciplinary approach and a focus on accessibility, this series will provide an opportunity to build community, foster intergenerational connections, provide a platform for artists, nurture curiosity and provide opportunities for participation and learning.
Autumn at Fitzroy will facilitate connection and creativity for local residents through a range of performances, classes, workshops and exhibitions, all hosted in one of Lewes' most inviting and historic spaces.
Programme
Sat 26th Sep
PERFORMANCE
An Evening with Dame Josephine Barstow
Opera and Conversation
6pm
A unique opportunity to spend an intimate evening with an international opera star, and learn about Verdi’s heroines through the eyes of one of their greatest interpreters.
Dame Josephine Barstow is recognised as one of the world’s leading singing actresses. During a long career she performed in most of the world’s major opera houses and with many of the great conductors singing a varied repertoire of Verdi‚ Richard Strauss‚ Puccini and Janácek among others. Compere Keith Cooper is a former member of the Royal Opera, English National Opera, and Opera North.
Sun 27th Sep
WORKSHOP
Imagination Band (The Workshop,11+)
Contemporary Music
10am - 12pm
Inspirational musician Joanna Mattrey is making a band for a day, and she needs you!
For the morning workshop, we’re looking for musicians and music lovers of any age (11+), any instrument, and any ability to be part of a unique community music-making project. Guided by Joanna, you will devise, create and perform a completely new piece of music from scratch over the course of just a few hours. This is then performed twice at public performances in the afternoon.
It doesn’t matter if you have been playing for years or minutes. It doesn’t matter if you are 9 or 90! If you can read music – great. If you don’t read music - even better!
Bring open mind, and a big creative heart, and an instrument or your voice, and wild musical adventures are guaranteed in this joyous, uplifting and unforgettable experience!
PERFORMANCE
Imagination Band (The Performances)
Contemporary Music
1:30pm
Inspirational musician Joanna Mattrey is making a band for a day!
Performers will devise, create and perform a completely new piece of music from scratch over the course of just a few hours. Come and see what these wonderful musicians have been up to!
Join us for a wild musical adventure and a joyous, uplifting and unforgettable experience!
PERFORMANCE
An Evening with Joanna Mattrey
Contemporary Music
6pm
Joanna Mattrey is a violist and composer working in improvisation, new music, and classical music. Her playing challenges the conventions of the viola.
Join us for an evening of.....
Thu 1st Oct
PERFORMANCE
A Dance for Us
Dance and Cello
11am & 2pm
A new dance and cello performance for babies 0 - 12 months and their carers by Katie Dale-Everett Dance.
‘A Dance for Us’ is a restorative, immersive experience where carer and baby can be soothed and inspired, celebrating the unique relationship forged in the first year of life. Experience the magic of live cello alongside playful movement and come together with others who have had similar recent shared experiences.This work was developed in collaboration with babies and their carers.
The show has gentle references to pre and postpartum experiences.
Sat 3rd Oct
PERFORMANCE
SAA-uk presents Indian Classical Soiree: Mehfil
Indian Classical Music
5pm
We warmly invite audiences to a captivating evening of Indian Classical music, bringing together five talented young musicians for an immersive autumn recital rooted in the rich traditions of Hindustani music.
South Asian Arts uk (SAA-uk) presents two trios featuring next generation talent emerging from Leeds, for the first time at the iconic Fitzroy House in Lewes, in a 90-minute performance carrying both the depth of tradition and the freshness of contemporary expression.
Sun 4th Oct
PERFORMANCE
A Celebration of Shakespeare
Prose, Song, Music
7pm
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Your Visit
Where to find us
Fitzroy House, 10 High St, Lewes BN7 2AD
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You will find us on the main high street in Lewes, on the corner opposite Boots, Gails and the Cancer Research charity shop at the bottom of School Hill.
Transport and Parking
Buses stopping at either the 'bottom of School Hill' or 'Lewes Waitrose' bus stops can be taken to Brighton, Ringmer, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Uckfield, Healthfield, Tunbridge Wells, Barcombe, Newhaven, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill.
From Lewes Train Station, you can take the train to/from Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Rye, London.
The closest council car park is 'Friars Walk Car Park', situated off of Court Road beside the Premier Inn.
Food and Drink
Food/drink options will vary based on each event. Please refer to your ticket for specific details.
We aim to provide a small range of event appropriate options. Money made from the sale of food and drink at these performances will contribute towards supporting both this project and our artists - eat, drink and be merry!
Families and Young Children
We aim to make each event accessible for children and young people. For evening events that are not explicitly family orientated we welcome children, and babes in arms go free.
Please note that we will have a specific area designated for pushchairs and buggies and they may not be able to be brought into the main hall. Speak to our team if you have any questions.
Accessibility
When purchasing your tickets or ahead of arriving at Fitzroy House, we recommend that you please do let us know of any accessibility requirements to ensure that we can make any necessary adaptations and best take care of you.
In the future, there are adaptions to the building structure that we aim to instal to adapt it with step-free access, and improved ease of access for those with disabilities. If you have any recommendations for what you would like to see here, please let us know, we'd love to hear from you.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are permitted in the building, but no other pets are allowed to attend shows at this time.