Music, magic, myths and medieval mayhem all combine to highlight theArts Out West programme of village hall theatrical activities for thefirst half or 2024!Kirkgate Arts Out West is the Rural Touring arm of Cockermouth’sKirkgate Arts and Heritage, serving a large area of West Cumbria fromNorth to South.Each year, it stages around 60 performances in venues from Furness tothe Solway, ranging from nationally recognised theatre companies tointernational musicians. And the line-up for the first half of 2024boasts the usual eclectic mix!Highlights include:• From the Albert Hall to the Music Hall … a solo show of music andanecdotes by former Ocean Colour Scene bass player Dan Sealey (Feb. 23,Florence Mine Arts; Feb. 24, Brigham Memorial Hall; Feb, 25, SantonBridge Village Hall);• The Pocket Choral Society … a new a cappella show designed for villagehalls (Feb. 16, Kirkstile Community Centre, Dean; Feb. 17, St BeesVillage Hall);• The Long Way Home … an evening of stories and songs exploring theenduring power of place and highlighting Cumbria (Feb. 24, BassenthwaiteParish Rooms);• Loshn Klezmer Band … a Klezmer trio whose intimate arrangements speak,sing and dance with the tradition’s distinct Yiddish accent (Feb.12, TheHill Village Hall, Millom; Feb. 13, The Settlement, Maryport);• Believe! – Romany Magic … a quirky, funny, beautiful, original andtheatrical magic show (May 9, Florence Arts Centre; May 10, UllockVillage Hall; May 11, Ireleth Temperance Hall; May 12, BassenthwaiteParish Room; July 28, Gleaston Village Hall);• Florence … a one-woman show exploring the lesser-known life and legacyof Florence Nightingale (May 16, Globe Hall, Ireby; May 17, The Beggar’sTheatre, Millom; May 18, St Bees Village Hall) and:• The Canterbury Tales … a one-man performance of Chaucer’s classic!(March 14, Beggar’s Theatre, Millom; March 15, Muncaster Parish Hall,Ravenglass; March 16, Loweswater Village Hall).Kirkgate General Manager Emma Heys said: “It’s as much a social occasionas a performance. A good night out is guaranteed and all on people’sdoorsteps with no driving necessary!”Kirkgate Arts Out West is supported by Arts Council England as aNational Portfolio Organisation in partnership with neighbouring RuralTouring organisation, Penrith-based Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.Emma added: “We work with volunteers in village halls and other venues,including libraries, throughout Allerdale and Copeland, providing localaudiences with high quality professional performances of music, dramaand dance.“We’re also affiliated to the National Rural Touring Forum, which helpsto ensure we have access to the very best national and internationaltalent who are touring England to entertain people in tucked awayplaces.“We’re delighted to be able to bring some top-class performances to someof our tiniest venues and the 2024 programme is shaping up very nicely!”Full details of all Kirkgate Arts Out West events, including show starttimes and ticket prices, can be found online at Events Archive –Kirkgate Arts and HeritageENDS …..
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.
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For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966 enquiries@thekirkgate.com www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