Unity Theatre presents packed autumn 2025 season of shows

Liverpool’s Unity Theatre has unveiled its new autumn season programme with a wealth of performances and events planned between now and Christmas.

Among the productions at the Hope Place venue is a special new version of Jean Genet’s classic The Maids which was due to be directed by the Unity’s former artistic director Graeme Phillips, who died last month aged 77.

Instead, the production, running on October 15-16, will be directed by the theatre’s current artistic director Elinor Randle.

Exploring themes of oppression, isolation and incarceration, the show unites Liverpool theatre icons and engages refugees, asylum seekers, and care-home residents in a vibrant participatory programme.

Meanwhile other shows heading for the theatre this autumn include The Story of Jessie Gavin, Oxton’s First Gentleman Jack this Wednesday, September 17; LipService’s Funny Stuff on September 24; the surreal and witty In the Beginning Woman Was the Sun, written and performed by Houmi Moura on October 2, and ArtsGroupie’s production of Charles Dickens’ slice of gothic horror The Signalman on October 25.

Meanwhile Comedian Sam Freeman brings his show We’re Not Getting a Dog* *A Show Mostly Not About Dogs on October 11, with all proceeds going to Unity funds.

Above: Sam Freeman. Top: Stella is part of the Unity's 2025 autumn season.

Graeae Theatre’s Bad Lads, on November 5-6, is described as a story of oppression and resilience that challenges its audience to think about justice.

And Chalk Line Theatre comes direct from selling out the Edinburgh Fringe to present The Chaos that has Been and Will No Doubt Return on November 20. The production tackles themes of knife crime and youth intervention, told by a tapestry of biting wit and lyrical intensity.

Robert Farquhar’s high-octane, one-act comedy Stella takes to the Unity stage on November 28-29, directed by Chris Tomlinson and starring Kallie Tant.

Above: Unity artistic director Elinor Randle will direct The Maids.

The Unity will also play host to Luma Creations, Milap's Indika Festival, Homotopia, Liverpool Irish Festival and the Being Human Festival as well as holding its regular months scratch nights for new writing and a range of performance workshops.

And for Christmas there’s a series of shows including RAWD’s To Be Near a Shooting Star from December 6-8, and the enchanting Sleep Can Wait from December 12-23 – a collaboration between the Unity and Tmesis Theatre.

Elinor Randle said: “I'm absolutely thrilled about the exciting autumn season ahead at Unity! We're showcasing a fantastic mix of local and national talent, including the nationally acclaimed Graeae Theatre Company and last year's Fringe sensation from Chalk Line.

“As always, we're committed to supporting artists, and it's wonderful to see two of our Up Next Artists returning this season with developed pieces, Rooted and Stella, both of which began right here at Unity.

"I'm also proud to welcome bold new work from some of Liverpool’s vibrant and diverse festivals — Milap, Homotopia, Liverpool Irish Festival and Luma Creations.”

For the full Unity Theatre autumn season programme and to book, visit the website HERE