The Atkinson theatre in Southport has taken the decision to cancel family-aimed shows ahead of the Queen's state funeral next week.
The council ran theatre was set to host four Horrible Histories shows which were due to take place on Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, but has announced that they will now go ahead across two weekdays next month. In the statement published online, The Atkinson said there was "concern" that the playful tone of the shows would be seen as disrespectful.
It also said that with the civic building hosting Sefton Council's official Book of Condolences for Her Majesty, it would be "inappropriate". The statement said in full: "The Atkinson has taken the decision to reschedule four upcoming performances of Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, which were due to take place on Friday and Saturday (16 & 17 September) of this week.
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The rescheduled production dates are as follows: Tuesday 4 October 2022 – 1:30pm & 6:30pm. Wednesday 5 October 2022 – 4:30pm & 7pm.
"The productions are light-hearted parodies of British history, intended for family audiences. Nevertheless, there is concern that their playful tone might be perceived to be disrespectful at this time of national mourning. As a civic building hosting the Council’s official Book of Condolence, it was felt that it would be inappropriate for the Atkinson to proceed with the performances, whilst also welcoming residents to make their tributes and express their sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
"All ticket holders have been transferred to the new performance dates and have been contacted via email confirming their new date and time. Please contact the Box Office if you are unable to attend the new performance date or would prefer to attend an alternative performance. Our phone lines are extremely busy so you may prefer to email us on info@theatkinson.co.uk and leave your contact details so we can get back to you as soon as possible.
"You are entitled to a ticket refund, exchange, credit note, or can donate the cost to The Atkinson Development Trust. Booking fees are an administrative cost and are non-refundable. We understand this will be a disappointment to many ticket holders, but hope you will appreciate the reasons for reaching this decision.
"We apologise for the short notice and thank you for your patience and understanding."
Disappointed parents took to the comments of the social media post to air their frustrations. Ruth Start said: "Real disappointment and I now understand this foolish decision was made by Sefton council and not The Atkinson. It is not inappropriate content - it’s from Tudor times and given how live theatre companies have struggled so much during lockdown it seems very wrong for Sefton Council to hit them hard again.
"The Royal Family are big supporters of the performing arts, and actors and stage crew need to earn a living. This was a weekend show and we won’t be able to make the mid-week dates, so not only do The Atkinson and the performers lose revenue, we miss out on a great show that has been booked since the summer. Very poor decision from Sefton Council I feel."
Susan Orr wrote: "Disappointed the rescheduled dates aren't for another weekend. Our tickets have been changed to midweek at 4pm. My daughter doesn't finish school til 4pm and it will take us over an hour in travel time. Will have to cancel."
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “The productions are light-hearted parodies of British history, intended for family audiences. Nevertheless, there is concern that their playful tone might be perceived to be disrespectful at this time of national mourning.
"As a civic building hosting the Council’s official Book of Condolence, it was felt that it would be inappropriate for the Atkinson to proceed with the performances, while also welcoming residents to make their tributes and express their sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“All ticket holders have been transferred to the new performance dates and will be contacted immediately. Ticket holders are advised to contact the Box Office if they are unable to attend the new performance date or would prefer to attend an alternative performance.”
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