The Serious Nonsense Festival returns to Prescot on Saturday 10 August with another outstanding programme of events, performances, and activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Shakespeare North Playhouse hosts a stellar line up, with shows running throughout the day.
Headlining this year’s festival is comedian and impressionist Jon Culshaw, with an evening in conversation with Lady Anne Dodd, wife of comedy legend, Sir Ken Dodd.
Widely regarded by many as Britain’s best impressionist with an unmatched versatility and a catalogue of over 350 voices and impersonations, Jon made international headlines in 1998 by calling the switchboard of No. 10 Downing Street and fooling the operators with his uncanny impression of William Hague, and as a result was put directly through to Prime Minister Tony Blair!
Find out more and book tickets here
There are a series of children’s literature events taking place throughout the day with storytelling sessions from beloved children’s authors Jude Lennon and Simon Adepetun. Jude will also be hosting a creative writing workshop for children in the afternoon.
Find out more and book tickets here
Following on from the success of last year’s Polari Salon event, Paul Burston returns, this time with the Polari Young Person’s Book Prize, a panel discussion featuring Paul, Polari Young Person’s Book Prize judge Zoey Dixon and James Mayhew, who won the prize in 2022 for his book Nen and the Lonely Fishermen.
Find out more and book tickets here
There are also two fantastic theatrical performances in the Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden. Circo Rum Ba Ba bring you ‘The Dress Circle’, an enchanting line up of short vaudeville and circus acts by an exuberant troupe of all women performers. And from Altered Scale Theatre ‘Wash Day Holiday’. Dive into a sudsy world of imagination, laughter, and unexpected surprises in this delightful new family show!
Find out more and book tickets here
In addition to the events happening at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot will come alive with street theatre performances and musical acts throughout the day.
You won’t believe your eyes when you see giant seagulls and a flock of Herdwick sheep ambling down Eccleston Street. There’s pirates and lifeguards, a lost pedalo and the worlds first dry synchronised swimming routine performed by the Van Dunk Brothers!
See the full line up of walkabout performances here
The Market Place Stage returns with musical performances to get you up and dancing in the streets. Mamma Mania! recreate and perform all the classic Abba songs you know and love. Enjoy genre-bending brass band, Twisted Tubes, and classical music like you’ve never heard before from Flat Pack Music.
See the full line up of music on the Market Place stage here
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “We are delighted to bring the Serious Nonsense Festival back to Prescot for its third year.
“What began as a celebration of Edward Lear’s legacy in Knowsley during our Borough of Culture year has blossomed into a much-loved, highly anticipated festival of fun that attracts visitors from across the city region and beyond.”
Once again, we have an amazing roster of artists and performers taking part in this year’s festival and it promises to be a very memorable day out!”
The Serious Nonsense Festival takes place from 11am – 6pm on Saturday 10 August across Prescot Town Centre. The festival has been produced and programmed by Bev Ayre, Senior Producer at Walk the Plank.
