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to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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 2022.
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:
- The Rocky Horror Show - 16-21 May 2022
- Bianca Del Rio - 22 May 2022
- Fat Friends: The Musical - 23 - 28 May 2022
- Derren Brown: Showman - 31 May - 4 June 2022
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - 6-11 June 2022
- Singin' In The Rain - 20-25 June 2022
- School of Rock - 5-9 July 2022
- The Book of Mormon - 19 July - 13 August 2022
- Strictly Ballroom - 17-22 Ocotber 2022
- Paul Hollywood - 6 November 2022
- Shrek The Musical - 1-3 December 2022
- The Cher Show - 17-21 Jaunary 2023
- An Inspector Calls - 14-18 March 2023
- Sister Act - 15-20 May 2023
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.
Some shows to look out for:
- As You Like It - 24-28 May 2022
- Sog and the Flying Doctors - 2- 4 June 2022
- The Da Vinic Code - 1-5 November 2022
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.
Some shows to look out for:
- Mam! I'm Ere - 10 June - 9 July 2022
- YNWA - Let's Talk About Six - 29 July - 27 August 2022
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.
We sat down with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orcestra's new Cheif Conductor, Domingo Hindoyan to find all about his new role and what shows not to miss in 2022. You can read his interview here.
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.
For more information on shows taking place at the M&S Bank Arena see our blog here.
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.
For more information and updates on what is happening across Liverpool follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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At the Everyman and Playhouse, we’re fuelled by big stories, big ideas and big ambitions. We bring artists and audiences together in a celebration of what great theatre can achieve.
At the Everyman and Playhouse, we’re fuelled by big stories, big ideas and big ambitions. We bring artists and audiences together in a celebration of what great theatre can achieve.
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.
Liverpool’s Royal Court is a unique theatre success story. Alongside our mission to breathe life back into every corner of our much-loved city centre building, we’ve also created a truly Liverpudlian theatre venue with loyal audiences who adore a big night out.
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 I 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.
