The Atkinson invites families into a world of imagination this spring with a programme full of magical tales and free activities for all ages.

The fun starts with a high energy, comedy adventure When Trolls Try to Eat Your Goldfish with Dommy B. A grotesque gang of greedy trolls steal all the village’s pets (including Nikki’s favourite goldfish, Great Bumbleduke the Third), who is going to come to the poor animals’ rescue? Can you help them on Saturday 17 January at 2.30pm? (Suitable for 5+)

Catch a special family screening by National Theatre Live of Robert Louis Stephenson’s Treasure Island on Wednesday 18 February at 2.30pm. The story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life in this stage adaptation by Bryony Lavery and broadcast live from the National Theatre. Tickets for this special family screening are £8 (£6 children, £24 family) and the event is suitable for 10+.

During the February half term week on Thursday 19 February at 2.30pm The Atkinson welcomes the return of Horse + Bamboo who has baked up a delicious treat of a show with succulent music and film, puppets and masks – in their adaptation of the classic story of Hansel and Gretel which promises to be a feast for the senses. (Suitable for 5+)

Birdsnest Theatre weaves a gentle tale of a very special friendship and imagination in Mole is My Best Friend on Saturday 28 February at 2.30pm. Using live music, storytelling and a rich visual language that will delight and surprise its audience this production is especially for pre-school children aged 2 to 5 years.

Nicobobinus on Saturday 21 February at 2.30pm is a new family musical adaptation taking families on a fantasy adventure story about a boy who could do anything. Well, could he?

The best of Terry Jones’ vivid and enigmatic characters like kidnapping pirates, murderous monks and operatic dragons, all lie in store in this fairy story adventure, where magic, mystery, morality and humour combine with effortless skill to produce a unique modern fairy tale suitable for ages 6-11 years.

They only went out for a stroll… to let the food cool down. Ten minutes, tops. But when the three bears got home the house was a mess and Baby Bear’s porridge had vanished completely! And that was just the beginning!

The dazzling Stuff and Nonsense return with a thrilling adaptation of everyone’s favourite beary-tale Goldilocks and the 3 Bears on Saturday 14 March at 2.30pm. A brilliant mix of ingenious puppetry, music and mischievous moments for everyone in the family aged two and older than two!

Join in the adventures of the famous ‘under-dog’ in Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale of transformation, with Ugly Duckling on Saturday 28 March at 2.30pm. Brought to you in Thingumajig’s house style with beautiful puppet characters, live music, captivating story-telling and a generous sprinkling of theatre magic for ages 5+.

We whisk you to an exotic world of daring adventure, enchanting spells, unbelievable riches, treachery and true love with Ballet UK’s Aladdin. With just one rub of the lamp this classic ballet comes to life on Saturday 4 April at 7pm. Tickets are £15, (£12 under 16’s and £45 family).

In between all the theatre The Atkinson has a busy programme of arts and craft activities taking place in The Art Box and the Galleries. On Sunday 18 January we invite you to roll up your sleeves and join the RSPB make a pinecone feeder, to attract birds to your garden in preparation for the RSPB Big Garden Watch on 24 & 25 January, this activity has a suggested donation of £1.

We start a series of Make Your Own Workshops in The Art Box from January. This FREE Make Your Own Egyptian Death Mask Workshop kicks of the fun on Saturday 31 January quickly followed by our Valentine’s Day activity to Make Your own Valentine’s Day Card (Saturday 14 February), Make Your Own Mother’s Day Gift (Saturday 14 March), Easter Bonnets (Saturday 4 April) and finishing of the season with Batik Eggs for Easter on Wednesday 8 April.
Only the Egyptian workshop is free, others have a charge of £3 and one adult goes free. For more information of these workshops and times please visit the family section on theatkinson.co.uk.

Expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge this Easter as we welcome The Cat in the Hat by Paul Mills on Friday 17-Saturday 18 April. From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

Based on the much loved book by Dr.Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+.

If you are planning on coming to see one of The Atkinson’s children theatre events then why not come a bit earlier and take advantage of the FREE arts and craft activities in The Art Box. They will be available from 1pm for all those with tickets to a later production at 2.30pm. The activities will be run by our fabulous volunteers and will be themed with the performance. Each will involve making something to take home, or you may choose to leave it with us to decorate The Art Box. More information on these activities will follow, so please check the individual event on the website.

Take advantage of the 3 for 2 offers on all of The Atkinson’s children’s theatre running from January to April. Book to see three events and get the third one free! Your cart will automatically update if booking online.

The Atkinson is a Breast Feeding Friendly venue and children of all ages are welcome.

For more information and to book tickets for The Atkinson’s events, please come in and see us, visit theatkinson.co.uk or call Box Office on 01704 533333.
*Please be advised there is a £2 booking fee for booking over the phone and online bookings.
The Atkinson
Lord Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 1DB

HOW TO BOOK
In person: Visit the Box Office, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
For tickets: visit the website theatkinson.co.uk* or call box office on 01704 533333*

*Subject to a £2 booking fee.

-ENDS-_______________________________________________________________
Notes to Editors
For more information, interviews, images or review tickets, please contact Emma Lloyd at The Atkinson on 0151 934 2129 | emma.lloyd@sefton.gov.uk

Posted on 11 December 2014 under Just announced