‘The Library Presents’ is back this autumn full of fun and fantasy with the widest range of arts activities yet with over 50 events across Cambridgeshire libraries.
An eclectic mix of performances and workshops are on offer to suit all ages, including music, theatre and dance, as well as magic, puppetry and film showings. The 10-week-long season of 52 events, which will run until December, kicks off on 1 October with a condensed version of Macbeth.
Tickets are on sale from 1 September. Standard performances are £8 and workshops are £6. Concessions and other affordable options are available, to make sure everyone can join in.
If you’re keen to embrace the spookier side of the autumn season, you may be drawn to the Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde theatre performance or the Murder in the Library interactive theatre event. The bravest audience members should sign up for ‘The Cabinet of Dr Caligari’ in Ely – a sinister and unnerving evening of 1920s silent film, with live music by Minema.
But the season also has a lighter side, featuring fairytales, magic and balloons. Families and young children will be well catered for at events like ‘Club Origami’, an adventure in a land of paper and play, for families with children 0-5 years; Norwich Puppet Theatre’s ‘Thumbelina’ for families with children aged 2 years upwards; and the Little Angel Theatre’s production ‘WOW! Said the Owl’. Other family-focused performances will include the Musical Balloon Band in Littleport, the ‘Silly Squirrel’ in Sawston and ‘The Christmas Spirits’ in Wisbech.
Councillor Tom Sanderson, Chair of the County Council's Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “Last season was really well-attended, with most events selling out, so if people want to attend, I’d advise booking early. The autumn season line-up has been determined by local communities expressing their preferences and it’s great to see such a wide range of options available including even more accessible and inclusive events from our thoughtful and welcoming library venues.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We were delighted to continue our funding for The Library Presents through our 2023-26 National Portfolio, supporting them to programme a huge variety of creative and cultural events that communities across Cambridgeshire can enjoy. It is hugely powerful to see that local residents have played such an important role in choosing the performers and events that they want to see. I hope lots of people get the chance to enjoy their fun filled autumn season.”
Several events feature enhanced accessibility options, including Relaxed Performances (which are autism and neurodiverse friendly), hearing loop availability (which can be booked in advance) and touch tours. Relaxed family events include the fun ‘Magical Honey’ and ‘Dance Like an Astronaut’ performances. We are proud to include a writing workshop for neurodivergent adults and young people for the first time.
Performances of the ‘Magicomedy’, ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Call Mr Robeson’, as well as Ceramics and Fused Glass workshops, will run with a BSL interpreter, with attendees welcomed to these events by staff who speak BSL.
Detailed information about building access is available within the programme guide as well as on the The Library Presents website. Service animals are welcome at all events and audience members are encouraged to get in touch if they have specific access requests.
The Library Presents programme is funded by Arts Council England and run by Cambridgeshire County Council working with Babylon ARTS.
To pick up a brochure or book tickets for The Library Presents Autumn Season from 31 August head into your nearest library or look online www.library.live/the-library-presents. There is also the option to subscribe to our email newsletter, or stay up to date with news via Facebook and Instagram at: @TheLibraryPresents.
