The Atkinson What's On Guide

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– multi ARTform venue –

What’s on guide May – August 2013 theatkinson.co.uk (01704) 533 333

library theatre galleries bakery museum exhibitions craft & design centre children’s theatre workshops comedy drama music film


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At a glance

MAY Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Sat 4 Sun 5 Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Fri 10 Fri 10 Fri 10 Sat 11 Sat 11 Sat 11 Sat 11 Sun 12 Sun 12 Sun 12 Sun 12 Wed 15 Thu 16 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18 Sat 18 Sat 18 Tue 21 Wed 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Fri 24 Sat 25 Tue 28 Wed 29 Wed 29 Thu 30 Thu 30 Fri 31 Fri 31

Josh Widdicombe and Seann Walsh State of The Union with support David Hirst The Blues Band Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents Paul Tonkinson Angela Hewitt Film: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel12 Rich Hall Spiers & Boden Southport Jazz Festival begins! Nicola Farnon Quartet The Al Wood Nine James Morton’s Porkchop GoGo Penguin The Bateman Brothers Jazz Band plus Special Guests Gabby Young & The Other Animals Sector 7 Milestones play to the Silent Screen Kairos 4tet Joe Stilgoe Trio James Morrison with Swingshift Big Band (Festival finale) Arthur Smith Exposed! Spitfire Flying Solo Spitfire Flying Solo Kieran Goss Rumpelstiltskin Rumpelstiltskin Marcus Bonfanti Film: Beasts of the Southern Wild12A Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman Richard Alston Dance Company The Waving Cat of Japan Showaddywaddy 40th Anniversary Tour Film: E.T.PG Film: Dreams of a LifeE Ruby Flew Too! Monkey Poet’s Murder Mystery Film: It’s Complicated15 Fairport Convention Film: TangledPG The Stumble

Studio 7.30pm p04 Studio 7.30pm p04 Theatre 8.00pm p04 Studio 8.00pm p06 Theatre 7.30pm p06 Studio 1.30pm p06 Theatre 8.00pm p06 Theatre 7.30pm p06 from 2.30pm p07 Studio 2.30pm p08 Theatre 7.00pm p08 Studio 10.00pm p08 Studio 11.00am p08 Theatre 2.30pm p08 Theatre 7.00pm p08 Studio 10.00pm p09 Theatre 11.00am p09 Studio 2.30pm p09 Studio 5.00pm p09 Theatre 8.00pm p09 Studio 7.30pm p10 Studio 1.00pm p10 Studio 7.30pm Studio 8.00pm p10 Theatre 11.30am p10 Theatre 2.30pm Studio 8.00pm p10 Studio 7.45pm p10 Studio 7.30pm p11 Theatre 7.30pm p11 Studio 10.30am p11 Theatre 7.30pm p11 Studio 11.00am p11 Studio 7.45pm p14 Studio 11.00am p14 Studio 7.30pm p14 Studio 11.00am p14 Theatre 7.30pm p15 Studio 11.00am p15 Studio 7.30pm p15

JUNE Sat 1 Sat 1 Sun 2 Tue 4 Thu 6 Fri 7 Sat 8

Let’s Hang On Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents Alun Cochrane Andy & Mike’s… Tick Tock Time Machine Film: The King and IU Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes The Rape of Lucrece Film: The GooniesPG

Theatre 7.30pm p15 Studio 8.00pm p15 Theatre 1.30pm p16 Studio 1.30pm p16 Theatre 7.30pm p16 Studio 7.30pm p16 Studio 11.00am p16

/ 03 / JUNE (continued) Sat 8 The Christians Tue 11 Film: The Descendents15 Wed 12 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)… Fri 14 The Enormous Turnip Fri 14 Cara Luft (Duo) Sat 15 The Enormous Turnip Sat 15 Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Sun 16 Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Sun 16 Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Sun 16 Beloved Clara Fri 21 Blofeld & Baxter Sat 22 Film: Bugsy MaloneU Sat 22 Heidi Talbot Tue 25 Film: Once Upon a Time in Anatolia15 Wed 26 Charley’s Aunt Thu 27 Film: Breakfast at Tiffany’sPG Thu 27 Charley’s Aunt Thu 27 Charley’s Aunt Fri 28 Charley’s Aunt Sat 29 Shiny Sat 29 Charley’s Aunt Sat 29 Charley’s Aunt

Studio 8.00pm p17 Studio 7.45pm p17 Theatre 7.30pm p17 Theatre 1.00pm p18 Studio 7.30pm p18 Theatre 11.00am p18 Studio 7.30pm p19 Studio 1.30pm p19 Studio 7.30pm p19 Theatre 7.30pm p18 Theatre 7.30pm p20 Studio 11.00am p20 Studio 7.30pm p20 Studio 7.45pm p20 Theatre 7.30pm p21 Studio 11.00am p20 Theatre 2.00pm p21 Theatre 7.30pm Theatre 7.30pm Studio 10.45am p20 Theatre 2.00pm p21 Theatre 7.30pm

JULY Tue 2 Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6 Sat 6 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 20 Wed 24 Thu 25 Thu 25 Sat 27 Sun 28 Sun 28 Wed 31

Film: Some Like it HotU I See Hawks in LA The Eduardo Niebla Experience (Trio) Film: BambiU Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents Tom Stade Tristan Mackay Knick Knack and Doo Dad Reasons to be Cheerful The Lancashire Hotpots Film: LabyrinthU Alexander Stewart Frigg Film: Master & Commander12 Blair Dunlop (Trio) The Johnny Cash Story My Brother the Robot My Brother the Robot Film: Dark CrystalPG

Studio 1.30pm p22 Studio 7.30pm p22 Theatre 7.30pm p22 Studio 11.00am p23 Studio 8.00pm p22 Studio 8.00pm p23 Studio 1.30pm p23 Theatre 8.00pm p23 Studio 11.00am p23 Theatre 7.30pm p23 Studio 7.30pm p24 Studio 11.00am p24 Studio 7.30pm p24 Theatre 7.30pm p24 Theatre 11.30am p24 Theatre 2.30pm Studio 11.00am p24

August Tue 6 Wed 21 Thu 29 Thu 29

Film: Gosford Park15 How to Catch a Star Film: The Italian JobPG Gigspanner

Studio 1.30pm p25 Theatre 2.30pm p25 Studio 11.00am p25 Studio 7.30pm p25


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May

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MAY— AUGUST 2013

Josh Widdicombe and Seann Walsh

State of The Union support David Hirst

Thu 2 | 7.30pm | Studio | £14 (£12 conc)

Fri 3 | 7.30pm | Studio| £10 (£12 door)

– Josh Widdicombe, star of Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week, ‘Last Leg with Adam Hills’ and BBC1’s Live At The Apollo is on his hotly anticipated tour. Alongside Josh is precocious newcomer Seann Walsh, known for his “Sharp, creative observational comedy”. joshwiddicombe.com seannwalsh.com Like this? Try Rich Hall | 8 May

– Lift your spirits with this feel-good evening from State of the Union, a collaboration between English songwriter and lead singer of indie legends the Bible, Boo Hewerdine and veteran US slide guitar ace Brooks Williams. The show is sure to delight fans of hook-laden songs, fiery and emotional guitar playing and soulful vocals. stateoftheunionmusic.com Like this? Try Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman | 22 May

The Blues Band Sat 4 | 8.00pm | Theatre| £18

– The individual members of The Blues Band (Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Rob Townsend, Gary Fletcher and Tom McGuinness) were already held in admiration by generations of rhythm & blues fans when they formed back in 1979. Almost two and a half decades and over 16 albums later they continue to add to their growing army of followers and they are today acknowledged throughout Europe and beyond as being amongst the very finest purveyors of the genre. thebluesband.com Like this? Try Marcus Bonfanti | 18 May

MC: Damion Larkin is “one of the country’s top new comedians” BBC On the first Saturday of every month The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club offers a raucous evening of entertainment and brings the best live stand-up to Southport! Comedians off the telly and from such shows as BBC2’s Mock The Week, Shooting Stars, Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Have I Got News For You, QI amongst others. In addition to TV regulars, there’ll be comics on the brink of stardom. Previously we’ve booked the likes of Jason Manford, John Bishop and Sarah Millican before they hit the big time.

Your MC is Damion Larkin, renowned for being a spontaneous and lovable host. All line ups are subject to change, but don’t worry, we’ll only replace them with someone twice as funny. Saturday 4 May | Saturday 1 June | Saturday 6 July 8.00pm | Studio | £12.50 (£15.00 door) Season tickets are available for £30.


