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family fun at The Lowry

September – December 2010

The Lowry’s Autumn/Winter season features a whole host of family-friendly shows and events designed to delight children young and old. Highlights include Cirkus Cirkör’s wildly eccentric circus show Inside Out (Mon 30 August – Wed 1 September), spooky fun from the writers of The Gruffalo in Room On The Broom (Tue 26 – Sun 31 October) and cute characters galore in How The Koala Learned To Hug (Sat 25 September). The season culminates in a trio of festive shows guaranteed to please all the family; Manchester Library Theatre Company’s sumptuous production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, fantastical family show Peter Pan The Musical Adventure, produced by Pele Productions in association with The Lowry and Big Wooden Horse’s delightfully festive show The Life & Adventures Of Santa Claus.

• Cirkus Cirkör - Inside Out Mon 30 August – Wed 1 September

• James Campbell – Sun 5 September

Comedy and Songs 4 Kids

• How the Koala Learnt to Hug Sat 25 September

• The Paper Washi Wish Sat 9 October

• The Night Pirates Sun 24 October

• Room on the Broom Tue 26 – Sun 31 October

• The Adventures of Pinocchio Fri 5 & Sat 6 November

• When We lived in Uncle’s Hat Sun 7 November

• Sunflowers and Sheds Sat 13 & Sun 14 November

• A Christmas Carol Fri 3 December 2010 –

Sat 8 January 2011

• Peter Pan The Wed 8 December 2010 –

Musical Adventure Sat 1 January 2011

• The Life & Adventures Mon 27 December 2010 –

of Santa Claus Mon 3 January 2011

Mon 30 August – Wed 1 September

Cirkus Cirkör

Inside Out

Featuring Irya’s Playground

A wildly eccentric circus show to steal your heart. Featuring clowning, trapeze aerialists and explosive live music, this show sees one of Europe’s top names in contemporary circus visit the North West for the very first time!

Times Eves 7pm, Mon mat 3pm

Tickets £16 - £22; Children go half-price

Sun 5 September

James Campbell - Comedy and Songs 4 Kids

Join James as he returns with his brand new stand-up comedy show packed with funny songs about life, sausages and how superheroes go to the toilet.

Suitable for ages 6+.

Times 12pm

Tickets £7.50

Sat 25 September

The People’s Theatre Company

How the Koala Learnt to Hug

Join a host of wild characters, including Natascha the Witch and Karen the Koala, for some great stories, sing-a-long songs, superb games and first-class hugging.

Suitable for ages 4+.

Times 11.30am & 2.30pm

Tickets Children £5.50, Adults £8.50

Sat 9 October

A Thousand Cranes

The Paper Washi Wish

Join Rabbit and his friends in this charming and surprising production, featuring traditional Japanese storytelling and a hands-on paper-making experience.

Suitable for ages 3+.

Times 12pm & 2pm

Tickets £7.50

Sun 24 October

Theatre Hullaballoo

The Night Pirates

Inspired by the book by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright

This fantastical moonlit adventure combines puppets, song and ballet-dancing pirates in this delightful adaptation of the much-loved picture book.

Suitable for ages 3+.

Times 12pm & 2pm

Tickets Children £5.50, Adults £8.50

Tue 26 – Sun 31 October

Room on the Broom

A spellbinding new adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo. Fasten your seatbelts for a rip-roaring ride as the witch and her cat fly into the wind!

Suitable for ages 3+.

Times Tue 1.30pm & 3.30pm, Wed 11.30am, Thu & Fri 11.30am & 1.30pm, Sat & Sun 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Tickets Children £10, Adults £12

Thu 28 October

Room on the Broom Post Show Talk 1.30pm

Please note the cast will not be in costume.

Free to ticket holders.

Fri 5 & Sat 6 November

Opera North

The Adventures of Pinocchio

Dove and Middleton

Opera North’s family favourite returns! The irresistible story of a wooden boy is brought to life in a production that captures all the charm of the 1880s original.

Suitable for ages 7+.

Sung in English.

Times Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm

Tickets 16 & Under £5, Adults £15 - £35

Signed Performance Sat 6 November 2pm.

Sun 7 November

Tutti Frutti & York Theatre Royal

When We lived in Uncle’s Hat

A merry band of actor-musicians bring this delightful children’s book to life, about the search for that most magical place: home.

Suitable for ages 5-9.

Times 12pm & 2.30pm

Tickets Children £5.50, Adults £8.50

Sat 13 & Sun 14 November

M6 Theatre Company

Sunflowers and Sheds

Underscored with original music, this enchanting play about two neighbouring allotment owners becoming friends is sure to capture your heart and imagination.

Suitable for ages 4+.

