A digital & physical circus-theatre experience for 2-6 year olds and their families.

Some might be Plink and others are Boo
Why does it matter, what’s the to-do?
Jumbled up people and boxes too small;
Let’s make a den and discover it all…

Welcome to the topsy turvy world of Play-Along Plink and Boo, a unique circus theatre performance made for camera. Join us from the comfort of your own home as we explore what happens when people don’t fit into boxes (even if it is the neatest place to put them).

This show combines watching a filmed performance with playing along with real objects in your own homes. The objects are the same as the ones you’ll see in the show. You can download an activity pack or watch this instruction video that shows you how to make these objects, using things you can find round the house.

Before you watch Play-Along Plink and Boo, we recommend getting ready by building a theatre den in your front room! In this video, Thea, the youngest member of Can't Sit Still, shows you how to do just that.

As parents ourselves, we appreciate that anyone looking after children is likely to be busy! If you don’t have time to do all this before the show, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the experience without the props or den.

*As this is an online event, please ensure that you supply a valid email address at the time of booking.

The Dragon who Hates Poetry is a hilarious, slapstick poetry show, an interactive live stream, aimed at anyone age 5+

Written and performed by Dommy B- winner of the UK Saboteur Award for 'Best Spoken Word Artist 2020'.
Directed and co-produced by Gerry Potter and Z Arts Big Imaginations with funding from Arts Council England Grants for the Arts.

There is no dragon scarier in any earthly place. His face looks like his bottom… and his bottom like his face…
A fun, solo show packed full of lyrics, laughter and lots of joining in! Armed with only pen and paper, poet Dommy B needs your help to bring this fearful dragon’s reign to an end!
Show length - 1 hour

Age - 5+

Interactive? Yes! In a fun, friendly way - no one gets picked on or has to do stuff they don't want to, but there is opportunity to join in with the creativity!
The show is hosted live via Zoom. Once you have purchased a ticket, you will receive a link to access the stream. You will be able to log in and access the waiting room from 11am. The show is due to start at 11:30am

When Trolls Try to Eat Your Goldfish is a comedy adventure poetry show, an interactive live stream, aimed at anyone age 5+

Written and performed by Dommy B - winner of the UK Saboteur Award for 'Best Spoken Word Artist 2020'.
Directed and co-produced by Kevin Dyer and Action Transport Theatre with funding from Arts Council England Grants for the Arts.

In the middle of the night there is a noise – a snuffling and a shuffling and a splintering of wood. A line of troll-prints lead out the door, across the lawn and into the deep, dark night.
When a grotesque gang of greedy trolls steal all the village’s pets (including Nikki’s favourite goldfish, Great Bumbleduke the Third), who is going to come to the poor animals’ rescue?

Show length - 1 hour
Age - 5+

Interactive? Yes! In a fun, friendly way - no one gets picked on or has to do stuff they don't want to, but there is opportunity to join in with the creativity!

The show is hosted live via Zoom. Once you have purchased a ticket, you will receive a link to access the stream. You will be able to log in and access the waiting room from 2pm. The show is due to start at 2:30pm.

Featuring exclusive content and songs not yet performed at gigs, a cappella, individual member performances, and favourites revisited this is an absolute must for all Merry Hell fans and music lovers everywhere!

Independent Venue Week aims to underline the contribution of grassroots music; Artists, Venues and all those who make events and so this special digital edition featuring content curated exclusively for The Old Courts with Independent Venue Week is available to view on a ‘Pay As You Feel' basis. There is no minimum amount, but we thank you in advance for your generosity, and all of your support.           

Keep checking back as we reveal the line-up for this digital showcase!

Independent Venue Week aims to underline the contribution of grassroots music & events; Artists, Venues and all those who make events and so this special digital edition featuring content curated exclusively for The Old Courts with Independent Venue Week is available to view on a ‘Pay As You Feel' basis. We thank you in advance for your generosity, and all of your support. 

Suggested duration of visit: 1 hour. Please note: The galleries close at 3.30pm. As such, visitors should only book the 3pm timed-entry if they are happy to experience the exhibition in a reduced 30 minute session. Thank you.

Days Like These is a new exhibition which shares the stories of Salford in 2020, using paintings, photographs, films and poetry contributed by some of the 245,000 residents of the city - from empty Salford streets and the joy of reuniting, to the impact on frontline workers and the challenges of being alone.  The exhibition wants to reflect the hopes and fears of everyone, then and now, and after you have seen the exhibition, we hope you contribute too.

Alongside is a new display of the best of Salford’s own LS Lowry – an artist known for his paintings of crowded city streets, and vast empty landscapes.

The exhibition forms part of the Spirit of Salford initiative – a scheme designed to celebrate the unique personality and pioneering spirit of Salford.