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May

Angela Hewitt Sun 5 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £16 (£14 conc)

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club present

Paul Tonkinson Sat 4 | 8.00pm | Studio | £12.50 (£15.00 door, £30 season tickets)

— Encounter the full Tonkinson phenomenon; a master of physicality and impressions with a plethora of first class material brought to life with tremendous charm and infectious energy. Expect explosive, exuberant, tender comic reflections on love, food, family and the day-to-day idiosyncrasies of early 21st century living from one of the country’s finest comedians. With a bullet-proof set and an abundance of universally funny material you are guaranteed first class laughs from this sensational live performer and top-billing stand up star. “Hilarious; simply one of the greatest comics around” Michael McIntyre

Howard Read is opening the show, but is an accomplished headliner in his own right and is the only British comedian on the circuit who has appeared on both The Royal Variety Performance and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His act packs an impressive laughs per minute ratio, so come and laugh your socks off! “Just absolutely A-list, gave me stitches till my stomach hurt” Time Out

Scott Bennett charms audiences with his delightfully witty comic observations about life’s little quirks, relationships and the subtleties of human behaviour. “Brilliant, I couldn’t breathe for laughing” The Mirror

– As one of the world’s leading pianists, Angela regularly appears in recitals with major orchestras throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. Her performances and recordings of Bach have drawn particular praise, marking her out as one of the composer’s foremost interpreters of our time. Expect a compelling evening with this phenomenal artist. angelahewitt.com Like this? Try Beloved Clara | 16 June

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

12

(Madden, UK, 124mins) Tue 7 | 1.30pm | Studio |£1.50

– John Madden directs this British comedy drama starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith. The film follows the experiences of a group of elderly Brits who arrive to take up residence in a newly-opened retirement home in Bangalore, India. The Marigold turns out to be rather different from the refurbished luxury hotel advertised in the brochures. However, it soon begins to reveal some unexpected charms of its own.

May

– SOUTHPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL 10 – 12 MAY 2013 –

This year’s Festival is a busy one with The Atkinson’s headline programme, The Jazz Festival Hub in The Town Hall Gardens and The Fringe Festival taking place throughout the cafés, bars, clubs, pubs and hotels of Southport.

Rich Hall

Spiers & Boden

Wed 8 | 8.00pm | Theatre | £15

Thu 9 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £15 (£13 conc)

– Rich Hall’s renowned grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and king of rapid-fire wit. Fans can see the comic genius from Montana discuss a variety of topics all delivered in his own hilarious, unique way. offthekerb.co.uk/rich-hall “Now is the time to grab this chance to see the great man at work” The Guardian Like this? Try Arthur Smith | 15 May

– Spiers & Boden have made the genre of spontaneous, punky English folk very much their own stomping ground. Loud, proud, and with just a few acoustic instruments, they create a multitude of textures upon which they present traditional stories and dance music. spiersandboden.com Like this? Try Cara Luft | 14 June *Special offer - Book for Spiers & Boden and Heidi Talbot (22 June) and see I See Hawks in L.A (4 July) for just £5.

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This year we will also be raising a glass to CAMRA who have organised a fantastic beer festival to run alongside the programme.

Jazz House Records are on board to offer the best jazz on vinyl and CD, new and second-hand which includes music from the line-up of this year’s festival. Prices start from £9 at The Atkinson or you can purchase a weekend pass for £88 (until the end of April) or day passes for £27 Friday, and £40 Saturday and Sunday. More info can be found online or pick up a festival brochure. All that’s left to say is that we hope you have a great time and we can’t wait to share some amazing memories with you…let’s jazz!


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Southport Jazz Festival

Nicola Farnon Quartet

The Al Wood Nine

Fri 10 | 2.30pm | Studio | £11

Fri 10 | 7.00pm | Theatre | £15

– The Nicola Farnon Quartet have been making waves in the UK jazz scene of late. Nicola inspires us with music from artists as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Bill Evans, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Aretha Franklin. nicolafarnonmusic.com Like this? Try Elkie Brooks | 21 November

– Be-bop, Swing & All That Jazz! The Al Wood Nine is an exciting new band with a dream line-up of some of the best mainstream and bop players in the region who re-create the music of the great big bands. The line up includes Al Wood (leader, trumpet, saxes), Jim Corry, James Russell (alto sax), Stuart MacDonald, Simon Kaylor (tenor sax), Sam Thornton (baritone sax) Graham Hearn (piano), Garry Jackson (bass), Bob Howard (drums).

James Morton’s Porkchop Fri 10 | 10.00pm | Studio | £11

– A funk, soul-jazz, and gospel sound from this great, critically acclaimed collective lead by altoist James Morton with Dan ’Pinstripe’ Moore (Hammond organ), Ian Matthews (drums) and the great Denny Ilett (guitar). myspace.com/porkchopfunk

Southport Jazz Festival

Sector 7 Sat 11 | 10.00pm | Studio | £11

– A unique line-up of four exceptional singers and jazz trio. Sector 7 present a wide repertoire from Gershwin and Chick Corea to traditional folk song, to Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott, this septet combines its musicians considerable individual talents for a fresh take on favourite tunes. sector7.org

Milestones play to the Silent Screen Sun 12 | 11.00am | Theatre | £11

– Terry Seabrook’s Milestones, perform Seabrooks’ own full-length jazz soundtrack, for Buster Keaton’s 1924 film Sherlock Jr., with improvisation as the film is screened. One not to be missed! milestonesjazz.co.uk

“They blew me away, well worth checking out’ Brian Blain, Jazz UK

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Kairos 4tet Sun 12 | 2.30pm | Studio | £13

– This 2011 MOBO award winning and nationally fêted, spectacularly exciting cutting edge band make their first appearance at Southport Jazz Festival. kairos4tet.com “Kairos 4tet have found a melodious medium between traditional Jazz and the forward facing nature that typifies so much young British Jazz” The Mercury Prize

Early Bird Weekend Pass Offer GoGo Penguin Sat 11 | 11.00am | Studio | £9

– The expansive, brilliant piano trio of Chris Illingworth (piano), Grant Russell (double bass) and Rob Turner (drums) make up one of the most exciting contemporary instrumental groups on the circuit, drawing on a heady brew of influences from Aphex Twin to Brian Eno, Debussy to Shostakovich and Massive Attack to EST. gogopenguin.co.uk “....take our word when we say it was one of the most exciting live performances we have seen in a while” Mindonfire.co.uk

The Bateman Brothers Jazz Band with Special Guests Sat 11 | 2.30pm | Theatre | £17.00

– This all-star band led by brothers Ian and Alan Bateman, play the great hits that made Louis Armstrong a world superstar, from Hello Dolly and Cabaret to the movie High Society. Their very special guests are one of the top jazz trumpet players in Europe, Enrico Tomasso and Spats Langham (banjo) who performs frequently with the world-renowned master of vintage jazz, Keith Nichols. batemanbrothers.com

Gabby Young & The Other Animals Sat 11 | 7.00pm | Theatre | £13

– Likened to Florence & the Machine and Kate Bush, Gabby Young & The Other Animals are leading the Circus Swing musical movement. A fusion of Swing Jazz, Eastern European beats and English Folk created with the horn, wind and percussive instruments. giftofthegabrecords.com “Terrific live, really big wall of sound, we are playing this because we love it!” Graham Norton, BBC Radio 2

Joe Stilgoe Trio Sun 12 | 5.00pm | Studio | £14

– As one of the world’s finest singerpianists, Joe appears at a plethora of music’s great bastions including Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican and the London Jazz Festival. His second album ‘We Look To The Stars’, went straight to the top of the jazz charts while pulling in rave reviews from the national press.

James Morrison with Swingshift Big Band Sun 12 | 8.00pm | Theatre | £17

joestilgoe.com

– World famous Australian jazz superstar and multi instrumentalist James Morrison (trumpet, flugel, trombone, euphonium, tuba, sax and piano) has been honored by Royalty and political leaders and has played in the world’s top venues. James will be closing Southport Jazz Festival with Swingshift Big Band, Southport’s very own 18 piece big band.

Like this? Try Alexander Stewart | 20 July

jamesmorrison.com.au swingshiftbigband.co.uk

You can get your festival weekend pass for only £88 when you book before the end of April. Book now at theatkinson.co.uk, by calling (01704) 533 333 or book over the counter.


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May

May

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One-man show offer Arthur Smith Exposed!

Spitfire Flying Solo

Wed 15 | 7.30pm | Studio | £14 (£12 conc)

Thu 16 |1.00pm & 7.30pm | Studio from £8 (£6 schools)

– Comedian, writer, broadcaster and all-round British institution, Arthur Smith is simply one of our funniest and most original comic performers and is guaranteed to bring you a night of hilarity, mirth and scandal... with a touch of rudeness thrown in for good measure. arthursmith.co.uk Like this? Try Monkey Poet | 29 May

– For ex-Battle of Britain pilot Peter, an unexpected new challenge is about to begin as he re-lives past glories, losses, wartime experiences, family memories and the heady days of blue skies and battles. Blending theatre, music and film in this multilayered and textured production, Nicholas Collett plays a multitude of characters and recreates the Battle of Britain - onstage! nicholascollett.com Like this? Try The Rape of Lucrece | 7 June

Special one-man show offer!

– Buy three of the four one-man shows below and save £2 per event – Spitfire Flying Solo | 16 May – The Rape of Lucrece | 7 June – Call Mr Robeson | 12 Sept – The Female Gothic | 21 Nov Book now at theatkinson.co.uk, by calling (01704) 533 333 or book over the counter at The Atkinson.

