New Liverpool Theatre Festival to be staged

Live performance has returned to the city with the inaugural Liverpool Theatre Festival taking place at the Bombed Out Church.

The nine-day outdoor festival programme was due to open on Friday, September 11 with actor Andrew Lancel performing Jonathan Harvey’s Swan Song, directed by Noreen Kershaw.

However, illness means the performance has now been postponed until Sunday, September 20 when it will close the festival.Ticket holders will be contacted.

Twelve festival shows over nine days range from monologues, plays, comedy, cabaret and children’s shows to musical theatre and musical events.

They include Judy and Liza, Something About Simon, Daniel Taylor in The Very Best of Tommy Cooper, Deathly Confessions comedy monologues – featuring Crissy Rock in the line-up, and John Godber’s Shakers.

Liverpool Theatre Festival is the brainchild of city-based producer Bill Elms and is being staged in association with the team behind St Luke’s (Bombed Out) Church.

Bill Elms explained: “Like many colleagues in our industry, work came to a complete standstill in mid-March and it has been a complete shock to the system and tough at times.

“But after working in the industry for 30 years, I couldn’t just sit back and watch everything disintegrate before our very eyes. I had to do something and after a lot of research, ringing round and planning, Liverpool Theatre Festival was born.

“We need to pull together and support our talented artists and incredible production companies, and hopefully something positive can come out of these dreadful times.

“This is about providing theatre lovers with a platform to come out, enjoy and experience live entertainment once again, in a safe environment.

“It’s very exciting. Every production company or artist involved is based in Liverpool.

Judy & Liza.

Above: Andrew Lancel. Photo by Matt Ford

“This is the first step on a long road to returning to indoor theatre, and safety for customers, cast and crew is paramount. We’ve worked hard to keep ticket prices affordable without compromising on quality.”

Each show will be no longer than 75 minutes with no interval. There will be temperature checks at the door while people will need to wear masks until they are seated, and hand sanitiser stations will be set up at the Leece Street venue.

Refreshments will be able to be pre-ordered via a phone app with drinks delivered to your seat.

Liverpool Theatre Festival runs until September 20. More details of the full line up and tickets HERE