February at The Lowry
The Manchester Evening News announced its 2010 Theatre Award nominations last week, and with the most ever nominations, 27 in total, The Lowry’s 10th Anniversary year was a bumper one.
2011 is set to be just as thrilling, with a whole host of artistic delights taking place throughout February.
Our exciting dance season Dance Moves continues in February with highlights including Britain’s Got Talent favourites Flawless, who bring their high-energy street-dance show Chase The Dream to the Lyric stage and critically acclaimed Danish Dance Theatre, who come to the UK for the very first time with a triple-bill of powerful contemporary dance.
The Lowry’s Shakespeare season kicks off with Rory Kinnear playing the titular role in National Theatre’s multi-award-winning production of Hamlet. Other dramatic highlights in February include heart-warming family show Goodnight Mr Tom, Willy Russell’s captivating musical Blood Brothers and Library Theatre Company’s brand new adaptation of Ibsen classic A Doll’s House.
As ever, entertainment at The Lowry isn’t confined to the stage, with The Birth of British Rock: Photographs by Harry Hammond, which opens this Saturday, and blockbuster exhibition Invitation to the Ballet: Ninette de Valois and the Story of the Royal Ballet, bringing performance-inspired art to our galleries.
Best Wishes
Marie-Claire Daly
Media Relations Executive
0161 876 2044
PS The home page for the press section of our website is www.thelowry.com/press
PPS What follows is…
(1) A diary so you can see all the theatre shows & exhibitions in chronological order
(2) Press night reminders
(3) All the details for February events (3a) Theatres by genre (3b) Exhibitions and (3c) Activities
1. Event Diary for theatres & exhibitions in Febuary in chronological order
GALLERIES
Sat 15 Jan until Sun 10 April The Birth Of British Rock:
Photographs by Harry Hammond
Until Sun 6 March Invitation to the Ballet – Ninette de Valois and the story of The Royal Ballet
Until Sun 1 May Unlocking Salford Quays:
The Inside Story
THEATRES
Tue 1 – Sat 12 February Belt Up – Odyssey
Tue 1 – Sat 12 February Belt Up – Quasimodo
Wed 2 & Thu 3 February Service with a Smile
Thu 3 February The Christians
Thu 3 February Shakespeare 4 Kidz -
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Fri 4 February Milton Jones – Lion Whisperer
Fri 4 & Sat 5 February Flawless – Chase The Dream
Fri 4 February TongueTied Theatre –
The Unholy Trinity
Sat 5 February Australian Classic Rock Show
Sat 5 February Mobius Dance Theatre - Such is Life
Sun 6 February Teddy Thompson & David Ford
Tue 8 – Sat 12 February National Theatre on Tour - Hamlet
Tue 8 & Wed 9 February Danish Dance Theatre
Thu 10 February Stephen Venables –
In The Footsteps of Shackleton
Thu 10 & Fri 11 February Breathe Out Theatre - Rid The World
Fri 11 February The Counterfeit Stones
Sat 12 February The Blues Band
Sat 12 February PanGottic Circus-Theatre - Full Twist
Tue 15 – Sat 19 February Goodnight Mister Tom
Sun 13 February Simon Munnery – Self Employed
Sun 13 February Signatures
Tue 15 February Russell Kane –
Smokescreens & Castles
Thu 17 February David McAlmont
Sat 19 & Sun 20 February Analogue - Beachy Head
Mon 21 – Sat 26 February Blood Brothers
Thu 24 February – Sat 12 March Library Theatre Company -
A Doll’s House
Fri 25 & Sat 26 February The Water Still Remains
Sun 27 February 10cc
Sun 27 February Peter and the Wolf
Sun 27 February Shakespeare’s Mistress
The Lowry Information & Box Office
Telephone 0843 2086005
www.thelowry.com
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ
Twitter @The_Lowry
Facebook www.facebook.com/TheLowrySalford
2. Press Nights
Fri 4 February Flawless – Chase The Dream Lyric 7.30pm
Tue 8 February National Theatre on Tour – Hamlet Lyric 7pm
Tue 8 February Danish Dance Theatre Quays 8pm
Tue 15 February Goodnight Mister Tom Lyric 7pm
Mon 21 February Blood Brothers Lyric 7.30pm
Fri 25 February Library Theatre Company Quays 7.15pm
- A Doll’s House
Fri 25 February The Water Still Remains Studio 8pm
With a brilliant mix of new theatre and development projects The Studio at The Lowry is a space with a strong sense of adventure. We would also like to invite you to a Studio shows in February, which forms part of our never been seen season in The Studio.