Kieran Goss – Live & Solo

Rumpelstiltskin

Marcus Bonfanti

Fri 17 | 8.00pm | Studio | £12 (£10 conc)

Sat 18 | 11.30am & 2.30pm| Theatre £7.50

Sat 18 | 8.00pm | Studio | £10 (£12 door)

– Long hailed as one of Ireland’s leading songwriters and performers, Kieran Goss’s music has won him fans across the globe. But if his songs have made him a star, his live shows have made him a legend. Live on stage is where Kieran Goss really shines. kierangoss.com Like this? Try Fairport Convention | 30 May

– He’s sneaky, he’s cheeky, he’s… Rumpelstiltskin! Hiccup Theatre Company spin live music, puppetry and mischievous storytelling into a golden new version of this classic fairytale by acclaimed, Olivier award winning writer Mike Kenny. Follow the troubled Miller’s daughter as she tries to outwit the greatest trickster of them all. hiccuptheatre.co.uk

– From the first note of Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog sixteen year old Marcus Bonfanti knew he wanted to be a guitar player. A member of UK rock band Saint Jude (Nominated for Best New Band in 2011 Classic Rock awards) he has received two nominations in both last and this year’s ‘British Blues Awards’ for Best Male Vocals & Best Guitar. marcusbonfanti.com

Suitable for children aged 4+

“Bonfanti deserves to become the next British Blues Guitar” The Times

Like this? Try The Enormous Turnip | 14 & 15 June

Like this? Try Albert Lee | 6 June

Southport Film Guild present

Beasts of the Southern Wild

12A

(Zeitlin, US, 93 mins) Tue 21 | 7.45pm | Studio | £4 Free for SFG members

– In a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. Buoyed by her childish optimism and extraordinary imagination, she believes that the natural world is in balance with the universe until a fierce storm changes her reality. SFG Membership is just £40 per year – that’s just £2.00 per film! See page 26

Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman

Richard Alston Dance Company

Wed 22 | 7.30pm | Studio | £10 (£12 door)

Thu 23 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £11 (£9 conc, £7 schools)

– Fresh from celebrating their success at the recent BBC Radio Two Folk Awards (Best Duo), Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman are two of the British folk scenes most accomplished performers. Their intimacy and strength of passion shown as a duo, combined with an eclectic repertoire ensures a rare treat for any listener. kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com Like this? Try Heidi Talbot | 22 June

The Waving Cat of Japan

Showaddywaddy 40th Anniversary tour

Fri 24 | 10.30am | Studio | £4

Fri 24 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £18

– Maneki Neko ‘The Waving Cat’ is the Japanese cat-shaped figurine that is said to bring good luck. In this visually exciting new Sign Language Arts creation, Krazy Kat celebrate their thirtieth birthday by presenting a spectacular traditional Japanese puppet-style theatrical fantasy. krazykattheatre.co.uk Suitable for children aged 3 - 7

Like this? Try Ruby Flew Too! | 29 May

– After 38 incredible years, rock & roll music is truly alive and kicking in the hands of this amazing band. An incredible live show - acclaimed the world over! With 23 Top 40 hit singles, including 10 Top 5 hits (Under The Moon of Love, When, You Got What It Takes, 3 Steps To Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, Etc!) and 15 massive selling albums. showaddywaddy.net Like this? Try Let’s Hang On | 1 June

– Richard Alston Dance Company is world-class and renowned for the musicality of the choreography. The company will bring four pieces including two with live music, for its debut at The Atkinson. Find out more on page 13. theplace.org.uk Pre-show talk at 6.30pm – contact box office for more details

The Atkinson family screening

E.T.

PG

(Speilberg, US, 120 mins) Sat 25 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

– The classic Steven Spielberg directed 1982 film about an alien who gets stranded on Earth and is found and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Nicknamed E.T., the alien learns from Elliott about life on Earth, while Elliott learns about the true meaning of friendship and love. As government agents close in on E.T.’s location, the pair embark on the adventure of a lifetime as Elliot tries to help E.T. return to his home planet.


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May

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– Richard Alston Dance Company –

Thu 23 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £11 (£9 conc, £7 schools) – Pre-show talk at 6.30pm Contact box office for more details “A thing of truth and beauty” The Independent on Sunday “The dancers have energy in spades...(Roughcut) almost levitates” The Guardian

Richard Alston Dance Company is worldclass and renowned for the musicality of the choreography. The Company will bring four pieces including two with live music, for its debut at The Atkinson.

To these, Alston has added an extraordinary arrangement of Mozart’s brilliant Gigue in D by the Italian virtuoso Federico Busoni, creating a third movement and bringing things to a rousing close.

Richard Alston’s Unfinished Business is danced to the beautiful, lucid and flowing music of Mozart, played live – the two movements of an unfinished piano sonata, Opus K533.

Lachrymae, set to the compassionate and tender music of Benjamin Britten for viola and piano, played live, spins emotional variations on a gentle song by John Dowland – quietly but deeply moving.

Richard Alston’s iconic Roughcut is danced to the peals of Steve Reich’s shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints, for clarinet and guitar. A euphoric display of pure energy, Roughcut, first performed in 1990, has rarely been revived. If you could take only one piece of dance to a desert island, this would be it.


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May

May/June

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Southport Film Guild Become a member of Southport Film Guild

– Established in 1966, SFG was one of the first film clubs in the country, it won Film Society of the Year and now has one of the longest pedigrees as a successful local Film Society. Membership is just £40 per year which gives you free entry to all 20 Southport Film Guild screenings. See page 26 for full details and contact information.

Southport Film Guild present

Dreams of a Life

E

(Morley, UK, 95 mins) Tue 28 | 7.45pm | Studio | £4 Free for SFG members

– A filmmaker sets out to discover the life of Joyce Vincent, who died in her bedsit in North London in 2003. Her body wasn’t discovered for three years, and newspaper reports offered few details of her life - not even a photograph. SFG Membership is just £40 per year – that’s just £2.00 per film! See page 26

Ruby Flew Too!

It’s Complicated

Wed 29 | 11.00am | Studio | £7.50

(Meyers, US, 120 mins)

– Using live theatre, stunning scenery, beautiful handmade puppets and original music, Topsy Turvy tell the story of Ruby a little duckling who is struggling to find her feet. Adapted from the wonderful, heart-warming story by Jonathan Emmett. topsyturvytheatre.co.uk Suitable for children aged 3–7 years Like this? Try The Enormous Turnip | 14 & 15 June

15

Fairport Convention Thu 30 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £17.50

Thu 30 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50

– A romantic comedy starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Jane (Streep) is the mother of three grown-up children, owns a thriving catering business and, after ten years of divorce, enjoys an easy relationship with her ex-husband, attorney Jake (Baldwin). But when Jane and Jake find themselves out of town for their son’s college graduation, an innocent meal together takes a turn for the complicated.

– Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music Fairport Convention have just celebrated their fortyfifth anniversary. They have won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted Fairport’s groundbreaking album, Liege & Lief, ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’. fairportconvention.com Like this? Try Frigg | 24 July

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club present

Alun Cochrane Sat 1 | 8.00pm | Studio | £12.50 (£15 door, £30 season tickets)

– BBC2’s Mock The Week regular. A master at observational comedy and a no-nonsense comedian much of his comedy begins simply as something he’s seen, heard or felt in his own life, or in the street, or the kitchen, or anywhere and from that it blossoms into a highly amusing anecdote or a strange flight of fancy. “By the end of the show, some people in the audience literally can’t stop laughing. Expect Alun Cochrane to be filling arenas soon” The Independent.

The Atkinson family screening

Tangled

PG

(Greno/Howard, US, 100 mins) Fri 31 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

Monkey Poet’s Murder Mystery Wed 29 | 7.30pm | Studio | £10 (£8 conc)

– A new double-bill from the critically acclaimed, multi award-winning simian guaranteeing a night full of thought provoking laughter. Vividly bringing to life Homer, Shelley, Shakespeare, Burns, Byron, Bukowski,

Oscar Wilde, Dorothy Parker, Ginsberg and Gil Scott Heron, Murder Mystery is fast paced and funny as hell.

“Mixes righteous frustration and educated reason in one hyperactive, occasionally sweary, often very funny bundle. Amusing, impassioned and even a little educational.”The Scotsman

Monkey Poet then morphs into a radical stand up for the second act dealing with democracy, religion, homo and xeno phobia’s, and the terrifying day Dad took the stabilisers off the bike.

Suitable for ages 16+ (Not for faint hearts or dainty ears)

monkeypoet.co.uk

Like this? Try The Reduced Shakespeare Company - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) | 12 June

– Disney’s CGI-animated comedy adventure. The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.

The Stumble Fri 31 | 7.30pm | Studio | £10 (£8 conc)

– This six piece band from Preston are a live rapturous Chicago style rhythm & blues band. Their influences range from the likes of B.B. King, Freddy King, Muddy Waters, so you know what you are going to get is a classic valve driven back line driven with shuffle and roll. thestumble.com Like this? Try Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes | 6 June

The lovable Geordie, Barry Dodds is a circuit favourite who’s cheeky grin hides no end of uproarious and unpredictable stories and gags. He’s charmed audiences nationwide, with his uniquely tailored combination of disarming wit and wry, down-to-earth observational humour. Wouter Mejs is regarded by many as Netherlands top comedian and easily the funniest thing to come out of Holland since clogs. He’s also quite tall and his name is pronounced Wow-ter Mais.


