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From fascinating local history to family favourites, live music, tribute shows and top‑class comedy, May is packed with unmissable events.

Here’s a few top picks on what to look forward to this month…

 

🗣️ Talks:

A History of Silcock Leisure in Southport

Wednesday 13 May 2026 | 1pm

Discover the rich heritage of Silcock Leisure with Serena Silcock‑Prince and Justin Prescott.

https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/silcock-leisure/

 

Highwaymen! What About The Women?

Thursday 21 May 2026 | 7pm 

Based on the book of the same name, this talk shines a light on the lesserknown women who also rode the highways, revealing their daring lives and overlooked stories. 

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/highwaymen-margaretholbrook/ 

 

👪 Family Fun:

Ice Age Adventure Live

Friday 29 May 2026 | 2pm 

Join fearless explorers as they trek through snowy valleys, dodge sabretoothed surprises, meet the coolest cavemen, and even encounter some longlost dodo friends. Packed with puppetry, audience participation, and icy excitement, this live theatre show is guaranteed to knock your snow boots off! 

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/ice-age-adventure-live/ 

 

Utterly Revolting Science Show

Saturday 30 May 2026 | 11:30am & 3pm 

Brace yourself for burp biology, fart physics, revolting edible chemistry, and some truly enormous bottoms. Expect edible fireworks, burp machines, and even the world’s loudest fart in this riotous science spectacular. 

https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/utterly-revolting-science/ 

 

🤝 Meet & Greet:

Travellers Tunes: An Evening with Steve Cradock

Wednesday 6 May 2026 | 7:30pm 

Steve Cradock, guitarist for Ocean Colour Scene, is behind some of the most iconic riffs in British rock.  On his debut tour, Steve performs hits from the OCS songbook and more in this intimate evening of music and stories. 

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/steve-cradock/ 

 

Craig Revel Horwood: Revelations

Thursday 14 May 2026 | 7:30pm 

Dancer, choreographer, director, bestselling author Craig Revel Horwood presents an evening of music, dance, drama and dazzling stories. Expect big songs, tall tales, glamour, and plenty of behindthescenes Strictly revelations. 

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/craig-revel-horwood/ 

 

 

🎶 Tributes To The Classics:

Seven Drunken Nights

Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 May 2026 | 7:30pm 

Performed by a phenomenal cast of Irish musicians, this ultimate feelgood production celebrates the music and legacy of The Dubliners. The show spans over 50 years of musical history with breathtaking performances and authentic Irish spirit.

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/seven-drunken-nights-2026/ 

 

Barry Manilow: Copacabana Magic 

Friday 22 May 2026 | 7:30pm 

This stunning concert chronicles Barry Manilow’s incredible career, featuring timeless hits including MandyCould It Be MagicCan’t Smile Without YouCopacabana (At the Copa) and many more. Fronted by international vocalist Martyn James with a sensational live band and dancers. 

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/copacabana-magic/ 

 

 

😂 For The Laughs:

Patrick Monahan: The Good, The Pat & The Ugly 

Saturday 9 May 2026 | 7:30pm

A brandnew standup show from multiawardwinning comedian Patrick Monahan. With his trademark warmth and infectious energy, Patrick shares stories from everyday life—love, marathons, flatpack furniture disasters, and even the time he nearly got scammed.

 https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/patrick-monahan/ 

 

You can find the full listings here.

 

 

Latest News

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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.

10 December 2025

Iconic Crosby Beach Images Land at The Atkinson

Stunning photographs of Crosby beach’s Iron Men, taken over two decades by Crosby photographer Ron Davies, goes on display on Saturday.

28 November 2025

Beauty and the Beast: Final Cast Announcement

The Atkinson in Southport is inviting audiences to “be their guest” this Christmas as it unveils the full cast for its 2025 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

15 November 2025

12 Days of Christmas Trail

Explore the town centre this Christmas and discover twelve handmade crochet displays, made by local group Southport Hookers

10 November 2025

Captioning Awareness Week 2025

We're proud to support this year's Captioning Awareness Week, led by Stagetext, a deaf-led charity bringing text-based deaf access to arts and culture through captions and subtitles.