Thu 10 February Breathe Out Theatre - Rid The World Studio 8pm
Visit www.thelowry.com/pressnights to see more details online.
3. All the details for Theatre events, Exhibitions & Activities in Febuary
In the Theatres
DANCE
Fri 4 & Sat 5 February
Flawless – Chase The Dream
Interviews available with cast and creative team on request
Packed full of the sharpest new moves, the slickest routines and the hottest beats around, Flawless’s breathtaking show Chase the Dream will run for two nights only.
Along with the spectacular street dance routines for which they have become famous, this inspirational show incorporates contemporary jazz, modern ballet and jump jive. Exposing this diverse range of dance skills both collectively and as individual performers, Chase the Dream explores life in the fast lane, ultimately encouraging everyone to chase their dreams.
After making it to the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2009, the 10 strong dance troupe starred in the hit movie StreetDance 3D as well as appearing in music videos for the likes of Madonna, Beyonce, Leona Lewis and Westlife. Following a sold-out run of Chase the Dream at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, Flawless continue to dazzle audiences around the world with their astonishing energy, ingenious choreography and uncanny unison.
Choreographer Marlon Wallen, 26, formed the group in 2004. Since then, Wallen and Flawless have worked together to produce new and innovative choreography to make street dance more accessible for everyone. Their extraordinary commitment has earned them numerous awards including ‘Best Street Dance Group’, ‘Best Choreographed Group’, UK’s ‘Street Dance Champions’, ‘International Dance Champions’ and ‘World Dance Champions’ after battling over 50 nations from around the world in Germany.
Simon Cowell described Flawless as ‘one of the greatest acts I have ever seen in my life’ so whether you’re a hip-hop pro or you just want to pick-up some new moves for the dance floor, Chase the Dream will leave you feeling breathless and inspired. This is Flawless as you have never seen them before!
Times 7.30pm
Tickets £19.50
Lyric Theatre
Tue 8 & Wed 9 February
Dance Touring Partnership
Danish Dance Theatre
For their exciting UK debut, Scandinavia’s foremost contemporary dance company celebrates their 30th anniversary with three captivating, sensual and powerful pieces.
Times 8pm
Tickets £14 & £16
Quays Theatre
NB A full press release is also available & has already been issued
Tue 8 February
Danish Dance Theatre Post Show Talk
Free to ticket holders.
Sun 13 February
DIGM and The Lowry
Signatures
Youth dance companies from across Greater Manchester perform dance works inspired by a motif from Roam, a professional performance work by Tom Dale Company.
Times 7pm
Tickets £7
Quays Theatre
For more information about dance events at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/dance
For more information about The Lowry’s first annual dance season,
Dance Moves please visit www.thelowry.com/dancemoves
MUSICALS
Bill Kenwright presents
Willy Russell’s
Blood Brothers
Interviews available with cast and creative team on request
Hailed by the critics as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed around the world. Scooping up no less than four awards for Best Musical in London, seven Tony nominations on Broadway, and receiving a standing ovation at every performance, Blood Brothers is now in its 22nd phenomenal year in the West End.
Set in Willy Russell's native Liverpool, it tells the captivating tale of twin boys, separated at birth only to be re-united by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True.
X Factor runner up Nikki Evans plays the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone in this production, with Robbie Scotcher as Narrator, Sean Jones as Mikey and Paul Davies as Eddie.
For more information about musicals at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/musicals
DRAMA
Kick starting The Lowry’s Shakespeare season is the National Theatre’s new production of Hamlet starring Olivier Award-winner Rory Kinnear as the tormented Danish prince who vows to avenge his father's murder, with tragic results (more info below).