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Let’s Hang On Sat 1 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £16.50 (£14.50 conc, £12 parties of 10+)

– In this remarkable production Let’s Hang On take you on a musical journey through the prolific career of one of the most successful bands of all time ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’. Featuring tracks from the early years, and all your favourites, you will soon be dancing in the aisles. This really is a must see show for all the family. letshangon.co.uk Like this? Try The Johnny Cash Story | 27 July

June

Andy & Mike’s… Tick Tock Time Machine Sun 2 | 1.30pm | Theatre | £10 (£8 conc)

– Join Andy Day from Andy’s Wild Adventures (CBeebies) and comedy partner Mike James on an adventure in a Time Machine to collect the things from the past to help a very old Andy in the future. Will they make it back to the here and now or be trapped in the mists of time forever? One thing’s for sure; they need your help!

The King and I

U

June

The Atkinson family screening

(Lang, US, 133 mins)

The Goonies

Tue 4 | 1.30pm | Studio | £1.50

(Donner, US, 114 mins)

– When nineteenth century English schoolteacher Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr) is employed by the King of Siam (Yul Brynner). She soon clashes with the king but ultimately wins his respect and love. Rodgers and Hammerstein numbers include ‘Hello Young Lovers’ and ‘Getting To Know You’.

andyandmike.com Suitable for children aged 3+ Like this? Try The Enormous Turnip | 14+15 June

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PG

Sat 8 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

– When brothers Mikey and Brand learn that greedy developers are forcing their family to move, they and their friends decide to have one last, precious adventure together. With the help of a treasure map they’ve found in the attic, the group, known as The Goonies, go in search of buried gold hoping against hope that if they find it, Mikey and Brand will succeed in keeping their home.

The Christians Sat 8 | 8.00pm | Studio | £16 (£14 conc)

– With hits such as ‘Forgotten Town’, ‘Harvest For The World’, ‘Born Again’, ‘Ideal World’, and ‘Hooverville’, it is no surprise that The Christians are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. thechristianslive.com Like this? Try The Blues Band |4 May

Southport Film Guild present

The Descendents

15

(Payne, US, 115 mins) Tue 11 | 7.45pm | Studio | £4 Free for SFG members

– Starring George Clooney as a lawyer forced to rethink his approach to life after his wife is hospitalised. Left in sole charge of their daughters he is called to face his responsibilities as an adult. SFG Membership is just £40 per year – that’s just £2.00 per film! See page 26

One-man show offer Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes

The Rape of Lucrece

Thu 6 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £18.00

– Gerard Logan stars in the first ever stage adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Rape of Lucrece. A brilliant, brutal narrative poem giving an account of the terrible crime of rape and its dreadful consequences for victim and perpetrator.

– Celebrating 50 years in music, double Grammy award winner Albert Lee returns with his multi-talented band Hogan’s Heroes (Gerry Hogan, Peter Baron, Brian Hodgson and Gavin Povey). Albert is without a doubt one of the world’s finest guitar-players. albertleeandhogansheroes.com Like this? Try The Stumble | 27 July

Fri 7 | 7.30pm | Studio | £11 (£9 conc, £7 schools)

“Logan holds his audience spell bound” Fringe Review Suitable for ages 14+ Like this? Try Call Mr Robeson | 12 September

Special one-man show offer!

– Buy three of the four one-man shows below and save £2 per event – Spitfire Flying Solo | 16 May – The Rape of Lucrece | 7 June – Call Mr Robeson | 12 Sept – The Female Gothic | 21 Nov Book now at theatkinson.co.uk, by calling (01704) 533 333 or book over the counter at The Atkinson.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)(Revised) Wed 12 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £15 (£13 conc, £10 schools)

– All the way from the good old U.S. of A, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

(revised) is an irreverent, fastpaced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) which was London’s longest running comedy – ten years in the West End! Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild

ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. reducedshakespeare.com “Pithier than Python. Irresistible.” New York Times “Stupendous, anchorless joy!” The Times Like this? Try Faulty Towers | 15 & 16 June


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June

June

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– FaUlty towers: The dining experience – Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company

The Enormous Turnip Fri 14 | 1.00pm | Theatre | £7.50 Sat 15 | 11.00am | Theatre | £7.50 (£6 schools)

– In a tiny house the size of a shed, Mr and Mrs Chickweed live on their allotment surrounded by vegetables aplenty. But they can’t resist planting

one more seed and as their turnip grows it threatens their house with disaster! Can anyone help pull up their enormous turnip? Stuff and Nonsense return with their unswerving energy, eccentric puppetry and live music in a re-potted version of the world famous children’s story.

aloadofstuffandnonsense.co.uk For seedlings aged 2+ and families. Commissioned by Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, in association with Salisbury Playhouse and with support from The Merlin Theatre. Like this? Try My Brother the Robot | 28 July

“ingenious… the best comedy show I have ever been to” Sunday Express

Sat 15 Jun | 7.30pm Sun 16 Jun | 1.30pm & 7.30pm All performances are in the Studio | £35.00 (includes show & three-course meal)

Cara Luft (Duo)

Beloved Clara

Fri 14 | 7.30pm | Studio | £8 (£10 door)

Sun 16 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £20 (£15 schools)

– Compared to Julie Miller, June Tabor, Gillian Welch, Linda Thompson and even Brit folk-rockers Pentangle. Singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Cara Luft is that rare artist steeped in folk and traditional roots music, yet willing to alter, stretch boundaries and styles. caraluft.com Like this? Try Heidi Talbot | 22 June

– This programme of music and readings chronicles the sometimes troubled marriage of Clara and Robert, the arrival in their household of the dynamic, 21-year-old Brahms, Robert’s decline into mental illness and the deepening relationship between Clara and Brahms, the exact nature of which has never been established. Music by all three is performed by the award-winning pianist Lucy Parham, interspersed with extracts from their letters and diaries, which are read by actors Joanna David and Martin Jarvis. lucyparham.com/beloved_clara Like this? Try Angela Hewitt | 5 May

Look out for the Big Imaginations logo, you will see it across fifteen venues in the North West

– Each of the venues that promotes the logo is family friendly and pays special attention to the needs of the younger audience. As a member of the Big Imaginations Children’s Theatre Touring Network The Atkinson is dedicated to bringing brilliant children’s theatre to the North West, so you can be assured of the quality of the company when booking your show.

Basil, Sybil and Manuel visit The Atkinson for the first time this summer, bringing with them a ‘two-hour eat, drink and laugh sensation’ (Daily Telegraph) that’s ‘outstanding’ (FringeReview). It’s all part of a world tour that continues to delight critics and audiences alike…and they’re here for one weekend only. This pitch perfect tribute to Fawlty Towers starts as the audience waits to be seated then hurtles along for two hours of fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre. With only a third of the show scripted, everything stays fresh as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up madcap mayhem and a three-course meal – with the audience playing the part of their restaurant diners. Just don’t mention the war!

interactivetheatre.com.au “utterly delicious entertainment” Evening News, Edinburgh Fringe “Cleese would be delighted” The Public Reviews, London West End Like this? Try The Reduced Shakespeare Company – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) | 12 June


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June

Blofeld & Baxter

Heidi Talbot

The Atkinson family screening

Bugsy Malone

Fri 21 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £18.50

– Two of the titans of English cricket appear for the first time on stage. Henry Blofeld and Peter Baxter spend an evening wowing the crowds with hilarious tales from the BBC Test Match Special commentary box from the last 40 years. “Their conversational approach was perfect...a captivated audience hanging on their every word.” Northampton Chronicle & Echo Like this? Try Faulty Towers | 15+16 June

U

(Parker, UK, 93mins) Sat 22 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

– Alan Parker’s musical spoof of gangster films features an all-child cast with guns that fire cream. When gang warfare erupts between Fat Sam and Dandy Dan, hustler Bugsy Malone (Scott Baio), singer Tallulah (Jodie Foster) and newly arrived showgirl Blousey Brown (Florrie Dugger) find themselves caught up in the middle of it.

Sat 22 | 7.30pm | Studio | £12 (£14 door)

– You will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Heidi’s Autumn tour will showcase the songs on her new album Angels Without Wings scheduled for release in October 2013

June

– Creative cow theatre company Present charley’s Aunt –

heiditalbot.co.uk “Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice…” Q Magazine *Special offer - Book for Spiers & Boden (9 May) and Heidi Talbot, and see I See Hawks in L.A (4 July) for just £5.

