Liverpool Empire

Liverpool Empire Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE Street map

Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 - or use the online links below

Summer Winter 2010 Season at The Empire Theatre in Liverpool:

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Tuesday 29 June to Saturday 17 July 2010
The most fantasmagorical stage musical in the history of everything, hits the road in top gear in a brand new high flying tour which comes to The Empire Liverpool Theatre this Summer. With a cast orchestra and crew of 100 (including ten dogs!), sensational sets and stunning special effects, this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, and his two children Jeremy and Jemima, alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the famously evil Childcatcher. This ravishing award-winning show is guaranteed to be the most exciting theatrical event of the year. This production has been nominated for three Olivier Awards, won Best Musical in the 2002 Variety Awards and been nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway.

Strictly Tap Dance Fever
Monday 19 July 2010
Strictly Tap Dance Fever takes the audience on a whistle stop tour of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history. Starting in the era when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were the stars of the day, the show tap dances its way through history, thrilling and exciting audiences with the vibrant tap dance styles that entertained generations. This brand new production for 2010 features fantastic musical classics mashed with modern day beat. So Put on the Ritz, Sing, Sing, Sing and Get in the mood, its time to Face the music and Dance the night away!

The Gruffalo
Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 July 2010
Join Mouse at the Empire Theatre on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood... meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl, a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined...? Touring nationally and internationally since 2001, this magical musical adaptation of the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo has been performed over 4000 times to over a million people the world over! Hailed by The Sunday Times as "a fine piece of children’s theatre."

One Moment In Time
Thursday 22 and Friday 23 July 2010

Motown Show - How Sweet It Is
Sunday 25 July 2010
The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back by popular demand! In its 8th successive year this stunning 100% live show combines first class music together with the slickest choreography and an amazing orchestra to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have! Over 50 Golden Years of Motown music are remembered featuring songs from legendary artistes such as The Temptations, Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Mary Wells, The Islay Brothers and many, many more. And don't forget all that fancy footwork; our fantastic vocalists are also trained dancers and the choreography of this show is something else!

Liverpool Empire Stage Experience Presents Fame the Musical
Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 August 2010
A cast of young people from the local Liverpool area, working with a professional creative team, will star in an exhilarating stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie and popular TV series of the same name. This breathtaking show follows the lives of a group of students attending New York's High School for the Performing Arts. Follow them on their journey through school in this feel-good show as they reach for the stars and the bright lights of the entertainment industry. An amateur performance presented at the Liverpool Empire Theatre by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd, featuring music by Steven Margoshes, lyrics by Jacques Levy and book by Jose Fernandez, based on a concept by David DeSilva. Title song by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore.

Spamalot
Monday 9 to Saturday 14 August 2010
Audiences all around the world have been roaring with laughter since Monty Python's Spamalot, by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005. Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table and features a bevy (or possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings (sorry, cancelled - too expensive) not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people in "a truly joyous and triumphant evening" (The Daily Express). Don't miss your night with the Knights of The Round Table at the most infectiously funny musical of the millennium when Spamalot comes to the Empire Theatre in Liverpool this Summer! Starring Jodie Prenger as 'The Lady of the Lake', Marcus Brigstocke as 'Arthur King of the Britons' and Todd Carty as 'Patsy'. Please note that Jodie stars in Monday to Friday performances only while Hayley Tamaddon will star as 'The Lady of the Lake' for both Saturday performances. Casting subject to change.

Hairspray
Tuesday 17 August to Saturday 4 September 2010
In Hairspray, it's 1962, the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, 'The Corny Collins Show' and overnight is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her hairdo? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s! Hairspray comes to The Oxford New Theatre for two weeks starring Michael Starke as 'Edna Turnblad' and Les Dennis as 'Wilbur Turnblad'. The stage musical Hairspray is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman. Hairspray is directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Casting subject to change.

