Spring is definitely in the air at The Atkinson, as the busy January to April programme of events and exhibitions is launched.
Look out for appearances from well known TV personalities Ann Widdicombe and Michael Portillo, the return of Rich Hall, family fun this Easter with Dr Seuss’s Cat in the Hat and so much more!
In February the final piece of The Atkinson’s offer opens with its new museum Sefton: Between Land & Sea which tells the story of 10,000 years of Sefton’s Coast. This means The Atkinson now has a unique daytime offer for all the family with so much to see and do in the galleries, theatres, museum, cinema, library, shop and cafe.
The new major exhibition LS Lowry and Theodore Major: Two Lancashire Painters opens on Saturday 17 January and runs until Sunday 29 March. The exhibition compares the works of two very different Lancashire artists who both shared a distinctive vision of the industrialized landscapes of northern England. LS Lowry needs no introduction; he has become one of the most famous artists and a household name. Theodore Major on the other hand almost lapsed into obscurity, why?
The Atkinson re-discovers some of the outstanding works of art from its permanent collection on Saturday 10 January with the ongoing exhibition Rediscoveries.
Featuring two 20th Century masterpieces previously unknown, or thought lost and recently restored paintings brought to light including figure drawings by Augustus John and Keith Vaughan and key examples of the British printmaking revival.
Come and join us celebrate the most romantic weekend of the year with the Love Folk Festival from Friday 13 to Saturday 14 February. The Atkinson’s first festival of folk celebrates new, upcoming and traditional folk and roots music. The line-up includes; Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson, John Smith, 3 Daft Monkeys, Luke Daniels (Duo), Jackie Oates Trio and Oysterband. Early bird tickets are £32 (only available until December 31) then £36 (from 1 January).
The festival, alongside its headlining acts, celebrates the talent within the Bothy Folk Club, now in its 50th year!
The folk and roots music carries on throughout the season with the monthly Grateful Fred’s Roots & Acoustic nights on the first Wednesday of every month. This season American artists such as Kuschty Rye, Amelia Curran, Dubl Handi and Woody Pines take to the stage. As well as a first time appearance from Marc O’Reilly, (23 April), who performs Irish alternative roots music.
We welcome back some old friends to The Atkinson next season with the return of Fairport Convention (31 January), Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders (22 February), Steeleye Span with front woman Maddy Prior (16 February) and the Tannahill Weavers (24 April).
James Grant (11 April) the singer, songwriter and guitarist originally part of the band Love and Money makes his first appearance. Drawing from a broad palette of pop, folk, soul, country and blues influences, and will interweave his solo compositions with some of the Love and Money favourites.
Our comedy programme springs into action with Rich Hall (19 March), Jeremy Hardy (25 April) and our regular monthly Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club nights, taking place on the first Saturday of every month.
Theatre takes centre stage with three productions from up-coming theatre companies in the studio. Take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer and see all three fabulous but very different shows; including Plastic Figurines from Box of Tricks (25 April), Elizabeth I: Virgin on the Ridiculous from Living Spit (6 March) and He Had Hairy Hands from the hilarious Kill the Beast (1 May).
Blackeyed Theatre revives its highly-acclaimed production of John Godber’s Teechers on Thursday 12 – Friday 13 February. This classic comedy about life at a modern comprehensive for Mr Nixon an unsuspecting new drama teacher is fast-moving, inventive and highly entertaining. Teechers brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the unique eyes of Salty, Gail and Hobby; three Year 11 students about to leave school for good.
The new series of lunchtime Cake & Classical Music concerts continue from Monday 5 January with L’Orchestra dell’Arte playing music for strings and piano. They will take place on the first Monday of every month throughout the season. Come along and listen and then enjoy an informal chat with the musicians, a slice of cake and a cup of tea all for £10.
The Spring Arts & Craft Market sets up its stalls on Saturday 4 April, once again in association with Capstan’s Bazaar and our Vintage Fair with Pillbox Vintage returns for its seasonal spot on Saturday 11 April. Both events are free admission and run from 11am to 4pm.
The family programme just keeps getting better and this season we have classic tales alongside new writing. Dommy B is back with his high energy, comedy adventure show When Trolls Try to Eat Your Goldfish (17 January) aimed at 5+, the beautiful Horse + Bamboo have baked up a delicious treat of a show during the February half term – dark, chewy and delicious at heart, yet coated with a sprinkle of something light, sweet and zesty. Hansel and Gretel (19 February) promises to be a feast for the senses for ages 5+.
Fantasy and adventure from Monty Python star Terry Jones continues with Nicobobinus (21 February), kidnapping pirates, murderous monks and operatic dragons all lie in store for Nicobobinus and Rosie as they wend their way on this hilarious and thrilling journey. A great event for families and children aged 6-11 years.
In March the dazzling Stuff and Nonsense (The Enormous Turnip) return with a thrilling adaptation of everyone’s favourite beary-tale Goldilocks & The Three Bears (14 March).This brilliant mix of ingenious puppetry, music and mischievous moments for everyone in the family aged two and above.
Expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge with The Atkinson’s Easter show The Cat in the Hat by Dr.Seuss taking place 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? Suitable for ages 3 and above.
Michael Portillo talks about his Life of Two Halves on Sunday 1 February. Having taken him little more than 10 years to get a seat in the Commons and then rise in power and esteem to a point where he was a favoured leader of his party and possible future PM.
This suggests to many, a privileged friend of the rich and famous with little or no understanding of or care for the ordinary citizen. But since leaving the house almost a decade ago Michael has endeared himself to many with his obvious respect for solid workmanship as found in our great Victorian Railways and the daily toil of the working man, as well as the underprivileged (Michael becomes a Single Mum 2003) and the troubled (Death of a school friend 2002). Listen to his extraordinary story and then feel free to question him about it.
Ann Widdicombe invites you to spend A Sparkling Evening with her on Saturday 28 February. She has had a long and successful career in Westminster within government but not many people know about her superb animal campaigning and most recently she became a TV host on her own show on Sky.
She is also a well renowned and in demand novelist and her books are often seen in the UK best sellers list as well as her appearance on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing!
For more information on all the events, exhibitions and activities or to book tickets please visit the website theatkinson.co.uk, or you can call The Atkinson Box Office on 01704 533333. You can also purchase your tickets over the counter during The Atkinson’s opening hours.
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*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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Posted on 10 December 2014 under Just announced