Wed 26 Jun | 7.30pm Thu 27 Jun | 2.00pm (matinee) & 7.30pm Fri 28 Jun | 7.30pm Sat 29 Jun | 2.00pm (matinee) & 7.30pm All performances are in the Theatre | £14 (£12 conc, £10 matinees & schools)

It is 1892 and Oxford undergraduates, Jack and Charley are preparing to propose to Amy and Kitty, but a chaperone is needed or the girls will refuse their lunch invitation. As luck would have it, Charley’s Aunt is arriving from Brazil (where the nuts come from) and will happily serve the purpose. Southport Film Guild present

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

15

(Ceylan, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 157mins) Tue 25 | 7.45pm | Studio | £4 Free for SFG members

– The suspect of a brutal murder, who claims he was drunk,can’t remember where he buried the body. As night wears on, details about the murder emerge and the investigators’ own hidden secrets come to light. SFG Membership is just £40 per year – that’s just £2.00 per film! See page 26

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

PG

(Edwards, US, 115mins) Thu 27 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50

– Blake Edwards’ screen adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, an eccentric high-class escort working in New York. When young writer Paul Varjack (George Peppard) - the kept man of a wealthy older woman - moves into Holly’s apartment block, he finds inspiration when he falls in love with her.

Shiny Sat 29 | 10.45am | Studio | £6.50

– Join dancers from Turned On Its Head for their new interactive show for children aged 4 and under. Set in the 1940s their journey takes us from a dusty cinema storeroom to the dazzling world of the movie stars… to a place where everything shines and sparkles. Watch with amazement as all that glitters unfolds before your very eyes. lizclark.net/turned-on-its-head Like this? Try Knick Knack a Doo Dad | 13 July

However, a telegram declares that her trip is delayed so their plans are in disarray until they hit upon the idea that Lord Fancourt Babberley, their good friend, should put on a frock and assume her identity. Madness ensues when Charley’s real aunt from Brazil (where the nuts come from) finally arrives. All is well in the end after a breathtaking chase, a musical interlude and an absurd number of marital engagements. creativecow.co.uk Like this? Try The Reduced Shakespeare Company - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) | 12 June

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Some Like it Hot

July

U

(Wilder, US, 122mins) Tue 2 | 1.30pm | Studio | £1.50

– Billy Wilder directs this critically acclaimed classic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. In February 1929, two unemployed musicians go on the run after witnessing the St Valentine’s Day Massacre. Pursued by gangsters, the duo are forced to disguise themselves as women. Comic complications ensue.

I See Hawks in L.A.

iseehawks.com “Sometimes it’s near-perfect as on the flawless ‘Bohemian Highway’” Mojo

Special offer The Eduardo Niebla Experience (Trio) Fri 5 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £14 (£12 conc) Eduardo Niebla – guitar & composition Carl Herring – guitar accompaniment Dharmesh Parmar – Indian Tabla Aintree Community Choir Singing Our Socks Off – Choir

– Eduardo Niebla is one of the outstanding guitarists of today. Technically brilliant, fantastically creative and full of passion and verve and with his internationally acclaimed trio promises to be truly memorable. “Niebla is the king of Latin guitar, a world-class virtuoso.” Time Out

See I See Hawks in L.A. for only £5! – When you book tickets for Spiers and Boden (9 May) and Heidi Talbot (22 June).

Book now at theatkinson.co.uk, by calling (01704) 533 333 or book over the counter at The Atkinson.

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The Atkinson family screening

Bambi

Thu 4 | 7.30pm | Studio | £8 (£10 door)

– Celebrating American Independence Day with us, I See Hawks in L.A. are known for their psychedelic electric layering over country and folk music forms. Their sixth CD, released in 2012 ‘New Kind Of Lonely’, sees them wade deeper into the river of the Southern California folk and country rock tradition.

July

U

(Hand, US, 70mins) Sat 6 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club present

Tom Stade Sat 6 | 8.00pm | Studio | £12.50 (£15 door, £30 season tickets)

– Once acts get to a certain level they stop doing comedy clubs and so this is a unique opportunity to see the massively charismatic Tom Stade outside of his sell out national tour. Don’t miss this hugely talented Canadian émigré whose magnetic stage presence, irrepressible charm and first-class story-telling have established him as one of the most sought after performers on the UK and international circuit. Mick Ferry is another top class headliner who’s opening our show. A big hit with audiences all over the world and much admired amongst his fellow comics including the likes of Peter Kay, Johnny Vegas, Sean Lock, Al Murray and Steve Coogan. “See him or regret it, a great comedian” John Bishop

Big Lou has inimitably funny bones. He has the certain knack for winning audiences over whilst having a bit of Northern attitude. It’s definitely paying off as he’s making waves in the industry and is widely being tipped as one to watch.

– The classic 1942 animated Disney feature. The story follows deer Bambi from his birth and woodland childhood with friends Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk, through to his ascendancy into the tall, antlered Prince of the Forest. Along the way he tragically loses his mother to hunters and finds love with the beautiful Faline.

Tristan Mackay

Lyngo Theatre, Mac Birmingham and The Lowry present

Fri 12 | 8.00pm | Studio | £10 (£12.00 door)

– Spotted whilst busking by Grammy award winning producer Martin Levan. His debut album went straight to No.1 on the itunes Blues Album chart in both the UK and Australia. tristanmackay.com “Absolutely stunning – brilliant – excellent stuff” John Holmes BBC Radio 2 Like this? TryThe Blues Band | 4 May

Knick Knack and Doo Dad Reasons to be Cheerful Sat 13 | 1.30pm | Studio | £7.50

– Doo Dad needs you to show Knick why having friends is so important and all the reasons to be cheerful. Join in with the rubbish storm, the crying chorus, and with making bubbly fire and ha-ha food. An interactive show suitable for ages 3 to one hundred and one! lyngo.co.uk Like this? Try My Brother the Robot | 28 July

The Lancashire Hotpots Sat 13 | 8.00pm | Theatre | £14

– Take five Northern blokes, dress them in flat caps, get them to sing folk songs about the wonders of modern day life and you have the recipe for fun that is The Lancashire Hotpots. With rousing anthems such as ‘Chippy Tea’, ‘He’s turned Emo’ and ‘I fear Ikea’ the Hotpots are a fun filled rollercoaster of musical comedy singing the praises of ale, chips and having a great time. lancashirehotpots.net “Masters of parody” The Guardian

The Atkinson family screening

Labyrinth

U

(Henson, UK and US, 101mins) Sat 20 | 1.30pm | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

– A family-oriented fantasy. When Sarah is forced against her will to babysit her baby brother, she wishes for the goblins to come and take him away. When this wish comes true, the Goblin King (David Bowie) tells Sarah that she can rescue her brother only by negotiating the labyrinth which leads to the Goblin Castle.

Alexander Stewart Sat 20 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £12 (£10 conc)

– Manchester-born singer Alexander Stewart has a warm, urgent voice that shows off his early love of Billie Holiday and Tony Bennett. As well as clever re-arrangements of some of the famous standards, he stamps his mark on great pop songs as well as adding some superb originals. alexanderstewart.net “Impressive debut album” The Times “He’s accompanied on this debut session by a razor-sharp group… he’s on his way” The Guardian


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Frigg Wed 24 | 7.30pm | Studio | £16 (£14 conc)

– Frigg are a young international fiddle septet who have their own mix of Nordic folk and American bluegrass (Nordgrass) that produces a hairraising, voice-losing, heart-burstingly beautiful gig full of traditional Finnish tunes with Norwegian detours. frigg.fi Like this? Try Gigspanner | 29 August Book for Frigg and Blair Dunlop at the same time and get £2 off for each show

July

August

Blair Dunlop (Trio)

Master & Commander

Thu 25 | 7.30pm | Studio | £10 (£12.00 door)

(Weir, US, Australia & UK, 138mins)

(Altman, UK & US, 137mins)

Thu 25 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50

Tue 6 | 1.30pm | Studio | £1.50

– Winner of 2013 BBC Folk Horizon Award, Blair is a talented young musician and a gifted songwriter. Son of folk legend Ashley Hutchings and singer Judy Dunlop, he is on his way to carving out his own place in the musical hierarchy both as a solo performer and as a member of the reformed Albion Band. blairdunlop.com

12

– Set during the Napoleonic Wars with Captain Jack Aubrey. After conquering much of Europe already, Napoleon’s forces have set their sights on taking Britian, so Captain Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and the crew of his ship, the HMS Surprise, take to the Pacific to intercept any attacking ships from the French fleet.

Gosford Park

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15

– Gosford Park country estate, 1932, various members of the English upper classes have arrived for a shooting party. The servants are busily getting everything ready, when Sir William McCordle, the owner of the estate, is discovered murdered, and various guests and staff come under suspicion.