From 8 – 12 March, the internationally acclaimed all-male company, Propeller in association with The Touring Partnership present Shakespeare rediscovered and reinvigorated in The Comedy of Errors and Richard III. Last but certainly not least is the Donmar Warehouse with Derek Jacobi starring in one of Shakespeare’s greatest roles as King Lear. More info about Propeller and the Donmar Warehouse’s Shakespeare productions will follow in March’s press pack.
The Bard’s magical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream gets a musical transformation in an enchanting production from Shakespeare 4 Kidz on Thu 3 February. (More info on this in the Family Shows section)
Also in keeping with this theme is a Studio show, Shakespeare’s Mistress on Sun 27 February, performed by Louise Jameson who draws on her personal memories from a life in performance. (more info on this in the Studio drama section)
FROM BOND TO SHAKESPEARE
Direct from the National Theatre, Hamlet arrives at The Lowry with Rory Kinnear in the title role
National Theatre on Tour
Hamlet
By William Shakespeare
Tues 8 – Sat 12 Feburary
Press night: Tues 8 Feb, 7pm
Following its sell-out run at the Olivier Theatre, Nicholas Hytner’s acclaimed production of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, with the original National Theatre cast led by Rory Kinnear in the title role, tours first to The Lowry from Tues 8 – Sat 12 February.
Rory Kinear recently won Best Actor for Hamlet at the National Theatre in the Evening Standard Theatre Awards and his film credits include the role of Bill Tanner, M’s Chief of Staff in the 22nd Bond Film, Quantum of Solace.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet is regarded as one of the most renowned and illustrious plays in the English canon. Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, sees his father’s ghost. Tormented with loathing and consumed by grief, he must avenge his father's murder. What he cannot foresee is the destruction that ensues.
Alongside Rory Kinnear as Hamlet, is Clare Higgins as Gertrude, Patrick Malahide as Claudius, David Calder as Polonius, James Laurenson as the Ghost/Player King and Ruth Negga as Ophelia. The cast also includes Matthew Barker, Marcus Cunningham, Jake Fairbrother, Richie Hart, Ferdinand Kingsley, Alex Lanipekun, James Pearse, Michael Peavoy, Saskia Portway, Victor Power, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Nick Sampson, Michael Sheldon, Leo Staar, Zara Tempest-Walters, Giles Terera and Ellie Turner. The production is directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Vicki Mortimer, with lighting by Jon Clark, fight direction by Kate Waters, music by Alex Baranowski and sound by Paul Groothuis.
Rory Kinnear’s previous celebrated performances at the National include Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger’s Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode (which won him a Laurence Olivier Award). Among his screen credits are Quantum of Solace, Margaret Thatcher – The Long Walk to Finchley, Mansfield Park, Lennon Naked, Cranford, The Thick of It and The First Men in the Moon.
Since he became Director of the National Theatre in April 2003, Nicholas Hytner has directed Henry V, His Dark Materials, The History Boys, Stuff Happens, Henry IV, Southwark Fair, The Alchemist, The Man of Mode, The Rose Tattoo (with Stephen Pimlott), Rafta, Rafta… , Much Ado About Nothing, Major Barbara, England People Very Nice, Phèdre, The Habit of Art and London Assurance.
Times Tue - Sat 7pm, Thu & Sat 1.30pm
Tickets £16.50 - £29.50
Lyric Theatre
Tue 8 – Sat 12 February – Galleries open until 7.30pm
Wed 9 February 7pm – Captioned by Stagetext.
Sat 12 February 1.30pm – Audio Described by Vocaleyes. Touch Tour 12pm - 12.30pm.
Thu 24 February – Sat 12 March
The Library Theatre Company
A Doll’s House
By Henrik Ibsen
Directed by Chris Honer
Ibsen’s ground-breaking play about a wife forced to question her devotion created a sensation at its première in 1879, and remains as fresh as ever.
Leading TV actor Emma Cunniffe, who hit the headlines when she starred as Emma Quinlan in the BBC’s raunchy mini-series The Lakes in 1997 and 1999, takes the leading role of Nora in this stunning production.
Emma’s other starring roles in hit TV shows include All the King’s Men, Clocking Off, Flesh and Blood, in which she co-starred alongside Christopher Eccleston, The Whistle-Blower, in which her co-stars were Amanda Burton and Neil Pearson. She also played Constanze, the wife of Mozart in The Genius of Mozart, the BBC’s acclaimed docu-drama on the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in 2004.
