Liverpool Empire

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

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

Winter Spring Summer 2010 Season at The Liverpool Empire Theatre:

John Bishop
Sunday 29 November 2009

Never Forget
Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 December 2009

Illegal Eagles
Sunday 6 December 2009

Peter Pan
Friday 11 December 2009 to Sunday 3 January 2010

The Bill Shankly Story
Monday 14 December 2009

John Bishop
Monday 21 December 2009

Brendan Cole
Monday 11 January 2010
Brendan Cole – the 'bad boy of ballroom' demonstrates his brilliant execution and superb choreography in a dynamic dance show. Set to songs from legends such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, to Whitney Huston, Michael Buble, and Michael Jackson, mixed with music as contrasting as Carmina Burana and Guns N’ Roses, this show is full-on dance-floor dynamite. Brendan with his dancers, singers and a scorching band of hip young musicians gives the ultimate modern take on ballroom.

Whistle Down the Wind
Wednesday 20 to Saturday 30 January 2010
Following its smash hit tour of the United States, a hugely successful West End season at London's Palace Theatre, and, of course, the original 2001 UK tour which smashed box-office records across the country, Bill Kenwright's critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s Whistle Down the Wind is set to thrill audiences once again as it embarks on a national tour in 2010 which comes to Liverpool's Empire Theatre in January. In a twist of fate the bright-eyed and youthful Swallow discovers a mysterious man hiding in her family’s barn. When she asks for his identity the first words he utters are 'Jesus Christ'... and it's as though her prayers have been answered. While the rest of the townspeople are searching for a fugitive escaped from jail, Swallow gathers the town's children who make a pact to protect their new found saviour from the cruelties of the outside world. Whistle Down the Wind has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Jim Steinman and is based on the original novel by Mary Hayley Bell and the film produced by Richard Attenborough and directed by Bryan Forbes from a screenplay by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, with book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This production is directed by Bill Kenwright.

Disney's High School Musical 2
Monday 1 to Saturday 6 February 2010
School's out and the East High Wildcats are diving into the enchanted world of Lava Springs Country Club. Sharpay vows to win Troy's heart this summer but will she be able to come between the basketball star and his true love, Gabriella? High School Musical 2 Live on Stage features all the much-loved characters and hit songs from the smash-hit movie, including What Time Is It, You Are The Music In Me and Fabulous as well as some awesome dancing and an amazing live band.

Dancing In the Streets
Monday 8 to Saturday 13 February 2010
Experience the energy, the excitement, the emotion and the electricity of Motown! Ivor Novello Award winning director Keith Strachan’s brand new production of the hit show Dancing in the Streets, the spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City - Detroit, is returning to the Liverpool Empire for another fantastic visit. Motown was a prominent force in breaking down barriers around the world and equally as important, was responsible for producing some of the world’s most influential and enduring songs of the 20th Century. The Dancing in the Streets company will re-create the energy, style and music of the starts of the Motown stable. Together they will certainly have you dancing in the aisles!

JLS
Sunday 14 February 2010
JLS: Oritsé, JB, Aston, and Marvin are the most successful group of all time to enter The X Factor. Now, you can see them live at the Liverpool Empire performing 'Beat Again' and other tracks from their forthcoming album.

Noddy In Toyland
Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February 2010
Its an exciting day in Toy Town, it's Noddy and Tessie Bear's sing-a-long, dance-a-long party and everyone is invited to join in the fun... everyone that is except those two naughty Goblins, Sly and Gobbo who are out to spoil the fun with another of their crazy machines from Goblin Gizmo's – The Sound Sucker!. But don't worry as our hero Noddy is keeping an eye on those two and knows exactly how to stay one step ahead of their games, despite their crazy antics to try to ruin the party. This 90 minute show is sure to be a hit with all the children when it stops off at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool this February.

Circus of Horrors - the Day of the Dead
Wednesday 17 February 2010
The Day of the Dead is a brand new show from The Circus of Horrors. It is a fusion between daredevil and bizarre circus acts performed by a cast of 26, plus live rock'n'roll music played by The Intercepters from Hell, this year with a Mexican Day of the Dead theme.

Traces
Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 February 2010
Since taking the Edinburgh Festival by storm in 2007, followed by sell out seasons in London's West End, New York, Paris and Montreal, award winning Traces tours the UK for the first time, coming to the stage of The Liverpool Empire in February 2010. Traces is a high energy, dazzling display of urban acrobatics that combines traditional circus skills with basketball, skateboarding, a mix of street and contemporary dance, traditional theatre, humour and amazing audio visual effects. Set to a soundtrack that includes hip-hop, rock and roll, blues and classical music, this infectious funky pioneering new brand of circus is a thrill-a minute that will leave you begging for more. Presented by The 7 Fingers.

