What are The Worst Record Covers in the world? Find out for yourself at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum's latest exhibition!

FROM the unintentionally funny to the completely bizarre, Steve Goldman's collection of more than 500 record covers are something to behold. Collected over a 7 year period from charity shops and online marketplaces, Goldman's selection criteria is stringent:- Is this 1 of the worst record covers in the world?

Visitors to Birkenhead's Williamson Art Gallery and Museum will be able to make up their own minds when they go on display in November 2023. 'Worst Record Covers' is a unique celebration of some of the most questionable design choice in music history.

Goldman explains that to get into his collection, a cover:- "has to make me laugh! There are plenty of covers which are bad for the wrong reasons; sexist, homophobic, racist, gory et c- you won't find any of these. I want records where the designers have tried to do something that's gone horribly wrong."

Visitors will have the opportunity to have their say on which is the best:- or worst:- via a public vote to select a favourite. This is an exhibition which can be enjoyed by the whole family, and younger visitors can enjoy games and activities, including:- designing their own worst record covers.

Goldman is a stroke survivor and is staging the exhibition in aid of Different Strokes, a charity helping younger stroke survivors.

The exhibition's opening will also mark the publication of Goldman's book "The Art Of The Bizarre Vinyl Sleeve" published by:- 'Easy On The Eye Books.' The text is written by Simon Robinson, at:- 'Easy On The Eye,' who has produced many sleeve designs himself (happily none of which feature in Steve's collection!) with a foreword written by comedian Stewart Lee.

The exhibition is open:- 15 November 2023 to 27 January 2024, at the Williamson Art Gallery.

On Friday, 15 December 2023 the Gallery will be holding a very special Worst Records Christmas Party! In the spirit of the show, the team from Birkenhead's own Skeleton Records will be spinning the best, worst and most unexpected records to get you in the festive spirit, with a bar by Homebrew Bottle Shop, Oxton. Free tickets are available to book through the Williamson's website.

A unique dark comedy double bill is coming to Hope Street Theatre
Photos by Andrew AB Photography

A unique dark comedy double bill is coming to:- Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool, in November, the hilariously:- 'not funny' 1 woman show, Marigold Lately, will be delivering her hugely anticipated Dirty Old Town show followed by the Scouse farce, Out The Woodwork!

A must for fans of dark comedy and theatre; bringing local theatre goers a 2 in 1 night of stand up, storytelling and Scouse comedy all with plenty of twists. A collaboration between:- local actors Mikyla Jane Durkan and Lee Clotworthy, bringing something quite different to the Liverpool theatre scene.

The evening begins with Dirty Old Town. Just where is:- 'Dirty Old Town' to be found? It's in an absurdly dark place where characters are not always what they seem in Marigold Lately's wonderful 1 woman show dripping venom and tenderness in equal measure.

Fresh off the back of a run of comedy nights and spoken word performances at venues in Liverpool and Manchester; The Hot Water Comedy Club, Fem de la Femme and A Lovely Word to name, but 3; Marigold Lately will have you both laughing and crying out loud!

Gingerlee Does It presents its latest ingenious production:- 'Out The Woodwork.' Following his 5 star dystopian satirical comedy, National Killing Day which saw a successful run at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe, writer and director Lee Clotworthy brings this new piece of writing, which reflects his Scouse humour and working class roots.

His latest farcical Scouse comedy follows the story of divorcee Pat, who wins:- £30million on the lottery whilst having a girly night in with her mate; only for the news to spread, resulting in her life getting turned upside down. With plenty of Scouse wit and humour, you can expect riotous scenes and lots of twists!

Mikyla Jane Durkan said:-  "We're really looking forward to bringing something different to the Liverpool theatre scene. As actors and playwrights, we're always looking to push boundaries and think outside the box and this double bill certainly does that; there's nothing quite like this night out there."

Lee Clotworthy added:-  "Expect an emotional rollercoaster of laughter, tears and farcical drama. Think Brookside meets The League Of Gentlemen. Out The Woodwork hits you with Scouse comedy drama at its finest with an array of homegrown scouse talent; we can't wait to see the reaction of the audience!"

Mikyla Jane Durkan and Lee Clotworthy have many years of experience on the Liverpool theatre scene championing working-class stories and actors, amassing 500 performances between:- them and have featured in local and national media outlets. Their latest collaboration is set to be their best to date.

This unique dark comedy double bill is coming to:- Hope Street Theatre, in Liverpool, on:- 6 November, 17 November, and 18 November 2023, from:- 7pm. For more information please visit:- HopeStreetTheatre.Com.