Unity Theatre launches 40th birthday celebrations

Liverpool’s Unity Theatre is marking 40 years at its Hope Place base in 2020.

Theatre bosses have unveiled a busy programme of work from artists and organisations which have a relationship with the venue as well as other world-class visiting companies.

And they have also launched a £40,000 fundraising campaign to mark the birthday, with money going towards the Unity’s outreach work.

Visiting artists bringing new work over the next 12 months include Graeae, Vamos, Split Bitches and Tmesis.

Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Plymouth present The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel (pictured above), while 20 Stories High premieres a new play, Spine, about ‘goals, brotherhood and the football academy system’.

New Liverpool company Turntable Theatre returns to the Invisible Wind Factory with Four to the Floor, presented in association with the Unity, which uncovers the history of dance music in a story billed as ‘the closing party of the century’.

And Unity audience favourites Teatro Pomodoro (above) recreate the world of Homer’s Ulysses in singular fashion in Sirens, Men and Crabs.

Homotopia and DaDaFest will also stage performances at the theatre.

Unity artistic director and CEO Gordon Millar said: “As we approach our 40th birthday next year, we’re very excited to continue the work that’s been done in the years leading up to this major landmark in the theatre’s history.

“Our new season represents what Unity is all about.”

In addition to the work on stage, the theatre is opening up its spaces for businesses, community groups and event organisers to hire.

Find out more about the 2020 programme and fundraising appeal HERE