Liverpool Playhouse

Creative Tourist
Liverpool Playhouse / Brian Roberts

One of the oldest theatres in Mersesyide, 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.

Williamson SquareLiverpoolL1 1EL View map
Telephone: 0151 709 4776 Visit Now

Accessibility

Access within a Grade I Listed building

Services and Facilities

Main theatre, studio theatre, pre-dinner meals

What's on at Liverpool Playhouse

What's on near Liverpool Playhouse

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

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Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

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ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

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Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

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Where to go near Liverpool Playhouse

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Liverpool
Bar or Pub
The Merchant

The Merchant is a chilled pub, with a great selection of beers and gins and lots of outdoor seating. It’s also the home of Nightcrawler Pizza.

food and drink
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Café or Coffee Shop
Artefact

Artefact combines vintage finds with a laid-back coffee shop experience, plus a busy schedule of events from open mic nights to exhibitions

food and drink
City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
Lovelocks

Lovelocks is a chilled café on the outskirts of Liverpool city centre, serving delicious sweet and savoury foods and championing inclusivity.

food and drink
City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
Hardware Coffee + Kitchen

Hardware Coffee + Kitchen has taken Liverpool by storm since its opening in December 2022, with news of its fresh pastries and delicious lunches spreading far and wide. It’s located…

food and drink
Liverpool
Café or Coffee Shop
Parliament Square Coffee

A highlight of Baltic Triangle’s speciality coffee scene, don’t miss Parliament Square Coffee’s fresh brunch options and excellent brews.

food and drink
City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
COFFI

A speciality coffee shop in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, COFFI serves some of the best coffee in the city.

food and drink
Liverpool
Café or Coffee Shop
Bean There Coffee

Sample delicious croissants with your lovingly made cappuccino at Bean There Coffee & Kitchen in South Liverpool.

food and drink
Liverpool
Café or Coffee Shop
Rose Lane Coffee

Speciality coffee, delicious sweet treats and the super friendly staff make Rose Lane Coffee one of the best coffee shops in Liverpool.

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Restaurant
Stow

Stow is a new fire-based restaurant on Bridge Street in Manchester, from the team behind Trof.

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Restaurant
Gilpin Spice

Gilpin Spice is the two AA Rosettes Asian restaurant at the stunning Gilpin Hotel in the Lake District.

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