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake
Monday 22 to Saturday 27 February 2010
Originally written by Tchaikovsky in the late 19th century, Swan Lake was staged at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre in 1877, but it wasn't until 18 years later - and after the death of its composer - that it was finally staged in St Petersburg, and became a universal classic. This new, witty and surprising production has been designed to speak to a modern audience, to excite them, to move them. The most talked about innovation in this production is the casting of a male dancer in the coveted role of Odette/Odile known as "the Swan". "The idea of a male swan makes complete sense to me" says Matthew, "the strength, the beauty, the enormous wingspan of these creatures suggests to me the musculature of a male dancer more readily than a ballerina in her white tutu." Since its 1995 world premiere at Sadler’s Wells, Matthew Bourne’s breathtaking and sexy version of Swan Lake has become the longest running ballet in the London's West End and on Broadway. It has enjoyed two successful tours in the UK and thrilled audiences in Los Angeles, Europe and Japan. Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake has collected over thirty international theatre awards including three Tonys for the Broadway production and has been widely acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic as a landmark production on the international stage.

Ronan Keating
Sunday 28 February 2010
Ronan will be taking to the stage of the Empire in Liverpool as part of his UK tour showcasing classic tracks from his album 'Songs For My Mother' released in March 2009, as well as performing some of his greatest hits.

Audience with Sally Morgan
Monday 1 March 2010

Derren Brown - Enigma
Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 March 2010

Come Dancing
Monday 8 to Saturday 13 March 2010

Pasión De Buena Vista
Sunday 14 March 2010
Pasión De Buena Vista is music and dance extravaganza that is taking Europe by storm. Filled with hot rhythms, delicate dances, and beautiful melodies, the show will take you on a tour through the streets of the Pearl of the Caribbean on an exciting Cuban night, allowing you to experience the unspoiled rawness and joy of Cuban life. Pasión De Buena Vista features three top Cuban singers, dancers from the world famous Tropicana Club in Havana and an eight piece live band, as well as beautiful costumes, stage-backdrop and breathtaking projections which will infect you with the heat and passion of Cuba.

That'll Be the Day
Monday 15 March 2010

Lee Mack Going Out
Thursday 18 March 2010
Lee Mack brings his brand new stand-up tour for 2009/2010 to the Liverpool Empire Theatre this Spring. Sunday Times: "Lee Mack's star continues to rise... go and see what all the fuss is about."

All Star Superstar Wrestling
Friday 19 March 2010

Dave Gorman - Sit Down, Pedal, Pedal, Stop and Stand Up
Saturday 20 March 2010
In 2009, Dave Gorman set off on a unique national tour. The intention: to cycle over 1500 miles across Britain in 33 days... with a gig each night. I suppose that explains the title. But demand for the show has been so high that he's decided to keep performing it... but this time without cycling from venue to venue. He's obviously getting lazy. It's not a show about the journey - Dave may be widely acclaimed as the pioneer of documentary comedy - but with this show he's gone back to his roots as a straight up, one-man-and-a-mic stand-up whose material is, as The Times said, "mercilessly sharp and original."

Porridge
Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 March 2010
Penned by the original writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais - the same fabulous team who gave us Auf Wiedersehen Pet - this hilarious new play stars Shaun Williamson (EastEnders) and features all your favourite characters from the original series. So prepare for laughs-a-plenty as Fletch, Godber and the other inmates of Slade Prison take on what promises to be a sure-fire comic treat for the whole family.

The Soldiers - the Coming Home Tour
Thursday 25 March 2010

Elvis On Tour
Friday 26 March 2010
Featuring a full evening show paying tribute to the early days of 'pure hip-swivelling' rock'n'roll, the '68 Come Back Special' and Elvis' Las Vegas performances. Starring Lee 'Memphis' King, the UK's most successful Elvis impersonator and finalists in 'The World's Greatest Elvis' with his outstanding band and singers, this spectacular recreation of Elvis Presley on stage is a true must see!

Boogie Nights - the Greatest Hits Live
Saturday 27 March 2010
Be prepared to 'get up and boogie' at this concert party as not one, but three legendary acts take to the Liverpool Empire Theatre's stage on the same show and the hits just keep on coming! Reggae legends Aswad open the show and then soul legend Alexander O'Neal takes to the stage. After the interval direct from the USA multi-platinum hit makers Heatwave end the evening with hit after hit. Oh, and don't forget 'Get up and boogie'.

