Happily, Liverpool’s theatres cater to a wide range of productions – from acclaimed drama at the Everyman to West End transfers at the Empire Theatre. Housed in historically significant and, in some cases, recently restored buildings, you’ll find a varied programme across our guide to Liverpool’s best theatres.
Twinned with Liverpool Playhouse in Williamson Square, Liverpool Everyman has built a stellar reputation for programming forward-thinking theatre.
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is the largest two-tier theatre in the country with a capacity of 2,350. Here you will find touring productions of opera, ballet, concerts, comedy and West End shows offering a packed schedule of events.
Formerly known as the Neptune, and built on Hanover Street in 1913, the theatre was renamed the Epstein Theatre in honour of The Beatles’ Manager Brian Epstein. Threatened with permanent closure several times, it reopened in May 2012 after a £1.2m refurbishment. Even with the refurbishment, the interior has kept its cosy, historic interior, but a new sociable bar area has been created.
The Liverpool Playhouse started out life in 1866 as a music hall, before being developed into a repertory theatre in 1911. Architectural changes have been made to the building over the years, but the Grade II listed structure is the only surviving Victorian Theatre still in active theatrical use in Merseyside. In 1999 a trust was formed, joining the management of the Playhouse with that of the Everyman Theatre. The Playhouse has a varied programme of events from a rock’n’roll panto, to live poetry and comedy.
One of the best loved theatres in Liverpool, Unity Theatre has a reputation for staging innovative, high quality work in a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere. With an excellent track record for encouraging new writing and supporting new companies, Unity is at the forefront of the Liverpool theatre scene.
The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool’s International Arts Venue, is a concert venue for leading national and international musicians, with a vibrant multi-arts programme featuring concerts by some of the best local musicians, performance and film.
The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.
Hinterlands is a multi-purpose venue in Liverpool where events can come to life.
The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool’s International Arts Venue, is a concert venue for leading national and international musicians, with a vibrant multi-arts programme featuring concerts by some of the best local musicians, performance and film.
First opened in 1905, the hall has been a cinema and home to Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. More recently, it has been a nightclub, home to independent traders and – with recent further refurbishment – a 1,200-capacity multi-purpose theatre.
The Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, formerly known as the Neptune Theatre, was renamed in honour of The Beatles’ Manager Brian Epstein.
The Everyman Theatre on Liverpool’s Hope Street reopened in March 2014 after extensive renovation. It is twinned with the Playhouse on Williamson Square.
The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.
The Liverpool Playhouse theatre retains much of its 1911 structure, and has a varied programme of events from a rock’n’roll panto, to live poetry and comedy.
A vibrant Liverpool theatre, showcasing the city’s diversity.
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The best service-heavy, knowledgeable and cheerfully independent shops in Liverpool.
Over the last couple of years, Liverpool – like the rest of the country – has been taken over by an army of artisan coffee shops. But how do you separate the wheat from the chaff (or bean from the berry)?
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Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.
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We go all in on festivals, with a round-up of everything from city-spanning giants to grassroots gems you may not know about.
There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!
Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.
The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.
All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.
From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.
Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.
