The Tung Auditorium celebrates its second anniversary with Dame Patricia Routledge
The Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, home to The Tung Auditorium at the University of Liverpool, marked its second anniversary with a special performance by Dame Patricia Routledge (BA Hons English Language & Literature 1951, Hon LittD 1999) on Saturday 23rd March.
Prior to the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Fiona Beveridge and The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director Richard Hartwell warmly welcomed Dame Patricia Routledge, and Journalist and Radio Presenter Edward Seckerson to the University. Dame Patricia was toured around the building’s outstanding facilities which include the ‘Dame Patricia Routledge Green Room’ named in recognition of her remarkable achievements and generous contributions.
Birkenhead-born actor, singer and comedian Dame Patricia Routledge is not only a University of Liverpool alumna, but also a dedicated supporter. Further to her role as a campaign ambassador for the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre campaign, her kind generosity extends to gifts which have helped establish The Tung Auditorium and bursaries in the English department, to support our students.
[l-r Edward Seckerson, The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director Richard Hartwell, Dame Patricia Routledge, University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones and Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Fiona Beveridge]
[Dame Patricia Routledge and University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Tim Jones]
During the engaging ‘In conversation’ event with journalist and radio presenter Edward Seckerson, Dame Patricia reminisced about her illustrious career, and shared moving and at times, emotional insights into her musical journey. One attendee said, “I absolutely loved the performance of Dame Patricia Routledge. An inspirational actor/singer and a local lady who painted a picture of her youth and life experiences so eloquently with the help of her co-host. I absolutely loved it”. Another attendee shared their appreciation of the venue, “the Tung is one of my favourite places to visit! Congratulations on this wonderful facility”.
Since its opening, The Tung Auditorium within the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre has held 200 public events with over 2,202 performers and welcomed 41,265 audiences. Reflecting on the success, Artistic Director Richard Hartwell said:
“I am delighted that The Tung Auditorium has been welcomed so warmly by thousands of audience members locally and regionally since opening two years ago. It has been a privilege to put on so many fantastic concerts with brilliant artists and local organisations. Thanks to our alumni, donors and friends who made this possible. We are excited about what’s coming up this season and beyond!”
With two remarkable years behind it, The Tung Auditorium looks forward to continuing its mission to support education and enrich lives through the power of music and performance.
For more information about upcoming events at The Tung Auditorium, visit here.