2026 | artscityliverpool

Review: Sleep Can Wait! at the Unity Theatre ****1/2

Review: Stocking Fillers at the Royal Court Studio ***1/2

Review: Sleeping Beauty at the Floral Pavilion ***1/2

Review: Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre ****

Review: Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre Royal ****

Review: Young Frankenstein at the Liverpool Playhouse ****

Smithdown Litfest reveals Roger McGough as first guest of new-look annual festival

Review: Matilda the Musical at the Liverpool Empire *****

Kirkby Ski Slope inspires new Royal Court comedy

The Beatles Story to offer VIP tours for 2026

Smithdown Litfest reveals Roger McGough as first guest of new-look annual festival

Smithdown Litfest is marking its 10 th anniversary in 2026 with a new format – and a welcome for one of Liverpool’s literary greats. The annual festival of the written word, which usually runs for a week each September, is now set to become a year-round literary festival which organisers say will enable it to offer even more fascinating events with top authors and rising star writers. The first event in the new format takes place at Ullet Road Unitarian Church on January 24

Kirkby Ski Slope inspires new Royal Court comedy

The real-life story of the infamous Kirkby Ski Slope has inspired a new comedy coming to the Liverpool Royal Court stage next summer. Liverpool playwright Kieran Lynn has written Taking the Piste which will be staged at the Roe Street theatre from June 19 to July 18, 2026. Donald Storm is head of Kirkby Council, and he’s got an eye on creating a new destination for tourists from around the world. And if he can make a few bob in the process, so much the better. Together with h

Tate Liverpool reveals Ed Ruscha display for 2026

Tate Liverpool will stage a display by influential contemporary American artist Ed Ruscha at its Mann Island home in 2026. ARTIST ROOMS: Ed Ruscha will be on show from February 12 to June 14 at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North on Mann Island. The display, centred on the driving culture of mid-century America and the emerging architecture of Los Angeles, will feature books, photographs, paintings, drawings, and lithographs. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1937, Ruscha is widely regarde

Letter to Brezhnev world premiere at Liverpool's Royal Court in 2026

A new stage version of much-loved Liverpool-based film Letter to Brezhnev will be given its world premiere at the city’s Royal Court next autumn. Frank Clarke, who wrote the screenplay for the 1985 classic, is creating a bespoke new production which will be staged at the Roe Street theatre from September 11 to October 10. Theresa and Elaine are young, beautiful and full of life. But they don’t think that will last long, because it’s 1985 and this is Kirby. Sergei and Peter ar

Jason Donovan makes Rocky Horror Liverpool return in 2026

Jason Donovan is set to return to the Liverpool stage in The Rocky Horror Show. The Aussie superstar will head the cast of Richard O’Brien’s outrageous cult musical when it comes to the Liverpool Empire next May. Donovan previously performed the part of transvestite scientist Dr Frank-n-Furter for a limited number of shows when the musical was staged at the Liverpool Playhouse last Christmas. Join two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet whose car, in a twi

Africa Oyé returns to Sefton Park in 2026 as a ticketed event

Africa Oyé will return to Sefton Park next year – but for the first time it will be as a ticketed event. Organisers say rising costs mean it has been increasingly difficult to keep running the annual festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, for free. The 2025 event was put on hold while they looked at ways to continue to run the Oyé while making it as affordable as possible for festivalgoers. The 2026 Oyé will be held in the park on t