This summer come and discover The Atkinson with all of the family and get ready for a jam-packed programme of events and activities to that you’ll all want to get involved with.
Summer begins for us in July with a brand new romp through a classic, eccentric tale, telling the story of an Emperor who loves clothes more than anything. But despite a wardrobe the size of Paris he hasn’t got a stitch to wear! Populated with puppets, music and song, this inventive production is told in true Stuff and Nonsense style; with unending energy, great storytelling and, as always, a show for all the family. The Emperor’s New Clothes takes place on Sunday 3 July at 2.30pm. Ages 2+
On Tuesday 5 July the 2016 Summer Reading Challenge begins – this year called The Big Friendly Read after its Roald Dahl inspired theme. You can see costumes from the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s recent production of the BFG in our foyer throughout the summer; take a trip in our very own glass elevator up to the Southport’s Sweet Factory in a special exhibition in the Discovery Box.
We celebrate the start of this year’s challenge with The Twits. Mr and Mrs Twit are ready to welcome you to the magical world of Roald Dahl as storyteller John Kirk retells “The Twits” in the Children’s Library. Warning: this story contains twits being vile to each other. Tickets for the 4pm showing are available from Box Office or online for £2. Suitable for ages 6+
As part of our Roald Dahl celebrations we are championing our very own ‘Sweet Factory’!
Did you know Chewitts were invented in a factory right here in Southport? Come and find out more, you can even invent your own sweets in our pop-up exhibition for the summer holidays to highlight Southport’s sweet making past. The family friendly display will be part of our Summer Holiday activities in the Discovery Box.
Southport’s very own Richard Medrington returns to his hometown to perform his Edinburgh sell-out children’s production, The Man Who Planted Trees on Saturday 16 July at 2.30pm. This beautiful multi-sensory theatrical adaptation of Jean Giono’s environmental classic tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren wasteland. As much a touching tale as it is a hilarious puppet show, The Man Who Planted Trees shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. Ages 7+
Come along and plant your own seed for your very own plant after the show from 3.30pm – free to all who attended the show. Just hand in your ticket to take part.
See Roald Dahl’s story’s come to life in film with Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (PG) on Thursday 28 July, Fantstic Mr Fox (PG) on Thursday 11 August and Matilda (PG) on Thursday 25 August. Tickets are £3 and all screenings start at 2.30pm.
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays for ages 4 to 11. You can sign up in the library, then read six library books of your choice to complete the Challenge. There are exclusive rewards to collect along the way, and it’s FREE to take part! Visit your nearest Library for more information.
Whilst you’re in the Children’s Library, why not visit one of our free activities? Rhyme Time takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.30am – 11.30am and from 2pm – 3pm on Thursdays, perfect for ages 0 – 4. Free Craft will be taking place from 10.30am – 11.30am on Friday 22 July, Friday 5 August and Friday 19 August for ages 3 – 8.
Zoo Man will also be making an appearance in the Children’s Library from 10.30am on Friday 29 July, Friday 12 August and Friday 26 August and is suitable for children aged 3 – 8. Sessions cost £2.50 and can be booked in the Library 2 weeks before each session.
Cyril The Squirrel visits The Atkinson on Saturday 30 July at 2.30pm. An exciting, silly and heart-warming piece of new children’s theatre about diversity, friendship and life in Woody Woodland. Following their adventures, can Cyril the Squirrel and Rosie Red be friends forever? Ages 3+
Why not visit the Formby Pine Woods before the show and see if you can spot your very own Cyril the Squirrel?
Honalee Media Ltd are back with their new show Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine on
Saturday 20 August at 2.30pm. Featuring the voices of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow. Everyone at the farm is delighted with a new and special delivery – the toy machine that makes all the toys, for all of the children in the world! Ages 2 – 7
Book 3 events to get 20% off your total ticket prices! Just add three events and your cart will automatically update (children’s theatre only, does not include any films or The Twits). All children’s theatre event tickets are £8 (£6 children / £24 family).
Our holiday workshops start from Saturday 23 July with Make It! on Mondays 11am –3pm in The Art Box, Hand’s On! on Tuesdays 11am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 3pm in the Foyer and Discover It! on Thursdays at 11am – 3pm in The Discovery Box, all activities are FREE so just drop in.
Bring the family to see the FREE exhibitions in the Galleries and don’t forget to pick up your Arty Apron. They are available every Saturday and during the term time holidays from 11am – 4pm (subject to availability). Explore the exhibitions using special ‘tools’, including binoculars, tap measurements and sound pieces.
On Saturday 23 July we invite you to come and step inside the home of Mrs Goodison, but this house is made of paper and features live animation!
Mrs Goodison’s House: Ancient Egypt brought to life is an immersive experience for families to be part of a magical world by artist Carol Hanson that is inhabited by Mrs Goodison and her wonderful artefacts collected from Egypt over a hundred years ago. These artefacts can now be seen in our Discover Ancient Egypt Gallery, so don’t forget to see them when on your visit.
We will be having a special Family Fun Day on Saturday 23 July to celebrate the exhibitions launch from 11am – 3pm. There will be object handling, trails and a workshop in the Art Box to make flowers for Mrs Goodison’s Garden. More information to be announced so keep checking the website.
The Museum and Egyptology Gallery are open throughout summer so you can find out the stories of Sefton past and Discover Ancient Egypt all in one visit. The shop is selling lots of Egyptology pocket money gifts for you to take home.
When your legs are tired the Bakery is serving special children’s afternoon tea’s so pop down and see what other treats they have for you! Our Bakery also offers a delicious and healthy array of food for children with a meal deal costing just £4.50 with a drink!
This summer – come and visit The Atkinson. A place to discover, learn and play for families.
To book your tickets for any of the events visit theatkinson.co.uk or call the Box Office team on 01704 533 333. Don’t forget to share your pictures when you visit us across our social media channels.
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Twitter: @AtkinsonThe
Posted on 27 June 2016 under General news