The production, the Library Theatre Company’s third production at The Lowry in Salford, has been adapted by playwright Bryony Lavery and will be directed by Chris Honer, the LTC’s Artistic Director.
It’s a return to the area for Emma, who was born in Chester and went to school in nearby Frodsham. “I am really looking forward to working on A Doll’s House,” she says. “It is a fascinating play by one of my favourite playwrights.”
A Doll’s House, about a bank manager’s wife, Nora, who has to risk her hard-earned and fully deserved reputation in order to save her husband, aroused a great deal of controversy upon its premiere in 1879, and still has an unerring capacity to shock its audience.
“Ibsen wrote brilliantly for women”, explains Emma, “and Nora is a great female role. I’m excited about playing it and about working in Manchester again.”
Playing Torvald, Nora’s husband, is Ken Bradshaw, who played Czechoslovak dissident Ferdinand in the Library Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Tom Stoppard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll in spring 2008, while also in the cast, as Nils Krogstad, Torvald’s scheming colleague, will be Paul Barnhill, currently playing Fred Scrooge in the Library Theatre Company’s hit production of A Christmas Carol at The Lowry.
Times Eves 7.15pm, Thu 3 & Thu 10 March mats 2.30pm, Sat mats 2.30pm. No shows Sun.
Tickets £10 - £18
Quays Theatre
Wed 9 March 6.15pm & Sat 12 March 1.30pm
Pre Show Talk with Director Chris Honer.
Free to ticket holders but must be booked in advance.
For more information about drama events at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/drama
DRAMA IN THE STUDIO
Tue 1 – Sat 12 February
Belt Up
Odyssey
Journey backstage in The Lowry alongside a homeward-bound traveller as he seeks sanctuary from a post-apocalyptic nightmare in this swift, breathtaking and haunting adventure.
Times 7.15pm. No show Sun 6 February
Tickets £10
Backstage Areas
Tue 1 – Sat 12 February
Belt Up
Quasimodo
Venture deep beneath The Lowry to the heart of the Parisian underworld, and join a family of villains taunting the poor Quasimodo into recounting his tragic life.
Times 9.15pm. No show Sun 6 February
Tickets £10
Backstage Areas
Fri 4 February
TongueTied Theatre
The Unholy Trinity
Three frustrated care home residents attempt to reclaim their freedom in this poignant, energetic and absurd adventure performed in demi-mask.
Times 8pm
Tickets £10
The Studio
Thu 10 & Fri 11 February
Breathe Out Theatre
Rid The World
NeverBeenSeen
Rob Johnston’s adaptation of Such Impossibilities by Trevor Griffiths, the story of political activist Tom Mann and the full-blown transport strike he helped co-ordinate in Liverpool in 1911.
Times 8pm
Tickets £10
The Studio
Sat 12 February
PanGottic Circus-Theatre
Full Twist
Mixing physical theatre with contemporary circus, this award-winning upbeat silent comedy follows quirky couples stumbling into love, creating an engaging show without using a single word!
Times 8pm
Tickets £10
The Studio
Sat 19 & Sun 20 February
Analogue
Beachy Head
Following the sell-out success of Mile End (The Lowry, 2008), Analogue return with a powerful look at the ripple effects of one man’s decision to take his own life.
Times 8pm
Tickets £10
The Studio
Fri 25 & Sat 26 February
The Water Still Remains
By John Hoggarth
See over a hundred years of history on stage in this ambitious celebration of love, life and laughter, part of The Lowry’s flagship 10th birthday community engagement project Unlocking Salford Quays.
Times 8pm
Tickets £5
The Studio
Sun 27 February
TLC Productions
Shakespeare’s Mistress
Personal memories from a life in performance… Louise Jameson left RADA in 1971 with the Shakespeare Memorial Prize and has had a love affair with the bard ever since.
Times 7pm
Tickets £12
The Studio
For more information about events in The Lowry’s Studio please visit www.thelowry.com/studio
FAMILY
Thu 3 February
Shakespeare 4 Kidz
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Bard’s comedy gets a magical transformation from Shakespeare 4 Kidz (S4K), whose musical version has proved a huge hit every time it has toured. Fairies and fun, royalty and romance, magic and misunderstandings: A Midsummer Night’s Dream has them all and more. So, little wonder this enchanting play is one of the most popular ever written.
