New Cheshire live event space set to open soon

Cheshire’s newest live event venue is set to open in four weeks – and the demand for tickets has already seen some shows sold out.

Big names are queuing up to appear at The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham which plans to throw open its doors to live audiences from Monday 17th May, current COVID roadmap restrictions depending.

Sir Lenny Henry, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Shaun Ryder, Brian Blessed, 60s legends The Animals, pop star Brian McFadden and 80s favourites Big Country are among the names who are heading for the Grade II Listed venue during 2021.

I Am Kloot songwriter and frontman John Bramwell opens the live programme on May 20th – 21st with a pair of sold-out shows, sharing songs from his first solo album Leave Alone the Empty Spaces along with I Am Kloot favourites in what will be two intimate evenings of magical music making.

Tickets have also been snapped up for An Evening With Shaun Ryder, where the legendary Happy Mondays singer will talk about his time in the band along with his very personal take on the Madchester music scene.

Audience members will have the chance to quiz Shaun on his life and career. 

The packed season of great shows and unique events also includes a special Father’s Day treat on Sunday 20th June when The Faulty Towers Dining Experience hosts two memorable meals at the venue.

Expect madcap mayhem as the hapless Basil, his long-suffering wife Sybil and Spanish waiter Manuel oversee a Seventies-style three-course lunch or dinner to remember in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant.

An evening of anecdotes, jokes, confessions – and some brilliant tunes – is promised when Elton John: It’s a Little Bit Funny arrives at The Bowdon Rooms for a six-night run from July 19th – 24th.

The show, written by Chris Burgess and starring Broadway and West End showman Martin Kaye, charts the incredible story of Elton John’s rollercoaster career as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time.

There is also the chance to learn more about another big personality when larger-than-life actor, writer and presenter Brian Blessed visits the venue on 4th September for An Intimate Evening With.

The 84-year-old has enjoyed a six-decade stage and screen career from seminal 60s’ series Z Cars and I, Claudius in the 1970s to Flash Gordon, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Blackadder and Doctor Who, along with playing Old Deuteronomy in the original cast of Cats. 

In addition, he is also an intrepid adventurer who has scaled Everest without oxygen.

The very special evening with includes a three-course black tie dinner, live entertainment, memorabilia auction and, of course, a chance to hear from the man himself.

Meanwhile a busy line-up throughout the summer will bring Cheshire audiences the best in music, comedy, conversation and fine cuisine.

Chris Helme, former frontman of John Squire’s band The Seahorses, is Live by Candlelight on 3rd June, while he returns alongside two more master musicians – The Bluetones’ Mark Morriss and Dodgy’s singer-songwriter Nigel Clark – on one must-see music bill on 8th July.

There is also music from Four Seasons’ tribute Walk Like a Man on 16th July and Westlife star Brian McFadden on 25th July, with a host of other big names including Natasha Hamilton, James Taylor Quartet, Big Country, The Three Degrees, Space, John Power, Toploader and The Animals also set to appear later in the season.

Ed Gamble and Friends on 15th July features sets from four top British comedians, while original cast members Richard Gibson (Herr Flick), Kim Hartman (Helga) and Guy Siner (Lt Gruber) reminisce about their time on hit British TV comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo over a fabulous three-course meal on 21st August.

Brothers Anthony and Edward Prophet took over the Edwardian Bowdon Rooms 12 months ago and have used the COVID lockdown as an opportunity to extensively refurbish the historic building to further establish it as a real asset within the region’s live event scene.

Running alongside the vast live events programme and conference offering, The Bowdon Rooms will continue its strong community presence hosting a range of classes including pilates, yoga, acting, dance, singing, and a choir for people with dementia.

All events conform to strict COVID-safe rules which are outlined on the website.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response since we announced our opening season of events and shows at The Bowdon Rooms – it’s obvious there’s a real appetite out there for the return of great live entertainment,” said Anthony.

“We’re both very proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and we can’t wait to open the doors now and show off our wonderful new venue.

“We can promise everyone who books tickets a fantastic, COVID-safe evening to remember.”

For more information, visit thebowdonrooms.co.uk.