Award winning social enterprise, A Great Little Place has now opened its new venture in The Atkinson and the new project space Encounter the Unexpected is nearly complete. To celebrate we are hosting a  She Sells Sea Shells family fun day on Saturday 30 September.

Join us along with actor, writer, producer and The Atkinson Development Trust‘s newest patron, Henry Normal who will  officially open the new café and new project space that brings to life the story of the coast and all of its creatures to life.

There will be a  selection of coastal delights on display including a marine aquarium, a touchscreen interactive and a series of photographs taken by local residents exploring Sefton’s natural heritage. Plus we have free arts and crafts activities for all the family as well as our Museum, Discover Ancient Egypt Gallery, Exhibitions and a production of Night Pirates!

A Great Little Place run by Autism Initiatives opened at the beginning of September to record numbers. The award-winning cafe has revitalised The Atkinson foyer and created a welcoming and inviting place to spend time. Due to its popularity there are plans to expand the capacity further and really make the most out of the space as a place to meet and enjoy great food!

This partnership is about more than just a café – its also about working together to improve the lives of people with autism and their families and by having the organisations together , new opportunities for training and work experience are going to be explored.

Apart from his love of the arts and culture, Henry  Normal shares The Atkinson’s passion for creating opportunities and access to the arts for children and adults with Autism and special educational needs. Having written and performed two BBC Radio 4 shows A Normal Family and A Normal Life combining comedy, poetry and stories about bringing up Johnny his autistic son.

Our children’s Theatre production also takes the coastal theme. The Night Pirates is an adaptation of the best-selling children’s book by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright.

It tells the tale of a group of little girl pirates who descend on a young boy called Tom at bedtime. Eager to join the pirate adventure, Tom uses his house as a pirate ship and sets sail to retrieve stolen treasure from Captain Patch and the bumbling grown-up pirates. Adapted and directed by Miranda Larson, this show combines original songs and swashbuckling adventures, suitable for any budding young pirate! There are two shows at 1.30pm & 3.30pm and tickets are £11 – £9, ages 3+.*

For more information about the family fun day please visit https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/sells-sea-shells/ or call the Box Office team on 01704 533 333.

The Atkinson would like to thanks its funders and supporters

Posted on 22 September 2017 under General news