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Open-air cinema returns to Calderstones this summer
Outdoor cinema returns to Calderstones this summer with a month-long programme of ‘movies under the stars’. Wuthering Heights, Back to the Future and La La Land are among the films set to be screened in the Mansion House Garden between July 29 and August 27. There will also be a Mini Movies series of short films for youngsters shown inside the building each Monday morning during the school summer holidays. The main season, organised by The Reader, opens on July 19 with Pride,
Review: The Rocky Horror Show at the Liverpool Empire ****
It’s astounding, time really is fleeting – because it seems only a matter of months ago that Rocky Horror was at the Playhouse. But in reality that was Christmas 2024, and now Richard O’Brien’s timeless shlocky horror juggernaut has rolled back into town again (fresh from a New Zealand sojourn), returning to its usual Liverpool Empire stamping ground with a mixture of a few familiar and lots of fresh faces among the cast. Two years ago, Jason Donovan appeared in a handful of
Review: Single White Female at the Liverpool Playhouse ****
Single White Female was one of several psychological thrillers that put the fear of God into cinemagoers in the late 80s and early 90s, alongside films like Fatal Attraction and The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. And this new stage version of surely the second bloodiest flat share after Shallow Grave has a hint of both the infamous bunny boiler tale AND vengeful nanny vehicle about it. Rebecca Reid’s modern-day adaptation is described as ‘based on’ the original John Lutz novel/J
Spend An Evening with Sir David Jason at the Liverpool Empire
Liverpool audiences are being invited to spend ‘an evening with’ acting knight Sir David Jason when he visits the Empire theatre. The stage and screen star will be at the Lime Street landmark on January 9, 2027, as part of a nationwide tour. Tickets go on general sale this Friday, May 1. The show promises to be an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter, and never-before-heard stories. From Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, The Darling Buds of May, A Touch of Frost, Dange
Review: Conteh at Liverpool's Royal Court ****
When Aron Julius first had the idea of embodying Liverpool boxing legend John Conteh on stage, he felt sure there must already be a play out there he could bring to life for a live audience. There wasn’t it seems. So rather than abandon the idea, Julius decided to write his own. Initially conceived as a one-man vehicle, with the boxer directly relating the much-chronicled highs and lows of his life and career, Julius – at that time appearing in the Royal Court’s acclaimed pro
May Morris in the spotlight at Lady Lever Art Gallery
Lady Lever Art Gallery is shining a spotlight on the life and work of May Morris in an exhibition dedicated to the pioneering artist, artisan and designer. May Morris: Crafting a Legacy runs at the Port Sunlight gallery until November 1. The Arts and Crafts champion has been overshadowed by her famous father William Morris, but this exhibition – developed in partnership with the William Morris Society and which brings together examples of her work loaned from organisations in
Review: Miss Saigon at the Liverpool Empire ****
It’s been two decades since Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s ‘Nam-set wartime weepie Miss Saigon last touched down on the Empire stage – practically the same length of time as the entire conflict lasted. Has it been worth the wait for Liverpool audiences? It appears so. But it’s not entirely the same creature fans of the dramatic retelling of the Madama Butterfly story may have encountered before, with Michael Harrison and Cameron Mackintosh – sharing producer cred
Mendelssohn's Elijah to fill Liverpool Cathedral with divine sound
The massed ranks of 350 singers will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s mighty oratorio Elijah in Liverpool Cathedral next weekend. The concert, on Saturday, May 16, will feature bass Andrew Greenan – who previously sang the title role in the cathedral 40 years ago – and will also be one of the last performances by cathedral organist Ian Tracey before his retirement. The other soloists are Kelsey Thomas, Joyce Tindsley and Stefan Kennedy. Mendelssohn composed his magnificent work fo
Lourdes of laughs in Cured at Liverpool's Royal Court
Laurence Clark’s new stage comedy Cured is set to be premiered at Liverpool’s Royal Court next month – and it turns out the award-winning writer and comedian drew on his own life when it came to the inspiration for his plot. For some, a pilgrimage to Lourdes is all prayers, candles and proper holy contemplation. For the mad bunch of disabled Scousers in Clark's play, it's bevvies, mucking about and getting off with each other… and definitely no bleeding miracle cures. After c
LAAF 2026 proves home is where the art is
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) returns to city venues this July – and the first events have now been announced. This year’s festival takes place between July 17-26 and will include a varied programme including performances, talks, workshops and family-friendly activities across art forms such as theatre, music, the visual arts and film. The 2026 theme is Home. LAAF chairman Afrah Qassim says: “Home is a place we often imagine as a sanctuary of safety, stability and ident
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