Bernadette Russell: Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy at The Whitworth

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Visit now

Bernadette Russell: Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy

The Whitworth, Manchester
11 March 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Book now

We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than this interactive performance from Bernadette Russell on how to do something kind each day within the welcoming walls of The Whitworth . Be inspired at this special family event as part of SICK! Festival by trying out acts such as “Send A Hug Through The Post” and get involved in the “Smile Collection”. Leave uplifting messages throughout the gallery for others to find to make their day.

As a personal response to the riots of 2011 and as mistrust of and less social interaction with others (including urban yoof) seemed to be on the rise, Bernadette Russell pledged to be kind to a stranger every day for a year.

Since starting the project to just see what would happen, many artistic responses such as a theatre show and children’s activity book (Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy: Acts of Kindness for Kids) have ensued together with Bernadette’s belief that through small acts “all of us can make the world a better, happier place with kindness”.

Can kindness change the world? There’s only one way to find out.

What's on at The Whitworth

Where to go near Bernadette Russell: Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy at The Whitworth

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Big Hands

Big Hands is the one-time haunt of legendary Manchester band Elbow; it’s shabby, loud and dark, with a jukebox and excellent roof terrace.

The Giving Tree
Manchester
Restaurant
The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is a cafe and community hub based in Rusholme, a short walk from the city centre.

Pankhurst Centre
Manchester
Museum
The Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre houses a small museum and heritage centre that remains as a legacy to the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement born in this city.

Whitworth Park, Manchester
Manchester
Park
Whitworth Park

This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.

Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy 3

Brilliant venue for catching a touring band on the rise. The boringly titled Academy 3 or more interesting Hop and Grape, as it was once known, is a self contained…

Manchester Academy music venue on Oxford Road Manchester.
Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy

The Manchester Academy is a mid size, modern warehouse venue adjacent to the University of Manchester Students’ Union. It lacks any architectural merit and has always been a difficult place…

Cafe at the Museum
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
The Cafe
at the Museum

Manchester Museum’s cafe is run by the people behind award-winning cafe Teacup Kitchen. The menu features home-baked cakes, the finest loose leaf teas and breakfast, as well as a wide selection of mains and meals for kids.

What's on: Families

A Christmas Carol at Bolton Octagon
Until
FamiliesBolton
A Christmas Carol

Bringing music, laughter and a welcome dose of festive cheer, a brand-new adaptation of the Dickensian classic is the perfect festive treat for families this Christmas.

From £15.00

Culture Guides

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.