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Must-See Festive Pantos and Musicals In Liverpool And The City Region

Posted on 09/11/2026 | by Uncover

Panto season is here with some amazing productions across Liverpool and the city region. From the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the Everyman and Liverpool Royal Court’s The Scouse Nativity to RAWD’s Tinsel on the Tracks and a special Wonder Arts’ Shiny Christmas show for little ones.

Join in the fun this festive season and head out to a city region pantomime. There’s something for everyone, including traditional productions and inventive modern twists on old favourites. Here’s our panto selections for the coming season:

The Scouse Nativity, Liverpool Royal Court (Until 16 January)

The Scouse Nativity is this year’s Liverpool Royal Court festive production, written by Kevin Fearon, They’ve cut down the curtains for costumes, pinched a donkey from the zoo and got a loan manger so we’re all set for another Christmas show packed with silly jokes and amazing live music!

It’s Bethlehem, 0 AD, Terry, a lonely shepherd looks out over the land and sees that all is good. Apart from that bloody great star. He should probably take a look at that. A cracking panto from Liverpool’s Royal Court, full to the brim with scouse humour.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2026: Beauty and the Beast, Liverpool Everyman (14 November – 16 January 2027)

Liverpool Everyman’s outrageously talented actor-musicians bring you a show that’s part rock concert, part pop spectacular, and all-out family fun. Made just for Liverpool, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2026: Beauty and the Beast is the fairytale you know and love but turned all the way up to eleven!

A little naughty, a lot loud, and totally live, you can expect powerhouse vocals, electrifying tunes and some wild costumes. So be their guest, grab your crew and head to Hope Street, for a monstrously good time.

Elf The Musical, Liverpool Empire (19 – 22 November)

Based on the beloved Christmas film Elf, this funny and heart-warming musical tells the story of Buddy, who, as a baby, accidentally crawled into Santa’s toy sack and was whisked away to the North Pole.

The spectacular Christmas extravaganza ELF, features show-stopping musical numbers, a sparkling Christmas setting, festive New York with dazzling choreography, dancing Santas, and even Santa’s flying sleigh, this is the ultimate holiday treat for the whole family.

Christmas Carol, Shakespeare North Playhouse (20 November – 2 January)

Shakespeare North Playhouse present Christmas Carol for 2026. Step inside and pull up a barstool for this riotous, foot-stomping, musical retelling of Dickens ’classic, packed with heart, humour and bar…humbug.

Pub manager Bob Cratchit is struggling to keep the spirit of Christmas alive as Landlord Scrooge does all he can to squash it – no music, no laughter and definitely no bar credit. But at midnight, the piano mysteriously strikes up and spirits of a different kind rise from the cellar to confront Scrooge with his past, present and future. Can he change his ways before it’s too late?

RAWD: Tinsel on The Tracks, Unity Theatre (3 – 5 December)

RAWD are Associate Company in Residence at Unity Theatre hosting weekly sessions that work towards theatre productions and present Tinsel on the Tracks for 2026. They believe creativity is a powerful vehicle for independence, enabling people to dream bigger, communicate more freely, and take up space that’s rightfully theirs.

It’s December at the station, and the festive cheer is in full swing, carol singers, twinkling lights and excitement in the air. But for the lead character Ed, it’s all a bit too much. Ed hates Christmas, but why? Step aboard the train as they track Ed’s past, present and future in this RAWD Original Christmas Pantomime.

Cinderella: Christmas Pantomime 2026, The Atkinson (4 – 31 December)

Join the fun at The Atkinson for Cinderella, another spectacular Christmas pantomime guaranteed to delight all ages. Oh, yes it will! This festive production is brought to you by KD Theatre Productions.

Expect magic, romance and wicked sisters as Cinders goes from rags to riches! This sparkling production promises everything you love about The Atkinson pantomime, dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, live music and a little bit of pumpkin spice. The clock is ticking, so book your tickets now!

Wonder Arts: Shiny Christmas, Deafness Resource Centre, St Helens (5 December)

Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative adventure, engaging audiences and encouraging lots of Christmas family interaction. Treat your little one to some Christmas magic this December, and you’ll find a world that sparkles and dazzles at your fingertips!

Shiny Christmas is a brand new Turned On Its Head production, commissioned by Wonder Arts of St Helens. Perfect for giving the little ones their first taste of the magical world of panto.

For more things to do across Liverpool and the city region, explore our What’s On listings.

Live Music in Liverpool and the City Region: Must-See Gigs This Autumn

Posted on 01/11/2026 | by Uncover

As winter approaches, there’s plenty of live music in Liverpool and across the city region to discover. From Bill Ryder-Jones performing alongside the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and a solo show from The Stranglers’ Hugh Cornwell to Luma Creations’ Sounds of Latin America & Africa and acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy, there’s a packed programme of outstanding gigs to look forward to.