Brick Up - the Wirral Strikes Back!
Tuesday 7 to Saturday 18 September 2010
Brick Up: The Wirral Strikes Back at the Liverpool Empire is an all new tale set after the Mersey tunnels have been bricked up and the Runcorn bridge blown up! Leaving the Wirral stranded and isolated. Without any link to Liverpool - the Wirral peninsular and the 'wirrilians' (were all aliens) are forced to adapt to a new way of life. The Credit Crunch and Worldwide Recession have taken their toll on Wirral entrepreneur, William (Cammel) Laird. With Banks in receivership and a city-gent lifestyle to maintain, not only is he struggling to raise finance for new projects, but his money-mad wife, Margaret, is also bang on his case. Meanwhile, their two teenage children, Benjamin (nice but dim) and Anthea (a methadone marcher) are silver spoon fed. In true parent mode, they don’t care what Daddy gets up to, as long as they remain well-feathered! This Scouse free Wirral leads to a re-emergence of boatbuilding and high jinx on the river Mersey. From the writer and producer of One Night In Istanbul, Tale of Two Chippy’s and the co-writer of the original Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels comes the all-new play from acclaimed playwright Nicky Allt.

The Armstrong and Miller Show
Sunday 26 September 2010
Following the resounding success of BBC One's BAFTA-nominated The Armstrong and Miller Show, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends) will be hitting the road in Autumn 2010 and touring a brand new live show around all the UK which visits The Liverpool Empire this September. With their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy, Ben and Alexander will be performing a parade of characters from their extensive dressing-up box and wig-store including. Ben and Alexander comment: "We are cock-a-hoop to be stepping out on tour in Autumn 2010. Expect all your favourite Armstrong and Miller characters and sketches in a market-fresh brand spanking new show." Suitable for ages 14 plus.

Calendar Girls
Monday 27 September to Saturday 2 October 2010
The stage play Calendar Girls has been the fastest selling tour ever and has triumphed in the West End. Now, it's coming to the Liverpool Empire for one week only starring Denise Black, Jean Boht, Jennifer Ellison, Julia Hills, Ruth Madoc, Elaine C Smith and Rachel Lumberg along with Joe McGann as 'John' and Bruno Langley as 'Lawrence' the photographer. A group of ordinary women do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Based on an inspiring true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious. Calendar Girls has sold out in every theatre it's visited before opening. Make sure you don't miss out by booking your tickets today for the show the Mail on Sunday called "marvellous theatre, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and come out singing Jerusalem!" Casting subject to change.

Abba Mania
Sunday 3 October 2010
Fresh from a smash hit tour of South Africa, America and Hong Kong in 2009, Abba Mania returns to the UK to bring old and new fans a night not to be missed. If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music there has ever been, then Abba Mania is for you! Come along to the Liverpool Empire Theatre and join in and enjoy all of your favourites including: Mamma Mia; Voulez Vous; Dancing Queen; Winner Takes It All; Super Trouper; and many more. Abba Mania has been delighting audiences and selling out UK theatres since it’s formation in 1999.

Rocky Horror Show
Monday 4 to Saturday 9 October 2010
It's back! Dust off your corsets, strap on your suspenders and fish out those fabulous feather boas as Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show returns to the Liverpool Empire Theatre with a bang this October. It's the original, it's the best, it's the world's favourite rock'n'roll musical, so jump on board for another rip roaring ride!

The Sound of Music
Tuesday 12 to Saturday 30 October 2010
The world's best-loved musical, The Sound of Music is coming to the Liverpool Empire Theatre for a two week season this October starring Connie Fisher! This lavish and critically acclaimed production, direct from the London Palladium, tells the story of the Von Trapp family's flight across the mountains and works it's magic once again, for young and old alike. With it's unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, and of course the glorious title song The Sound of Music, it's the perfect family treat! Starring Connie Fisher as 'Maria' - please note that although the producers of The Sound of Music cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, Connie Fisher is expected to perform at all performances excluding Monday evenings, Wednesday 13 October matinee, Wednesday 20 and 27 evenings, subject always to illness and holidays.

Ariadne Auf Naxos - Welsh National Opera
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Welsh National Opera's week long season at the Liverpool Empire Theatre opens with Richard Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos. Vienna's richest man is putting on a party at his home. He has asked two rival theatre companies to stage a performance each. One company will perform the serious opera Ariadne auf Naxos. The other will perform a comedy. Tensions mount and nerves fray as the two companies work around each other back stage. However chaos fully ensues when an announcement is made, both the tragedy and the comedy must be combined into a single performance to leave time for a firework display. Ariadne auf Naxos is one of Richard Strauss' finest achievements as he masterfully combines deeply moving, tragic opera with boisterous comedy to create an exquisite celebration of the power of music. Sung in German with surtitles in English.

