The Athenaeum Liverpool

The Sir David Maddison Opera Prize 2020
2020-06-12 18:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Friday 12 June—The Sir David Maddison Opera Prize 2020
Dress: Lounge suits Ticket Price: £TBC
The second annual Opera Prize held by the Club in conjunction with the Royal Northern College of Music, named after of our friend and Past President who passed away earlier this year. The winner of the 2019 prize, Molly Barker (pictured), has since played at St James’s Palace and, of course, at The Opera at The Athenaeum concert in October. Our thanks to David Cox for producing this event on behalf of the Club.
Events
Diaries at the ready—Your social calendar is here
Booking Online
The easiest and quickest way to book an event is via the Members’ Area of the club website. Simply log on and visit the book events tab.
Email
Alternatively, you can email; reception@theathenaeum.org.uk
Through the office
Alternatively, You can also book events at reception, either when you are in the Club or by calling 0151 709 7770 between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm.

The Film Group
2020-05-20 14:00 - 16:00
Wed. May 20th 2020 at 2.0 p.m.
THE MIRACLE WORKER ​(1962) Based on a biography of Annie Sullivan, the blind teacher who reaches out to blind-deaf Helen Keller, it shows her turning Helen from a frustrated, sometimes violent child into one who overcomes her dreadful disabilities, and is one of the most heart-warming films you can see. Anne Bancroft plays Sullivan and Patty Duke, Keller. The film is directed by Arthur Penn. ​(Running time 107 mins.)

VE Day Lunch
2020-05-07 12:30 - 16:00
Thursday 7 May —VE Day Lunch
Dress: Lounge suits Ticket Price: £25.00
We commemorate Victory in Europe Day one day early due a bank holiday. Further details to follow.

St Georges Day Dinner
2020-04-23 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 23 April — St George’s Day Dinner
Ticket Price: £28.50
An Athenaeum St George’s Day celebration! Further details to follow.

The Athenaeum Film Night
2020-04-22 18:15 - 22:00
Film Night: The African Queen (1951)
Wednesday 22 April, 6:15 for 6:45pm
Dress: Lounge Suits Ticket Price: £12.50
The next of our classic film showings accompanied by supper and interval refreshments is The African Queen!
After religious spinster’s (missionary brother is killed in WWI Africa, dissolute steamer captain offers her safe passage. She’s not satisfied so she persuades him to destroy a German gunboat. The two spend most of their time fighting with each other rather than the Germans. Time alone on the river leads to love.

Quiz Night
2020-04-15 18:00 - 22:00
Wednesday 15 April — Quiz Night

The Film Group
2020-04-15 14:00 - 16:00
Wed. April 15th 2020 at 2.0 p.m.
THE BICYCLE THIEVES (Italy 1948) Dir. by Vittorio de Sica.
The hero needs a bike to get a job, and has to pawn all his belongings to get one. But whilst he’s working, someone steals the bike, so what can he do now? This poignant film was the first of the great Italian neo-realist films, using real locations and non-professional actors, and changed the face of cinema – everybody followed suit. This classic film still wears marvellously well.
(Running time:1 hr 33 mins)

Spring Opera Concert: An Evening with Danielle Louise Thomas
2020-04-03 18:30 - 23:00
In response to many requests from the clubs membership, Athenaeum President Dr Gaynor Bresnen, has commissioned Proprietor David Cox to produce a further concert with Opera as its main component. David is pleased to announce that Danielle Louise Thomas, will present her Internationally acclaimed showcase performance featuring some of the best-loved arias from the world of Opera. Danielle who recently performed in front of HRH The Prince of Wales, will be accompanied on the Athenaeum Kemble Piano by the renowned concert pianist Stephen Manning’s, who is also an Associate Artiste with The English National Ballet.

DANIELLE LOUISE THOMAS
Danielle Louise Thomas is a multi-award-winning classically trained mezzo-soprano from Liverpool. She is highly regarded Internationally, but particularly within the north-west of England, where she is singer in residence for the city of Liverpool. She is proud to be the first Ambassador for North West Cancer Research. Danielle’s TV debut was at the age of 11. She appeared on BBC’s Songs of Praise performing ‘Morning has broken’ accompanied by Rick Wakeman. In 2013 Liverpool held the final commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. Danielle had the honour of performing John Rutter’s ‘Gaelic Blessing’ at the cathedral in front of veterans, and HRH The Princess Royal. The service was broadcast live on BBC One. Danielle regularly performs in support of British Armed Forces. During 2017 she sang with HM Royal Marines, with performances in London, Liverpool, and Manchester. In May 2018 Danielle debuted at the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival, where she performed as special guest for Russell Watson. She was accompanied by Simon Chalk playing violin, and the legendary Mike Moran on piano. She was delighted to return to Rye in December 2018, this time as special guest and to duet with Aled Jones. In December 2019,
Danielle was honoured to be asked to perform at the commissioning ceremony for new warship HMS Prince of Wales, with HRH Prince Charles in attendance.