Whether you’re into indie, rock, jazz, world music or experimental sounds, Liverpool’s live music scene has something for everyone this winter.

Beat the winter blues and discover some fantastic live performances with our selection of must-see gigs in Liverpool and the wider city region this November and December.

Big Number Celebrate MTV Unplugged – Shakespeare North Playhouse (6 November)

A night of live music Celebrating MTV Unplugged performances, featuring some of the most iconic artists of the 1990s. The 1990s were a pivotal time in music. As glam rock faded and grunge rose to prominence, the decade also saw the launch of MTV Unplugged.

MTV Unplugged was a series of live acoustic sessions that would go on to influence a new generation of musicians and produce some of the most memorable performances by some of the world’s most revered artists.

Mike Joyce & Stephen Street: The Queen Is Dead 40th Anniversary – Tung Auditorium (8 November)

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Smiths’ The Queen Is Dead with an evening at The Tung Auditorium dedicated to one of the most acclaimed and influential albums of all time.

Voted NME’s Greatest Album of All Time and consistently ranked among the finest records ever made, The Smiths’ 1986 masterpiece The Queen is Dead continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Sounds of Latin America & Africa – Luma Creations at Future Yard (12 November)

Get ready for an unforgettable night of vibrant rhythms, infectious grooves and soulful melodies as ALIFEX Band joins GRUPO LUMA for a powerful musical journey across the Sounds of Latin America and Africa.

Bringing together the rich sounds, traditions and musical influences of two vibrant continents, this special event celebrates cultural diversity, unity and the universal language of music. Expect high-energy performances, irresistible rhythms and an atmosphere full of life, connection and celebration.

North West Duke Ellington Orchestra – Capstone Theatre (13 November)

The North West Duke Ellington Orchestra does what it says on the tin – plays the fantastic music written and arranged by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Directed by Phil Shotton, the 15 piece big band celebrates the music of Duke Ellington playing music from all eras of Ellington’s output, from his Cotton Club days to the swinging suites.

With band members from all over the North West (Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside) brought together by the challenge and excitement of playing Duke Ellington’s most brilliant music, this will be a night to remember.

Bill Ryder Jones & Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – Liverpool Philharmonic (15 November)

Upon leaving The Coral in 2008, few would have expected the direction Ryder-Jones took for his debut solo album, If… Written as a soundtrack to Italo Calvino’s novel If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller, the album is almost entirely instrumental, full of cinematic-style soundscapes and beautifully ornate melodies.

15 years to the day, and four albums since its release, Bill Ryder Jones and Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate this special anniversary, performing the album in full in all its glory for the first (and very possibly only) time. Before that, there’ll also be new work from Bill, and old favourites too, including tracks from 2024’s critically acclaimed Iechyd Da.

Hugh Cornwell – The Atkinson (18 November)

An intimate evening of songs and stories with The Stranglers’ vocalist Hugh Cornwell, plus an open Q&A session. As lead singer and songwriter of The Stranglers during their golden period, Hugh Cornwell cast a spell mixing fact, history, mythology and ideology within the lyrics of the songs.

The Stranglers’ music was a heady mix, leading to the band’s success throughout the world, and they became championed for experimentation and commerciality in equal measures.

AnotherVU: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground + Nico – Future Yard (28 November)

AnotherVU bring their incredible multimedia tribute to The Velvet Underground + Nico – and their iconic shows with Andy Warhol – to Future Yard on Saturday 28th November 2026.

This project had long been an ambition for all of the band’s members, but when multi-instrumentalist Cam Forrester began producing Velvets–related content on YouTube in 2021 and subsequently built a strong following, real demand for a live show was evident, given the scarcity of footage of the original band.

Eleanor McEvoy – Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (28 November)

Renowned Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy returns to the UK in November 2026 with It’s Good to Be Here – a warm, witty and uplifting concert celebrating the simple joy of being alive. Eleanor plays the renowned Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room as part of her tour this autumn.

Best known for her world-renowned hit A Woman’s Heart, the title track to the biggest-selling Irish album of all time, McEvoy’s live performances are celebrated for their intimacy, storytelling and musicianship.

Spatial Sound Performances: Signal Dreaming – FACT (3 December)

This Spatial Sound Performances event by PEARL is a new sound art and performance event series. PEARL brings together experimental composers and artists from Liverpool and beyond through live events, gatherings and workshops.

Artists performing at Signal Dreaming will be Grey Streak, the recording project of Liverpool artist Seb Westwood, electroacoustic composer and sound artist Wendy Smith and Liverpool-based artist coby o·bi.