S4K has plenty of celebrity fans, who sent good luck messages for the tour. Dame Helen Mirren described The Dream as “the Avatar of Shakespeare, with something to be enjoyed by all age groups, a great message and lots of fun and fantasy.” Others adding their support were Dame Judi Dench, Victoria Wood, Graham Norton, Jason Donovan and Barbara Windsor.
Every S4K show uses the whole Shakespearean plot, slotting the most famous original lines into modern language so that everyone – even the youngest primary school children – can understand. The script flows so easily that most people don’t realize that approximately 20 per cent of it is in Shakespeare’s own words.
Adults in the audience who have previously been baffled by the Bard will find that they can at last understand what it is all about!
Suitable for ages 7-11
Times 10.30am & 1.30pm
Tickets Children £10, Adults £16
Lyric Theatre
Tue 15 – Sat 19 February
The Children’s Touring Partnership presents The Chichester Festival Theatre production
Goodnight Mister Tom
By Michelle Magorian
Adapted by David Wood
Directed by Angus Jackson
The newly created Children’s Touring Partnership presents its inaugural show next spring: the Chichester Festival Theatre production of Michelle Magorian’s stunning novel Goodnight Mister Tom in a brand new adaptation for the stage by David Wood, the UK’s “National Children’s Dramatist” (The Times). Oliver Ford Davies plays the title role. This UK tour will visit 14 venues across the country from 2 February to 14 May with many of the theatres staging extra matinee performances for school parties. This new production marks the 30th anniversary of the novel and is its first non-musical stage adaptation.
Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows the sad William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London. A tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale, Goodnight Mister Tom celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers.
Goodnight Mister Tom, first published in the UK in 1981, is an enduring classic for both children and adults alike and has sold in excess of 1.2 million copies in the UK alone. As well as being a world-wide favourite, the BAFTA award-winning TV film of the book starring John Thaw attracted 14 million viewers making it one of the best loved stories of its generation. The book has won many awards including The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in 1981, was commended for the Carnegie Medal and in 2005 was voted amongst the top 100 books in the BBC’s Big Read.
Times Tue 7pm, Wed 7pm, Thu 1.30pm & 7pm, Fri 10am & 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, Tickets £14 - £18
Family Tickets £36 – £52
Lyric Theatre
Signed Performance Thu 17 February 7pm.
Fri 18 February
Goodnight Mister Tom Post Show Talk
Tickets are free to ticket holders
FAMILY SHOWS IN THE STUDIO
Sun 27 February
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
Peter and the Wolf
Follow Peter to his Grandfather’s cottage at the edge of The Great Forest in this wonderful family show featuring life-sized animal puppets and actors!
Suitable for ages 4-10.
Times 12pm & 3pm
Tickets Children £5.50, Adults £8.50
The Studio
For more information about family events at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/family
COMEDY
Fri 4 February
Milton Jones – Lion Whisperer
The star of the Michael Mcintyre Roadshow, the voice of eight series for Radio 4 and the weird bloke with weird shirts from Mock the Week arrives with a new show.
Times 8pm
Tickets £15
Concessions £2 off
Lyric Theatre & Quays Theatre
Wed 2 & Thu 3 February
The Workers Theatre Company
Service with a Smile
Performing brand new material from local writers, The Workers Theatre Company presents a comedy showcase of high-quality entertainment.
Times Wed 8pm, Thu 3pm & 8pm
Tickets £7
Quays Theatre
Sun 13 February
Simon Munnery – Self Employed
One of the grandfathers of alternative comedy is heading out on tour in 2011 with his twentieth live show since 1996, revealing his genial comic mind in full flight.
Times 8pm
Tickets £12
Concessions £2 off
The Studio
Tue 15 February
Russell Kane – Smokescreens & Castles
In his new show, the quadruple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee explores self, family and the consequences of his Dad buying his own council house.
Times 8pm
Tickets £14
Concessions £2 off
Quays Theatre
For more information about comedy events at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/comedy
MUSIC
Wed 2 February
Francis Rossi
The Status Quo frontman has long been regarded one of the finest rock performers in history. Don’t miss his first solo tour for new album One Step at a Time.
