ArtsGoupie are advocates and creators of social artistry. We recognise the potency of the arts to promote wellbeing in communities, which has been proven to enhance people’s physical and mental health. People involved in creativity experience less depression and anxiety, as well as improved memory and reasoning. The arts can give a community a sense of identity, and has the ability to change minds through stories that affect us emotionally.
We know how important the arts are in bettering lives and bringing people together, which is why access to the arts is so paramount. Everything we do is done with purpose to promote activism on social issues and conflicts, to give people a voice, to bring to light valuable stories and perspectives , and to support a shift in consensus towards societal equality, and equity.
See our theatre events below to learn more about how ArtsGroupie has been achieving these aims.
The Weave Project 2019
WEAVE explored the invasive power of social media and technology on our lives, as well as its effects on our wellbeing.
As a part of the project, we also conducted a small study on the impact of social platforms on personal wellbeing. We compiled the results into a final project report.
Theatre tickets available now
ArtsGroupie are excited to announce NEW PLAYS THIS AUTUMN! Book now for final 2023 performances of A Portrait of William Roscoe and bring in the Season of Wraiths & Spirits with The Signalman this November!
Ghost Stories for Christmas 2023 at Shakespeare North
told by John Maguire & David Griffiths
Saturday 16th December, 2pm – 3.30pm
Saturday 16th December, 7pm – 8.30pm
After a sold out run last year, this December 2023, Artsgroupie (the Producers of Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse, A Portrait of William Roscoe and The Signalman) will chill the air with a selection of ghost stories for Xmas.
In the tradition of M.R James, Susan Hill and Charles Dickens, we invite you to pull up a chair and engage in one of the oldest festive traditions, sharing a classic ghost story. New material and a traditional classic will be read aloud by local writers John Maguire and David Griffiths, alongside a special guest to be confirmed.
Ghost Stories for Christmas 2023 at The Hornby Room
told by John Maguire & David Griffiths
Thursday, December 7th 2023 4.30pm
Thursday, December 7th 2023 6.30pm
Thursday, December 14th 2023 4.30pm
Thursday, December 14th 2023 6.30pm
After a sold out run last year, this December 2023, Artsgroupie (the Producers of Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse, A Portrait of William Roscoe and The Signalman) will chill the air with a selection of ghost stories for Xmas.
In the tradition of M.R James, Susan Hill and Charles Dickens, we invite you to pull up a chair and engage in one of the oldest festive traditions, sharing a classic ghost story. New material and a traditional classic will be read aloud by local writers John Maguire and David Griffiths, alongside a special guest to be confirmed.
The Signalman at The Reader, Calderstones
told by John Maguire & David Griffiths
Saturday 18 November 2023, 3pm – 4pm
Saturday 18 November 2023, 3pm – 4pm
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Reader at Calderstones Park
The Reader at Calderstones exists for a mission no less than a Reading Revolution. They explain (and ArtsGroupie wholeheartedly concurs): ”
For thousands of years, literature has helped humans to find meaning and connection by providing a powerful language to explore our inner thoughts and feelings.
Today, many of us don’t have the time, concentration or inclination to read. Yet at the same time, we’re experiencing an epidemic of mental ill health, stress and depression, and despite technological advances, many of us feel disconnected from each other.
We believe that literature’s unique power has the potential to connect individuals, help us feel better and to rebuild lost social bonds.
We are building a Reading Revolution, bringing people together and books to life in order to make warmer, healthier, stronger communities.”
The Signalman at The Liverpool Athenaeum
ArtsGroupie returns to the Athenaeum's evocative performance space with The Signalman
Thursday, November 23rd Performance: 7.00-9.00pm Before & After reception and discussion: Arrive 6pm, ends at 10pm.
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Liverpool Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is, and always has been, a haven in the heart of Liverpool that offers a distinguished setting and an atmosphere unrivalled in the City. It was founded in 1797 to provide a meeting place where ideas and information could be exchanged in pleasant surroundings. Today, it continues to provide this facility in the elegant building near the Bluecoat Chambers in Church Alley. Read more about the Athenaeum’s distinguished history as a Merseyside cultural hotspot.
Image of the Athenaeum: By Rodhullandemu – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66467144
The Signalman at The Storey, Lancaster
See the Signalman in the stunning Victorian setting of one of Lancaster's famous landmarks.
25/11/2023, 15:00
25/11/2023, 19:00
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Storey, Lancaster
Thomas Storey’s philanthropic 19th century vision for the promotion of art, science, literature and technical instruction for the people of Lancaster lives on to this day. Now re-modelled and purpose-designed as a centre for the creative industries, The Storey hosts more than 20 innovative businesses and organisations. Learn the history of this exceptional Grade II listed building.
The Signalman at The Kings Arms Salford
ArtsGroupie return to the legendary Kings Arms at Salford with The Signalman
19th November 2023 – 7:30 pm
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Kings Arms Salford
The Kings Arms is at the heart of the community with connections that strive to bring about a sense of empowerment and positive spirit for the people of Salford and Manchester. Since 2011 this historic pub has regularly accommodated art exhibitions, fringe festivals, gigs, poetry night and all sorts of weird and wonderful types of entertainment.
Recent Performances
Past Performance
Kitty, Queen of the Washhouse: The King’s Head
Kitty at the King's Head Theatre, Islington
Past Performance
Kitty, Queen of the Washhouse at The Reader, Calderstones Park
The Reader Theatre Room, Calderstones Park, Liverpool L18 3JB
Past Performance
The Liver Bird Show
The Garden Theatre at The Reader, Calderstones Park
Past Performance
Kitty, Queen of the Washhouse at The King’s Arms, Salford
The King's Arms, Bloom St, Real Ale House & Award Winning Theatre
Past Performance
Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse at The Cockpit Theatre
Kitty is returning to Shakespeare North, but this time at the amazing Cockpit Theatre