Looking for more live music in Liverpool and across the city region? Explore our What’s On listings to discover upcoming gigs, concerts, performances and more.

10 Unmissable Things To Do In Liverpool And The City Region In November

Posted on 25/10/2026 | by Uncover

Looking for things to do in Liverpool and the city region this November? From glowing woodland adventures and bold queer performance to atmospheric live music and the return of a much-loved panto, there’s plenty to tempt you out as the nights draw in. Here’s our pick of cultural highlights to add to your calendar this month.

1. Homotopia 2026 (Throughout November)

Liverpool’s celebration of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture returns with Homotopia 2026: We Come Together, bringing queer creativity to venues across the city.

November highlights at Unity Theatre include Thick & Tight’s Natural Behaviour (7 November), Raising the Wreck: Revisited (12 November), Fag Packet’s DYKE Systems Ltd (19 November) and Kim Blythe’s Puzzle (21 November). A scratch night on 25 November also offers the chance to discover new queer work by local artists.

2 Glow In The Park, The Reader at Calderstones Park (5-6 November)

Glow in the Park, is a brand new family event from The Reader. The two-hour experience brings together illuminated entertainment, creative activities and woodland adventures, with plenty for curious visitors of all ages to discover.

Watch Halo Glow, an illuminated performance by Jago Juggling Arts, before trying some tricks yourself in an interactive light workshop. There’s also a silent disco with DJ Clare Powell, storytelling in the indoor Cosy Corner, lantern-making and a mini Lantern Woodland Walk. Round off the evening by gathering around the fire pits to toast marshmallows.

3. Oh My God! It’s The Church, Future Yard (6 November)

Future Yard is welcoming back the formidable Oh my God! It’s The Church. Led by the charismatic Right Reverend Michael Alabama Jackson, the band are set to transform the venue into a raucous, all-singing, all-dancing “party church service”, fuelled by funk, disco and rock. Their irreverent mix of live music, comedy and theatre has won over crowds at Glastonbury and Boomtown, so expect plenty of audience participation and a gloriously wild night.

4. African Routes 2026: Fair Play, The Black-E (6-8 November)

Celebrate African dance, music and creativity at African Routes 2026: Fair Play, taking over The Black-E from 6–8 November. Exploring Fairness, Freedom and Friendship, the three-day programme brings together artists and communities for workshops, performances and thought-provoking conversations.

Open to everyone, the event offers opportunities to try something new, discover different dance traditions and explore how creativity brings people together. Expect inspiring speakers, lively discussions and a closing community showcase, with events free or by donation.

5. Bluecoat After Hours Collage Social, Bluecoat (10 November)

Get creative at Bluecoat After Hours: Collage Social, a free, relaxed evening of cutting, sticking and experimenting. Magazines, newspapers and materials are provided, and you’re welcome to bring photographs, drawings or other finds to make your collage personal. Whether you come solo or with friends, no experience is needed — just settle in, explore your ideas and create at your own pace.

6. Sounds of Latin America & Africa, Future Yard (12 November)

Enjoy an evening of irresistible rhythms as Sounds of Latin America & Africa comes to Future Yard on 12 November. Liverpool-based Grupo Luma, led by Chilean brothers Francisco and Oscar Carrasco, join forces with ALIFEX Band for a lively celebration of music from across two continents.

Grupo Luma bring Latin American rhythms and storytelling, while ALIFEX draw on the sounds of Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, blending Afrobeat, soukous, reggae and rumba. Expect an energetic night with plenty of reasons to dance.

7. Clue, Unity Theatre (13-14 November)

Based on the classic murder mystery game, Clue brings a fast-paced, hilarious whodunnit to Unity Theatre. When a dinner party at Boddy Manor takes a deadly turn, six strangers must uncover who committed the crime, where and with what weapon. Packed with secrets, suspicious characters and plenty of laughs, this chaotic murder mystery will keep audiences guessing until the very end.

8. Across The Universe, The Atkinson (14 November)

Rediscover The Beatles’ groundbreaking studio years with Across The Universe at The Atkinson on 14 November. Bringing together a live band and orchestra, the show celebrates the band’s extraordinary creative output from 1966–1970, recreating recordings that were often never intended for the stage.

With live strings, brass and carefully crafted arrangements, the performance captures the detail and ambition of this influential period. A treat for Beatles fans, it’s a chance to hear familiar favourites brought to life with the richness of an orchestral sound.

9. Ghosts & Spirits: Christmas Past, Present & Future, Downstairs at the Everyman (27 November)

Get into the festive spirit with a magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, told through the eyes of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. This unique storytelling experience brings Scrooge’s journey to life, complete with three specially themed cocktails or mocktails inspired by the Christmas spirits. A wonderfully atmospheric evening of festive storytelling, seasonal drinks and Christmas magic.

