Sophie Willan and Bolton Wanderers at centre of Lowry 360 experience
As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, The Lowry is staging a free, immersive experience based on L S Lowry's painting Going to the Match.
Developed with world-renowned creative studio Layers of Reality, Lowry 360 surrounds audiences with the sights and sounds of Going to the Match, transporting them into the painting before they can experience the original painting firsthand.
Visitors enjoying the Lowry 360 experience (Picture: Michael Pollard)Going to the Match painted in 1953, is arguably one of Lowry's best known works and depicts crowds heading to Bolton Wanderers Burnden Park.
The six-minute audio-visual experience uses super-high resolution animation and features an evocative narration from Bolton's BAFTA-winning writer and performer Sophie Willan.
Sophie, who created and stars in the TV comedy series Alma's Not Normal, was supported by the Lowry's Artist Development Programme early in her career.
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of Lowry said: 'The reaction to Lowry 360 since it was launched has been wonderful, with visitors responding with real emotion and joy to the experience of being transported into Going to the Match and then being able to view the real painting afterwards.
'This is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects we have ever undertaken.
'Working in partnership with the brilliant Layers of Reality we have transformed our gallery space, bringing to life an unforgettable experience that we hope will encourage new audiences to discover L S. Lowry's jobs" target="_blank">work as well as delighting those already familiar with our collection.
L S Lowry's Going to the Match on display (Picture: Michael Pollard)'When we acquired Going to the Match in 2022, our goal was to keep it on public view and free to access. Now, through this immersive experience, we can share this remarkable and iconic painting with even more people.
'And to open up the arts to as many people as possible, we're making this experience completely free - a special gift to audiences in our 25th year, ensuring everyone can take part and be inspired.'
The 25th anniversary programme features world-class shows and exhibitions to fill the Salford venue's theatres and galleries including a free exhibition of Quentin Blake's illustrations, featuring his most beloved characters and the regional premiere of James Graham's Olivier Award winning play, Dear England which opens on May 29.
Although Lowry 360 and the Quentin Blake exhibition are free, booking a slot is recommended.
For details visit www.thelowry.com
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