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Working behind the scenes, People of The Atkinson is giving a platform to those you don’t regularly see!

Rachel – Marketing Officer.

“I’ve been with The Atkinson for over two years, and it’s been a wild ride! Superb exhibitions, amazing theatre productions, and met incredible people—I’ve seen and done it all.

Working in the Marketing Department means I get to enjoy every aspect of The Atkinson’s program and shout about all the amazing things happening in this beautiful building. I’m still surprised by how much goes on here—there’s truly something for everyone. Despite it being the performing arts side that originally drawn me in, I’ve fallen in love with the arts and heritage side of our work. It’s the best history lesson ever!

Speaking of which, Horrible Histories is my favourite thing I’ve seen in our theatre. I laughed so hard, I probably enjoyed it more than the kids in the audience. I love all our family theatre productions—they’re so creative and full of joy. I have great memories of being taken to the theatre as a child, and I love that these productions will create core memories for our little visitors too.

Another highlight is Lady Chatterley’s Lover. I think our traditional theatre space is perfect for plays and comedy, although I am partial to a little dance in the aisles when we have tribute acts on our stage. I’m looking forward to another crazy pantomime this year! As marketers, we start planning our Christmas schedule in June, which is surreal. I even dressed as a pantomime cow in a heatwave to promote Jack and the Beanstalk—not something you do every day!

I love knowing that my work helps promote The Atkinson and its amazing programs and events. It’s so rewarding to see people have a great time here, and to know that I played a role in that. I get to meet so many cool people too—artists, historians, and members of the public with their own Atkinson memories to share. It’s a joy to be part of an institution that means so much to the people of Sefton.

The Atkinson team is one of the most creative, passionate, and supportive groups of people I’ve ever worked with. We’re constantly pushing each other to be better, and we have a lot of fun in the process. The staff and volunteers are the heart of The Atkinson, and I think that shows in the work we produce.

So happy tenth birthday, The Atkinson! Long may you continue being a beacon of creativity and inspiration to so many!”

Latest News

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2 June 2026

The Sefton Open 2026: A Student's Perspective

A guest review by University of Liverpool Work Placement student, Niamh Humphrey. 

21 May 2026

Joanne Chamberlain awarded Bene Merito honorary distinction

In recognition of outstanding service to the Polish community in Sefton.

14 May 2026

Observer Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism 2026

Julia Clayton is named runner-up for her feature on The Atkinson 150th Anniversary Exhibition

8 May 2026

Sefton Open 2026 Awards

The Sefton Open 2026 celebrates local artistic talent at The Atkinson, with People’s Prize and Judges’ favourites now announced.

1 May 2026

May We Entertain You? What's On This Month

From fascinating local history to family favourites, live music, tribute shows and top‑class comedy, May is packed with unmissable events. Here’s what to look forward to this month.

27 April 2026

New family theatre show ‘Ice Age Adventure Live’ premieres

Brace yourselves for a mammoth mission!

23 April 2026

World-class circus acts to ‘Roll up!’
in Southport for May Bank Holiday Big Top Festival  

8 April 2026

Don't Look Back In Anger: Marc Burrows Brings The Britpop Show to Southport

Award-winning writer, comedian and music journalist Marc Burrows is delighted to be bringing The Britpop Show to The Atkinson.

25 March 2026

Easter Weekend Opening Hours

Check out our updated opening hours for Easter weekend

24 March 2026

Blackeyed Theatre’s New Sherlock Holmes Thriller

Blackeyed Theatre are bringing major UK tour of Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty to The Atkinson

19 March 2026

Spectacular open-air ballroom Cristal Palace comes to Southport

Town Hall Gardens to be transformed into a glittering open-air ballroom for the spectacular Cristal Palace 

9 March 2026

Join our team:
Operations Assistant

We’re looking for a proactive and hands‑on individual to support the smooth, day‑to‑day running of our vibrant venue.

5 March 2026

World Book Day 2026!

From a page to the stage, check out these must‑see shows inspired by beloved reads

23 February 2026

Galleries Temporarily Closed for Exciting Changeover

Our galleries are temporarily closed as we begin preparations for The Sefton Open 2026, one of the biggest annual celebrations of local creativity

18 February 2026

Powerful new ‘Where I Should Be’ exhibition by Ukrainian photographer Nina Karetska

A moving new photography and art exhibition at The Atkinson in Southport shines a light on the heartbroken yet resilient Ukrainian families who have moved to the UK while war wages in Ukraine.

12 February 2026

Lightport: Reflecting on The Atkinson’s Light‑Inspired Exhibitions

As Southport prepares to glow with the arrival of Lightport, we invite you to take a trip down memory lane to the light‑inspired exhibitions The Atkinson has showcased over the years.

21 January 2026

The Atkinson Awarded Museum Accreditation

The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation scheme.

19 January 2026

Chase the Rainbow: Southport Lights Up February Half Term

Southport is set to glow this February half term as Lightport, a brand-new free immersive light art experience, takes over the town’s iconic Lord Street.

16 January 2026

Blue Monday: How Comedy Can Beat the Blues

Discover why Blue Monday is called the most depressing day of the year and how laughter can turn it around.

16 December 2025

Christmas Gift Guide

A festive Gift Guide inspired by the unforgettable characters of our Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, with thoughtful gift ideas and experiences available right here at The Atkinson.