10. Milap & Asian Arts Agency Presents Roopa Panesar and Kousic Sen (27 November)

Experience the expressive sounds of sitar and tabla as Roopa Panesar and Kousic Sen perform at The Tung Auditorium. Presented by Milap in association with Asian Arts Agency, the concert brings together two acclaimed musicians whose musical partnership stretches back many years.

One of the UK’s leading sitar players, Panesar combines intricate playing with emotional depth, while Sen brings energy and rhythmic flair to the tabla. Expect an absorbing evening of Indian classical music, shaped by the connection between these accomplished performers.

For more things to do across Liverpool and the city region, explore our What’s On listings.

Half Term Family Activities Across Liverpool And The City Region

Posted on 19/10/2026 | by Uncover

This October half-term there’s a fantastic selection of family events to discover and explore in Liverpool and the city region. From fun-packed family days and spooky cinema screenings to an aquarium feeding workshop and a very special Halloween concert.

Head out with the family and make the most of this autumn half-term, here’s our selection of fun and inspiring family events to enjoy over the school holiday.

River of Light 2026: Together (23 October – 1 November)

River of Light returns this autumn half term illuminating the city with 13 free light installations inspired by the theme Together. Explore the trail across locations including Pier Head, Royal Albert Dock, Williamson Square and Liverpool ONE, daily from 5–9pm. Quiet hours take place on 28 October and 1 November, 4–5pm.

Bluecoat Family Weekend, Bluecoat (24 – 25 October)

The popular Bluecoat Family Weekend returns this October! Join the fun for two days of free family-friendly activities celebrating the Bluecoat archive.

Discover the stories, people and moments that have shaped the arts centre’s history, while exploring the archive’s transformation through The National Archives’ Archives Revealed programme. Suitable for all ages, free, drop in.

Family Day, Liverpool Irish Festival at Museum of Liverpool (24 October)

A Festival-staple and must-see; Liverpool Irish Festival invite you to pop-by for a Family Day at the Museum of Liverpool. There, they’ve a veritable array of activity to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. The Armagh Rhymers return with their Liver Bird story helping to understand how the First Nations people of North America helped the Irish during The Great Hunger.

The Bolger-Cunningham Dance School will give it their all in the morning, before the George Ferguson School for Irish Dance produce junior and senior dance sets, whilst Melody Makers will bring their intergenerational group to play in the space.

Spooky Cinema: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Reader (24 October)

Liverpool’s biggest open-air cinema returns to the historic Calderstones Mansion for Spooky Season with a screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This time they’re bringing you movie magic under the cosy cover of a giant canopy featuring a hand-picked selection of Halloween family favourites, cinematic masterpieces and literary adaptations.

Arrive early and soak up the autumnal atmosphere before the sci-fi classic begins with music, food and drinks. All profits support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond.

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure, Liverpool Playhouse (27 – 31 October)

Find out in this fully interactive, inventive, and fast-paced family show that brings Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure’s tale to life while revealing the story behind it. Celebrating the power of children’s imagination and the importance of play, young audiences are invited to become storytellers themselves, helping a troupe of travelling players build a wild adventure.

Based on the best-selling picture book by Kristina Stephenson, and created to mark the 20th anniversary of this much-loved, modern-day classic, the show features live music, glorious puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and more laughs than you can waft away with a stinky sock.

Fintastic feeding time, World Museum (27 October)

Join the museum’s marine educator as they plunge beneath the surface to discover the wonders of their underwater world with Fintastic Feeding Time . Get an up-close look at some of their most fascinating rock pool creatures on our big screen!

Through interactive games, you’ll uncover the secrets of these amazing animals and the hidden world they call home. You’ll also get to watch their educator feed one of their live animal enclosures. Whether you’re a future marine biologist or looking for a splash of fun, this exciting session promises a wave of discovery.

Freezin, The Atkinson (28 October)

Packed with dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery, toe-tapping tunes, laugh-out-loud comedy and plenty of boos for the baddie, Freezin is the ultimate October half-term treat for the whole family.

Spooky Sudley, Sudley House (30 – 31 October)

Join the fun at Sudley House this Hallowe’en for some ghostly goings on at Spooky Sudley. Hallowe’en at Sudley House will be family friendly but they do recommend that their very youngest visitors might like to be pre-warned that the theme of the event will be a bit spooky!

With crafts, storytelling, icky handling collections and face painting there will be plenty to see and do through the day at Sudley.

