Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span perform their new live show at The Atkinson on Monday 16 February. Maddy Prior – the voice of the band – leads a line-up featuring faces old and new.

Having recently collaborated with Sir Terry Pratchett on a record based on his Wintersmith novel, their 2014 performances will see them perform new gems alongside classics that have made them one of the most successful British Folk Rock bands ever.

For any artist to discover new inspiration late into their career is a big enough challenge – for that to come after over forty years of making music is little short of a miracle. Yet this is just what Steeleye Span achieved last year with Wintersmith, the 22nd studio in a remarkable career. Their inspiration came from a new collaboration, yet one that in hindsight made complete sense.

Author Terry Pratchet, a self-confessed Spanner for nearly fifty years has set them off on a new creative path. The source was to be Pratchet’s Wintersmith novel, the tale of Tiffany Aching and her adventures in Discworld.

With the source material providing them with a gateway to magical world, Wintersmith found Steeleye Span exploring familiar themes in the company of a new set of characters – all of whom allowed the band to delve into the darker side of their music, with delicious results. From the dramatic opening chords of ‘Overture’ onwards, it is a record that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very end.

Wintersmith returned Steeleye to the UK album charts, and a  string of fantastic reviews – being described as “a marriage between the written word and music that is devastatingly superb” – and garnered much media interest, seeing Maddy Prior and Terry appear on the likes of Later with Jools Holland and the BBC Radio 2 Arts Show.

Wintersmith has delighted long time fans, and introduced them to a new audience. As the band celebrates its 45th anniversary, this new complete version captures a band at their best.

From beauty (‘The Making of A Man’), to menace (‘Dance the Dark Morris’) and all emotional points in-between, Wintersmith is a record that finds this veteran band exploring a vital new chapter. Here’s to the next  chapter!

Steeleye Span starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £21.50 and are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling The Atkinson Box Office on 01704 533333. You can also purchase your tickets over the counter during The Atkinson’s opening hours.

Please be advised that there is a £2 booking fee for telephone and online sales.

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LISTING INFORMATION

Steeleye Span in Concert

Monday 16 February

7.30pm

Tickets: £21.50

*Please be advised that there is a £2 booking fee for telephone and online sales.

The Atkinson
Lord Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 1DB

HOW TO BOOK

In person: Visit The Atkinson box office on Lord Street

For tickets: visit the website theatkinson.co.uk or call box office on 01704 533333

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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

About The Atkinson

The Atkinson is Southport’s beautiful new home for music, theatre, art, poetry, literature and history, right in the middle of Lord Street in Southport. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing the stunning 19th century buildings, to create a really welcoming multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.

The Atkinson offers an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Wile the day away visiting the new shop, that sells gifts and contemporary crafts from regional makers and then relax in the Bakery, choosing from a selection of artisan bread sandwiches, cakes and sharing platters. You can even take little bit of The Atkinson home with you from the delicatessen. Wonder through the major exhibitions and see performances from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies, films, family activities and much more.

Posted on 21 January 2015 under General news