Booking details
• The Galleries will open for weekends only and booking is essential.
• Our opening hours will be 11-4 on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Social distancing measures are in place together with a one-way system
• Visits to the gallery will be via timed entry slots so please ensure you arrive on time (late comers may be declined entry)

• All tickets must be bought in advance and there is a  maximum number of 6 tickets per booking.

• All tickets within a particular group must be purchased by one booker and each group must consist of one household or support bubble.

• When you arrive at The Lowry temperature checks and security controls will be in place.

• Face coverings are mandatory at all times throughout the venue and entry will be denied if face coverings are not worn.

• No food or drink will be allowed into the galleries.

• Always follow instructions given by our staff as well as signage and notifications to ensure the safety of everyone in the building and maintain social distancing from all other households or support bubbles at all times.

Do not attend the venue and contact us immediately if you:
• believe you may be infected with COVID-19;
• have experienced symptoms in the last 14 days;
• have been in close proximity to anyone who has experienced symptoms in the last 14 days;
• have arrived in England in the last 14 days and are not covered by the exemption rules relating to self-isolation; or
• have been instructed to self-isolate.

These measures are designed to keep everyone safe and ensure that everyone has a great time. Please respect our staff at all times as they implement these measures for everyone's wellbeing - and most importantly we hope you enjoy your visit!

Please take a look at our FAQs in advance of your visit. – www.thelowry.com/coronavirus

Fine dining and finesse are in abundance on our flagship dining experience, combining first-class food with superior service.

£58.00 per head for 2021 - Adult only

The prices shown above include the meal (includes VAT) + train fare (no VAT payable)

Our celebrated Red Rose Diners are the ultimate in foodie experiences, perfect for romantic meals and friendly get-togethers.

What’s Included?

    A beautiful 2 and ¾ hour steam train ride through the Irwell Valley
    A welcome glass of fizz
    A four course meal followed by tea or coffee and after dinner chocolates

Red Rose Diners run on selected Fridays and Saturdays from February to November. The diners depart Bury Bolton Street Station at 7:30pm and return at approximately 10:15pm.

Join us as we end the week the best way we know how, with a steam train hauled Sunday Roast!
 
£49.00 per adult and £39.00 per child (5-12 years) for 2021

The prices shown above include the meal (includes VAT) + train fare (no VAT payable)

This traditional, train hauled, three course meal through beautiful Lancashire countryside is a great way to bring all the family together.

What’s Included?

    A beautiful 2 and ½ hour steam train ride through the Irwell Valley
    A welcome glass of fizz on-board
    A traditional three course meal followed by tea or coffee after dinner mints

Lancastrian Lunches run on Sundays from January to November. The diners depart Bury Bolton Street Station at 13:00pm and return at approximately 15:25pm.

Fancy yourself as a bit of a Poirot? An adorer of all things Agatha Christie? Then put on your thinking cap and work up an appetite for some serious sleuthing with a Murder Mystery Night. These popular evenings are hosted by the award winning After Dark Entertainment and guarantee an evening of indulgent food and intrigue!

£75.00 per head for 2021 - Adult Only

The prices shown above include the meal (includes VAT) + train fare (no VAT payable)

What’s Included?

    A beautiful 2 and ¾   hour steam train ride through the Irwell Valley
    A welcome glass of fizz
    A four course meal followed by tea or coffee and after dinner chocolates
    Murder Mystery entertainment by the award-winning After Dark Entertainment

Murder Mystery Nights run on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. The evening starts at Bury Bolton Street Station at 6:45pm and finishes at approximately 10:15pm.

Join us for a delicious home-cooked two course meal served onboard our steam-hauled dining train on our recreation of the ‘Pines Express’ that used to run through Bitton Station.

Seats are in carriages around tables of two or four people and will be socially-distanced

Our onboard bar will be open serving a range of wine, beer, cider and soft drinks.

Put your taste buds to the test with an evening of wine tasting, served alongside a fine four course menu on board our beautiful Pullman style dining carriages.

£78.00 per head for 2020 - Adults only

The prices shown above include the meal (includes VAT) + train fare (no VAT payable)

What’s included?

    A beautiful 3 hour steam train ride through the Irwell Valley
    An expert led wine tasting evening with Kwoff Wines
    A four course meal with wine followed by tea or coffee after dinner mints

Wine Tasting Dinners run on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. The evening starts at Bury Bolton Street Station at 7:30pm and finishes at approximately 10:15pm.

Tickets are valid for date shown

Tickets are valid for one round trip only (NOT ALL DAY)

Please make sure you have a version of your ticket printed OR have them on your handheld device and have them with you ready for inspection on the day.

Please bring your ATOC and ID Card with you, failure to have this will result in you being charged the standard fare of £16.50 per Adult/£10.50 Child/Concession