Arts Out West programme brings a touch of music, dance, bingo – and murder!
An eclectic mix of characters – including Flanders and Swann, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Juliet and Romeo and a bingo-playing murderer! — all combine to highlight the Arts Out West programme of village hall theatrical activities for the first half of 2026.
Kirkgate Arts Out West is the Rural Touring arm of Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, serving a large area of Cumberland from north to south. Each year, it stages around 40 performances in venues from Millom to the Solway, ranging from nationally recognised theatre companies to international musicians.
And the line-up for the first half of 2026 boasts the usual intriguing mix!
Highlights include:
· At The Drop Of Another Hippopotamus … a celebration of the musical and comic genius of Flanders and Swann (Feb. 20, Maryport Library; Feb. 21, Loweswater Village Hall; March 8, Bassenthwaite Parish Room);
· Juliet and Romeo … Lost Dog’s blend of dance, theatre and comedy reveals the real story of Romeo and Juliet. It turns out they didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding, they grew up and lived happily ever after – well, almost! (March 17, Whitehaven Library; March 18, Beggars Theatre, Millom);
· Moscow Drug Club … A heady and waggish mix of Jazz French musette, Latin Grooves and New Orleans Swing, combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt. (April 2, Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth; April 3, Florence Mine Arts Centre; April 4, Kirksanton Village Hall; April 5, The Settlement, Maryport);
· The Mystery Of Pirate Lagoon … Award winning Cumbrian theatre company Ragged Edge are back with a comic radio play presented live on stage. What is the mystery of the Pirate Lagoon? Join the crew of The Prospero on an adventure to find out. (April 9, Kirkgate Centre; April 11, Victory Hall, Dalston; April 16, Beggars Theatre; April 17, Globe Hall, Ireby; April 18, Ullock Village Hall; April 19, St Bees Village Hall);
· The Dreamtime Fellrunner … A poetic, fun and moving exploration of Julie Ward’s running exploits on the Lakeland fells. An intense and engaging performance which has audiences enthralled and transfixed, presenting fellrunning as a type of land art and spiritual practice. (April 25, Millom Village Hall);
· Eyes Down … Manchester-based Just Some Theatre brings Bingo Night at The Stairway To Heaven Social Club and that can only mean one thing: ‘Mr Razzle Dazzle’ himself, Bertie Bingo, is ready to host an evening of dabbers, Droopy Drawers… and death! As games are played, tension mounts, and before long a body is discovered… but whose number is up? (May 2, Bassenthwaite Parish Room);
· Tall Tales And Truths … Award-winning modern folk trio Harp & a Monkey bring a magical evening of song and storytelling. Known for their captivating live performances, you can expect these acclaimed Lancastrians to deliver an enchanting mix of true (and not-so-true) tales that take in everything from naked lifesavers to guerilla gardeners and ill-fated medieval pilgrimages. (June 25, Burgh By Sands Public Hall; June 26, Muncaster Parish Hall; June 27, Globe Hall, Ireby; June 28, Kirkstile Community Centre, Dean).
Kirkgate General Manager Emma Heys said: “It’s as much a social occasion as a performance. A good night out is guaranteed and all on people’s doorsteps with no driving necessary!”
Kirkgate Arts Out West is supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation in partnership with neighbouring Rural Touring organisation, Penrith-based Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.
Emma added: “We work with volunteers in village halls and other venues, including libraries, throughout Cumberland, providing local audiences with high quality professional performances of music, drama and dance.
“We’re also affiliated to the National Rural Touring Forum, which helps to ensure we have access to the very best national and international talent who are touring England to entertain people in tucked away places.”
Details on all Kirkgate Centre activities can be found here: https://kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk/whats-on/
ENDS …..
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment. Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.
The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.
In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.
Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance. It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966 enquiries@thekirkgate.com www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