blackpool arts scene Archives - Page 3 of 7

26 Jan

Exhibition Review: The Grundy Open 2025

David Simper0 CommentsGuide, Visual Arts & Exhibitionsart exhibition, blackpool arts scene, The Grundy Art Gallery

The calendar has worked round to January once more and it's time for this highlight of Blackpool's artistic year. Doors opened at 10:00, 18th January 2025 and David Simper caught the service 61 bus to see what was on offer, and see where his own piece had been hung in this year's Grundy Open. Last year I blew it and didn't get a piece into this annual opportunity to exhibit at The Grundy, now a gallery of national standing. And so this year I was ready before Christmas with my watercolour. Needless to say, despite my efforts, they look quite…

08 Dec

Photography Exhibition Review: This and That – Elizabeth Gomm

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsblackpool arts scene, photographic exhibition, photography

Elizabeth Gomm's photograph have featured on Blackpool Social Club many time over the years, as the photo journalist diligently captures many of the town's major happenings. David Simper was keen to see some of them exhibited. He caught the handy service 61 bus down to the Tea Amantes cafe and gallery to view the images on offer. Elizabeth's work majors on the type of wildlife photography that I always wanted to do as a young photographer and never quite managed to do. Many of the creatures photographed here are readily available in our parks and seashore, but that doesn't undermine the…

23 Oct

Theatre Review: Abigail’s Party

David Simper0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performanceblackpool arts scene, Blackpool Grand Theatre, Theatre

An immortal piece of writing from Mike Leigh has new life breathed into it at the Grand Theatre. David Simper may not have seen Abigail's Party before but found plenty he was familiar with in this 1970's cult classic. Having heard so much about Mike Leigh's 1977 play Abigail's Party over the years, including the original Beverley, Alison Steadman, talking about the original production on Radio 4, this was a must see for me at the Grand Theatre. I must have heard the Demis Roussos clip a hundred times, although another artist is substituted here – I knew a little,…

05 Oct

Exhibition Review: Cleopatra’s Pearl Earring

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsart exhibition, blackpool arts scene, cleopatra, painting

Having previously reviewed Peter Jamieson-Sinclair's excellent Caravaggio-based exhibition, David Simper was keen to see the work produced to the concept of Cleopatra's Pearl Earring. He took the service 61 bus down to Hive Arts for the exhibition launch. This exhibition is under-pinned by the story of a bet between Queen Cleopatra of Egypt (last of the Ptolemies) and her lover, Roman general and statesman Mark Anthony, who could throw the most lavish feast. Cleopatra won by dissolving a priceless pearl in vinegar and drinking it. The question of what happened to the other pearl is the kick off point for…

29 Sep

Theatre Review: The Lodger

David Simper0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performanceblackpool arts scene, play, surreal, Theatre

David Simper bused it down to The Old Electric theatre to take in this double-handed, one act and somewhat surreal play. Entering The Old Electric's auditorium I headed for the comfy seats and noted the lead actor sat in the same row, the bare feet and shorts giving her away. With no raised stage and the seating on the very edge of the performance area, the audience gets an almost too intimate experience at this theatre. This is a particularly intense play. The set is at first a mystery, its components covered in dust sheets. As the performance begins, a…

26 Sep

Exhibition Review: Always Look on the Bright Side

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsblackpool arts scene, Exhibition, photography

Always keen to present Blackpool in a positive light through a thriving arts scene, HIVEArts has put together an eclectic mix of photographs, celebrating the upside of our fine resort. David Simper returned from an event in Liverpool in good time to view the collection, delayed only slightly at Poulton by a trespasser on the track. Always Look on the Bright Side is a group exhibition of work from some acomplished photographers and a great exhibition to brighten our lives as the days lengthen into autumn. The clocks going back beckons and winter is only just over the horizon. It…

12 Sep

Exhibition Review: Darren Elwell at Tea Amantes

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsart exhibition, blackpool arts scene, drawing, print making

Fresh from reviewing at the HIVEArts event the same evening, David Simper legged it down to a crowded Tea Amantes tea room and gallery to catch Darren Elwell's latest show. Darren Elwell is a freelance illustrator and experienced teacher based in Lytham St Annes. He is inspired by the graphic and dynamic style of American comic books he adored as a teenager. With experience in packaging design, advertising, and illustration projects for a diverse range of clients, Darren has plenty of opportunities to exploit his distinctive style. Here he exhibits personal work based on his own vision. I previously reviewed…

08 Sep

Exhibition Review: Hannah Elizabeth – Those Sweet Moments

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsart exhibition, blackpool arts scene, Exhibition, hivearts, painting

Local artist Hannah Elizabeth is displaying her work at HIVE gallery on Church Street. David Simper caught the service 3a bus down to the opening. This one was popular with a large number of people in the downstairs cafe and display area, taking in this excellent work. I had carelessly thought that Hannah's work was acrylic, but it transpired the material was tester paint pots from a former well known DIY outlet. The paintings are large and presented unframed, which works for these strong, bold paintings. This is Hannah's first solo show and I think we are very lucky to…

25 Aug

Photo Talks: HIVEArts PhotoPool

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsblackpool arts scene, hivearts blackpool, photography, talks

The excellent PhotoPool exhibition and talks programme at HIVEArts has continued throughout August. David Simper went down to catch three speakers programme on Saturday 17th. Although I had heard Richard Oughton's excellent presentation at a Blackpool Community Darkroom event at the Aunty Social venue a couple of nights before, I was keen to hear it again. As it was, bus times meant that I was slightly late and found Richard in full flow in the first floor HIVEArts gallery space. As the best things in life tend to happen, Richard fell into recording the Northern Soul dance and music scene…

05 Aug

Exhibition: HIVEArts PhotoPool

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsblackpool arts scene, photographic exhibition, photography

HIVEArts' month long photographic extravaganza commenced on 3rd August 2024, with a two floor exhibition of work and talks from two photographers. David Simper bused down to the Church Street venue to view the work, listen to the talks and enjoy the vibe. The PhotoPool collective is HIVEArts' photographic arm and supports a variety of photographers to showcase their work across the county. A month long programme of events has kicked off and will feature a variety of work, talks, workshops, studio sessions, photowalks, cameras for sale and photo developing. There's also the Tramstop Takeover showcasing local photographer's work. On…