Diversity - Bringing a Toy Story To Life
Sunday 28 March 2010
In May 2009, Diversity took the UK by storm by winning Britain's Got Talent and now they have announced their very own 13 date UK tour which comes to the Liverpool Empire Theatre in April 2010. Diversity will be joined by special guests. The show will be based around the concept of Toys coming to life. Apart from their outstanding dance routines, Diversity's shows will include state-of-the-art lighting and screens, with sound creating an unbelievable experience. Plus, the music will be as diverse as their performances.

Laughter In the Rain The Neil Sedaka Story
Monday 5 to Saturday 10 April 2010
Born in Brooklyn, the son of a taxi-driver, Sedaka started songwriting at Broadway's legendary Brill Building, penning his first hit, Oh Carol, for his then girlfriend, Carole King. He went on to become a teenage idol to rival Elvis but in 1964 his career collapsed as America embraced the Beatles and other bands of the so-called 'British Invasion'. For almost a decade, he struggled to support his wife, Leba, and their two children but found salvation in moving to Britain, where he signed to Elton John's Rocket Records label, and remarkably returned to the top of the US charts in 1974 with 'Laughter In The Rain' - remaining a national treasure there as well as in the UK ever since. Now Laughter in The Rain brings the Neil Sedaka's remarkable story of triumph against the odds alive on stage.

Blood Brothers
Monday 12 to Saturday 24 April 2010
Willy Russell's musical Blood Brothers returns to The Liverpool Empire Theatre for a two week season this April. Blood Brothers is a tale of twins, separated at birth, who grow up as friends one rich, one poor: without knowing their family background. Told with gentleness, darkness and joy it is at one time hilarious at the next heartbreaking. Few musicals have received such acclaim: scooping four awards for Best Musical and enjoying standing ovations at almost every performance over the past 12 years. Although its greatest strength is its Englishness it was nominated for 7 Tony awards. A remarkable adult cast play the group of children that we watch grow, learn, love and fight.

Dara O'Briain
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Following 2008's sell out national tour and best selling DVD, Dara O'Briain Talks Funny and his debut book Tickling The English, award-winning stand up comedian Dara O'Briain hits the road again with a brand new show which comes to Liverpool's Empire Theatre this Spring. This tour will give UK audiences the chance to catch one the most charismatic, fast talking and down right funny live performers working today. Book early to avoid disappointment. Suitable for ages 15 plus.

Hot Flush!
Wednesday 28 April 2010
The outrageous musical returns starring Lesley Joseph (Birds of A Feather, Night and Day), Hilary O'Neil, Anne Smith, Ruth Keeling and Matt Slack. Share in the friendships, the secrets, the laughs, the tears and the ups and downs of four ordinary women - and one man - living extraordinary lives. More fun than joining a gym and cheaper than botox, Hot Flush! might even leave you feeling 34½ again! So wipe away the credit crunch blues and grab your girlfriends together for an unmissable night out at the Liverpool Emire... and bring your man along as well... you'll all love it. Casting subject to change.

Abba Forever
Thursday 29 April 2010
The unique Abba sound is replicated with incredible attention to detail in the Abba Forever show, using a six piece band featuring electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano, drums and bass guitar. The wonderful lyrics penned by Benny and Bjorn are sung in wonderful harmony by all six performers on stage including two 'Abba Girls' and featuring dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visual effects, top class musicianship and an ALL LIVE performance.

Back for Good
Friday 30 April 2010
Recreating the magic of Take That. If you like Take That you're sure to love Back For Good! With their amazing dance routines, numerous costume changes and phenomenal live performances, adoring fans will be singing and dancing within minutes.

Yvette Fielding and the Team From Living TV's Most Haunted
Saturday 1 May 2010

Derren Brown - Enigma
Sunday 2 May 2010

Jimmy Carr - Rapier Wit
Sunday 9 May 2010
A heady mix of artistic integrity, loyalty and greed has put Jimmy back on the road! If you only see one comedy show this year... what's the matter with you? Get out more!

Crazy for You - Birkenhead Operatic Society
Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 May 2010
Renowned amateur operatic society BOST return to the Empire Liverpool Theatre with the Gershwin musical Crazy For You. A stage-struck New York playboy, Bobby Child, is sent to a poor small town in Nevada to close down the local theatre. Soon Bobby falls in love with the theatre owners’ daughter, Polly. In order to save the theatre he dreams up the idea to put on a show to raise money for the theatre. In the end the town is reinvigorated, the theatre is saved and Bobby finds love and all this is linked with the wonderful music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin. Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust's previous shows at the Liverpool Empire Theatre have included 42nd Street, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Oliver! and Hello Dolly.