Times 8pm
Tickets £19.50
Lyric Theatre
Thu 3 February
The Christians
A prime mover in the soul scene that emerged from the North West at the end of the 80s, Garry Christian is back with gorgeous songs including Ideal World.
Times 8pm
Tickets £20
Quays Theatre
Sat 5 February
Australian Classic Rock Show
A celebration of the music of Pink Floyd, Genesis, Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin, Supertramp, The Eagles, Steely Dan, Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Who.
Times 8pm
Tickets £27.50
Quays Theatre
Sun 6 February
Teddy Thompson & David Ford
Teddy Thompson returns to the UK and Ireland to showcase new songs from his fourth studio album Bella, out in February 2011.
Times 7pm
Tickets £14
Quays Theatre
Fri 11 February
The Counterfeit Stones
A unique homage charting the Rolling Stones’ colourful history from scruffy blues band to rock legends, featuring almost five decades of hit songs, fashion and vintage instruments.
Times 8pm
Tickets £17.50
Quays Theatre
Sat 12 February
The Blues Band
The most successful blues band in Britain celebrates three decades in the industry with a mixture of their own material and interpretations of R&B and Roots classics.
Times 8pm
Tickets £18.50
Quays Theatre
Thu 17 February
David McAlmont
In response to continual requests from fans, David McAlmont is going out on his first national tour in years with an exciting mix of his greatest hits.
Times 8pm
Tickets £20
Quays Theatre
Sun 27 February
10cc
With over ten Top 10 hits, including I’m Not In Love, the 70s legends embark on a nationwide tour to present their new album The Greatest Hits and More.
Times 7.30pm
Tickets £22.50 - £26.50
Lyric Theatre
For more information about music events at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/music
AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS
Sun 13 February
DIGM and The Lowry
Signatures
Youth dance companies from across Greater Manchester perform dance works inspired by a motif from Roam, a professional performance work by Tom Dale Company.
Times 7pm
Tickets £7
Quays Theatre
Fri 25 & Sat 26 February
The Water Still Remains
By John Hoggarth
See over a hundred years of history on stage in this ambitious celebration of love, life and laughter, part of The Lowry’s flagship 10th birthday community engagement project Unlocking Salford Quays.
Times 8pm
Tickets £5
The Studio
3b) In the Galleries
The Birth of British Rock: Photographs by Harry Hammond
A V&A Theatre Collections touring exhibition
Closes Sun 10 April
Musical trends may come and go but rock ‘n’ roll just keeps on rocking all the way into 2011 as even the Rolling Stones are rumoured* to tour this year, when an exhibition by Harry Hammond, the leading chronicler of the birth of British Rock, opens at The Lowry.
Starting in the late 1940s, Hammond (1920 – 2009) captured the definitive images of virtually every leading British musician, as well as those of many visiting American artists. From Tommy Steele to The Beatles, Shirley Bassey to Dusty Springfield, and from Cliff Richard to the Rolling Stones, he encapsulated the emergence of the British rock ‘n’ rollers. His shots of Gene Vincent, newly clad in black leather, were to be particularly influential on later stars, including David Bowie and Ian Dury, while his portrait of Buddy Holly on stage became the image for the long–running West End musical Buddy.
As lead photographer for the New Musical Express (NME) from its re-launch in 1952 until the early 1960s, Hammond took some of the most famous images of the era and set the standard of pop photography for future generations. A well-mannered but self-assured craftsman, Hammond treated these musical upstarts with a professional respect matched by few of his contemporaries. As Andrew Loog Oldham, the former manager of the Rolling Stones, remembers: “He always stood out away from the other snappers who loathed us, wished us no good, and couldn’t wait to get back to snapping Vera Lynn.”
Kate Farrell, The Lowry’s Curator of Special Exhibitions commented: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the V&A by displaying this definitive work by Britain’s leading showbiz photographer. Without iconic shots by Harry Hammond, we may have had a few less pop culture icons. This exhibition is presented as part of our performance related visual art programme, which explores performance practice in its broadest sense. We are showing Harry Hammond alongside Invitation to the Ballet: Ninette De Valois and the story of the royal Ballet, which showcases set designs, photographs, film and costumes, creating a glorious history of The Royal Ballet.”
