5 unmissable shows at the Liverpool Empire this autumn

There may still be plenty of summer ahead of us but it’s never too early to start planning for autumn attractions – including of course some trips to the theatre.

The Liverpool Empire, currently celebrating a centenary of entertaining audiences in its lavish, listed Lime Street auditorium, has a busy programme of delights planned for the latter part of 2025.

It may be a cliché, but it appears there really is something for everyone coming up between now and Christmas, whether your passion is live music, toe-tapping, Technicolor musicals, drama, dance, ballet, comedy or some special appearances by big household names.

From Miriam Margolyes to the Magic of Motown to Matilda, it’s an entertaining rollercoaster ride all the way to the festive season.

Here are five shows between September and November that you really won’t want to miss.

Percy Jackson, Lightning Thief

September 16-20

Marking 20 years of author Rick Riordan’s beloved bestseller, and bringing Olympian energy to Liverpool, the stunning stage version of Percy Jackson, Lightning Thief arrives at the Lime Street theatre this September.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.

With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat...

Why you should see it….

It’s a bold and bright rock musical, touring the UK for the first time, with a great team behind it that should appeal to adults as well as family audiences.

Fiddler on the Roof

September 23-27

First produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – where it garnered 13 Olivier Award nominations and won three, and coming direct to Liverpool from a completely sold-out season at London’s Barbican Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof is one of autumn’s unmissable shows.

It’s 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka where Tevye, a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, that means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, can Tevye hold on to his roots, or must he bend to the will of his children and learn to embrace the unfamiliar?

Why you should see it….

One of the greatest musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof is a wonderfully warm and exuberant – but also a deeply and emotionally resonant – classic with a fabulous soundtrack, delivered in an acclaimed new production which brings it to life with stunning visuals.

Top Hat

October 28-November 1

It’s time to face the musical and dance this season with the arrival at the Empire of a toe-tapping classic from the first golden age of screen smash hits.

When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers.

Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns…

Based on the 1935  Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers classic, it includes all those Irving Berlin songs including Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat White Tie and Tails, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz.

Why you should see it….

Old school Broadway and Hollywood glamour in an effervescent musical comedy with a superlative score from the great Irving Berlin. What’s not to like?

Fawlty Towers – The Play

November 11-15

Fifty years after Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on TV (on September 19, 1975 to be exact), comedy giant John Cleese, who originally co-wrote the comedy classic with Connie Booth, has chosen three of his favourite original TV episodes – The Hotel Inspector, The Germans and Communication Problems - and adapted them into a rollicking two-hour play, complete with a new finale.

Join Basil (Danny Bayne), the delightfully bumbling Major (Paul Nicholas) and Polly (Joanne Clifton), with an 18-strong cast as they bring to life all your favourite moments from the show’s unforgettable twelve episodes.

With sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn, this promises to be the comedy event of the year.

Why you should see it….

For the chance to savour all those brilliant, squirm-inducing moments from an iconic television series, brought to life by a talented cast.

Here & Now – The Steps Musical

November 25-29

Welcome to the seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it's Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone's dancing in the aisles.

But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a 'happy ever after'? Or does love have other plans in store… 

The new musical is packed with Steps’ favourites and produced by Steps themselves, ROYO and pop legend Pete Waterman.

Why you should see it….

Because with all the trouble and strife going on in the outside world, it’s a chance to enjoy a couple of hours of pure, Technicolor musical escapism.