CHRIS Persoglio, executive director of Culture Warrington, talks us through the exciting shows to see at Pyramid and Parr Hall this autumn.
Summer is great. It’s a chance to break routine, get away, relax, recharge and hopefully catch some sun. But, I must confess, I do miss the buzz of activity around Parr Hall during the quieter months.
With that in mind, we’re raring to go with our autumn season which is when things really kick up a gear at our historic venue.
In fact, our packed programme is even busier than usual this year, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us. Parr Hall simply would not be the thriving part of community life it is without you.
Looking ahead for the rest of 2024, we’ve got a full roster of music icons, live favourites and comedy stars.
We also can’t wait to welcome rugby icon and charity champion Kevin Sinfield to our venue.
Parr Hall’s historic stage really lends itself to these intimate nights where the stories and incredible experiences of remarkable people are brought to life.
Or for something a bit different, we’d really recommend The Night Sky Show. You might already know renowned astronomer Adrian West AKA VirtualAstro from his acclaimed book, The Secret World of Stargazing.
But now, Adrian is touring the country to inspire everyone to look up with this Hollywood-style big screen experience that anyone over the age of eight will love.
Meanwhile, it is also a time of exciting change at our neighbouring, Pyramid Arts Centre, which is now temporarily closed for a substantial £5m refurb.
We’re proud that our building is already a beloved space for high quality performances, rehearsals, exhibitions, workshops, classes, conferences and meetings.
But we think it could be even better – and that’s where the designs to transform Pyramid into a more modern and flexible community hub come in.
By late 2025, we’ll reopen with a completely redesigned Studio Theatre, new Box Office, better access for disabled visitors, state-of-the-art production tech and a new ability to run multiple performances simultaneously.
We’re so excited and we’ll have loads more to tell you about the revamp further down the line. But we also want to thank everyone for bearing with us during this lengthy project and next chapter for Pyramid. It really will be worth it and – don’t worry – meanwhile you’ll soon be able to continue to access Pyramid’s shows and services from our town centre pop-up (watch this space for more on that soon).
Thanks once again to all our loyal and longstanding customers. Your support means the world to us and we hope to see you again soon. For a taste of things to come, here are five shows I’m looking forward to this autumn.
Peter Hook and The Light - Thursday, October 17
I can’t wait for this one. If you're a fan of Joy Division and New Order like me, then this is definitely a show not to be missed.
READ MORE > Peter Hook on his memories of Warrington and Mr Smiths
Peter Hook, the co-founder of both of those iconic and hugely influential bands, will be revisiting the Joy Division and New Order Substance albums live and in full.
The performer is on a mammoth world tour so catch him in Warrington while you can!
The Night Sky Show - Sunday, November 9
Something a bit different for our venue, come and reach for the stars with us as we present The Night Sky Show. We're excited to be welcoming astronomer Adrian West AKA VirtualAstro this November for an epic journey across the cosmos using Hollywood-style big screen effects.
Forget stuffy lectern talks. Instead, expect an awe-inspiring experience for anyone that has ever looked up and wondered…
An Evening with Kevin Sinfield - Wednesday, November 13
He's been called a sports icon and a British hero, while some have even described his feats as superhuman (our words, not his – he's far too modest for that).
Come and hear from the rugby league great, turned rugby union coach, turned charity fundraiser himself at Parr Hall.
It is set to be a particularly poignant night following the death of Kevin’s best friend and fellow Leeds Rhino, the inspirational Rob Burrow.
Dave Finnegan’s Commitments - Sunday, November 17
Who remembers The Commitments? It’s a fantastic film by Alan Parker about a working class band who aimed to fill the musical void in their hometown of Dublin. Among the cast was the multitalented Dave Finnegan who is now keeping the film’s legacy alive as the charismatic frontman of The Commitments touring band. At Parr Hall, he’ll be performing all the soul-stirring songs from the soundtrack and more – channelling the sounds of his heroes like Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett.
Lightning Seeds - Saturday, December 7
I hope this doesn’t make you feel too old but The Lightning Seeds are celebrating 35 marvellous years. But – lucky you – the party is coming to Parr Hall!
This Warrington date is part of the band’s Tomorrow’s Here Today album and tour celebrating all their greatest hits – ‘a life’s worth of songs’, as singer Ian Broudie puts it, with eight million albums sold along the way.
With multiple tour dates having already sold out, you better grab tickets while you can! Pure pop perfection.
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