*The Guardian on 1 November 2010 www.guardian.co.uk/amex/gigs-2011
Invitation to the Ballet: Ninette de Valois and the story of The Royal Ballet
A collaboration between the Royal Opera House and The Lowry
Closes Sun 6 March 2011
A celebration of one of the world’s leading ballet companies, showcasing set designs, photographs, film and costumes worn by some of the most famous names in ballet including Margot Fonteyn, Darcey Bussell and Carlos Acosta, creating a truly 360-degree view of the glorious history of The Royal Ballet.
This landmark exhibition pays tribute to one of the towering figures of twentieth-century ballet, Ninette de Valois, and is the most comprehensive exhibition about The Royal Ballet ever staged.
Drawn almost exclusively from the Collections of the Royal Opera House, it tells De Valois’ remarkable story alongside the history of the Company she founded. As a young Irish dancer born Edris Stannus, she started her career impersonating Anna Pavlova in English seaside pier theatres and went on to found one of the world’s leading dance companies.
With rarely seen sketches from LS Lowry himself, inspired by De Valois’ Coppélia, this incredible exhibition is a genuine must-see.
Unlocking Salford Quays: The Inside Story
Closes Sun 1 May
Our new Quays sculpture trail, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, opens in Spring 2011. Thanks to the work of local people, we’ve amassed a huge collection of work that tells the hidden history of the area. In this special exhibition you can ‘unlock’ the past, see the artists’ models and drawings for the sculptures themselves and tell us your memories and impressions of the Quays.
Lowry Favourites
Lowry Favourites has been re-launched with a fresh new look and is always on show at The Lowry. The new displays bring the Galleries to life with photographs, sound and film, telling you more about LS Lowry and his work than ever before. As well as a rich variety of paintings and drawings from The Lowry Collection, there are new loans from public and private collections around the country.
An informative introduction to the work of LS Lowry takes place every day at 12pm and 2pm.
What’s in a picture? Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm, we take an informal look at the work of LS Lowry for families with young children.
Family Corner
Family Corner is a great place to relax, a room in our Galleries especially for children under 5 and their grown ups.
Meet Mr Lowry A 20-minute film, on show all day.
Signed & audio described tours of exhibitions are available. Please contact Box Office for details on www.thelowry.com
Entry is free, but visitors are asked to make a donation.
Gallery Opening Times: Sun-Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm
Late Night Gallery Openings
Our Galleries are open until 7.30pm on the following evenings when National Theatre’s Hamlet is in the Lyric Theatre Tue 8 – Sat 12 February
For more information about exhibitions at The Lowry please visit www.thelowry.com/exhibitions
3c) ACTVITIES
Family Activities
Family Corner
Family Corner is a great place to relax, a room in our Galleries especially for children under 5 and their grown ups.
Fri 11 & 25 February
Under 5s First Steps
A fun dance session designed to get everyone boogying! Bring your little movers and join in, or sit back and relax as they explore their creativity through dance.
Suitable for ages 2½ – 4½.
Times 10am -10.45am & 11am - 11.45am
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)
Sat 5 & 19 February
Saturday Playhouse – Make Your Own Art
These colourful workshops will encourage budding young artists to develop new skills and stretch their imagination using a variety of art and craft ideas.
Times 11am – 12.30pm
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)
Fri 4 February
Under 5s Art – Doodle Tots
Explore art, sound, texture and materials whilst having fun and getting messy in this colourful workshop designed especially for toddlers and their parents or carers.
Suitable for ages 2 ½ – 4 ½.
Times 10 – 10.45am & 11.15am – 12pm
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)
Fri 18 February
Under 5s Story Time – Tiny Tot Tales
Take your toddler on an imaginative journey of stories and songs in this inspiring workshop where each month a different artwork or theme will be brought to life!
Suitable for ages 2 ½ – 4 ½.
Times 10.15am – 11am
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)
Sun 27 February
Free Family Sunday
Join us in The Galleries on the last Sunday of every month for art and drama activities inspired by our current exhibitions. Check www.thelowry.com/familysunday for details.