How to Catch a Star

The Italian Job

Wed 21 | 2.30pm | Theatre | £7.50

(Collinson, UK, 95mins)

– Based on the bestselling children’s book by award winning author, Oliver Jeffers. Once there was a boy and the boy loved stars very much… Every night he watched stars from his bedroom window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided he would try to catch a star... ...but first he had to think of a plan. blunderbus.co.uk

PG

Thu 29 | 11.00am | Studio | £4

– Starring Michael Caine and Noel Coward. A gang of bank robbers, getaway drivers and computer whizz-kids, help plan a heist which results in the world’s biggest traffic jam. The gang’s getaway in red, white and blue minis is accompanied by the classic tune ‘Getta Bloomin Move On’ (aka ‘Self Preservation Society’)

Suitable for children aged 3–7 years

“Beautiful guitar playing and vocal. A real emerging talent”. Chris Leslie

Like this? Try Knick Knack and Doo Dad | 13 July

Like this? Try Cara Luft | 14 June

Big imaginations children’s festival 21–25 october 2013 The Johnny Cash Story

My Brother the Robot

Sat 27 | 7.30pm | Theatre | £16 (£14 conc)

Sun 28 | 11.30am & 2.30pm | Theatre £7.50

– Starring Roger Dean and the Lazy boys. Between singing classic numbers such as Big River, Ring of Fire, Walk the Line, Sunday Morning Coming Down and Hurt, Dean describes Johnny’s rise from poverty stricken beginnings in rural Arkansas to world stardom. Roger Dean perfectly captures the spirit of Johnny Cash.

– Once upon a time in the future there will be a little girl called Bobbie. Bobbie will live with her inventor dad in a house filled with technology. One day, Bobbie announces that she’s lonely and she wishes she had a little brother. So, Bobbie’s dad creates a special present for Bobbie… a robot little brother.

roger-dean.com

tallstories.org.uk

“Tenderness and fun, style and verve…. And oh, what songs!” The Financial Times

Suitable for children aged 4+

Like this? Try Lets Hang On | 1 June

Like this? Try Rumplestiltskin | 18 May

The Atkinson family screening

Dark Crystal

PG

(Henson/OZ, UK & US, 93mins) Wed 31 | 11.00am | Studio | £1.50 (ticket includes a free drink for children)

– Jim Henson and Frank Oz, the creators of the Muppets, directed this puppet fantasy set on a planet without light. Jen, the last of an elfin race, can only restore light to the world by retrieving the missing shard of the Dark Crystal. His quest is complicated by evil forces.

Gigspanner Thu 29 | 7.30pm | Studio | £12 (£10 conc)

– Formed by Steeleye Span’s legendary fiddle player, Peter Knight. The trio is an established and powerful presence in its own right, with a unique approach to traditional and world music that is attracting the attention of a wide variety of music venues and festivals. gigspanner.com Like this? Try Vin Garbutt | 13 September

This October half term join us for the first Big Imaginations Children’s Festival, a week-long family friendly festival celebrating the very best in children’s theatre and paying special attention to our younger audiences.

There are 15 venues hosting a Big Imaginations Children’s Festival – all members of a group dedicated to bringing brilliant children’s theatre to the North West. Keep up to date with The Atkinson by visiting theatkinson.co.uk. Don’t forget to join the mailing list to hear about what’s going on and to be eligible for offers.


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Film listings

– Southport Film Guild –

Southport Film Guild Screenings – £4.00 To join the Southport Film Guild visit theatkinson.co.uk

Beasts of the Southern Wild 12A Dreams of a Life E The Descendents 15 Once Upon a Time in Anatolia 15

Are you a film fan that enjoys all genres, from art house productions to the big blockbusters, foreign gems to the British classics? Want to watch your films in comfort, enjoying your favourite tipple and with no distractions? If so, why not join the Southport Film Guild (SFG) and gain the full cinematic experience - taking advantage of the state of-the-art surround sound digital screens and the newly redeveloped facilities at The Atkinson Formerly based at Southport Arts Centre the film guild relocated while the huge redevelopment was underway but now they return home to The Atkinson. Established since 1966, SFG was one of the first film clubs in the country, it won Film Society of the Year and now has one of the longest pedigrees as a successful local Film Society.

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It aims to show a range of art house, popular and lesser-known films from the last eighteen months, which are no longer available or have not been shown in the area. All films are rated at the end of the film by the membership to guide the choices for new films, festivals and seasonal specials. The new SFG programme will be available soon, for more information and if you are interested in joining the Southport Film Guild at The Atkinson get in touch: Call: (01704) 533333 Email: sfg@theatkinson.co.uk Online: theatkinson.co.uk

SFG Membership is just £40 per year (20 films) – just £2.00 per film!

7.45pm

Tue 21 May

p10

7.45pm

Tue 28 May

p14

7.45pm

Tue 11 June

p17

7.45pm

Tue 25 June

p20

The Atkinson Family Screenings – £1.50* The Atkinson will be showing classic family favourites. Which family favourites would you like to share with your children?

E.T. PG Tangled PG The Goonies PG Bugsy Malone U Bambi U Labyrinth U Dark Crystal PG

Join us online at Facebook (The Atkinson) and Twitter (@AtkinsonThe) and share the film you’d like to see. *Ticket price includes a free drink for children.

11.00am

Sat 25 May

p11

11.00am

Fri 31 May

p15

11.00am

Sat 8 June

p16

11.00am

Sat 22 June

p20

11.00am

Sat 6 July

p23

11.00am

Sat 20 July

p23

11.00am

Wed 31 July

p24

Silver Screenings – £1.50 On the first Tuesday and last Thursday of every month we’ll will be showing fabulous films in the daytime.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 12 It’s Complicated 15 The King and I U Breakfast at Tiffany’s PG Some Like it Hot U Master & Commander 12 Gosford Park 15 The Italian Job PG

Join us online at Facebook (The Atkinson) and Twitter (@AtkinsonThe) and share the film you’d like to see.

1.30pm

Tue 7 May

p06

11.00am

Thu 30 May

p14

1.30pm

Tue 4 June

p16

11.00am

Thu 27 June

p20

1.30pm

Tue 2 July

p22

11.00am

Thu 25 July

p24

1.30pm

Tue 6 August

p25

11.00am

Thu 29 August

p25


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MUSEUM & GALLERIES

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– Museum & Galleries –

The Atkinson’s visual art exhibition programme will be in full swing by September in the newly refurbished galleries. The first exhibitions will feature a range of old favourites from the collections with work by major British artists from the 18th century to the present day including examples by Henry Moore, L.S. Lowry and Walter Sickert as well as some surprising new work. You can get an idea of what’s to come in May when the Atkinson building re-opens. Paintings, sculpture, ceramics and local history will be on display all around the building including the library. Our new galleries are among the best equipped in the country and we will be hosting exhibitions from major institutions like the V&A and the Southbank Centre. We are also opening a dedicated Craft & Design gallery in September, offering everybody a chance to see and buy outstanding work by regional, national and international makers.

With our Heritage Lottery grant we’re developing a design for three brand-new museum galleries on the second floor. The galleries will feature the magnificent Goodison Egyptology collection, previously held at Bootle Museum, as well as collections and material from the Botanic Garden Museum in Churchtown.

Above Gloucester Lodge, Regent’s Park (1986) by Adrian Berg (1929 – 2011).

We are currently consulting with local communities across Sefton to find out what they want to see in their new museum. Join us on Facebook (The Atkinson) and Twitter (@AtkinsonThe) to let us know what you think.

Opposite Detail of The Tea Shop (1938) by William Patrick Roberts (1895 – 1980).

© Estate of Adrian Berg. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2013

Credit: The Estate of John David Roberts. By permission of the William Roberts Society.

The Friends of the Atkinson are a very important voluntary organisation with a special interest in The Atkinson galleries and the visual arts in general. Founded in 1957 they are responsible for purchasing over nineteen works for the gallery, including Maria Donska by Jacob Epstein and Mother and Child by Celia Baillie. Other works include Ruin, Dentdale by John Piper, Three-Way Piece Points by Henry Moore and Allegro Strepitoso by Carel Weight. For more information on joining the Friends of the Atkinson and the work they do please visit theatkinson.co.uk


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Exhibitions

– Summer exhibitions –

Coming soon

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– Autumn highlights –

Anne Frank + You 11 June – 7 July 2013 | Gallery 2

– Anne Frank + You the exhibition gives Anne Frank’s story a relevance for today. Using her diary as a starting point, the exhibition is a journey of self exploration for the visitor. Themes addressed by Anne in her diary such as racial hatred, war, conflict and the value of democracy and freedom, are presented in an up to date and contemporary fashion along with filmed interviews with British teenagers discussing their own views, concerns and hopes for the future. Anne Frank + You focuses on the issues of identity and moral choice we face in 21st century Britain.

Claire Martin & Montpellier Cello Quartet Saturday 28 September

The Sefton Art Group Exhibition 5 – 25 August 2013 | Studio

– Merseyside’s largest practising art group, The Sefton Art Group, will be showcasing members’ paintings as one of the first exhibitions held at The Atkinson. The exhibition brings together local artists from all parts of Sefton who attend one of the many community arts workshops operating throughout the borough. A range of public demonstrations and promotional workshop activities will compliment the exhibition.

Don’t forget late night Thursdays for exhibition viewing.

