Liverpool is a city that is blessed with an abundance of theatres, which means that locals and visitors alike can experience the wonder of the stage all throughout the year. There are tons of touring productions as well as local talent gracing the city and we think theatre in Liverpool is going to be better than ever this year!
There’s so much to choose from, what with the time-honoured West End classic Les Mis to the iconic Rocky Horror Show – if you’re a keen theatre-goer with a penchant for drama there is going to be plenty on this year for you to feast your eyes (and ears!) on.
So, without further ado, here is our rundown on all the best theatre in Liverpool that’s been confirmed for 2019 so far.
Table of Contents
Girl on the Train at the Liverpool Playhouse
Adapted from the best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins, Girl on the Train stars Samantha Womack and Oliver Farnworth. It’s gripping, compelling and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Samantha gives a captivating performance and it’s no wonder seeing as she’s best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in BBC1’s ‘Eastenders’. Her co-star Oliver is also no stranger to the screen, starring in ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘Coronation Street’.
WhatsOnStage awarded the production 4 stars, telling readers it was a “Must see. Don’t miss it.” At the Playhouse from March 11th-16th, audiences will be able to get engrossed in an electrifying mystery. Don’t miss out on this fantastic show.
Sweeney Todd at the Everyman
The demon barber of Fleet Street is back in this wicked tale of cut-throat revenge – in the form of some suspiciously meaty pies. Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical has been brought back to life at the Everyman with some malevolently brilliant mischief to boot.
Playing the role of Sweeney will be Liam Tobin who delivers black comedy and jaunty musical tunes during a great display of anarchistic theatre. Showing from 12th April to 18th May.
Madagascar the Musical at the Liverpool Empire
A little more light-hearted, Madagascar the Musical is a twist on the family favourite. X-Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry plays Marty as the inhabitants of the zoo hit the stage of the Liverpool Empire Theatre. This brand-new musical by Dreamworks will get everyone up on their feet to ‘Move It, Move It’, with catchy songs and colourful sets providing an exciting, entertaining show for all ages.
Get caught up in the wildly entertaining production from 5th-9th February.
Kinky Boots at the Liverpool Empire
The winner of basically every major musical award is touring the UK in 2019 and is making a stop in Liverpool. On from the 25th March to the 6th April, this fabulous musical will become your new favourite in no time.
It’s inspired by true events, with the unexpected tale taking you from a men’s shoe factory in Northampton to the exclusive couture catwalks in Milan. Get ready for some laughs, tears and much more with this incredible show.
Glory at the Unity Theatre
From the writer of ‘Partition’ and award-winning play, ‘The Chef Show’, comes a show which takes you inside the wrestling ring. Excruciatingly funny, this story will explore the extent people will go to when they want all the glory.
Follow three wrestlers and see them wrestle demons, life – and each other. You can catch the show from 14th-16th March at the Unity Theatre.
Les Misérables at the Liverpool Empire
Do you hear the people sing? Set to sell out long before opening night, this classic Boublil and Schönberg musical will be hitting the stage of the Liverpool Empire on October 9th-26th. Based on the 19th century novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables has become one of the world’s most popular musicals. The new style of staging has proved amazingly popular, with this latest production being hailed the “Les Mis for the 21st Century.”
This remarkable musical features songs like ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and ‘One Day More’, all of which are rousing, incredibly emotive and poignant. Tickets for Les Mis at the Liverpool Empire are sure to sell out quick, so make sure you get yourself a seat!
Fun fact: Les Mis has been seen by over 120 million people, in 45 countries – and in 22 languages!
Rocky Horror Show at the Liverpool Empire
Damn it, Janet! Yes, that’s right, Rocky Horror is returning to Liverpool. Richard O’Brien’s infamous musical full of rock ‘n’ roll, pelvic thrusts and plenty of Riff Raff is showing at the Empire from 29th April to 4th May. Duncan James from Blue will be playing the ‘Sweet Transvestite’ Frank alongside Strictly champion Joanne Clifton as Janet.
The Telegraph has called it “fresh, subversive, essential.” ‘Time-warp’ your way to the theatre this year!
War Horse at the Liverpool Empire
War HorseThe National Theatre acclaimed War Horse will be coming to the Empire stage from 31st July to 17th August. Based on the much-loved Michael Morpurgo novel, this breathtaking and moving piece of drama is an unforgettable theatre experience which boasts 8 record-breaking years in London’s West End.
South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company bring sentient, galloping horses to life before your eyes on stage – trust us, you’ve never seen anything like this.
Annie at the Liverpool Empire
Described as a ‘glorious revival’ by The Times, this smash-hit production of Annie is coming to Liverpool direct from the West End. The Tony award-winning score is peppered with classics such as ‘It’s a Hard-Knock Life’, ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Easy Street’, as well as colourful performances providing a welcome dose of escapism for all the family.
If that hasn’t convinced you, then what about Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood playing Miss Hannigan? Yep, we thought so. You don’t want to miss this.
Pre-Theatre Dinner & Stay
Know what you’re going to see but want to make a proper evening of it? Why not treat yourselves to a pre-theatre meal and then book into a hotel? Hotelier group Signature Living has an amazing array of hotels all situated in the heart of the city, so you can enjoy theatre in Liverpool with ease. Take a look at their wide selection of hotels here.
When it comes to filling up before the big show, take a look at our round-up of the best places to grab a quick bite and get your street food fix.