theatre

Back to “Rydell High” school…

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

After a mere 35 years, I’m finally heading back to Rydell High School – to M.D. GREASE for a second time!

The first time was whilst I was a student at the University of Liverpool – and was only the 2nd time I’d ever been Musical Director for a show…

(For very many reasons, there will be a lot less knitwear involved this time around 🤪)

This time, I’m delighted to be returning to Kilworth House Theatre to M.D. my first show there, having previously played in the band for several productions.

The show runs from 29th July to 7th September and tickets are available HERE if you fancy popping along.

Christmas in the High Peak!

Richard Atkinson 1 Comment

I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Musical Director and Arranger for SLEEPING BEAUTY at Buxton Opera House this Christmas.

I had a great time as MD for their community production of SWEENEY TODD earlier this year, and to perform again in this beautiful Frank Matcham designed theatre will be amazing.

The show will be directed by Paul Kerryson, with choreography by Tracey Iliffe, and runs from Saturday 10th Dec 2022 until Sunday 1st January 2023.

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 8. The Wizard of Oz (Theatre by the Lake)

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

Time for no.8 in my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST, with THE WIZARD OF OZ at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick – Christmas 2001.

This was my very first show at Theatre by the Lake, and you can read all about it here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-8-the-wizard-of-oz-theatre-by-the-lake/

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts. 

For anyone who feels they are struggling – there are some great resources listed on the “Freelancers make theatre work” wellbeing page: https://freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing/

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 7. Oliver!

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

Here we go with no.7 in my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – with Oliver! at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme – Christmas 2006.

Click here to read all about it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-7-oliver/

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts. 

For anyone who feels they are struggling – there are some great resources listed on the “Freelancers make theatre work” wellbeing page: https://freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing/

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 5. Robin Hood

Richard Atkinson 1 Comment

Time for part 5 of my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST. This time, it’s the turn of ROBIN HOOD at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – Christmas 1996.

Click here to read all about it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-5-robin-hood/

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.

I set out with this blog to help remind myself and others that whilst the current situation is dire, there have been many moments of Christmas joy in the past, and will be again in the future – particularly now that vaccines appear to be on the way. It’s important to try and keep on top of our mental health, and this is certainly helping me do that – and hopefully others too. I’m thrilled by the number of comments coming in, and look forward to seeing others as they come in.

For anyone who feels they are struggling – there are some great resources listed on the “Freelancers make theatre work” wellbeing page: https://freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing/

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

Here we have part 4 of my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick – Christmas 2002.

Click here to read all about it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-4-alices-adventures-in-wonderland/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/

I set out with this blog to help remind myself and others that whilst the current situation is dire, there have been many moments of Christmas joy in the past, and will be again in the future – particularly now that vaccines appear to be on the way. It’s important to try and keep on top of our mental health, and this is certainly helping me do that – and hopefully others too. I’m thrilled by the number of comments coming in, and look forward to seeing others as they come in.

For anyone who feels they are struggling – there are some great resources listed on the “Freelancers make theatre work” wellbeing page: https://freelancersmaketheatrework.com/wellbeing/

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – 3. The Wizard of Oz (New Vic)

Richard Atkinson Leave a comment

Time for part 3 of my series of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST – The Wizard of Oz at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme – Christmas 1999.

Click here to read all about it: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past-3-the-wizard-of-oz-new-vic/

Please also feel free to add your own memories of the show – either in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or on the Twitter & Facebook posts.

More Ghosts are on their way soon….

You can see all the GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST on the dedicated page here: https://richardatkinson.org/ghosts-of-christmas-past/