Liverpool Playhouse

Creative Tourist

Visit now

Liverpool Playhouse

Williamson Square, Liverpool, L1 1EL
0151 709 4776
Liverpool Playhouse / Brian Roberts
Book now

One of the oldest theatres in Merseyside, The Liverpool Playhouse in Williamson Square started out life in 1866 as a music hall, before being developed into a repertory theatre in 1911. It’s now the only Victorian Theatre still in active theatrical use in Merseyside, despite rebuilds and architectural changes over the years. The Auditorium, built on three levels, still retains much of its 1911 structure and plasterwork. The Playhouse has the distinct atmosphere of a cultural venue with a long history, plapable as soon as you enter.

In 1999 a trust was formed, joining the management of the Playhouse with that of, its now sister venue, Everyman Theatre, who together provide the city with a fantastic programme of shows to suit every taste. As well as a lively schedule of performances from the classics to modern plays for audiences of all ages, the Playhouse hosts one-person shows, stand-up and talks. Alongside that, together with the Everyman, the theatres provide workshops, residencies and opportunities for younger people and local artists. The ethos of the partnership is to use the power of theatre to inspire, entertain and nurture positive social change and their impressive offer of events certainly works hard to achieve these aims.

Playhouse performances are accessible whenever possible – they provide Audio Described, BSL interpreted, Captioned, Dementia Friendly and Relaxed performances.

Are you planning to visit soon? Williamson Square is close to most central bars, cafés and restaurants that Liverpool has to offer. Inside the Playhouse, you’ll have three bars offering pre-show drinks to choose from so arrive early and make yourself comfortable. Enjoy the ambience  of this old-fashioned gem and let yourself be swept up by the magic of theatre.

What's on at Liverpool Playhouse

What's on near Liverpool Playhouse

ActivityCity Centre
The Liver Bird Safari Walking Tour

Liverpool has over 100 Liver birds hidden within its architecture. Join ArtsGroupie for a Liver Bird Safari where you’ll learn about these mythical creatures and their heritage ties to the

From £10

Where to go near Liverpool Playhouse

Liverpool
Restaurant
Bacino

Bacino pizza and cicchetti bring a slice of Naples cuisine to Liverpool. With tasty dishes and lots of drinks options.

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.

Liverpool
Cinema
Everyman Liverpool

Everyman Liverpool has luxury, comfort and an excellent programme – all that you need to fall in love with going to the cinema all over again. 

hotel 4
City Centre
Hotel
Shankly Hotel

A glamorous tribute to Bill Shankly in hotel form, where else will you find a place where luxury meets fun in such style?

food and drink
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey is a quirky bar with swings serving delicious drinks, tucked away down a quiet street in the centre of Liverpool.

Kabannas Liverpool Bar
Liverpool
Hotel
Kabannas Liverpool

Kabannas Liverpool offers a choice of comfortable rooms, from private doubles to shared options to suit all needs and group sizes.

City Centre
Theatre
Epstein Theatre

The Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, formerly known as the Neptune Theatre, was renamed in honour of The Beatles’ Manager Brian Epstein.

Culture Guides

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Cinema in the North

This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.