Halloween in Concert, M&S Bank Arena (31 October)

This Halloween 2026, as darkness falls across the land, join the amazing cast and live band at The Auditorium for Halloween in Concert — a brand-new live Halloween music spectacular. With stunning stage visuals, state-of-the-art production and immersive lighting effects, this electrifying concert brings to life a spine-tingling crescendo of all things Halloween… with a twist!

Arrive dressed to impress — there’s a prize for the best costume — and settle in for the music of the night in this thrilling new concert experience that’s truly out of this world.

To discover more events taking place across Liverpool and the city region, explore Uncover Liverpool’s What’s On listings.

Buried Treasure By ArtsGroupie CIC: The Malleus Maleficarum, The World’s First Misogynist’s Bible

Posted on 12/10/2026 | by Uncover

By John Maguire

In this latest edition of Buried Treasure, John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC explores the defiant story of Helena Scheuberin, the dark origins of witch-hunting text Malleus Maleficarum, and the enduring relevance of The Hammer and Helena as the production returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse.

When David Griffiths, the playwright, asked me to play the character of Heinrich Kramer in his play The Hammer and Helena, we had already collaborated successfully on productions like 1984, The Signalman, and Ghost Stories for Christmas, so I was immediately interested in the project.

As a pagan, I am drawn to the legacy of witches and the historic persecution of intelligent women in a patriarchal society. When I heard the story of Helena Scheuberin, I was hooked: a rebellious woman who stood her ground and became the inspiration behind one of the most hateful books ever written: the Malleus Maleficarum.

The play, The Hammer and Helena, explores the origins of this vile book.

Innsbruck, 1485.

A witch trial sees Helena become the obsession of a 55-year-old religious zealot, Heinrich Kramer, who had secured a Papal Bull (an official decree from the Pope) after being denied inquisitorial authority in Germany, triggering a chain of events that doomed women for centuries. The themes covered in this piece of history echo today, for example, the online hate and misogyny we see rampant across social media.

Helena’s persecution happened after Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. When the Malleus Maleficarum by Kramer was published in 1487, this new technology allowed the text to become an immediate bestseller across Europe, spreading witch-hunting doctrine faster than hand-copied manuscripts ever could. A tool with the ability to share knowledge and educate was hijacked to spread hatred and fear.

The book was born out of the obsession he developed with Helena, an influential, well-known member of her community and married to a burgher. I picture her as a Princess Diana figure. Heinrich’s sermons bordered on sadism and the pornographic. Helena refused to stay silent, disrupting one of Kramer’s sermons by publicly proclaiming he was an evil man in league with the devil. When Helena stopped attending his church and encouraged others to boycott him, Kramer confronted her in the street, leading to a public argument.

She was reported to have said, ‘Fie on you, you bad monk, may the falling evil take you.’ Heinrich fell over and claimed her words had acted as a maleficent magical curse.

A petty man whose ego was bruised because a woman refused to submit to his authority. Strikingly familiar with today. Outraged by her defiance, Kramer put Helena and thirteen others on trial for witchcraft, even bizarrely accusing her of using magic to murder a local knight whose doctor had simply warned him to stop visiting her. During proceedings, Helena had the backing of her husband, community and the finances to pay for legal counsel. Her defence lawyer raised procedural objections while Kramer fixated heavily on her sexuality. Helena won her case with the presiding Bishop declaring Kramer had ‘presumed much that had not been proved.’ Kramer was disgraced and discredited, expelled from Innsbruck by the Bishop for his sheer insanity and obsession with Helena, and banished from the diocese.

In 1487, humiliated by his defeat, he wrote the Malleus Maleficarum, translated as ‘The Hammer of Witches’, specifically to strip away judicial protections for accused women and ensure secular courts could execute suspects without any interference from the bishops. This single act of male spite went on to become the foundation for witch-hunting doctrine. It influenced King James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), who penned his own text, Dæmonologie, drawing heavily on Kramer’s insane ideas. Decades later, Puritans carried these legal precedents across the Atlantic to Salem, Massachusetts, to persecute and murder innocent women.

In the ArtsGroupie production of The Hammer and Helena, Helena confronts her accuser one final time with her soul on the line.

Helena is played by talented local creative, Samantha Alton, who says,

“As an actress, I found it easy to put myself into the role. Women I know, if you’re out there, you know that we come across these creepy men who overstep the mark and push against the boundaries that we set. Some of us are friendly by nature, but if you make eye contact with somebody, that’s it: they think they are taking you home or deserve your phone number. This relationship is something every woman will recognise. It will make the women in the seats squirm, but it will also make some men in the audience see aspects of themselves.”

Writer and Director David Griffiths commented,

“To speak such truth to power with the odds so highly stacked against her was an inspiration. I was struck by how little things had changed in the intervening centuries. There are so many similarities to the present day. I hope we all have the strength of conviction of Helena Scheuberin to see us through our current political landscape.”

