Liverpool Empire Theatre

Creative Tourist

Visit now

Liverpool Empire Theatre

Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE
0844 847 2525
Book now

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.

What's on near Liverpool Empire Theatre

Image of a performer dressed as a creepy moon, wearing a beige suit jacket, grinning in front of a lamp
EducationCity Centre
British Science Festival

Enjoy comedy shows to art installations, dynamic performances and more at this amazing celebration of all things science.

Free entry
Love Lane Brewery Exterior
Until
TourBaltic Triangle
Love Lane & Higsons Brewery Tour Experience!

Every weekend in Liverpool’s buzzing Baltic Triangle, Love Lane Brewery invites visitors behind the scenes for an hour-long tour through its striking, industrial space. Housed in a converted rubber factory,

From £25.00

Where to go near Liverpool Empire Theatre

City Centre
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
City Centre
Hotel
The Liner Hotel

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

library
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
City Centre
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.

City Centre
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.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North.
Theatre in the North

From outdoor shows to drama in the dark, our theatre guide celebrates genre-pushing work, new writing and contemporary performance.

Author portrait
Literature Events in the North

Our latest round-up features plenty of one-off live literature events to wrap your ears about, so get those diaries ticking over...

Two women stand next to an orange car.
Cinema in the North

August brings a huge LGBTQ+ film festival, plus a reggae classic and a spotlight on Japanese animation.

Blondshell by Hannah Bon.
Music in the North

From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.