Drop in 11am – 3pm
FREE
Sat 26 February
Fix-up your Fashions
Got something in your wardrobe that needs a makeover? Bring it along and we'll help you turn it in to brand new piece! Inspired by the Quays, we’re channeling Dockers style but all ideas are welcome.
Suitable for ages 10 – 14.
Times 10am – 5pm
Tickets £15 (£12 Salford residents)
Tue 15, Wed 16, Wed 23 & Thu 24 February
Drama Zone – Magical Times
An enchanting half term workshop which draws on The Lowry’s fantastic visual and performing arts programmes, plus games, stories and a lot of imagination!
Times 11am – 12.30pm
Tickets £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents)
Thu 17, Fri 18, Tue 22 & Fri 25 February
Art Zone – Making Maps
Inspired by our new heritage trail of Salford Quays, this fun workshop of sticking, pasting and colouring shows you how to create a map that’s better than any atlas!
Times 11am – 12.30pm
Tickets £3.50 (£2.50 Salford residents)
Youth Activities
Sat 26 February
Fix-up your Fashions
Got something in your wardrobe that needs a makeover? Bring it along to this special workshop and we'll help you turn it in to brand new piece! Inspired by the Quays we’re channeling Dockers style but all ideas and concepts welcome.
Suitable for ages 10 – 14.
Times 10am – 5pm
Tickets £15 (£12 Salford residents)
Adult Visual Arts Activities
Tue 1 & 8 February
Capturing Movement
Join artists Jack Doyle, Jonathan Purcell and Michelle Leigh and explore ways to record movement with art. Using a variety of techniques, from sketching to snapping, this short course will show you the best ways to capture objects on the move.
Suitable for intermediate levels aged 18+.
Times 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Tickets £35 includes materials (£28 Salford residents & concs)
Sat 5 & Sun 6 February
Can’t Draw Won’t Draw
Think you can’t draw? Think again! Our popular two-day art course is the perfect place to learn techniques, boost your confidence and be inspired.
Suitable for beginners aged 18+.
Times 11am – 3.30pm
Tickets £35 includes materials (£28 Salford residents & concs)
Sat 26 & Sun 27 February
Introduction to Pastels
Join artist Michelle Leigh for a creative weekend where you’ll be introduced to the world of pastels. Discover skills, techniques and a few highly effective tricks of the trade.
Suitable for beginners aged 18+.
Times 11am – 4pm
Tickets £50 includes materials (£40 Salford residents & concs)
Adult Performing Arts Activities
Mon 7, 14, 21, 28 February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 4 & 11 April
Ad Hoc Dance Spring Course
This 10-week dance course led by Ruth Tyson-Jones tackles the theme of the body and culminates in a new collaborative choreography to be performed on Mon 11 April.
Suitable for beginners aged 18+
Times 6.15pm – 9.15pm
Tickets £75 (£65 Salford residents & concs)
Media enquiries:
Michelle Bowey, Head of Media Relations, The Lowry
Tel: 0161 876 2037 or Email: michelle@thelowry.com
or
Marie-Claire Daly, Media Relations Executive, The Lowry
Tel: 0161 876 2024 or Email: marie-claire.daly@thelowry.com
Pictures:
For high resolution images, please go to The Lowry’s image library www.thelowryimages.com
New users need to register by clicking on ‘register’ on the left hand side of the page, fill in the required information (which includes creating your own password) and click ‘create account’. You will then receive an email from images@thelowry.com stating that a request has been sent for approval. After approval has been granted, you will receive another email confirming activation of your account. You will then have access to images via the log-in page.
Notes to Editors:
The theatre ticket scheme, Our Lowry offers anyone with a Salford postcode a range of free and discounted tickets at The Lowry throughout the year. To apply for a free Our Lowry membership card applicants should email their name, address and mobile telephone number to our@thelowry.com, call 0843 2086005 or access a form at www.thelowry.com/ourlowry. The Lowry will keep Our Lowry members updated with the latest offers.
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 (www.thelowry.com/juliafawcett) was awarded an OBE for services to the Arts in the Queen's 2010 New Year Honours list.
Posted on Wednesday, 12 January 2011 under News Press General Press Theatre Press Galleries Press Community & Education Press