The Magic Flute - Welsh National Opera
Thursday 4 and Saturday 6 November 2010
WNO's Season at the Liverpool Empire Theatre continues with Mozart's The Magic Flute. Prince Tamino is rescued from a savage monster by three mysterious ladies. But can they and their employer the Queen of the Night really be trusted? And is Sarastro the chief of the Priests as evil as they suggest? And what of his prisoner, the lovely Pamina? Young Tamino has a lot to learn. He must set out on a journey to make sense of the world, armed only with a magic flute and a man dressed as a bird for company. Mozart's joyous extravaganza contains some of his most beautiful music. The Magic Flute is a wonderfully entertaining experience mixing comedy, pantomime with philosophy and religion. Sung in English with surtitles in English.

Fidelio - Welsh National Opera
Friday 5 November 2010
The third opera in WNO's Season at the Liverpool Empire is Beethoven's only opera Fidelio. Leonore is utterly devoted to her husband Florestan. When he is unjustly arrested and detained as a political prisoner she sets out to rescue him. Posing as a man called Fidelio she works at the prison overseen by the abominable Don Pizarro. Time however is running out for Florestan - Pizarro decides to kill his most prized prisoner before the prison is inspected. Leonore’s belief in the power of love must carry her through to save her husband before it is too late. Beethoven’s only opera is a rousing, triumphant affirmation of his belief that the most important human qualities - love, courage and kindness - can exist in even the most inhuman of conditions. Sung in German with surtitles in English.

Vampires Rock
Sunday 7 November 2010
The legendary Vampires Rock on stage at The Empire Liverpool this November promises 1000 volts of explosive energy power in a spellbinding fantasy rock concert featuring awesome sets, heart-stopping guitar riffs and spine-shivering drumbeats. Vampires Rock is the No.1 Rock Spectacular!

Blood Brothers - Starring Melanie C
Monday 8 to Saturday 20 November 2010
The musical Blood Brother tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The incredible score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True. Former Spice Girl and chart-topping solo star, Melanie C, returns to her home town of Liverpool to reprise her critically-acclaimed portrayal of Mrs Johnstone in this smash-hit touring musical production of Blood Brother at the Empire Theatre for two weeks only from 8 to 20 November 2010. Making her theatrical debut in October 2009 at London’s Phoenix Theatre in Blood Brothers, Melanie performance in the role of 'Mrs Johnstone' was unanimously acclaimed by the critics with her performance receiving a multitude of five star reviews and being hailed as 'Sensational'(The Daily Telegraph), 'Thrilling' (The Sunday Express) and 'Dazzling' (The Sunday Telegraph). Speaking of her return to the production, Melanie said: "I had such an incredible time playing the role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End and I am so excited to have the opportunity to play her again in my home town at the Liverpool Empire." Don't miss out! Book your tickets today!

How Now Mrs Brown Cow
Monday 22 to Saturday 27 November 2010
Having already stretched the ‘Trilogy’ to a hilarious four parts, get ready because here comes Brendan O'Carroll with Part Five. Starring all of Mrs Brown's Boys (and Girls) and of course, Brendan as 'Mrs Brown'. It's just weeks to go till Christmas in the Brown house and Mrs Brown has the turkey stuffed and plucked. All she has to do now is kill it. Mrs Brown is excited because her son, Trevor, whom she has not seen in five years, has promised to pay a Christmas visit home. However Cathy returns from her trip to America with unwelcome news. But who will tell Mammy? Rory Brown is distraught because his partner, Dino, has tried to drown him, Mark and Betty do their best to keep everyone calm, while nobody is sure what to do about Winnie's big box or Granddad's little hamster. Yes it's the usual mayhem we all expect from the most dysfunctional Irish clan. You will laugh and cry as the Brown's preparations for Christmas fall apart at the seams. Of course throughout it all, the ever optimistic Agnes sails along, sure as always that everything will work out just the way it's supposed to. If it's a night at the theatre that will have you wetting yourself laughing that you are looking for, then come along to the Liverpool Empire this November... 'cos you ain't seen nothing yet!

