Shows to look forward to in Liverpool this Autumn
The world still seems like a very uncertain place right now – so why not look ahead to what’s in store in Liverpool arts venues later in 2020?
Theatres, concert halls, museums and galleries are hoping to present a cornucopia of delights from early autumn onwards and well in to 2021.
From returning favourites to Shakespeare classics, chaotic comedy to classical symphonies and global superstars to global art there’s plenty to look forward to.
Talented women take centre stage at the Royal Court, Playhouse and Empire, as well as at the Walker Art Gallery which is holding a major Linda McCartney retrospective and Tate Liverpool which is promising a new commission piece by Aliza Nisenbaum.
And there’s also a packed programme of comedy with big household names planning tours including Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson and Fascinating Aida at the Philharmonic Hall, and David O’Doherty and Milton Jones at the M&S Bank Arena.
Here are some autumn and winter treats for your cultural diary. All shows subject to continuing coronavirus restrictions.
Don McCullin – Tate Liverpool
September 16-May 8 2021
Tate Liverpool’s delayed summer blockbuster is a must see this autumn.
The major retrospective of work by celebrated British war photographer Sir Don McCullin will feature more than 250 fascinating photographs.
It follows the success of the show when it was staged at Tate Britain this spring.
The exhibition will showcase some of McCullin’s most potent and moving photographs captured over the last 60 years, including many of his iconic war photographs – with images from Vietnam, Northern Ireland and more recently Syria.
It will also focus on the work he did here at home, including additional photographs the photojournalist took of Liverpool and other northern towns and cities in the 1960s and 70s and which were not shown at the Millbank exhibition.
Read more HERE
Book tickets HERE
Cilla the Musical – Liverpool Empire
September 21-October 17
Sheridan Smith returns to the role she seems born to play – that of Scottie Road songbird Cilla Black.
The actress first portrayed the Liverpool star on the small screen in 2014, and now she is set to reprise it on the stage in the musical written by Jeff Pope, the man behind the TV mini-series, much of which was filmed here in the city.
The musical, which originally premiered at the Empire in 2017, will spend a month in residency at the Lime Street theatre before a UK tour.
Read more HERE
Book tickets HERE
Pete Price is Dead – Royal Court Liverpool
October 9-November 7
This new show by Leanne Campbell had just opened at the Royal Court when the pandemic struck and theatres closed their doors.
But never fear because the Roe Street favourite is hoping to bring it back for a month this autumn.
Radio City is up for sale and a new owner has flown in from America. He has agreed to buy the whole company as long as the full roster of DJs is kept on. Particularly his father’s favourite presenter, Pete Price.
Everything looks set to go without a hitch until shortly before the new buyer arrives when, following a tragic accident, Pete Price Is Dead.
The cast features Campbell and X Factor star Ray Quinn alongside Royal Court regulars Michael Fletcher, Lindzi Germain, Keddy Sutton and Liam Tobin. And, of course, Pete Price.
Book HERE
Masquerade – Epstein Theatre
October 13-17
Laura Lees’ poignant tale of love and loss among Liverpool’s LGBT community in the 1980s won fans during its initial run at the Royal Court Studio in 2019.
Now it’s back, this time in a new staging at the Epstein Theatre and produced by Bill Elms.
Mike loves Tony (but not like that). He’s his best mate. To be confident, outgoing and open is a big deal in a city like Liverpool in 1986.
When they discover The Masquerade Club, Mike gets a taste of the life he could be living. He is welcomed in with open arms, soon becoming the resident DJ in a club that is the centre of his universe. But their paths go in separate directions.
Book HERE
Health and Safety the Play - Floral Pavilion
November 4-5
It entertained audiences at the Epstein just before lockdown and now it’s heading across the water this autumn to give New Brighton theatregoers a much-needed laugh.
When the country’s top health and safety officers gather for their annual national conference what could possibly go wrong?
Disaster abounds in David Spicer’s new play which is a hysterically rude and wonderfully un-politically correct comedy about the people on a mission to stop us climbing trees, playing conkers or putting our poodles in the microwave.
Book HERE
Sister Act – Liverpool Empire
November 16-21
Hallelujah! Sister Act is back and the hit stage musical (based on the hit film) is heading for Liverpool ahead of a run in the West End.
The story has been re-imagined for the 21st century and stars Brenda Edwards (Hairspray, Chicago, Loose Women) in the specially rewritten role of Deloris Van Cartier, the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.
Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Tickets HERE
Genesis - M&S Bank Arena
November 23-24
They’ve sold more than 100 million albums and now Genesis are going back on the road this autumn with two concerts planned in Liverpool.
The band bring The Last Domino? tour to the M&S Bank Arena on November 23 with a second date added on November 24 due to demand for tickets.
It will be Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford’s first live outing together since they took Turn it on Again: The Tour around the world in 2007.
Collins, Banks and Rutherford, who became what is the classic Genesis line-up back in 1976, will be joined on stage in this new tour by long-time guitarist and bass player Daryl Stuermer and Collins' son Nic on drums.
Book HERE