At a time when toxic masculinity is increasing, and patriarchal bullying is rife, artists should provoke and encourage discourse. This is the reason the play went to the Edinburgh Fringe last year. A costly exercise, for the Festival has become an option mainly for people from wealthy, middle-class backgrounds who can afford to pay the fees needed to showcase work. As co-director of Artsgroupie, I said from the outset that as a company we would only go if we had a piece that spoke to people and had something to say on the ‘now.’ At a time in our society when people are arrested for protesting, it felt important to make a stand against patriarchal bullying and the pure abhorrence and misinformation we see coming from the army of haters, like Andrew Tate.

Having started at the Unity Theatre and trialled at Shakespeare North Playhouse before our community-funded run at the Edinburgh Fringe, it feels fitting to bring The Hammer and Helena back home one final time to Shakespeare North.

The Hammer and Helena
15th & 16th October
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Tickets

Theatre Review: Unsinkable – A Suffocating Study of Guilt That Stalks It’s Survivor Like A Shadow That Never Lifts

Posted on 06/10/2026 | by Uncover

By Kevin Eccleston

More than a century after the Titanic sank, the disaster continues to fascinate audiences. Countless books, films and stage productions have revisited the tragedy, its victims and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding that fateful night.

But Unsinkable, currently being staged at Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre, chooses not to tell the story we already know.

Written and directed by Matthew Reynolds, the play instead turns its attention to J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line and one of the most controversial figures associated with the Titanic. Ismay survived the disaster. That fact would become his defining legacy.

His decision to enter a lifeboat while many passengers and crew were still aboard led to widespread condemnation, transforming him into a convenient villain in the public story of the Titanic. More than 100 years later, that reputation remains remarkably persistent.

Unsinkable asks us to look beyond it.

Joseph Winder takes on the role of Ismay, having previously played the character during the production’s earlier development. His performance gives the play its central focus as Ismay confronts the events of the disaster and the consequences that followed. Winder is supported by a talented cast including Christopher Forrest as The Inquirer who holds many of the scenes together whilst plaing a challenge to Isam., Emily Guilfoyle as Marian Thayer. Charlie Forrest as Officer Lightoller. Rosabelle Bennett as Florence Ismay who sruggles with the pressure put upon her marriage by the public’s feelings towards her husband. Alice McKillop plays the feisty activist Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown and Lorna Jane Ryan playing the part of Violet Jessop.

Rather than attempting to recreate the scale of the Titanic itself, Reynolds keeps the production intimate. The drama is driven by dialogue, memories and the gradual unpicking of a question that is far more complicated than simply asking whether Ismay was a hero or a villain.

What does it mean to survive when others do not? How does someone live with the knowledge that history has already decided who they are? Those questions give Unsinkable its dramatic strength. Ismay is not presented simply as a historical figure to be judged, but as a man forced to confront the consequences of an event that would define the remainder of his life.

There is also something particularly appropriate about seeing this story performed in Liverpool. The city’s maritime heritage is inseparable from the Titanic story, and Hope Street Theatre provides an interesting setting for a production that examines one of the key figures connected with the disaster.

The play itself has an interesting Liverpool theatre journey. It began life as a shorter piece entered into Tip Tray Theatre’s What Happens Next? competition before being developed into a full-length production. A sold-out staged reading subsequently provided an opportunity to test the material with an audience before its move to the Hope Street stage.

That development is reflected in a production that knows exactly where its interest lies. This is not a show about recreating the spectacle of Titanic’s final hours. It is a character-driven examination of what happened afterwards — and of the way public opinion can shape the historical reputation of an individual.

The Titanic story may be familiar, but Unsinkable demonstrates that there are still different perspectives to explore.

By placing Bruce Ismay rather than the sinking itself at the heart of the drama, Matthew Reynolds offers an alternative way of considering one of the most famous tragedies in maritime history. Whether audiences leave feeling sympathy for Ismay, continued suspicion, or simply a greater sense of uncertainty about the man behind the legend is ultimately left to them. Interestingly Reynolds touches in the issue of equal rights when touching on the allocation of lifeboat places.

And perhaps the play’s most interesting achievement: it doesn’t try to provide an easy answer to all these questions.

Unsinkable is a story steeped in devotion and ruin, where every regret feels like a love letter written too late.

10 Unmissable Things To Do In Liverpool And The City Region In October

Posted on 30/09/2026 | by Uncover

October’s cultural calendar stretches from Black History Month events, River of Light and the Liverpool Irish Festival to live music, theatre and a few well-timed scares. Whether you’re planning a family afternoon, looking for an unusual night out or heading beyond the city centre, here are 12 events to explore across Liverpool and the city region this month.

