THE WHITAKER
FRIDAY the 13th may be unlucky for some, but for the Whitaker this April it has proved to be more than fortunate, as Rawtenstall’s awardwinning Museum and Art Gallery has managed to secure the rights to a screening of a major dance event – Sir Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Car Man’.
Loosely taking its cue from famous opera Carmen and featuring a stunning score based on Bizet’s original, the action is transposed to a greasy garage-diner in 1960s America where the dreams and passions of a small town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome stranger.
Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge… Tickets are limited and cost £10, with optional pre-screening and two-course dining available for just £10 per person.
On Thursday, April 19, the usual Whitaker Film Night resumes with a screening of Graduation, an award-winning captivating and intricately plotted family drama in the Romanian language from 2016. Book in advance - tickets cost £6.50 and you can enjoy a pre-film buffet for an extra £13.50 per person.
From Saturday, April 21, until Sunday, June 17, the Whitaker will play host to an exhibition by acclaimed Rossendale artist, Liam Spencer.
In ‘Home and Away’, Liam explores his home patch of Rossendale through a series of paintings, ink drawings and digital art, alongside work from overseas including New York, Nepal and Australia.
Liam, who produced the artwork for the UEFA cup final at the City of Manchester stadium, will introduce his exhibition on Saturday, April 21, at 2pm – all welcome, free event.
The current exhibition is by local artists Caroline Johnson and Alastair Price. Caroline’s recent work embraces ideas around fashion, customs and celebration and both artists draw on personal history, present experience and their Northern roots. Until April 15; free entry.
The Friends of Rossendale Museum will host a talk on ‘Travels in Japan’, presented by Mike Gibson on Thursday, April 26, at 7.30pm; non-members are very welcome to attend for just £2, payable on the night.
The next Acoustic Night takes place on Wednesday, May 2. This is a free monthly event celebrating all forms of acoustic music, hosted by Liam Spencer and Sarah Grundy and featuring an open mic session. And on the last Tuesday of each month from March, the Whitaker will host the Rossendale Parkinson’s Café from 11am until 1pm. Organised by Parkinsons UK, it offers people with the condition and their carers friendship, support and information.
The Whitaker is the perfect place for a bit of culture and to meet friends. We’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5pm – our building is fully accessible and set in stunning grounds, with free onsite parking and free Wi-Fi.
You can also hire the Whitaker by the room or in its entirety for events and functions, including weddings, funerals, family occasions, business meetings and community groups. If you’re interested, do contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Visit www.thewhitaker.org, email info@thewhitaker.org or phone 01706 260785.