Liverpool Empire Theatre

Creative Tourist

Just on the corner of Lime Street and London Road, The Liverpool Empire Theatre is the largest two-tier theatre in the country with a capacity of 2350. It’s the perfect location for visitors travelling to Liverpool, with the walk between Lime Street Station and the theatre taking no more than two minutes.

Firstly built as the  ‘The Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House’ and opened in 1866, the original site was demolished in 1924, to reopen a year later where it has stayed ever since. In 1999, the Empire underwent a major refurbishment which increased the size of the stage, while in 2002 an extension was added to the building, and it has stayed the same to this day.

In the last century, the theatre saw legends like Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland perform on its stage, as well as the Beatles, Kate Bush and Queen. Fans on stage productions will find a busy programme of traditional theatre, touring performances alongside musicals, pantomime, pop concerts and even wrestling. Grab a drink at the theatre bar and enjoy the magic of the show in a theatre with a long history. Speaking of history, you may even come across one of the theatre ghosts who are said to regularly make appearances around the place…

If you’re after more Liverpool attractions before or after the show, Liverpool Empire Theatre is right next to the beautiful St George’s Hall, as well as the World Museum, Central Library and the Walker Art Gallery.

Lime StreetLiverpoolL1 1JE View map
Telephone: 0844 847 2525 Visit now

What's on near Liverpool Empire Theatre

Static at Unity Theatre.
TheatreCity Centre
Static at Unity Theatre

Fiercely personal, Elaine Collins’ new semi-autobiographical solo show about memories, misfits and the messy side of showbiz is a must-see this May.

From £12.00
Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
ORIGIN at Dunham Massey

Art and wellness come together in the beautiful surroundings of Dunham Massey, in ORIGN, a new immersive sound installation.

Free entry

Where to go near Liverpool Empire Theatre

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Theatre
Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.

hotel 2
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Hotel
The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel offers accommodation in style, with comfort, luxury and a seasonal menu in a central Liverpool location.

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Liverpool
Shop
Henry Bohn Books

Prepare to do some browsing and digging – this second hand bookshop is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered

Liverpool Central Library
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Library
Liverpool Central Library

The final building in the World Heritage Site of William Brown Street to be revamped, the wonderfully restored Central Library takes pride of place in Liverpool’s architecturally stunning Cultural Quarter.

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Gallery
Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery is a small but perfectly formed traditional gallery. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from 13th century to present day. 

O2 Academy music venue in Liverpool.
City Centre
Music venue
O2 Academy Liverpool

O2 Academy Liverpool (formerly the L2 and Carling Academy Liverpool) boasts two performance areas that host live music and clubnights.

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Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
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Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

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We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.

Sextile
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Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

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Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.