The Greatest Showman has been a huge blockbusting success starring big names such as Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zac Efron -but did you know that the inspiration for the film and visionary who rose from nothing to create a world-wide sensation, Phineas Taylor Barnum has links to Southport?
In fact, the famous showman Phineas Taylor Barnum was an advisor and donated his very own hat to the collection in The Botanic Gardens Museum when it opened in 1876 and it is on display in The Atkinson, Southport today.
American Phineas Taylor Barnum married his second wife, Nancy Fish from Southport on 16 September 1874. She was 40 years his junior and the daughter of John FISH, a Manchester cotton mill owner and an old friend, who had based his commercial success on the principles laid down by Barnum.
A marriage certificate discovered in 1994 revealed that the couple had secretly married the previous Valentine’s Day, 13weeks after the death of his first wife. A copy of this marriage certificate can be seen in ‘P.T. Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman ‘by Philip Kunhardt.
The Greatest Showman is a film that celebrates the birth of show business and Southport has a history and love of entertainment. The Southport Winter Gardens complex comprised a theatre, opera house, aquarium, a small zoo, conservatory, promenades and halls situated under the grand glass domes. The Garrick Theatre hosted musicals, comedies and plays as well as the successful Opera House on Lord Street.
The Museum, Discover Ancient Egypt and current art exhibitions are FREE to visit and we have lots of interactive displays. You can visit Monday-Saturday 10am -4pm.
Coming Soon!
The Vikings are coming to The Atkinson– 31 March- 7July – see the exhibition at the only North West Venue.
Viking: Rediscover the Legend is a British Museum & Yorkshire Museum partnership exhibition. For the first time you will see the most significant Viking treasure hoards ever discovered in Britain on display together. Ground-breaking research and new discoveries will challenge your perceptions and give you a fresh perspective on how Vikings shaped every aspect of their lives in Britain.
Tickets for the exhibition are on sale now- visit theatkinson.co.uk or call Box Office 01704 533333.
ENDS-
EDITORS NOTES:
For interviews images or further information, please contact Emma.Lloyd@Sefton.gov.uk
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Event & Ticket Information
Viking: Rediscover the Legend
31 March – 7 July
The Atkinson, Lord Street
Monday –Saturday 10am -4pm
FREE: The Atkinson Development Trust Supporter
Adult: £5
Child (ages 3 – 16): £3
Group Rate: £4 for 10 or more
Family (4 people, minimum 1 adult): £12
Children (under 3): Free, no ticket required
Posted on 20 February 2018 under General news