1. Black History Month with Writing on the Wall (Throughout October)

Writing on the Wall’s Black History Month programme invites audiences to engage with Black history, creativity and community action. Events announced so far include Professor Stephen Small on Black Liverpool, an evening with writer Dean Atta and walking tours exploring Liverpool’s connections to slavery, the events of 1919 and activism in L8. Check the programme for further announcements.

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray, Shakespeare North Playhouse (7–10 October)

Oscar Wilde’s story of beauty, temptation and a terrible bargain comes to Shakespeare North Playhouse. This new adaptation brings Wilde’s wit and dark imagination to the stage as Dorian discovers the cost of staying young forever.

3. Silent Film Soundtracks, Future Yard (8 October)

For a night that mixes cinema and live music, head to Future Yard in Birkenhead. Moolakii Club pairs films with original electronic scores performed live by Stealing Sheep, Traindeer and LoopFader. Each artist responds to the images in real time, making this a one-off way to experience the films.

4. She’s Electric: My Strange But True Story, Capstone Theatre (9 October)

Vanessa spent a decade working as a woman electrician in the UK film industry. In She’s Electric at the Capstone Theatre, she takes audiences behind the scenes of movie sets with a funny, personal account of the work and the people she encountered along the way. The event listing includes content warnings for sexual threat, drug use and mild swearing.

5. Ghosted!, The Studio Beyond (15 October)

Four strangers join a ghost tour, each looking for answers of their own. Set at The Studio Beyond on Wood Street, Ghosted! uses its supernatural premise to explore the past, the future and whether the things haunting us are always ghosts.

6. Liverpool Irish Festival (15–25 October)

The Liverpool Irish Festival returns with music, theatre, literature, heritage walks and family events. This year’s theme, I Am Here, explores arrival, belonging and being seen. Highlights include performances from Kíla and Téada, a free author day at Central Library, and Family Day at the Museum of Liverpool. Satellite events run beyond the main festival dates.

7. Mean Girls, Liverpool Empire Theatre (19–31 October)

The Plastics arrive at Liverpool Empire Theatre in the stage musical of Mean Girls. When Cady Heron starts at North Shore High, she finds that fitting in comes with its own rules. Expect familiar characters, sharp humour and plenty of songs.

8. River of Light (23 October–1 November)

Liverpool city centre will light up after dark as River of Light returns with a free trail of 13 artworks. This year’s theme is Together, with installations exploring how light can bring people closer. Follow the trail at your own pace for an autumn evening out; the festival continues into the first weekend of November.

9. The Haunting of Blaine Manor, The Atkinson (24 October)

Head to The Atkinson in Southport for a classic ghost story. Set in 1953, the play follows a parapsychologist invited to investigate a supposedly haunted manor. A séance and an approaching storm soon turn his visit into something far more unsettling. There are afternoon and evening performances; the production is listed for ages 10 and over.

10. Bluecoat Family Weekend — 24–25 October

Looking for a free half-term outing? Bluecoat Family Weekend offers drop-in activities for all ages, inspired by the stories, people and moments in the arts centre’s archive. Activities run from 1–4pm on both days.

For more ideas throughout October, explore Uncover Liverpool’s What’s On listings.

La Feria 2026 Preview

Posted on 28/09/2026 | by Uncover

Produced by Luma Creations, La Feria brings internationally acclaimed musicians, theatre-makers, dancers, visual artists, cultural practitioners and food vendors from Latin America and the UK to Liverpool.

Across five days, live music, theatre, dance, performance, exhibitions, workshops, talks and participatory events create a place to discover, share and reconnect through Latin American arts and cultures.

More than a programme of performances, La Feria is a space for cultural exchange, shared understanding and meaningful connection between communities. Reflecting their commitment to community, the theme for this year’s festival is Belonging.

Here’s our full listing of events for La Feria 2026:

Camila & Silvio + Peregrinos, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (8 October)

Camila y Silvio return to La Feria with their award-winning sound, rooted in Andean and Latin American folk traditions. Blending musical heritage with a fresh, youthful perspective, the duo creates performances that move through landscapes, shared histories and the emotions that connect us.

Peregrinos open the evening, and are included in the same ticket. Peregrinos is a Chilean duo formed by Raimundo Santander and Rodrigo Recabarren, whose music brings together the traditions of Chilean folk with the freedom and spontaneity of jazz.

Belonging, Unity Theatre (7 October – 6 November)

Belonging brings together contemporary work by UK-based artists of Latin American heritage. The exhibition follows identity, memory, migration, home and cultural connection, and the many ways belonging is lived and expressed.