Times Sat 12pm, Sun 10.30am & 12.30pm

Tickets Children £5.50, Adults £8.50

Fri 3 December 2010 – Sat 8 January 2011*

Manchester Library Theatre Company

A Christmas Carol

Adapted for the stage by David Holman

Directed by Rachel O’Riordan

A Christmas favourite about a miser who sees the error of his ways, with a little help from some magical ghosts…

Suitable for ages 6+.

*Fri 10 December Galleries open until 7.30pm.

Please visit www.thelowry.com or contact Box Office for details of performance times & prices.

Audio Described Performances Sat 18 December 2.30pm. Touch Tour 1.30pm. Thu 30 December 7pm. Touch Tour 6pm.

Captioned Performances Wed 29 December 7pm. Sat 8 January 2.30pm.

Signed Performance Fri 7 January 7pm.

Sat 8 January 2011

A Christmas Carol Pre Show Talk 1.30pm

With Director Rachel O’Riordan.

Free to ticket holders.

Wed 8 December 2010 – Sat 1 January 2011*

Pele Productions in association with The Lowry

Peter Pan The Musical Adventure

Stunning scenery, swashbuckling sword fights and breathtaking flying, accompanied by soaring music from a 14-piece orchestra, make this the North West’s must-see seasonal treat for all the family.

*Fri 10 December 2010 Galleries open until 7.30pm.

Please visit www.thelowry.com or contact Box Office for details of performance times & prices.

Audio Described Performance Thu 16 December 1.30pm. Touch Tour 12.30pm.

Signed Performance Thu 16 December 7pm.

Captioned Performance Tue 28 December 7pm

Mon 27 December 2010 – Mon 3 January 2011

Big Wooden Horse

The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus

Meet original reindeer Glossie and Flossie in this exciting show packed with original music, lots of audience participation, and lots of details about Santa’s early life.

Times Mon 27 December 2pm & 5pm, Tue – Thu & Mon 3 January11am & 2pm, Sat & Sun 2pm & 5pm. No show Fri.

Tickets Children £5.50, Adults £8.50

Galleries

Gallery Opening Times: Sun-Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm

Entry is free, but please make a donation.

Late Night Gallery Openings

Our Galleries will be open until 7.30pm on the following evenings:

Sat 23 October

Fri 29 October

Tue 2 November

Thu 4 November

Fri 26 November

Sat 27 November

Fri 10 December

Lowry Favourites

Lowry Favourites has been re-launched with a fresh new look, bringing the Galleries to life with photographs, sound and film, telling you more about LS Lowry and his work than ever before.

Sat 28 August – Fri 31 December

Unlocking Salford Quays: The Inside Story

In this special exhibition, you can ‘unlock’ the past, see the artists’ drawings and models for our new Quays Sculpture Trail and tell us your memories and impressions of the Quays.

Closes Sun 5 September

Transformations 3

Leo Fitzmaurice

Panoramia

The Lowry's Promenade Gallery will become a work of art as Leo Fitzmaurice combines the building’s architecture with his unique interpretation of commercial packaging.

Sat 18 September – Sun 7 November

Mister Sixties

Philip Townsend’s Portraits of a Decade

From Twiggy to The Beatles, Philip Townsend’s photographs capture the sixties as they swung. Don’t miss this stunning exhibition which presents a selection of his most iconic shots.

Closes Sun 26 September

Spencer Tunick

Everyday People

Spencer Tunick’s large scale nude installations are icons of contemporary art – and now, as part of The Lowry’s 10th anniversary celebrations, we have commissioned Spencer to come to Salford and Manchester.

Sat 23 October 2010 – Sun 6 March 2011

A collaboration between Royal Opera House and The Lowry

Invitation to the Ballet

Ninette de Valois and the story of The Royal Ballet

The most comprehensive exhibition ever to be staged telling the story of The Royal Ballet and its founder, Ninette de Valois. Showcasing set designs, photographs, film and costumes, Invitation to the Ballet is a celebration of one of the world’s leading ballet companies.

Signed & audio described tours of our exhibitions are available. Please contact Box Office for details.

Want to know more?

Meet Mr Lowry

A 20-minute subtitled film, on show all day.

Lowry Favourites

An informative introduction to the work of LS Lowry. Every day at 12pm and 2pm.

What’s in a picture?

An informal look at the work of LS Lowry for families with young children. Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Regular Activities

Fri 3, 24 September, 8, 22 October, 5 & 19 November

Under 5s First Steps

Bring your little ones to channel some of that energy through fun dance activities. Join in with your child or just watch as they gain co-ordination and agility!

Suitable for ages 2½ - 4½.

Times 10am – 10.45am & 11am – 11.45am

Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)

Fri 10 September, 15 October, 12 November & 3 December

Under 5s Arts – Doodle Tots

Paint, stick and play in this colourful workshop designed especially for toddlers and their parents/carers. Explore sound and texture, whilst having fun and getting messy!

Suitable for ages 2½ - 4½.

