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to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
The curtains are about to open for some top shows in Liverpool.
Please note that these venues are currently closed due to COVID-19. For more information on the restrictions in place in Liverpool please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
If there is one thing Liverpool knows how to do it’s put on a show and we have so many theatres and performance spaces in the city to be able to do just that! From 100 year old theatres that have seen some of the biggest stars of stage and screen tread their boards to local venues that put on the best home grown talent around - we are up there with the best.
If you are looking for somewhere to see a show straight off the West End, an international rock band or some local scouse talent - Liverpool has it all!
For shows straight off the West End
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE THEATRE
The Empire Theatre on Lime Street is Liverpool’s biggest theatre and has a huge history to go with it. As one of the largest two-tier theatres in Britain, some of the biggest productions in the world have graced the Empire’s stage in its 125 years existence. World class stars like Julie Andrews, Laurel and Hardy, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles have also tread the famous boards and more just keep turning up - you never know who you might see!
For contemporary theatre, dance, comedy and poetry nights
EVERYMAN THEATRE
The Everyman Theatre can be found on Hope Street and offers everything from contemporary theatre, dance, comedy and poetry nights all year round. Alongside touring productions, the Everyman also supports a lot of homegrown talent and works with young people to perform some amazing shows. Inside, there is also a bar and bistro so everything you need is pretty much under one roof.
For some top touring productions and conversations
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE
The Playhouse Theatre is also a rich part of Liverpool’s theatre history. After it opened in 1866 it started life as a music hall and then developed into a repertory theatre in 1911. Over the years countless stars have graced the stage in some huge productions with more on the way this year.
For a taste of proper Liverpudlian theatre
THE ROYAL COURT
For a taste of proper Liverpudlian theatre, head to the Royal Court where you can expect a lot of laughs. The Royal Court’s productions generally have a strong Liverpool theme, so there will be loads of scouse humour and more than likely a good old sing-a-long.
For some local talent and underground theatre companies
UNITY THEATRE
Unity Theatre is one of the most accessible theatres in the city and has been in its current home at a former synagogue in Hope Place for 30 years. Famed for championing local and underground theatre companies and encouraging up and coming talent; it is a great place to go for something a little different at the theatre.
A theatre named after a Beatles legend
THE EPSTEIN THEATRE
The Epstein Theatre has been providing local entertainment since 1913 and was given its name in 2011 in memory of The Beatles manager, Brian Epstein. The theatre today still supports local and emerging talent as well as welcoming some huge names to its stage.
For experiencing a world class orchestra
LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is an art-deco style Grade II listed building on Liverpool’s well loved Hope Street. In 1840, a group of music lovers founded The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic making it one of the world’s oldest concert societies boasting an award winning Philharmonic Orchestra. The venue now goes on to host some huge musical performances over a range of genres in a beautiful setting.
Liverpool Hope University's Creative Campus theatre
THE CAPSTONE THEATRE
The Capstone Theatre opened its doors in 2010 and has since worked with a range of leading national and international artists and musicians to host concerts, spoken word events, radio broadcasts, plays, dance performances and film screenings. The theatre is part of Liverpool Hope University and works with alot of local organisations to showcase Liverpool culture.
For huge international artists and shows
M&S BANK ARENA
Once known as The Echo Arena, the M&S Bank Arena is the biggest venue in the city for music, comedy and live shows. The venue has hosted over 1,300 performances since it opened its doors in 2008 and has welcomed the likes of the European MTV awards, Sir Paul McCartney and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
A place to see future stars
O2 ACADEMY
The 19th Century warehouse that now houses the O2 Academy has been everything from a furniture makers, pet shop and horse market, now, it hosts some of the best gigs in the city. In the early days of the venue, bands such as Muse, Coldplay and The Killers all graced the stage and it still keeps attracting top UK and International talent today.
For gigs inside an old theatre
THE EVENTIM OLYMPIA
The Olympia was purposely built in 1905 as an indoor circus and variety theatre and went onto to be one of the most successful venues in the city. Over the years it has been converted into a cinema, ballroom, bingo hall and now it hosts some of the city’s biggest gigs.
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The Everyman Theatre on Hope Street, in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter is a 'reincarnation' of the original 400-seat theatre, founded in 1964, that's now an exceptionally green and accessible place to visit.
The Liverpool Playhouse housed one of the first and one of the oldest rep theatres in the country. More stately than the Everyman, yet intimate in its own way, the Playhouse is the Liverpool home of classic drama.
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is situated on Lime Street, the busy gateway road to Liverpool. It's ideally located within metres of Lime Street Station.
The Royal Court provides a unique theatre experience for any visitor to Liverpool.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is one the world’s oldest concert societies at the centre of which is the award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and its associated ensembles and concert series.
The M&S Bank Arena stands at the heart of the development of Kings Waterfront, an iconic Capital of Culture legacy.
The Grade 1 listed St George’s Hall sits within the heart of Liverpool in more ways than one; it is a place of congregation and celebration, offering a central location and a true sense of the city amidst incomparable surroundings.
The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool’s International Arts Venue, offers a rich mix of cultural experiences with a multi-arts and international approach to its programme.
