Pavilion Theatre presents

Poppy Ackroyd

as part of WAVESeries

Poppy Ackroyd is an acclaimed pianist, violinist, composer and producer from London, currently based in Brighton. Her first visit to Dún Laoghaire coincides with the release of Liminal, her intimate new album released 12 June 2026 via One Little Independent Records. Written and recorded during a period of profound upheaval and transition, it marks a return to the core of Ackroyd’s practice, bringing piano and violin back together.

As well as conventional playing styles she employs extended techniques, utilising the piano's strings and frame as well as the keyboard, and the body of the violin as well as the strings. By manipulating and multi-tracking recordings of these sounds, the resulting compositions build into a cohesive, expressive and unique sonic world.

Across her back catalogue, from 2012’s Escapement to 2021’s Pause, and now Liminal, she explores themes both personal and abstract, and drives all aspects of the
creative process herself down to making etchings for the album covers. This commitment to her craft is felt clearly in her inimitable and intimate live shows.

That wider world continues to resonate through her work. Ackroyd’s music has featured in countless documentaries and dance productions, including with New York City Ballet, and in theatre, where the National Theatre used The Calm Before as the opening music for The Seagull. Her collaboration with Ainslie Henderson, Shackle, won Best British Film at the London International Animation Festival.