One Night In Istanbul
Monday 17 to Saturday 29 May 2010
The smash hit phenomenon returns to the Liverpool Empire after its infamous first run in 2009. Oh no, it's 'Them Scousers Again' as Tommy Kelly and Gerry Edwards arrive in Istanbul to see their beloved Liverpool take on Italian Champions, AC Milan. In order to pay for their trip first they have to find the Grand Bazaar to sell Adolf Hitler's cufflinks, while their sons, Jamie and Joseph, are simply desperate to find tickets. A football fairytale is about to unfold. Tom and Gerry set about telling the story of their own and Liverpool's past European conquests while all the time dreaming of that fifth big win that'll mean it's for keeps. One Night in Istanbul is written by Nicky Allt and is his first show since Brick up the Mersey Tunnels.

Jake & Elwood - The Best Blues Brothers Show In The World...EVER!!!
Sunday 30 May 2010

Colin Fry and T.J. Higgs - Free Spirit Show
Friday 4 June 2010

Jimmy Carr - Rapier Wit
Saturday 5 June 2010
A heady mix of artistic integrity, loyalty and greed has put Jimmy back on the road! If you only see one comedy show this year... what's the matter with you? Get out more!

Joe Longthorne
Monday 14 June 2010
Joe Longthorne began his career over three decades ago with appearances on Junior Showtime, followed by a grounding on the tough Northern club circuit. His big break came in 1981 when he was a finalist on London Weekend Television's Search for a Star - this lead to appearances at the London Palladium with Bob Hope and The Talk of the Town. A short time later, Joe received the Variety Club of Britain award as Most Promising Artiste of the Year. Television specials in the UK and USA followed. Now, Joe is looking forward to bringing his show to the Liverpool Empire Theatre this June. Joe's repertoire of voices is endless and includes hundreds of the world's top singers, however, he is perhaps best known for his impersonation of Shirley Bassey who has commented, "Joe can do me better than I can do myself".

Jane McDonald
Friday 18 June 2010
Brian Shaw presents a magical evening of music and laughter, starring Britain's best loved diva, international recording artiste and television star the incomparable Jane McDonald. An amazing event featuring many of the best loved songs from Jane’s fabulous repertoire. Jane, together with her brilliant musicians and backing singers brings the audience to their feet night after night.

One Night Only
Sunday 20 June 2010
Liverpool's finest stars take to the stage of the Empire Theatre in this One Night Only Extravaganza. Starring Jennifer Ellison, Pete Price and Leanne Campbell. This variety performance is a high-energy, feel good show which will see your favorite stars and a full Merseyside Ensemble performing numbers from the world of Musical Theatre. Casting subject to change.

Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals
Monday 21 to Saturday 26 June 2010
Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals features the world champion dancers from the smash hit BBC TV series as they take to the stage of the Liverpool Empire in the ultimate dance extravaganza! Starring Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone, Matthew Cutler, Ola and James Jordan, Kristina Rihanoff, Brian Fortuna and Ian Waite with special guest stars to be announced, this brand new show for 2010 presents the beauty and elegance of Strictly’s dancing professionals within the intimate environment of Empire Theatre. The stage show will include the breathtaking show dances for which the Professionals have become famous in each of the BBC1 Strictly Come Dancing TV series, together with never before seen content which promise to leave audiences stunned and spellbound. Casting subject to change.

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.

The Motown Show - How Sweet It Is
Sunday 25 July 2010
Celebrating 50 Years Of Motown music and featuring the all time greatest hits Of Motown Legends The Four Tops and The Temptations. 2009 Celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of the most loved and popular genre’s of music ever. Now in its 6th successive year, How Sweet It Is is a slick and high-energy recreation of the 60s and 70s music era in the city of Detroit, affectionately known as 'Motor Town'. The show is 100% LIVE and promises to have you dancing ‘All Night Long’!

Hairspray
Tuesday 17 August to Saturday 4 September 2010
The West End's favourite musical comedy, Hairspray, is coming to the Liverpool Emire for a special two week season. Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves. Hairspray is the musical with everything - the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses in London, on Broadway and theatres around the globe. Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit - Book Now!

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.

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!

Abba Mania
Tuesday 30 November 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.

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."