Halton-based Andrew Curphey Theatre Company was named Top Arts Organisation 2024 at the Liverpool City Region Creative and Cultural Awards.
Andrew, a qualified teacher, performer and entertainer from Widnes has been delivering theatre workshops and performing for over 22 years. 15 years ago he set up his theatre company to fulfil an ambition of creating something he had wished for from when he was a small child.
Explaining his motivation, Andrew said: “There are many performance groups and theatres, but at our Theatre Company, we focus on fun. I like to say we provide life skills, wrapped up in fun.”
Now with more than 350 children and young people enrolled across evening theatre classes in Widnes, Runcorn, Warrington and Frodsham. Each year the company produce various theatrical showcases and musical productions, upcoming shows include ‘Shrek The Musical JR’ (8th / 9th June 2024), ‘Movie Mayhem’ (6thJuly 2024) and ‘Summer Showtime’ (10th July) at Halton’s award-winning Brindley Theatre.
Andrew continues to teach classes, direct productions, and manage the company as well as performing at the Brindley Theatre himself, in March 2023 Andrew presented ‘Andrew Curphey LIVE’ to a sold-out audience and is super excited to return with a brand-new one-man show in May 2024, taking to the stage with an evening of pure entertainment that is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.
“After teaching for so many years, I thought it was time I practice what I preach. I perform in the Christmas panto every year, and I decided to do my first one-man show last year which was a sell-out. After the success, I decided to do my second one-man show in May this year. It is a look into my life, with some fun songs and a few special guests joining me this year which I’m really excited about, and I think the audience will love.”
On his win at the Liverpool City Region Creative and Cultural Awards, Andrew said: “At Andrew Curphey Theatre Company, we help create skills for life’s stage. Not everyone is set to be a performer, but we give children and young people the skills that they can use in their daily lives. It is so rewarding to see our students flourish and develop skills and confidence in themselves, it’s what makes me love my job so much. The team and I are thrilled to be recognised for such a prestigious award, what a way to continue celebrating 15 years of the company.”