Following a brilliant run of sold-out shows for 2026 so far, as well as being nominated for People’s Choice Award at the Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards, Unity Theatre have announced an all-new festival season featuring the very best up and coming theatre, film, comedy and dance.
March heralds the beginning of Unity Comedy Festival – an exciting first for the venue…
Launching on Saturday 14th March with an already sold out performance by Joe-Kent Walters – 2024’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer – the festival begins in earnest on Thursday 19th March in the capable hands of Alex Stringer, who brings her new show Happy Hour to Liverpool for the first time. This is a show about what it’s like once you get sober, discovering who you really are without substances, and what if who you really are is actually also a dickhead? A Chortle Hotshot 2025, Alex Stringer has been lauded by Rolling Stone as one of the “12 Rising Stars of Comedy”.
The following night – Friday 20th March – sees “Master Clown” Dru Cripps present his phenomenally successful loopstation-based shenanigans in Juicy Bits – a show so good it earned five 5-star reviews, sold out Edinburgh completely, and added extra dates. This quadruple award-winner (British Comedy Guide, Malcolm Hardee, Comedy Store King Gong, Solo FX Sponsorship) and BBC New Comedian of the Year nominee transforms audience suggestions into improvised songs, spontaneous musical sketches, and “utterly winning” chaos in real-time.
Keeping the laughs ringing throughout the building, Dru’s show will be immediately followed by a performance from sign language user, seasoned traveller, and weary father of three, Gavin Lilley – sharing painfully funny stories of awkward moments, cultural mishaps, and the quirks of everyday life in Signs of The Times. Gavin has entertained audiences across the UK and Europe, performing everywhere from the London Palladium and the Edinburgh Fringe to the Helsinki Apollo — and even supporting John Bishop on tour. His comedy bridges deaf and hearing worlds, giving audiences a unique perspective on the habits we all share (but rarely admit!).
There’s also a second sold out show from Joe Kent Walters as well as a showcase of the finest up and coming working class comedy talent in Best In Class. Hosted by award winning comedian Sian Davies (“Compelling and distinctive” The Scotsman), Best in Class features a mixed bill of the very best new comic voices, who just so happen to be from working class backgrounds. Graduates of the project have had nominations for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Awards, created shows for BBC Radio 4, signed for agents, gained TV credits and toured sell out shows.
Bringing the Unity Comedy Festival to a close on Saturday 21st March is Motion Sickness – the latest show from Rachel Barry and Nina Levy. Join two men on a journey to escape the mediocrity of everyday life and themselves, and watch as it quickly unravels into a surreal, chaotic, and joyful exploration of the strange characters we encounter throughout our life and in our own heads.
The following weekend sees the return of Unity Theatre’s annual celebration of Merseyside creativity – Up Next Festival – featuring 16 brand-new shows and workshops from the region’s most exciting up and coming artists and theatre companies.
What makes Up Next Festival so special? There is no limit to the work or specification of the programme, meaning that a production can be presented in both any artform and at any stage of its development. Over the years, the festival has been both a unique opportunity and an incredible tool for artists to develop their craft and get their work on tour.
A previous Up Next artist commented on their experience: “Up Next is fantastic. It’s been a huge help for my piece, the mentorship, deadline, expertise and community has helped me elevate my ideas up into something way beyond what I could do on my own.”
Presented by Unity Theatre from Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th March, expect to encounter an array of newly commissioned works, including world premiere plays, poetry, improvisation, cabaret, installations, drag and music.
In April, Unity Theatre hosts Horizon Film Festival 2026, showcasing the work of Liverpool’s rising filmmakers, giving them the exposure, connections and support to thrive in the industry.
Attending is your chance to experience groundbreaking short films, meet the creators behind them and discover the bold visionaries shaping the future of film – all in the heart of the city. 2026’s edition returns for the very first time as a two-day event on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April, featuring two evening showcase screenings alongside a programme of industry-led workshops designed to help creators develop their skills and knowledge.
The full programme is to be announced very soon…
For all tickets visit here