BHWHG’s Sue Delafons, blue plaque champion, worked with Theatre Royal, Brighton to successfully secure a plaque for Ellen Nye Chart.
Ellen managed the theatre from 1876 to 1892 and is credited with transforming it into a venue of national standing. Follow the link for Ellen’s bio under Notable Women on our website Ellen Nye Chart (1839-1892)
The ceremony and unveiling of Ellen’s plaque took place on Friday 26th June at Theatre Royal, Brighton. A momentous occasion, large crowds gathered for the unveiling followed by tea and cakes in the Royal Circle Bar, where a bust of Ellen aptly sat surveying the celebrations of her achievement and merriment of the occasion.
Speeches in honour of Ellen were given by Sue Delafons, Hannah Essex, co-Chief Executive of the Society of West End Theatres and UK Theatre, Sophie Denney, Director of Theatre Royal, Brighton and Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove Council.
Victoria Garcia from Brighton & Hove Buses arranged for the bus bearing Ellen’s name to be parked outside the theatre. Visitors and children could board it to view information about other notable Brighton women and make their own DIY paper plaques.
Our stall, colourfully decorated, stood outside the theatre showcasing our work, and many people dropped by for a chat. We also sold copies of volumes one and two of our anthology of notable women.
From left: Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove Council, Jenny, Jean, Miranda, Sue, Maria, Emma and Clare from BHWHG in front of Ellen’s named Brighton and Hove bus.
