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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 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 16:00* |
| Sunday | Closed* | |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
| Library (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
| Sunday | Closed | |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
| Cafe (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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
Windrush: Our Story, Our CommunityThis project celebrates the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to our community, from healthcare to arts and culture. 
Ruth Moilliet: FOFOHaving celebrated the botanical world in her work for many years, Ruth Moilliet's bold and engaging sculptures now look at the decline of plant species, their pollinators and the natural world as a whole.
Egyptian Faience: An Alchemy for AfterlifeAn eternal journey where shabtis would serve as tireless companions, performing labours in the afterlife. 
Sleeping Beauty: Christmas PantomimeThis traditional family panto will captivate audiences of all ages.
Southport WatercoloursScenes from across Southport are captured in our collection of historic watercolours, including paintings by Edwin Beattie and WG Herdman.
Elemental Nature: Keith GrantKeith Grant (born Liverpool 1930) is a local boy who has taken the natural world as his subject. 
Cake & Classical Music: The Hefin Flute & Harp DuoThe Atkinson is working in partnership with L'Orchestra dell Arte to bring high quality, accessible classical music to Southport.
Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots MusicGrateful Fred's have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and world artists.
Miles Jupp: On I BangA tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners.
Phil Walker: Happy BunnyHe's a husband, a dad, a man in the middle of life frantically striving to stay relevant in the rapidly changing world around him. 
A Man and His CircumstanceTom Cain presents his new, one act, crude comedy A Man and His Circumstance, in his hometown of Southport.
Far From The Madding CrowdFar from the Madding Crowd demonstrates live, vibrant theatre at its very best.
Love Folk Festival 2025Join The Atkinson for Love Folk Festival; a celebration of traditional, upcoming and alternative folk music.
Sing The MusicalsThe first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time performed by a sensational live band and character singers, giant screen with singalong lyrics make this the must see show of 2024/25.
Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras Ultimate TributeAn award-winning extravaganza that pays tribute to one of the leading contemporary artists of our time. 
Dinosaur Adventure LiveAn awe-inspiring interactive stage show that captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in the enthralling and realistic world of dinosaurs.
Johnny Cash Roadshow: Through the Years TourThe only show to be endorsed by the Cash family. The Johnny Cash Roadshow is back and better than ever.
New date: Clinton Baptiste: Roller GhosterSolo again, Britain's most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights returns with his brand new hilarious one-man stand up show.
Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light: Relaxed ShowTiny Fragments of Beautiful Light is one woman's journey of self-discovery, a celebration of the joy that comes when we live as we truly are.
Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots MusicGrateful Fred's have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and world artists.
Peter Andre In The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four SeasonsA spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time.
The Mersey BeatlesFans of The Beatles prepare to be wowed by the world's favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four.
Rita, Sue & Bob Too!The record breaking hilarious 1987 cult classic Rita, Sue & Bob Too!
Attention All Shipping: A Celebration of the Shipping ForecastCharlie Connelly brings the shipping forecast vividly to life in his hilarious and moving celebration of an iconic cultural institution. 
Jimi: The Legend Lives OnJohn and his band take you on a musical trip through Jimi's short, but astounding career.
The Very Hungry CaterpillarThe Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle's adored classics and the perfect introduction to live theatre.
Saving TinderellaSaving Tinderella is bold, reflective, insightful, and an often-humorous look at how relationships, needs and desires have evolved over two centuries.
Tom Ball: SpotlightThe vocal sensation who's racked up 85 million views and has been working with Grammy-winning writers.
Northern Live: Do I Love YouKeeping the faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the north and eventually swept the nation.
That Knave, RaleighThis is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain's most famous men from history.
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: In Time 30th Anniversary TourJoin the celebration of Mugenkyo's landmark 30th anniversary, with a very special show of big beats, visual treats and vital energy.
China Crisis: Y Stop Now? Tour 2025Join Eddie, Gary and their band in 2025 as they get back on the road again performing chart toppers that defined a generation to hidden gems that have lingered in the hearts of devoted listeners.
Everybody's Talking About JamieWitness Jamie's journey as he defies expectations and embraces his true identity. 
An evening with Paul Merson: Laid BareJoin an evening with Paul Merson, as the football star discusses his illustrious career with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and England. 
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.
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.
Mike Peters, from The Alarm: Love Hope StrengthExpect acoustic hits, remarkable stories, and an intimate evening with one of rock's great survivors.
*Cancelled* The Elton John ShowThis event has been cancelled.
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. 
Country SuperstarsThis truly unique show tells the diverse story of country music.
Fleetwood BacFleetwood Bac were the world's first and are regarded as the UK's most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute show.
Rat Pack LiveThey were the definition of cool during their fifties and sixties Vegas heyday, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
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.
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.
Pop Princesses: World TourA magical show where beautiful princesses become pop stars. They just love to sing. It's the perfect mix. 
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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