The two performance spaces at The Atkinson, Southport’s exciting and highly anticipated new cultural hub, are almost ready to open their doors to the public! The venue, which is managed and funded by Sefton Council, can boast an impressive line up of performances during its first week (starting 2 May), giving audiences a taste of the top quality entertainment they can expect in the future. Featuring the most acclaimed and high profile acts of their respective genres spanning comedy, classical, folk, pop rock and roots music, theatre, dance and more, The Atkinson’s programme will ensure its place as a key arts venue in the North West and a major cultural boost for Southport.
On Thursday 2 May, award-winning TV funny man, Josh Widdicombe will set the venue’s Spring season off to a roaring start with his brand new show featuring Seann Walsh. After performing on BBC’s ‘Live at the Apollo’, and Channel 4’s ‘Stand up for the Week’, Widdicombe is heralded as one of the best up-and-coming acts on the UK comedy circuit. Josh has supported Stephen Merchant, Alan Carr, Kevin Bridges and Michael McIntyre.
The Atkinson’s first Friday night performance on 3 May comes from Americana and Blues artists ‘State of the Union’, part of a season of gigs from acclaimed bands and artists from the genre. Cult artist Boo Hewerdine and veteran US slide guitar ace Brooks Williams make up the critically acclaimed duo. They tap into a multitude of influences, from Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to Blind Lemon Jefferson and the wide open Fenlands. State of the Union perform authentic Americana, delicate ballads, reimagined modern pop and new takes on classic standards, making them one of the most exciting and creative artists of the moment.
The weekend beginning Saturday 4 May starts off swinging with none other than The Blues Band. With 16 albums spanning over 25 years, The Blues Band has inspired numerous other blues performers while remaining a constant and popular fixture on stages across Europe. The experienced quintet is made up by Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness, Dave Kelly, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher. They are widely acknowledged throughout Europe and beyond as being amongst the very finest rhythm & blues performers of today’s musical scene.
Rounding off the Atkinson’s first week is one of the world’s leading pianists, Angela Hewitt. The globally renowned artist has been hailed by the Guardian as “the pre-eminent Bach pianist of our time” and comes to The Atkinson on Sunday 5 May. After receiving the ‘Artist of the Year’ title at the 2006 Gramophone Awards, Hewitt was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000, and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2006. The Atkinson is delighted that such an exceptional artist is bringing her talent to Southport. Hewitt’s performance on Sunday is sure to make a wonderful evening at The Atkinson and will complete an excellent first week of fine entertainment.
These four events are just a taster of a huge range of events already programmed in for the venue, more details of which can be found on The Atkinson’s brand new website www.theatkinson.co.uk or the venue brochure which is currently being distributed in Southport and surrounding areas.
Performance details:
Josh Widdicombe ‘The Further Adventures of …’ ft Seann Walsh
Thursday 2 May 2013
Doors: 19.00 / Starts: 19.30 / Tickets: £14 (£12 concessions)
Booking Fee: Online booking fee £1.50 per ticket / Telephone booking fee £2 per transaction
Tickets: £14 (£12 concession)
The Blues Band
Friday 3 May 2013
Doors: 19.30/ Starts: 20.00 / Tickets: £18
Booking Fee: Online booking fee £1.50 per ticket / Telephone booking fee £2 per transaction
State of the Union
Fri 3 May 2013
Tickets: £10 in advance / £12 on the door
Booking Fee: Online booking fee £1.50 per ticket / Telephone booking fee £2 per transaction
Doors: 19.00 Start Time: 19.30
Angela Hewitt
Sunday 5 May 2013
Doors: 19.00
Start: 19:30
Tickets: £16 (£14 concessions)
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB
Call on 01704 533 333* or online at www.theatkinson.co.uk*
*Subject to booking fee.