The Chuckle Brothers in The Twelve Days of Christmas
Sunday 28 November 2010
Come along to the Liverpool Empire Theatre and meet all your favourite characters as Santa Claus and Paul and Barry Elf do battle to stop Jack Frost from ruining Christmas. Don't miss this Spectacular Comedy Christmas Special stage show of The Chuckle Brothers in The Twelve Days of Xmas. Fun for all the family from ages 3 to 103!

Ross Noble - Nonsensory Overload
Monday 29 November 2010
Ross Noble follows the success of last year's hugely successful 160 date Things tour – which not only ran for six weeks at London’s Apollo Theatre - but also filled arenas down under, becoming the biggest live stand-up comedy gig in Australian history. Now Ross is back fresh from his travels, not to mention his own TV show, doing what he does best - spinning forth hilarious nonsense for your amusement - in his show Nonsensory Overload which he brings to the Liverpool Empire Theatre for one night only. Prepare your brain for a Nonsensory Overload!. Please Note: Recommended Age 15 plus.

Sensational 60's Experience
Tuesday 30 November 2010
The Tremeloes, Herman's Hermits, The Union Gap - 3 of the most popular bands of the 60s performing original hits from the decade on stage at the Empire Liverpool Theatre. Classics such as Silence is Golden, Twist & Shout, Helule Helule, Silhouettes, Something is Happening, I'm Into Something Good, Young Girl, Woman Woman, Lady Willpower & many more, making this the ultimate 60s show of 2010 - Book early to avoid disappointment!

Roy 'Chubby' Brown
Wednesday 1 December 2010
The King of controversial comedy with his trademark patchwork suit, will surprise, amuse and astonish audiences once again when he visits the Empire Liverpool Theatre this December. He is outrageous, controversial but always funny. Guaranteed to make your toes curl, your eyebrows raise and put hairs on your chest his shows sell out faster than ice cream in a heatwave, but come with the warning - if easily offended please stay at home. Branded too rude for television, his live acts go from strength to strength bringing shock and awe techniques to an ever increasing audience.

Mark Watson
Friday 3 December 2010
The multi-award winning comedian and host of BBC's We Need Answers, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and a Mock The Week regular and star of cult Radio 4 series Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better, Mark Watson comes to The Empire in Liverpool as part of a major UK tour with his most personal, most surprising, and funniest show yet. Total sell-out seasons at the Montreal, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh Festivals so be sure to book now. Suitable for ages 16 plus.

Jason Manford
Saturday 4 December 2010
Jason Manford: Live on stage at the Liverpool Empire Theatre for one night only this December. As seen on Live At The Apollo, Walk On The Wild Side; As Seen On TV; 8 Out of 10 Cats; Royal Variety Performance; Jason Manford and Friends (Radio 2). Jason Manford has been hailed by Jonathon Ross as being: "One of the most consistently funny and effortlessly charming new comics around."

One Night of Queen
Sunday 5 December 2010
If you are feeling Under Pressure to choose a show that you and the Love Of Your Life or Your Best Friend will enjoy then it’s a A Kind Of Magic that you are reading this. Over the past nine years One Night Of Queen has rocked sold out audiences all over the World including UK, Germany, Holland, France, New Zealand. Fresh from their second tour of the USA Gary Mullen and 'The Works' return with a stunning live concert featuring fantastic staging and lighting effects in what is an unmissable show here at the Liverpool Empire Theatre this December. Tear It Up and Keep Yourself Alive by coming along and seeing this show. Have One Vision before Another One Bites The Dust, pick up the phone to book your tickets now on 0844 847 1722, it'll only take a Flash.

Aladdin
Friday 10 December 2010 to Sunday 2 January 2011
This year's traditional family pantomime at the Liverpool Empire Theatre is Aladdin. Aladdin will be doing all he can to win the heart of the beautiful Princess, but the evil Abanazar will be trying to thwart his plans. With all your favourite characters including Wishee Washee, the Emperor, Chinese Policeman, and of course, the ultimate pantomime dame - Widow Twankey! Remember: It's never too early to book for the Liverpool Empire Panto! Starring the most-downloaded and recognisable icon of this millennium Pamela Anderson as the 'Genie of the Lamp' and Les Dennis as 'Wishee Washee'. More star names still to be announced. The pantomime Aladdin at the Liverpool Empire is presented by First Family Entertainment who produced last year's panto, Peter Pan at the Liverpool Empire.