Stephen Manning’s
Stephen has been on the music staff at Liverpool Cathedral since 2012, firstly as Assistant Choral Director and latterly as Director of Choral Outreach. He has also been an Associate Artiste with English National Ballet since 2013. Prior to this, he gained a BA (Hons) in Business, and an MBA from Bangor University, and then a further Masters degree in Music from Liverpool University. Stephen is also a freelance accompanist and has established himself as a specialist in playing for higher grades, diplomas, and recitals across the region.

Library & Archives Group
2020-03-26 17:30 - 19:00
Thursday 26 March: 5:30pm
Meeting & Supper—£12.50 per person

Arts Group Outing - L'pool World Museum
2020-03-23 10:45 - 13:00
Taki Katei’s Japan
The exhibition showcases exquisite preparatory ink drawings and watercolors used for teaching, for preparing some of his major commissions and as an aide-memoir.
Members of L’pool Museums are free, all others £4.00
Please book at reception before Monday 16th March.

The Annual Dinner
2020-03-20 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 20 March — The Annual Dinner
Dress: Black Tie Ticket Price: £40.00
We are delighted to welcome the Earl and Countess of Derby as our guests of honour for The Annual Dinner, the most prestigious event in our calendar. This event last year sold out in January so please do book early to avoid disappointment!

The Film Group
2020-03-18 14:00 - 16:00
Wed. March 18th 2020 at 2.0 p.m.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951) Dir. by Gene Kelly, with Leslie Caron.
Gene Kelly made three great musicals – On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain (his most popular film) and An American In Paris. Which is now mostly forgotten. Kelly is an artist, and the film ends with the terrific American in Paris ballet – perhaps the most remarkable in the cinema – based on the work of the great Impressionist painters. The score includes several Gershwin numbers.
(Running time: 1 hr 55 mins)

The Athenaeum Film Night
2020-03-12 18:15 - 22:00
Thursday 12 March—Irish Film Night
As we close in on ‘Paddy’s Night’ March’s Film Night has an Irish theme. A ballot will take place on
the night to choose which film with an Irish connection will be shown. Pionta Guinness, le do thoil!!!!

Joint Meeting of LMI and The Athenaeum
2020-03-05 18:00 - 21:00
6pm – welcoming drinks
6.30pm – ‘Forty Years in the Air’ – Mr Bill Cotterell, Senior Pilot, British Airways.
Followed by supper.

Joint Supper with the LMI (at the LMI)
2020-03-05 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 5 March—Joint Supper with the LMI (at the LMI)
‘Forty Years In The Air’, by Bill Cotterell, Senior Pilot, British Airways.
A welcome drink will be served upon arrival followed by the talk and supper.

The Literature Group
2020-03-04 15:00 - 16:00
Robert Burns’ ‘Tam O’ Shanter’ with Willie Williams

The Library Dinner
2020-02-27 19:00 - 23:00
Thursday 27 February , 7:00 for 7:30pm
Dress: Black Tie Ticket Price: £35.00
Our guest speaker will be Proprietor, Dean Paton, founder of Big Heritage, who will give a talk on Nicholas Monsarrat and his links to the Atlantic Convoy and the Western Approaches. Monsarrat’s collection is now held in the aforenamed room by reception along with a model of the corvette HMS Campanula, which he served on and the Compass Rose based on.

Arts Group Outing - Tate Liverpool
2020-02-24 10:30 - 13:00
An Artist who has been working in Guatemala’s rain forest for over 30 years. She lives on the edge of a village near Lake Atilan. The exhibition should be of particular interest to all as it is a record of the passage of time and the environment conditions in which Suter lived.
Please book at Reception, £5.00 before February 17th

"A Life At Altitude"with Mal Creasey
2020-02-21 19:00 - 23:00
Friday 21 February, 7:00 for 7:30pm
Dress: Smart Casual Ticket Price: £22.00
Mal Creasey, a British and International Mountain Guide, will give us an insight into some of his adventures at home and in far-flung mountain ranges. Guests will also en-joy a two-course supper.

Members Reception
2020-02-19 18:30 - 22:00

The Film Group
2020-02-19 14:00 - 15:30
Wed. Feb. 19th 2020 at 2.0 p.m.
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (US 1944, dir. by Frank Capra.)
Mortimer (Cary Grant) is a drama critic, and has two delightful maiden aunts. Except that they take such pity on lonely old men that they poison them and bury them in the cellar. Mortimer’s brother (Raymond Massey) is even more sinister, and has an incompetent assistant (Peter Lorre). Nevertheless, Arsenic and Old Lace was a huge success as a farce, and is one of the funniest screwball comedies you can see. (Running Time 118 minutes)

Valentines Day Dinner
2020-02-14 19:00 - 23:00
Valentines Day Dinner
Friday 14 February , 7:00 for 7:30pm
Dress: Smart Casual Ticket Price: £49.50

The Athenaeum Film Night
2020-02-13 18:15 - 22:00
Thursday 13 February— The Cruel Sea
The next of our classic film showings accompanied by supper and interval refreshments is The Cruel Sea.
Despite his guilt over a recent harrowing sea battle in which many of his men were lost, Lt. Cmdr. George Ericson is assigned to helm the new H.M.S. Compass Rose with the help of steadfast seaman Lt. Lockhart. When the small vessel is sent to escort convoys of ships fighting German U-boats in the North Atlantic, the mettle of the novice crew is tested by the weather, the turbulent sea and enemy attacks — one of which nearly destroys the Compass Rose.