Michael Rosen in Centrally Heated Knickers Thursday 21 November

The Lost Present Saturday 21 December

Think we’ve done well this season? We’re only just getting started, here’s a selection of what’s in store for Autumn –

Be part of it – join the mailing list online at theatkinson.co.uk

Americana Festival (20-22 September) Vin Garbutt Claire Martin & Montpellier Cello Quartet Steve Howe Martin Simpson & Martin Taylor Giddens & McCalla Blackeyed Theatre Company present Dracula The Big Imaginations Children’s Festival (October half term) Simon McBride

The Full English (featuring Joe Brown, Fay Hield, Martin Simpson, Sean Lakeman, Nancy Kerr, Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron & Ben Nicholls) Dennis Locorriere Andy Fairweather Low Elkie Brooks Emily Portman Cara Dillon Michael Rosen in Centrally Heated Knickers Hot Club of Cowtown


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Southport Library events

– Special offers –

– spies, sleuths & a secret plot –

Book now at theatkinson.co.uk by calling (01704) 533 333 or over the counter at The Atkinson.

Special offer See I See Hawks in L.A. for only £5! – When you book tickets for Spiers and Boden (9 May) and Heidi Talbot (22 June).

Folk special offer Book for Blair Dunlop and Frigg at the same time and get £2 off for each show!

– That’s £8 for Blair and £14 for Frigg.

Southport Film Guild Become a member of Southport Film Guild – See page 26 for full details and contact information.

One-man show offer Special one-man show offer!

– Buy three of the four one-man shows below and save £2 per event – Spitfire Flying Solo | 16 May – The Rape of Lucrece | 7 June – Call Mr Robeson | 12 Sept – The Female Gothic | 21 Nov

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Laugh Out Loud comedy club Get your season ticket for only £30 – See page 5 for full details and contact information

Early Bird Weekend Pass Offer You can get your festival weekend pass for only £88 when you book before the end of April.

After Dark Theatre Company presents

Summer Reading Challenge

The Conundrum Code

Creepy House

Thursday 16 May | 5.30pm – 7.30pm | Library | £5

July – August

Storytime

Rhymetime

Every Tuesday | 10.30am

Every Monday | 2.00pm Every Wednesday | 10.30am

– Murder Mystery Event – spies, sleuths and a secret plot at Southport Library… You can join the team of secret agents as they race against the clock to crack the conundrum code, disarm a bomb, and discover the identity of a master criminal in this interactive murder mystery. It’s fun for the whole family...Have you got what it takes to be a super sleuthing spy! Places are strictly limited. Please contact Southport library for ticket information on (0151) 934 2118.

– Fun sessions includes an activity, colouring a story and sing along to rhymes. Suitable for under 4s

– A creepy house provides the backdrop for a spinetingling introduction to books with lots of fun along the way. A whodunit mystery to solve in a creepy house, a gang of young detectives investigate clues and follow a trail through three different zones: dare you explore the dusty secret passage, the batty attic, and the chills that lie in store in the cellar…

– Rhymetime children sing along and play their instruments to nursery rhymes and songs, afterwards they can enjoy colouring in. Suitable for under 4s

To book these events please call (0151) 934 2118


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– Hire THE ATkinson –

Bakery.

The Atkinson can cater for all types of events and activities from conferences, gigs, lectures, launches, productions, meetings or workshops. It has a 440 capacity proscenium theatre and a flexible studio with a capacity of up to 300 alongside a number of workshop spaces, galleries and much more. We can provide refreshments and catering, technical equipment and staff and room set-ups as required. If you are interested in hiring the venue or want more information please contact: venuehire@theatkinson.co.uk

Opening soon. An artisan bakery will be the centrepiece of the ground floor, where you’ll be able to buy traditionally made beautiful breads, gourmet pies, sumptuous cakes and delicious savouries all baked on the premises. All of our bakery products will be made

to recipes which only use the purest, most natural ingredients and using techniques approved by The Real Bread Campaign. Wherever possible, we will support local producers by sourcing our ingredients from them.


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Courses & workshops

– Creative alternatives –

Courses & workshops

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creative alternatives – core workshops Where The Atkinson, Southport When? Wednesday (from 8 May) 2.00pm — 4.00pm How much? Free

Where The STEPS Centre, Waterloo When? Wednesday 10.00am — 12.00pm How much? Free

Where The Atkinson, Southport When? Thursday (from 9 May) 10.00am — 12.00pm How much? Free

Where The May Logan Centre, Bootle When? Wednesday 10.00am — 12.00pm How much? Free

go with the flow (adults) General arts & crafts for adults of all abilities in an informal and relaxed setting. This popular workshop covers a wide range of arts and crafts activities for adults of all ages and abilities in the heart of

Southport. The workshop is particularly suited to former clients of the Creative Alternatives arts & health programme

Where When? Who with? How much?

Where When? Who with? How much?

The Atkinson, Southport Friday 11.00am — 1.00pm Sarah Richards £3 per session

Think Differently Cope Differently

Creative Alternatives is an award-winning arts on prescription service which offers a range of stimulating creative activities to those adults in Sefton experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety or depression. The programme provides each client with up to six months of free access to weekly workshops designed to encourage social confidence, independence and self-expression. The workshops in Southport, Formby, Bootle and Crosby explore a range of creative activity including drawing, painting, crafts and creative writing and also involve the programming of occasional specialist sessions focusing on more elaborate art forms such as dance, music or photography. In addition to the workshop programme, monthly outings to other cultural venues including trips to galleries, concerts and theatre shows are available.

There are a number of ways to get involved with Creative Alternatives. You can be referred through your GP, counsellor or another professional or you can contact the programme’s Referral Officer directly who will talk you through the various options and try to get to know more about you and your circumstances – all in the strictest confidence.

From April, Sefton’s Arts Service will be delivering ‘Think Differently Cope Differently’, a rolling five week course aimed at building the mental wellbeing and resilience of participants. The course objectives are: −−

T o increase the knowledge of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’

−−

T o increase participants coping skills by learning how to incorporate the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ into everyday life

−−

T o increase the uptake of positive health behaviours, especially through the active use of creativity and culture.

Get in touch – Creative Alternatives Referral Officer Call: 0779 200 0369 Creative Alternatives Arts Officer Call: 0796 704 9076 Email: info@creativealternatives.org.uk

For further information on the programme and how you might get involved: Call: (0151) 934 2114 Email: philip.wroe@sefton.gov.uk

The May Logan Centre, Bootle Tuesday 2.00pm — 4.00pm Sarah Richards £3 per session


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Courses & workshops

– Sefton Community Workshop Programme –

What? When? Who with? How much?

This class is structured for both beginners and the more advanced and is designed to teach all the basic techniques of drawing and painting. Exhibitions of members work plus visits to local galleries are also organised. For more information and enrolment dates please visit: artclasses-merseyside.co.uk, telephone Roy Munday on 0773 798 2513 or email roymun@cybase.co.uk

orrell arts centre, linacre lane, bootle What? When? Who with? How much?

Watercolour painting (adults) Monday 11.00am — 1.00pm Monica Matthews £3 per session

What? Dressmaking and design When? Monday 1.15pm — 3.15pm How much? Free

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orrell arts centre, linacre lane, bootle

THe atkinson, southport What? Drawing and painting When? Thursday (from 23 May) 2.00pm — 4.00pm Who with? Roy Munday How much? £75 for 10 weeks

Courses & workshops

All the techniques of this delicate and skilled medium are explored in a workshop open to all abilities and set in a relaxed community venue.

Oil painting (adults) Tuesday 11.00am — 1.00pm Les Conroy £3 per session

One of the most experienced tutors in South Sefton offers a workshop in oil painting for all abilities.

What? Local history group When? Tuesday 2.00pm — 4.00pm How much? Free

Enthusiasts for the history of south Sefton meet each week to share reminiscences and information in an informal and friendly setting. New members are always welcome.

What? Painting miniatures When? Every other Wednesday 2.00pm — 4.00pm How much? Free

The art of painting miniatures is kept alive in this group made up of members of the various painting workshops meeting at Orrell Arts Centre. No tutor leads this group but new members are welcome.

What? When? Who with? How much?

Watercolour and oil painting Thursday 10.00am — 12.00pm Mike Kirby & Tony White £3 per session

Mike Kirby is a hugely skilled watercolour specialist and is joined by oil painting expert Tony White in this workshop catering to most tastes. Those attending all workshops exhibit their work annually in public exhibitions at Orrell Arts Centre.

What? When? Who with? How much?

Watercolour painting (adults) Saturday 10.00am — 12.00pm Monica Matthews £3 per session

This workshop is aimed at those unable to attend the weekday programme or for those in need of additional tuition and has proved popular over many years. Occasional painting day trips and demonstrations are also offered to members of most of the art groups.

What? Pottery When? Occasional five week blocks Wednesday 10.30am – 12.20pm Who with? John Ayling How much? £42.50 for five sessions

Beginners are welcome to this workshop which teaches a range of basic pottery techniques for all ages. Enrolment takes place every 5 weeks for a 5 week block of workshop sessions payable in advance. For information on enrolment dates and further details contact johndkayling@yahoo.co.uk or telephone John Ayling 0777 959 2337.

St. oswalds Church hall, netherton This is an informal group of local people who meet to share their skills and passion for dressmaking and textiles. As this is an activity run by community enthusiasts, no tutor is in attendance and new members are always welcome.

