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The Atkinson
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A busy arts centre providing fun, creativity and a varied day out. It's free too.
May 2023 marked ten years since The Atkinson re-opened as a combined arts centre following a multi-million pound refurbishment. What a ride it has been, and they are only just getting started. The Atkinson presents an exciting variety of live music, comedy, theatre, art, history, and literature from this beautiful Grade II listed venue. There really is something for everyone.
The traditional theatre and dynamic studio space present an outstanding programme of music, comedy and performing arts. Families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors. Every seat in the auditorium has a great view of the stage and accessible seating is available.
Be inspired in the art gallery and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more. Five galleries feature work from The Atkinson’s own art collection, local artists and exhibitions delivered in partnership with other cultural organisations.
The stunning Egyptology museum takes visitors on a journey through ancient Egypt, showcasing Anne Goodison’s personal artefacts in an interactive display. Mrs Goodison was one of a handful of wealthy Victorian ladies in the north west, who were fascinated by ancient Egypt, and The Atkinson are lucky to have her collection to show you.
The local history museum, Between Land and Sea, tells the story of Sefton from prehistoric times to the present day. Bring objects to life by scanning QR codes with your phone, send a digital postcard from sunny Southport and take a selfie in a historic costume from the dressing up wall.
The Atkinson is home to Southport Library who offer a range of services to the local community and visitors alike. Oh, and not to mention there is an award-winning café and a fabulous gift shop too.
The building itself is fully accessible, with lifts to access all areas. There are toilets on all floors, baby changing facilities on the ground floor as well as full adult changing places facility on the first floor.
You are sure to enjoy discovering all The Atkinson has to offer.
| Galleries and museum (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 16:00* |
| Sunday | Closed* | |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
| Library (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
| Sunday | Closed | |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
| Cafe (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 16:00 |
| Sunday | Closed | |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
* The library is open but unmanned from 2pm on Saturday
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change
Egyptian Faience: An Alchemy for AfterlifeAn eternal journey where shabtis would serve as tireless companions, performing labours in the afterlife. 
The Sefton Open 2025The exhibition takes over The Atkinson's art gallery in an eclectic salon-style hang and features a wide variety of works from individual artists and local groups. 
The Story Forge: Make Your Own MythSenior professors of history, and rather silly men, Lee Hithersay and Robert Rhys Bond, forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience and a boatload of cardboard props. 
The Wizard of OzFly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.
Simply DylanNo ordinary interpretation, Simply Dylan is a remarkable and exceptional project which promises to delight Dylan fans young and old.
Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance Of My LifeA poignant exploration of comedy, intertwined with the essence of life's ups and downs.
The Dark RoomFilled with stand-up, appalling prizes and more audience chanting than you'd get at a protest, it's a gut-busting rock n' roll geek experience for everyone who buys a ticket.
The BaddiesMeet the very worst Baddies in the world.
Simon Evans: Have We Met?Evans skilfully weaves comedy, pathos and narrowly averted cancellation into an unforgettable two hours of unique entertainment.
George Lewis: The Best Thing You'll Ever DoDescribed as 'the funniest dad on Instagram', stand-up comedian George has racked up hundreds of millions of views for his hilarious online sketches about the big things in life.
Seven Drunken Nights: The Story Of The DublinersThe Story of the Dubliners brings the ultimate feel-good Irish show to The Atkinson.
*Cancelled* Mike Peters, from The Alarm: Love Hope StrengthPlease note: this event has been cancelled. 
An Evening with King KingUsually known for their electrifying, high-energy performances, King King is slowing it down for a special acoustic show.
A Shoddy Detective and The Art of DeceptionA laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit, featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.
*Cancelled* The Elton John ShowThis event has been cancelled.
Exciting ScienceExciting Science. Prepare to be amazed.
Cake & Classical: Music for Wind & StringsThe Atkinson is working in partnership with L'Orchestra dell' Arte to bring high quality, accessible classical music to Southport.
Kai Widdrington: EvolutionStrictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington is set to dazzle audiences across the UK and Ireland with his highly anticipated 2025 dance tour. 
Cake & Classical: Percussion Without LimitsStep into the world of rhythm with Percussion Without Limits, a 45-minute concert that pushes the boundaries of sound and creativity.
Country SuperstarsThis truly unique show tells the diverse story of country music.
Barry Steele's Roy Orbison StoryDirect from the West End's Adelphi Theatre, The Roy Orbison Story takes you on a musical journey.
Fleetwood BacFleetwood Bac were the world's first and are regarded as the UK's most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute show.
Flowers and Friendship BraceletsThe ultimate pop concert.
Rat Pack LiveThey were the definition of cool during their fifties and sixties Vegas heyday, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
Ireland The ShowIf it's all things Irish you like, then this is the one stop show for you that's guaranteed to take you to Ireland and back in one night.
Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too MuchIn this fascinating 'Evening With', Stewart will talk about his incredible life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer.
Nik Kershaw: Musings and LyricsAn intimate evening of songs, stories and silliness in the company of Nik Kershaw.
Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf***ersCombining Cally's comedic and storytelling prowess, with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name
Annabel Croft: From Tennis Balls to Glitter BallsAnnabel Croft takes fans on journey through her extraordinary career. 
Kerry Ellis: Queen of the West EndFrom My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Miserables to Wicked, in both the West End and on Broadway, she has starred in musical theatre's biggest roles.
This Flight Tonight: Songs of Joni MitchellAn intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell, with a full and comprehensive performance of Joni's most beloved album Blue in its entirety.
Dino TalesPut on your safari hats and get ready for some ranger danger and roarsome routines. 
Vincent Simone: Tango PassionsArgentine Tango king and Strictly Come Dancing legend, Vincent Simone, returns to the stage in 2025 and 2026 with Tango Passions.
Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots MusicAn evening that promises to be thought-provoking, moving, and filled with unforgettable music.
Pop Princesses: World TourA magical show where beautiful princesses become pop stars. They just love to sing. It's the perfect mix. 
Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke 2, There's No Bloke Without FireThere's No Bloke Without Fire is the latest tour from comedian, author, podcaster and radio host Geoff Norcott and Geoff's first under a Labour government.
Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018From the south, take the M6 to exit 26; the M58 will take you to Ormskirk and then take the A570 to Southport. From the north, follow the A59 from Preston (exit 31 from the M6) and then follow the signs to Southport. For direct routes please visit the AA route planner. 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 car parking information in Southport please visit Sefton website for car parking information.
With a network of travel centres across Merseyside, Merseytravel operate a number of bus services to and from Southport. National Express coaches serve Southport from all major UK towns and cities making the town easily accessibly by coach. With two airports less than an hour away, Southport is easily accessible by air. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is one of the UK’s longest established operational airports, and is located seven miles from Liverpool city centre, with major operators including KLM, Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is fully integrated into the north west’s public transport system and located just ten minutes from the major motorway network making it easily accessible. Manchester International Airport is one of the UK’s most accessible international gateways, operating to more than 200 destinations. You can connect to the airport via a number of options including train, coach and road links. Daily ferry crossings arrive into Liverpool from Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of man. There are also sailings from Dun Laogshire to Holyhead.
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