The Literature Group
2020-02-05 15:00 - 16:00
Malcolm Lowry’s ‘Under the volcano’, with Diana Lane

Theatre Group
2020-02-01 19:30 - 22:00
Saturday 1 February—The Woman in Black
7:30pm at the Playhouse-£17.00 per person
A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast
over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black
engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying
story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further
into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a
world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. Join the millions of
theatregoers worldwide who have experienced “The most
brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter” (Daily
Telegraph)
Tickets to be collected from the Athenaeum
£17.00 per person—booking deadline Wednesday 29th January 2020

Saturday Opening
2020-02-01 12:00 - 19:00
The Club will be open between 12:00pm and 7:00pm on each of the Saturday’s listed (except Saturday 14 September), with
Newsroom services available throughout. Whether you are attending the matinee or an evening show, guests are encouraged to take part in lively discussion at the Athenaeum.

Burns Night
2020-01-24 19:00 - 23:00
Friday 24 January—Burns Night- 7:00 for 7:30pm
Dress: Black Tie Ticket Price: £37.50
We celebrate the life of Robbie Burns, with all his associations to The Athenaeum, at our black-tie event. A piper, the haggis, the Immortal Memory and whisky galore!

Library & Archive Group
2020-01-23 11:00 - 13:00
Thursday 23 January: 11:00am
Meeting & Lunch—£12.50 per person

The History Group
2020-01-22 14:00 - 15:30
Details TBC

Ferrari' Dinner with John Pogson
2020-01-17 18:30 - 23:00
It was whilst negotiating the purchase of a ‘Ferrari red’ MG TD recently, that life-long ‘Petrolhead’ Athenaeum Proprietor David Cox met and became friendly with Six times Champion Ferrari Racer John Pogson. Although living his life mainly in the fast lane on four wheels, John had always had a soft spot for the Avro Vulcan bomber, admiring its sheer power and performance. David Cox in a previous life just happened to have piloted the Vulcan on many occasions. So with a few contacts still in and outside the RAF, David arranged a Vulcan Experience for John at Doncaster Airport, a day John says he will always remember. Returning the ‘favour’ John Pogson has kindly agreed to regale Athenaeum Proprietors and their guests with anecdotes of his ‘Petrol Powered’ life and times, which will be illustrated with contemporary images.
John Pogson is the founder of Ferrari independent specialist, Italia Autosport based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.
The Huddersfield born engineer trained at Ramsden Technical College in the early 1970s and in 1975 he got his first job at Huddersfield Garages, a Mercedes and Ferrari dealer, Outlane and was lucky enough to get his hands on some of the first Ferraris in the North. From there John’s love of Ferrari grew and after training at the Italian company’s famous Maranello headquarters he eventually launched his own business in 1991. With customers coming from not only all over the UK but also internationally as far away as Australia, John claims the success of his business is down to decades of experience and doing things the old fashioned way. Claiming that today in 2019 it’s almost impossible to get a Ferrari skilled mechanic that will work to John’s level, this garage’s success is down to old fashioned standards.
John and his team also are well known for the restoration work they carry out on these cars, taking pride in the patina and originality, and have gone on to win first place at many Concours d’Elegance events. The attention to detail and amount of passion that goes into Italia Autosport restoration work is recognised far and wide. John’s opinion on the matter is; “A Ferrari will never die, you can wreck it, it can be rusty, we restore it. We restore automotive art!”
But John’s passion for Ferraris isn’t just limited to the workshop. He is also an international racing driver and has notched a host of titles and trophies at tracks including the Nurburgring, Monza and Donington. Winning 6 Championships driving cars like the Ferrari 355 and Ferrari F40, John has many a ‘campfire story’ to tell of battling alongside other drivers in the fight for first place. “We don’t go racing to come in 2nd place!” he’ll tell you. The life of a racing driver came about through a client who was going away to America and suggested John race his car at the famous Spa circuit in Belgium. John went to Spa and won both races over the weekend, caught the bug and went on to develop an incredibly successful racing career; 6 Championships and a 47% race entered to win ratio.
More recently, John has used his wealth of knowledge of classic cars to create a set of online videos, each starring a different vehicle, with John’s no-nonsense narration; they have been quite a success.
For John, this is not just a job, but a way of life. He lives and breathes Ferrari and with a rich career not only in the hands-on, mechanics of these beautiful machines but also at the heights of success racing the cars, he certainly has a story or two to share!
The evening will be accompanied by a champagne reception and a two-course dinner.