What? When? Who with? How much?

Oil painting (adults) Monday 11.00am — 1.00pm Les Conroy £3 per session

This workshop focuses on the traditional painting skills of the ‘old masters’ and is led by professional artist Les Conroy.

What? When? Who with? How much?

Oil painting (adults) Tuesday 10.00am — 12.00pm Tony White £3 per session

Popular painting group led by local art expert.

What? When? Who with? How much?

Tap dancing (adults) Tuesday & Thursday 7.00pm — 9.00pm Jan Stokes £3 per session

This is a hugely popular and long established dance class for adults of all ages. The group regularly organise dance performances throughout the region.

Maghull Town Hall What? Painting (adults) When? Friday 10.00am — 12.30pm & 12.45pm – 3.15pm Who with? Roy Munday How much? £65 for 10 weeks

Residents of the Maghull area enjoy these two popular painting workshops and organise occasional exhibitions of their work. The workshops are led by Sefton artist Roy Munday who is experienced in most painting media. For more information and date of the next enrolment please visit: artclasses-merseyside.co.uk, telephone Roy Munday on 0773 798 2513 or email roymun@cybase.co.uk


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Courses & workshops

our lady of victories church, hightown What? When? Who with? How much?

Painting (adults) Wednesday 10.00am — 12.30pm Roy Munday £75 for 10 weeks

Tutor Roy Munday brings his expert teaching skills to the Hightown area in a workshop for people of all abilities. For more information please and date of the next enrolment visit: artclasses-merseyside.co.uk, telephone Roy Munday on 0773 798 2513 or email roymun@cybase.co.uk

The millenium centre, st. thomas church, church lane, lydiate What? When? Who with? How much?

Drawing and painting Thursday 7.30pm — 9.30pm Roy Munday £75 for 10 weeks

What? Drawing and painting When? One Saturday per month 10.00am — 4.00pm Who with? Roy Munday How much? £75 for three months (3 sessions)

What? Life drawing When? One Saturday per month 10.00am — 4.00pm Who with? Roy Munday How much? £75 for three months (3 sessions)

This course is structured to teach basic drawing techniques before advancing to all the technicalities of painting. Occasional exhibitions of members work and guided trips to local galleries are organised. For more information and date of the next enrolment visit: artclasses-merseyside.co.uk, telephone Roy Munday on 0773 798 2513 or email roymun@cybase.co.uk This class is structured for both beginners and the more advanced and is designed for those unable to attend workshops on a weekly basis. The workshop includes basic drawing and painting techniques and trips to local galleries and exhibition opportunities. For more information and date of the next enrolment visit: artclasses-merseyside.co.uk, telephone Roy Munday on 0773 798 2513 or email roymun@cybase.co.uk This class is designed for beginners and the more advanced who wish to work directly from the model. Members may develop their work in any medium and the tutor is available with technical help and advice. For more information and date of the next enrolment visit: artclasses-merseyside.co.uk, telephone Roy Munday on 0773 798 2513 or email roymun@cybase.co.uk

Courses & workshops

– Creation station – New children’s art groups led by Naomi Savory at The Atkinson.

This general arts and craft group is run by the local community and always welcomes new members. The group meets to share amongst themselves their enthusiasm and knowledge of practical art techniques. No admission fee or enrolment is required.

To find out more and to book your place on any of the sessions and clubs contact: Naomi Savory, The Creation Station Merseyside Southport (Create Club) on 07933 751 210 or email naomisavory@thecreationstation.co.uk

Little explorers – weekly (term time only) Starts Tuesday 7 May When? Tuesday 10.00am — 11.00am Where? Room 2 How much? £5 per session *Offer – First two sessions half price, discounts available for block bookings*

Weekly arts & craft session for toddlers aged 18 months up to 5 years. Each week parents and children explore difference colours, textures and shapes through painting and creative activities. Lots of fun for children (and grown ups!). All materials and overalls provided. Please note parents need to supervise the children during the session.

Create Club – Weekly (term time only) Starts When? Where? How much?

Saturday 11 May Saturday 10.00am — 12.00pm Room 2 £10 per session

formby library What? Formby art group When? Friday 11.00am — 1.00pm How much? Free

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At our Saturday Clubs, we focus on supporting your child as they learn and develop new skills and enjoy exploring an exciting range of arts and crafts activities. It’s a relaxed and nurturing environment. Each week we will use a range of techniques, tools materials and ideas. The weekly themes are inspired by nature, other artists and the children themselves. Activities include painting, drawing, sketching, collage, sculpting, and printing. A full range of activities will be available for each Create Club. Please note parents can leave children unsupervised.

Holiday club (school holidays) Starts August 2013 What time? 10.00am — 12.30pm (2 days per week, days to be confirmed) Where? Room 2 How much? £12.50 per session

The great news is school’s out! The perfect time to enjoy shared creative fun and be inspired! So whether you are juggling work and child care or simply looking for some great activities your child will love, the Create Club holiday sessions. Our summer Holiday Clubs provide children with the perfect creative haven to paint, draw, model, sculpt, collage, cut, stick, squish, squirt, mark, make, transform, laugh, imagine, think, create, experiment, and make new friends.


/ 42 / General opening hours Visitor Services (including tourist information) Monday: Closed (except Bank holidays 10am - 5pm) Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 8pm (late night opening) Sunday: 11am - 4pm Merseytravel and tourist information services will be available during the above times only. Please note - After 5pm the Visitor Services desk will be open as a box office only. The venue bar will be open 30 minutes before a show and will stay open until 30 minutes (depending upon demand) after the show has finished. During festivals the bar will remain open until the full programme comes to a close. Interval drinks can be ordered when booking tickets online or prior to the start of a performance. Southport Library opening hours April 2013 Monday to Friday: 9.30am - 5pm Saturday: 9.30am - 1pm Late night opening on Thursday until 8pm. Sunday: Closed The Southport Library opening times have not been confirmed after April onwards so please call (0151) 934 2118 or keep checking online at sefton.gov.uk/libraries or theatkinson.co.uk for more information.

Visitor information

The Atkinson is a Sefton Council venue.

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Booking Information

Box Office opening hours Monday: Closed (except Bank holidays 10am - 5pm) Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 8pm (late night opening) Sunday: 11am - 4pm Box office will close 15 minutes after the show starts, latecomers can purchase tickets from the bar but will only be admitted when there is a suitable break in the performance. Online: theatkinson.co.uk (available 24 hours) Please print the email confirmation as this is your ticket and it will be required for proof of purchase. By phone: (01704) 533 333 (available during box office opening hours) Postage is charged at £1 and should be specified during the booking. Tickets will be held at the box office for those who do not require postage. Booking fee of £2 per transaction applies to all bookings made online or by phone. No booking fee applies to over the counter sales at The Atkinson. Advance ticket prices are available until the day before the event. Refunds The Atkinson does not offer refunds on any of its tickets. Exchanges The Atkinson is happy to exchange tickets for an equal or higher value, up to 48 hours before an event. Any monetary value lost in the exchange will not be refunded. Tickets must be handed into box office before any exchange can take place. Concessions apply to Senior Citizens, full-time students, registered unemployed, carers and children under 16. Proof of status is required.

Look out for the Big Imaginations logo you will see it across 15 venues in the North West. Each of the venues that promotes the logo is family friendly and pays special attention to the needs of the younger audience. As a member of the Big Imaginations Children’s Theatre Touring Network The Atkinson is dedicated to bringing brilliant children’s theatre to the North West, so you can be assured of the quality of the company when booking your show.

Getting here

Multi show offers only apply when tickets for the events are bought at the same time. Bookings made for 10 or more tickets (at the same time) qualify for an extra ticket free (applicable to The Atkinson promoted events only). Groups of 20 or more should call box office for further reductions. Please note: The Atkinson reserves the right to amend the programme due to unforeseen circumstances. The programme was correct at the time of printing.

By Road:

By Train:

By Bus or Coach:

From the South take the M6 to exit 26; the M58 will take you to Ormskirk and then take the A570 to Southport.

It could not be easier to visit The Atkinson by train as Southport station is just 3 minutes walk from the venue.

Merseytravel operate a number of bus services to and from Southport. merseytravel.gov.uk

From the North follow the A59 from Preston (exit 31 from the M6) and then follow the signs to Southport.

Northern Rail operates regular services to Southport from Manchester Airport, Manchester (Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria stations), Bolton and Wigan. Connecting services to / from the North East and Yorkshire are available at Manchester Piccadilly and from the North, Scotland and the South at Wigan.

National Express coaches serve Southport from all major UK towns and cities. nationalexpress.com

For direct routes please visit theAA.com/routeplanner Park & ride services There are three operating park and ride services in Southport; the Esplanade, Kew and Fairways. Parking There is on-road pay and display parking around Southport as well as a number of off-road car parks. For more detailed parking information in Southport please visit sefton.gov.uk/parking

Merseyrail run fast and frequent services between Southport, Liverpool City Centre and Liverpool South Parkway (for Liverpool John Lennon Airport). For further rail enquiries please visit nationalrail.co.uk


Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB


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