What is it like to live on the edge? What keeps us balanced in turbulent times? What do we feel when we look to the horizon?

Pier to Pier is an outdoor installation that is part of Brighton Festival. It has been created and devised by RAPT Theatre, led by Emma Higham and Lisa Peck, Lecturer in Theatre Practice in the School of Media, Arts and Humanities. 

Between 10 May and 6 June a bright orange audio bench appears at 10 locations across the 14 miles between Brighton and Worthing Piers, including Shoreham Fort and the South Downs National Park. The public are invited to sit, look out to the horizon and listen to a soundscape which includes fragments from interviews with 14 local people who live and work along the coast, reflecting on what it’s like to live on the very edge of the country. 

A sea swimmer, a whale stranding expert, a nurse, a coastguard, a chef, a shopkeeper, someone who left, someone who stayed. 

The audio reminiscences are part of a soundtrack that includes a new arrangement created for the project by film composer Jocelyn Pook, performed by over 50 community singers from choirs along the Sussex coast.  

More details and a map of the bench's location can be found at  https://www.pier-to-pier.com/

Pier to Pier is funded by Arts Council England, Chalk Cliff Trust and Enjoolata Foundation.