@Home@Kirkgate

Now that we have finally banished the calamine lotion pink from the auditorium (much to our operations manager’s relief!) we feel proud to show off the spaces we have at the Kirkgate. The new auditorium sound and lighting makes the experience amazing, but the redecoration really was the royal icing on the cake! The feel of the space is cleaner, more modern and less ‘fussy’ than in previous years. Does anyone remember the terrible grey patterned curtains we had in the dim and distant past?

It really has been transformed in the last couple of years, and moving the bar downstairs has given us much more flexibility. The Egremont Room is also a completely different space depending on which lights we use. Brightly and simply lit, perfect for a music practice or a consulation event, or with the flick of a switch more ambient spotlighting creates a cosy atmosphere. We know our resident pilates group love the dimmer switch on the panel lights too- to gently soften the lights for their relaxation at the end of a session.

All these details not only make the space great for our events and performances, but they provide a perfect location for all sorts of private and public event hires. You can make the space your own with a bit of imagination and some thoughfully placed decorations- our auditorium ceiling is perfect for draping fairy lights! Or if you need some space for a conference or meeting, it’s perfectly located in the centre of town, with three handy car parks nearby. We have projection facilities for presentations and PA available where required. We can open the bar for your event too, or if it’s just somewhere to make a cuppa and a light lunch that you need the kitchen is also available for use by our hirers.

In this month’s Chronicle we’re looking at who hires the centre, and what activities and events they are using the centre for.

Fund Raise @Kirkgate…

As mentioned above, we have a cosy live music performance coming up. Bob Pritchard tells us more about it below, as well as other recollections of hiring the centre (performances pantos and parties!).

“Having been associated with the Kirkgate for all of its 30 years, I’m happy to recommend hiring the Centre for a wide variety of events and causes.

As it’s panto season I have fond memories of hiring on behalf of CADS for more than 20 years. When  we started ,January was generally regarded as downtime, audiences being slow to return after the Christmas/New Year break, so we could have more or less free run of the building through January, to assemble and paint sets, rig lights and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. CADS built up a loyal audience for panto and I’m pleased to see they’re returning to it this year, after the post-covid lay off.

Then it’s a great place for personal celebrations, significant birthdays, children’s wedding receptions, our wedding anniversaries. We had a memorable Golden Wedding a few years back. Guests brought  contributions to the buffet, then a ceilidh and concert with Cockermouth folk rock heroes “Tryckster”. Is it time to book again for our Diamond event ?

We’ve also used the place for fundraisers. Mike Ames and myself presented a programme of Flanders and Swann songs that proved so popular we had to book a second date. And we’re hoping you’re all coming again to our new, expanded program, with more than 50% new material-  “Another Drop of Flanders and Swann” on Saturday 17 January at 8pm. Proceeds from the first outing were split 50/50 between the Kirkgate and Bridget’s Magical Music Pot, the fund in memory of Kirkgate stalwart Bridget Hilton which encourages local community music making.

Our upcoming show is to raise money for the British Heart Foundation since in gratitude for my “30 years on Borrowed Time” since the skill and dedication of Whitehaven hospital staff backed up by BHF research saved my life when I suffered a totally unexpected and severe heart attack.

A big thanks to Kirkgate’s dedicated staff, and particularly Katie for her patience, flexibility, willingness to go the extra mile and cheerful smile which makes hiring the Centre a pleasure.”

Celebrate @Kirkgate

The Kirkgate Centre is available for hires for all sorts of celebrations, from intimate private film screenings to childrens parties, and of course wedding receptions! Here’s Dave and Sue to tell us about their beautiful winter solstice wedding…

Perform your show @Kirkgate

There are events at Kirkgate which artists hire the centre themselves to put on, and one visitor in particular to the Kirkgate brings a touch of sparkle and glitz that really compliments our regular schedule of shows.

Sandy Smith is an international, award winning entertainer that travels over from the North East bringing a plethora of classic songs. Her last show (Shout Out to the Sixties) was a hit with audiences, and she’s back this summer with timelessly popular songs from Cilla, and other contemporaries from the era. She’s got a fabulous voice, and is an absolute delight to work with!

CADS Panto Returns to The Kirkgate Stage

CADS last pantomime ‘Cinderella’ was over 6 years ago! With the loss of familiar faces, bringing pantomime back to life on the Kirkgate stage seemed impossible. However, thanks to determination and teamwork, Panto is back!

A huge part of this year’s success is thanks to newcomer Stephanie Christmas-Tomilinson, who was the driving force, encouraging CADS to give Cockermouth their annual Panto once more. Steph who has assisted with producing the show by taking on a variety of roles as well as playing the part of the Spirit of Pantoland.

With a director needed, Jacqui was the natural choice. With over 30 years’ experience in pantomime and 20 years with CADS – including 10 as Chair – Jacqui takes on her first directing role alongside playing the Evil Witch in Once Upon a Time in Pantoland.

Admitting to some initial nerves about taking on the director’s role Jacqui said:
“It’s a massive undertaking directing anything, but pantomime has so many more moving parts than most other live theatre productions- not just the acting, but the singing, dancing, and being able to articulate your vision to the cast and everyone behind the scenes.”
Despite the challenge, Jacqui has thoroughly enjoyed the experience:
“I have had the privilege of working with some great talent. What’s been really special is seeing all the childrens’ confidence and abilities grow as they have developed into their roles.”

Exhibit @Kirkgate

Did you manage to get along to the superb exhibition of local print making back in October? The Egremont Room looked fantastic!

Not only was the exhibition in place and open to the public over a number of days, but there was a special preview event where guests enjoyed the artwork while chatting to the artists themselves (and of course enjoying some refreshments).

We hear from Magda and Jill from Cumbria Printmakers about their experience in hiring the centre below.

EMMA’S LETTER

I’ve hired the centre myself a few times over the years, a big screen treat for a birthday being a highlight- with deckchairs and snacks in the auditorium alongside a couple of episodes of ‘Red Dwarf’.

It’s amazing how the centre can transform from one thing to another, to create the perfect setting for all sorts of events. These hires are an essential way for Kirkgate Arts to keep the lights on, so a big thank you to everyone who uses the centre for their own classes, exhibitions, performances, film screenings, consultations, conferences, parties, and who knows what other uses we’ll see in the coming year!

Emma Heys

Chief Executive