The Atkinson in Southport is not only home to its impressive Theatre auditorium but also boasts a more intimate Studio space that’s perfect for unique and thought-provoking performances.
Over the next few months, The Atkinson’s Studio will host a diverse range of performances, delving into compelling themes such as Britain’s drinking culture, interactive myth-making, natural disasters, and northern masculinity. With such a rich variety, there’s truly something for everyone!
Marie Kenny, Performing Arts Programme Manager, shared her thoughts:
“It is important that we support contemporary works by playwrights who explore current and relevant themes. There is so much talent in the North, and we are fortunate to have an established network of local theatres championing smaller performing arts companies.
“At The Atkinson, our Studio auditorium is the ideal space for these productions, and we’re committed to keeping ticket prices accessible.”
Tickets for the upcoming performances are priced at £14 or less. Support your local artists and theatre by attending these fantastic events—your community will thank you!
Helen Jeffery
Buckled
Thursday 20 March 2025, 7:30pm
£14 / £12 concessions. Recommended age 14+. Trigger warnings: Alcoholism.
Written and directed by Helen Jeffery, who is originally from the Wirral, this piece dives deep into the drinking culture of contemporary Britain as it asks the question: How do you navigate sobriety in a world that revolves around drink?
Buckled is based on Helen’s personal experience of navigating sobriety. The piece revolves around three central characters who are all connected but have different relationships with alcohol; Maggie who is six months sober, her son Callum, and his mate Ruby.
Ruby doesn’t think she has a problem. Maggie’s almost six months into recovery. Then there’s Callum… Family, friendship and booze. Drinking to remember. And drinking to forget.
“A tight, well-written and well-executed examination of a wider, recognisable societal problem… Mature, intelligent work with plenty to say and a big heart. – Vicky Anderson, Made Up Liverpool
Rubbish Shakespeare Company
The Story Forge – Make Your Own Myth
Thursday 17 April 2025, 2:30pm. Recommended age 8+.
£13.
Who is the God of dog poo bags? How did the microwave get its ping? What ancient crime was Yorkshire the punishment for… And why was it inflicted upon us?
Senior 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!
Will it be Greek? Viking? Ancient Babylonian? They haven’t a clue! That’s all up to you. Help shape the stories, and even become the hero yourself (if you want, no pressure) in this EPIC interactive experience.
The renowned Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Silly History Boys present a hilarious hour of high-octane adventure for children and childish adults. Featuring clowning, storytelling, live music and more. You’d be mad to myth it!
AKA Theatre Company
The Flood
Friday 2 May 2025, 8pm
£14 / £12 concessions. Recommended age 11+.
On Boxing Day 2015, the small Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge experienced the worst floods in a century. But, as the town submerged a community emerged, working together to rebuild their sodden town.
Honest and touching with a dash of Northern humour, The Flood is a love letter to a town that refused to give in to the volatility of nature. Performed by a team of multi-rolling actor musicians, representing the diverse, yet passionate, members of Hebden Bridge’s community, interweaving dozens of personal stories taken from every corner of the town.
AKA Theatre Company promotes, engages, and supports new original stories with music created by the next generation of fresh graduate artists, musicians, and creatives and to provide a safe place for artistic ideas and creative works.
The Growth House
Big Strong Man
Friday 6 June 2025, 7pm
£14 / £12 concessions. Recommended age 16+.
Four Northern lads are given the impossible task of rebuilding Northern masculinity in one night. They’ve got big decisions to make, and every time they do, something happens: a game, a song, a scene or a mysterious feeling they can’t quite describe… Only one of them can become the Big Strong Man and save the North, but which one? That’s up to you!
Big Strong Man is a celebration of northern culture and community spirit. Using interactive cabaret these fast-paced, skilful performers bring you the captivating atmosphere of a cabaret show or gig.
Surrealist comedy comrades, The Growth House, invite you for a night of Poundland level extravagance, side-splitting comedy and electrifying performances. Featuring song, dance, improvisation, boyband parodies, lip syncs, karaoke and a bear, Big Strong Man is an unforgettable alternative comedy night out.
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