SWIM at Theatre by the Lake

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

SWIM

Theatre by the Lake, Carlisle and Keswick
31 March-16 April 2022

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

SWIM at Theatre by the Lake
Image courtesy of Chris Payne.
Book now

Filled with humour, live music and projection, SWIM is a warm-hearted performance based on a true story.

In this production, theatre-maker Liz Richardson collaborates with musician Carmel Smickersgill to create a unique, funny and tender account of one woman’s journey through grief, and how she finds that open water swimming helps her cope.

Liz grew up in the Lake District and spent most of her childhood walking in the fells, splashing in the lakes and playing in the river at the end of her garden. Following some time away living in the city, Liz makes a return to a rural village in the hills for a new chapter of her life. But when her new community is rocked by tragedy, Liz rediscovers her love for outdoor swimming and how it can keep both her and her new friends afloat.

With live music from Carmel Smickersgill and video design by Jim Dawson, audiences can expect a witty though moving show. Exploring feelings of loneliness and the power of immersing yourself in cold water, SWIM explores those universal feelings of loss and grief but also celebrates our resilience and our ability to keep on swimming. Set in the theatre’s studio just a stone’s throw from the shores of the Derwentwater, SWIM is the perfect show for theatre lovers and swimmers alike.

SWIM will embark on a rural and UK tour following its premiere at Theatre by the Lake.

Where to go near SWIM at Theatre by the Lake

Cumbria
Restaurant
Fellpack

Origionally a restaurant, but now also a hotel, Fellpack specialises in warming British-fusion cuisine from their high quality bistro.

Cumbria
Gallery
Northern Lights Gallery

Nestled in Keswick’s beautiful rolling landscapes, Northern Lights Gallery exhibits art captivating enough to match the local surroundings.

Cumbria
Museum
The Puzzling Place

Interactive optical illusion, for each visitor to immerse themselves in. This specialty museum in Keswick will baffle, surprise and amuse.

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth, image via Visit Cumbria
Cumbria
Music venue
The Kirkgate, Cockermouth

A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.

What's on: Theatre

–
TheatreManchester
FAMEHUNGRY at HOME

Louise Orwin takes on the TikTok algorithm in FAMEHUNGRY, a funny, unpredictable theatrical experiment exploring art, fame and online attention.

From £11.20
Compass Festival 2026
Until
FestivalsLeeds
Compass Festival 2026

With interactive encounters and live performance, Compass Festival is set to animate the city of Leeds once again this November.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Exhibitions

It’s a good season for contemporary art fans in Manchester, with many of our favourite small galleries launching something big.

Theatre

The nights are drawing in. Theatre across the North is refusing to play it safe. November brings experimental performance, queer comedy and plenty of surprises.

Music

Grubby dance music meets high-gloss hyperpop and wildly ambitious opera in our latest music guide.

Food and Drink in the North

It's autumn and time to get scheduling those hearty meals. Here's the October guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
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.

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.

Poet Helen Mort.
Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...