The curtains are about to open for some top shows in Liverpool.
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! Have a look at our theatre guide below for some top shows not to miss for 2023 and 2024.
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!
Some shows to look out for:
- Dreamgirls - 3-7 January 2023
- The Cher Show - 17-21 Jaunary 2023
- Hey Duggee - 2-4 February 2023
- Bugsy Malone - 6-11 February 2023
- The ELO Experience - Electric Light Orcestra - 17 February 2023
- Mother Goose - 28 February - 4 March 2023
- An Inspector Calls - 14-18 March 2023
- The Bodyguard - 20-25 March 2023
- The Commitments - 17 - 22 April 2023
- The Official RuPaul's Drag Race Season Four Tour - 24 April 2023
- The Ocean at the End of the Lane - 2-6 May 2023
- Sister Act - 15-20 May 2023
- Carrie Hope Fletcher - 1 June 2023
- Annie - 5-10 June 2023
- Dirty Dancing - 13-17 June 2023
- Heathers The Musical - 4-8 July 2023
- Titanic the Musical - 24- 29 July 2023
- 42nd Street - 4-9 September 2023
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - 8-26 November 2023
- Shrek The Musical - 12-17 February 2024
- Life of Pi - 30 April - 4 May 2024
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.
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. Aside from their huge arena space, they also have an auditorium that hosts a whole host of performances.
For more information on shows taking place at the M&S Bank Arena see our blog here.
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