Wigan arts venue keeps entertaining with online events

The Old Courts had to close its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak, but is now getting ready to launch online shows as The Old Courts Live.

Artist director Jonny Davenport said: “Given the circumstances at the moment, it profoundly affected everything we do and it was really important for us to have some kind of continued presence, not just to support the artists that use our venue, but also to keep content out there for the community, for the various organisations that we work with and that we support, and I suppose it’s to show solidarity.

“Ideally we wanted to have artists in performing at The Old Courts and we would live stream them – that was the plan before the lockdown came into place.

“We invested a few bob into the necessary equipment but that was quickly kiboshed.

“We didn’t want to be defeated and wanted to find a way.

“We have put together a small production crew of staff with the necessary skill-set.

“From 8pm this Friday, we will have our opening content which is a virtual book launch for Louise Fazackerley, a Wigan-based poet.”

It will kickstart a series of performances, with The Old Courts hoping to provide shows three times per week.

Jonny said: “It will be spoken word, music, educational, a few things just for fun. We are looking to get content from people inside the Wigan borough, people from the wider Greater Manchester area and also people from further afield in the UK and outside the UK.”

The live shows will be an opportunity for artists to continue showcasing their talents, including those who were scheduled to perform at The Old Courts.

The venue’s staff are currently working to rearrange more than 60 events and hope none will have to be cancelled.

The initiative is expected to continue until at least the end of May, so it is hoped many different people will be able to get involved.

The Old Courts is adding a section to its website for people wishing to get involved in the live broadcasts or recommend artists they would like to see.

Live broadcasts can be found via www.facebook.com/theoldcourts and more information at www.theoldcourts.com.