Times 10am – 10.45am & 11.15am – 12pm

Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)

Sat 11, 25 September, 9, 23 October, 6 & 20 November

Saturday Playhouse – Make Your Own Art

Colourful workshops to encourage budding young artists to develop new skills and stretch their imagination! Try a different activity each time, from 3D models to painting.

Times 11am – 12.30pm

Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)

Sun 12 September

Salford Commotions Youth Dance Company Auditions

We are searching for talented, passionate and energetic young dancers aged 11-19 to join Salford Commotions Youth Dance Company. Experience in all dance styles welcome.

Suitable for all levels aged 11-19.

Times 11am – 4pm

Places are free but must be booked in advance.

Fri 17 September, 29 October, 26 November & 10 December

Under 5s Story Time – Tiny Tot Tales

Take your toddler on an imaginative journey as each month a different artwork or story is brought to life in a relaxed and friendly workshop environment.

Suitable for ages 2½ - 4 ½.

Times 10.15am – 11am

Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)

Sat 18 & Sun 19 September

Lowry Young Actors Company Auditions

Explore your stage and screen potential as The Lowry auditions for gifted young actors to join its new Young Actors Company under the direction of acting coach David Johnson.

Suitable for beginner & intermediate levels ages 11-16.

Times Sat 2pm – 6pm; Sun 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 6pm

Places are free but must be booked in advance.

Sun 26 September, 31 October & 28 November

Free Family Sunday

Join us in the Galleries on the last Sunday of every month where you’ll discover fun art and drama activities inspired by our current exhibitions.

Drop in 11am – 3pm

FREE

Sat 2 October

Creative Futures – Behind the Scenes

Thinking about a career behind the scenes? This fun and informative workshop offers a valuable insight into how the technical team pull a show together.

Suitable for beginner & intermediate levels aged 14-16.

Times 2pm – 5pm

Tickets £15 (£8 Salford residents)

Sat 9 October

The Big Draw 2010

Join us for our annual celebration of all things drawing! Drop in and help us create a large-scale work of art, using maps and journeys as our inspiration.

All welcome.

Drop in 10am – 4pm

FREE

Sun 24 October

Ballroom Sunday

Step up to our ballroom workshop in the morning, followed by a tea dance in the afternoon. These enjoyable family events always sell out, so book early!

Suitable for ages 8+.

Times Workshop 11am – 12.30pm; Tea Dance 1pm – 2.30pm

Tickets Children £3, Adults £6

Mon 25 & Fri 29 October

Art Zone – Salford Scenes

Join us for a look at Salford Quays’ nautical past. This is your chance to be a shipbuilder or flag waver, right here on the Manchester Ship Canal.

All welcome.

Drop in 2pm – 3.30pm

FREE

Mon 25, Tue 26, Wed 27, Thu 28 & Fri 29 October

Art Zone – Super Sculptures

Inspired by our exciting new sculpture trail, we’ll be constructing a different type of sculpture every day. Come and make your own work of art to take home!

Times 11am – 12.30pm

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Tue 26, Wed 27 & Thu 28 October

Explore Salford Stories

Budding thespians in the family? This is your chance to explore Salford Stories together in these short and snappy dance and drama sessions.

Times 2pm – 3.30pm Tickets are free but must be booked for children & adults alike.

Tue 26, Wed 27 & Thu 28 October

Drama Zone – Shipwrecked

Ahoy there, landlubbers! Set sail from Salford Quays on an adventurous voyage of discovery, using drama games to create and explore exotic new worlds.

Times 11am – 12.30pm

Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)

Wed 27 October

Creative Futures – Art for Outdoors

Join professional artist Mat Cahill for this special workshop offering an in-depth look at modern sculpture and the brand new Unlocking Salford Quays sculpture trail.

Suitable for all levels aged 11-16.

Times 10am – 5pm

Tickets £15

FREE to Salford Residents

Sat 4, 11 & 18 December

Christmas Playhouse – Make Your Own Art

Get festive and create your own dazzling decorations and cards inspired by our Christmas shows Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure and A Christmas Carol.

Times 11am – 12.30pm

Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)

Sat 11 December

Five Gold Rings

Kick-start the festivities with a good old singsong of carols and songs. A fun family workshop and performance, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

Suitable for all.

Times 10am – 2pm

Tickets Children £4, Adults £5 (Salford residents Children £3.50, Adults £4.50)

The Lowry celebrated its 10th anniversary on 28 April 2010 and has spent 10 years delighting, engaging and challenging both local and national audiences with the very best in visual art and performance. The Lowry Centre Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation and registered charity (no. 1053962). All income supports our world-class Theatres and Galleries programme, the care and display of the LS Lowry Collection and our life-changing Community and Education work. The Lowry’s Chief Executive, Julia Fawcett was awarded an OBE for services to the Arts in the Queen’s 2010 New Year Honours list.

Posted on Monday, 05 July 2010 under Theatre Press