The Reader

The Garden Theatre

In this episode we return to The Reader's project uncovering the heritage of Calderstones, our home in Liverpool. We’ll be visiting a very special part of Calderstones - the Garden Theatre, an outdoor stage added to the Mansion House by Liverpool Council in the 1940s. We’ll hear from audience members who have enjoyed shows on this stage, both past and present, and learn why the Garden Theatre’s long association with Shakespeare makes Calderstones the perfect home for The Reader.

With thanks to The Reader’s heritage volunteers, all the local residents who shared their memories with us, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  

The Reader’s 2024 Summer Season at the Garden Theatre 

What's on at Calderstones 

The History of Calderstones 

The Handlebards 

‘After a Play’ by Elizabeth Jennings, from The Collected Poems (Carcanet) 

The Reader's Storybarn

The Storybarn is a one-of-a-kind reading retreat for children and their grown-ups. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild, discovering new stories to share, and taking part in unique experiences, alongside arts and crafts. 
   In this episode we visit a Tiny Acorns session, a group where parents and carers spend time at The Storybarn with their newborns, picking up handy tips on reading with their little ones and enjoying Shared Reading together. We hear from the parents who attend these groups, as well as the Storybarn staff themselves, who give an insight into how the magic is made. 

Visit the Storybarn page on our website 

'When Giving is All We Have' by Alberto Rios

Now We Sit With It

Episode 17  - Now We Sit With It 

The title of this episode is taken from a new painting created for permanent display in Calderstones Mansion House by Liverpool-based artist Sumuyya Khader. The artwork responds to new research by a historian and Reader heritage volunteers into links between the Mansion House, its owners and the transatlantic slave economy. In this episode we speak to Robert, one of the volunteer researchers, and to Sumuyya Khader, to hear about the process of uncovering and responding to this research. 

This episode has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of ‘Making Meaning at Calderstones’ – The Reader’s two-year project to uncover and celebrate the unique stories of our reading home. 

More information about ‘Now We Sit With It’ 

Calderstones links to transatlantic slavery – what we know (The Reader website) 

Sumuyya Khader 

‘The White Man’s Guilt’ by James Baldwin in Dark Days (Penguin) 

A Song for New Year’s Eve: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Today's poem is 'A Song for New Year's Eve' by William Cullen Bryant. It's read by Jemma Guerrier from The Reader.

Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson.

Ring Out, Wild Bells: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Today's poem is 'Ring Out, Wild Bells' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It's read by Chris Lynn from The Reader.

Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson.

A January Dandelion: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Today's poem is 'A January Dandelion' by George Marion McClellan. It's read by Alex McCarten from The Reader.

Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson.

The Old Year: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Today's poem is 'The Old Year' by John Clare. It's read by Jamie Barton from The Reader.

Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson.

The Burning of the Leaves: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Today's poem is 'The Burning of the Leaves' by Laurence Binyon. It's read by Clare Ellis from The Reader.

Snow in the Suburbs: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Today's poem is 'Snow in the Suburbs' by Thomas Hardy. It's read by Sue Highfield from The Reader.

Winter Stars: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023

Merry Christmas!

Today's poem is 'Winter Stars' by Sara Teasdale. It's read by Sami Wilson from The Reader.