Swan Lake
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 January 2011
Presented at The Liverpool Empire Theatre by Raymond Gubbay.

The Nutcracker
Saturday 15 January 2011
Presented at The Liverpool Empire Theatre by Raymond Gubbay.

80s Mania
Wednesday 26 January 2011
80's Mania is a feel good, fantasy concert celebrating smash hits from the heroes of the 1980’s including Duran Duran,The Human League, Kim Wilde, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Culture Club, Wham, Nena, Toni Basil, Dead or Alive, Madness, Madonna and many many more! Come back in time and join our multi talented cast of highly acclaimed singers, dancers and musicians for Europe’s only authentic 80's experience! Re-live the decade that fashion forgot at the Liverpool Empire Theatre this January with New Romantic guys and Cyndi Lauper-esque girls with leggings'n'lace. The power dresser, the shoulder pads, the stiletto's and the big hair! Outrageous 80's fashions are encouraged!

Circus of Horrors - the Four Chapters From Hell
Thusday 27 January 2011
The Four Chapters of Hell is a special celebration in honour of the show's 15th anniversary. It will contain short versions of all four of the show’s incarnations, placed in chronological order. It is the nearest thing you will get to the Circus of Horrors greatest hits. Suitable for ages 16 and above.

Sally Morgan - Psychic Sally On the Road
Friday 28 January 2011

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage
Friday 4 to Saturday 5 February 2011
When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top and Thomas must prove he's a really useful engine once again. In this fun filled family show, Percy, James, Gordon and of course Thomas join The Fat Controller and the townspeople from the Island of Sodor to welcome a colourful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation. This all new 90-minute (including interval) musical adventure which comes to the Liverpool Theatre Empire this February, is packed with audience sing-a-longs, high energy dancing and thrilling adventures.

John Cleese
Tuesday 31 May 2011
For the first time ever comedy legend and the most senile member of Monty Python will be bringing his 'Alimony Tour' to the UK - visiting Liverpool in May at the Empire Theatre. Best known for his idiosyncratic turns in Monty Python's Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers, John Cleese will bring his unique comedic perspective to audiences across the UK. From writing to starring in plays, musicals, theatrical and comedy productions, to films and sitcoms, Cleese has done it all, and now it’s time for him to tell you about his jam-packed life. John Cleese says: "it is an evening of well honed anecdotes, psychoanalytical tit-bits, details of recent surgical procedures, and unprovoked attacks on former colleagues, especially Michael Palin". Cleese has achieved a lot in his career which started as a sketch writer for BBC Radio’s Dick Emery Show and then The Frost Report. After this stardom beckoned, and Monty Python was created with Cleese co-writing and staring in four series and three films. He went on to achieve further success as the neurotic hotel manager Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, which he co-wrote with then wife Connie Booth.

Jason Manford
Friday 12 August 2011
Jason Manford: Live on stage at the Liverpool Empire for one night only this August. As seen on Live At The Apollo, Walk On The Wild Side; As Seen On TV; 8 Out of 10 Cats; Royal Variety Performance; Jason Manford and Friends (Radio 2). Jason Manford has been hailed by Jonathon Ross as being: "One of the most consistently funny and effortlessly charming new comics around." Suitable for Over 16's only.

We Will Rock You
Tuesday 6 September to Saturday 8 October 2011
In the musical We Will Rock You Ben Elton has fashioned a hilarious, futuristic comedy around more than 24 of Queen's biggest hit songs, delivering a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked Queen's live performances. Ben elton says: "This show is all about legend. We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the mighty corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music. They need a hero who can help them in their struggle, and we have two - the dreamer Galileo and his sassy sidekick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?" We Will Rock You comes to the Liverpool Empire Theatre as part of a major National Tour. Expect your favourite Queen songs including We Are The Champions; Another One Bites The Dust; We Will Rock You; and, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody.