Two dedicated 'murder historians', Dr Alexa Neale and Dr Sophie Michell, deliver a double dose of death and desire at our Brighton special.

Curious Histories is delighted to return to Hove's cosy Poets Ale and Smokehouse for a criminally good double bill, featuring two terrific returning speakers with deadly tales of dark desire, including the surprising apprehension of the Brighton chocolate poisoner. It's all in aid of a great small local charity: Pelican Parcels.

Doors will open at 6.45pm, with first talk beginning around 7.15pm. There will be an interval, and we aim to finish by half-nine. Do come early if you would like to sample the Poets' excellent menu before the show.

Our talks:

Strychnine in the Sweetshop

In 1871, Brighton was shocked by the arrest of Christiana Edmunds. Miss Edmunds, a lady of leisure, was accused of murdering a little boy through poison. The Chocolate Box Poisoner story is an infamous part of Brighton's murder lore, but... she almost got away with it. Sophie Michell's talk reconstructs the fatal holiday of Sidney Miller, her victim, and how his case illustrates the problems of detecting murder in Victorian inquests.

Murder on the High Seas, 1914

Alexa Neale offers the most surprising true story you’ve never heard of murder aboard a steamship as it crossed the Atlantic. But the terrible death of a newlywed bride on her honeymoon was only the beginning, as the slaying would send ripples around the world, impacting international relations into the First World War and beyond.

Our speakers:

Dr Alexa Neale is Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at the University of Sussex and the author of Photographing crime scenes in Twentieth-Century London. Her research focuses on crime and popular culture in historical perspective including images, narratives and objects. This is her third talk for Curious Histories.

Dr Sophie Michell recently gained her doctorate from the Open University for her research into nineteenth century British coroners' courts. She is also a visiting research fellow at the university. Her substack, The Friday Murder Club, reveals forgotten crimes from her archival research. This is Sophie's fourth appearance with Curious Histories.

Our chosen charity:

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to help Pelican Parcels, which takes pre-loved and new item donations for babies and children up to age twelve, and redistributes them to families facing financial hardship across Brighton & Hove. The city has high rates of children in need, in care and with child protection plans, or who have been referred to social care services. The charity aims to provide all children's essentials: beds and clothes, uniform and shoes, toys and books, prams and play mats, nappies and toiletries. All donations go directly to the families at no cost to them. Find out what you items you could donate here.

FAQs

How do I find out more about Curious Histories?

You can follow us here on eventbrite, or join our public facebook chat group.

How does the ticketing work?

The tickets are by donation and we request £6 per person. If you would like to get more than one ticket, simply enter a figure in multiples of five. In other words, £12 buys you two tickets, £18 buys three, and so on.

What's the easiest way to get to the Poets Ale and Smokehouse?

It's in the Poets Corner area of Hove, on Montgomery Street. The nearest train stations are Hove and Aldrington - both just a 5-10 minute walk away. Buses 2, 5A, 5B, 46 and 49 stop on the corner of Portland Road, a short hop from the pub, or take the 1, 1X, or 6 to Hove Street, a 10-minute stroll from the venue.

What refreshments will be available?

Buy your drinks in the bar downstairs before the event and at the interval - you can bring them up to the show. The Poets also has a great food menu and we thoroughly recommend arriving before the doors open to have a meal.

How does this Curious Histories event support good causes?

We're delighted to say that profits from the show will be going to help Pelican Parcels.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to attend the talks?

The event will be held in licensed premises, so sadly minimum age is 18.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we will have a list of names on the door.

What if I've bought a ticket but am unable to come?

If you're not able to come, you are welcome to offer your ticket to someone else. If you can't give your ticket to another person, drop Curious Histories a line - if the event is sold out we may be able to re-sell it for you.

Will latecomers be admitted?

Talks will begin at approx 7.15pm, but there will be some places reserved for latecomers.

Is there wheelchair access to the venue?

Unfortunately, the nature of the building makes wheelchair access to the upper floor of the pub impossible.

Description supplied by the event organiser.