The works draw on personal and shared histories. They show how culture is kept, reimagined and passed between generations, changing as it moves across places and borders. Through a wide range of visual languages, Belonging asks what connections shape who we are, and the communities we make. Belonging is the theme of La Feria 2026. It runs the length of the festival and beyond

Manuelita by Popelei, Unity Theatre (7 October)

Manuelita is a critically acclaimed one-person play that brings to life the remarkable story of Manuela Sáenz, the Ecuadorian revolutionary and trusted partner of Simón Bolívar. Through a compelling blend of theatre, movement, humour, and live music, the production brings to life the passion, courage, and resilience of a woman who played a pivotal role in Latin America’s fight for independence.

Performed by Tamsin Hurtado Clarke with live music by acclaimed Colombian guitarist Camilo Menjura, Manuelita has captivated audiences internationally and received widespread critical acclaim.

Orchestra Mambo International, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (9 October)

Orchestra Mambo International (OMI) is a 13-piece Latin big band formed in 2022 by salsa DJ and promoter DJ Lubi Jovanovic and trombonist and composer Jonny Enright. Bringing together musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil and the UK, OMI plays the golden age of mambo, salsa dura and Afro-Cuban jazz with a contemporary edge.

Inspired by Tito Puente, Machito, Eddie Palmieri and Tito Rodríguez, the band has established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting Latin ensembles.

World Museum Take-Over, World Museum (10 October)

World Museum Take-Over at a previous edition of La Feria

Presented in partnership with the World Museum and the Global Cultures Collections Team, as part of the Cuerpos del Tiempo project to re-imagine the Americas Gallery. Experience the World Museum Takeover as La Feria turns its galleries over to Latin American arts and culture for the day. Through the afternoon the museum fills with live music, dance, storytelling, workshops and activities you can join.

A family day: whether you are dancing to live music, trying something with your hands, or sharing stories with the people you came with, there is a way in for everyone.

Killabeatmaker & Mari Merenda, District (10 October)

Killabeatmaker is a music producer and performer from Medellín, Colombia, whose sound fuses traditional Colombian music with electronic production, urban grooves, deep bass and global rhythms. Known for energetic, interactive live shows, he combines beatboxing, rap, vocals and live beats.

Over the past two years, Killabeatmaker and his band have completed three European tours, performing in more than 70 cities and appearing at festivals and cultural events worldwide. They continue touring in 2026 with appearances across North America, Canada, India and Europe.

A Taste of Latin America, The Black-E (11 October)

A Taste of Latin America completes La Feria 2026 at The Black-E. Latin American communities from across Liverpool and beyond come together to share traditions, mark identity and build new connections. A day of live music, DJs, dance, hands-on workshops, Latin American food and creative activities for all ages, from traditional folk to contemporary sound.

Artists represent Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, and beyond, alongside the contribution Latin American communities make to the cultural life of Liverpool.

To discover more events taking place across Liverpool and the city region, explore Uncover Liverpool’s What’s On listings.

Autumn Exhibitions To See Across Liverpool City Region in 2026

Posted on 20/09/2026 | by Uncover

Autumn Exhibitions in Liverpool City Region — Rae-Yen Song, •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~• (2026). Installation view at Tramway, Glasgow. Courtesy of the artist. Photography by Keith Hunter.

Autumn is shaping up to be an exciting season for art lovers across the Liverpool city region. From immersive installations exploring our increasingly digital lives to exhibitions centred on community, identity, ancestry and overlooked histories, galleries across the city are welcoming a brilliant mix of established names and emerging talent.

Here are some of the standout autumn exhibitions to add to your cultural calendar.

Julia Carter Preston at the Bluecoat, Bluecoat (11 September – 8 November 2026)

Celebrating the centenary of much-loved Liverpool artist Julia Carter Preston, this fascinating archive display explores her long relationship with Bluecoat, where she maintained a studio overlooking the garden for many years.

Featuring photographs, documents and specially commissioned plaques, the exhibition offers an insight into the life and work of an artist known for her distinctive ceramics and revival of the centuries-old sgraffito technique. It forms part of a wider celebration taking place across five Liverpool venues, including Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool Hope University, Walker Art Gallery and Victoria Gallery & Museum.

BRB, FACT Liverpool (18 September – 6 December 2026)

Taking its name from the early internet abbreviation for “be right back”, BRB asks whether it is still possible to properly step away from our screens. Through film, animation, sculpture and interactive installations, North West-based artists Livi Wilmore, Mrs Luva-Luva and Ellie Hoskins explore how constant connectivity is reshaping our identities, relationships and sense of self. From an unsettling adult soft-play environment to a towering rollercoaster and a surreal supermarket powered by personal data, the exhibition takes a playful but thought-provoking look at life in an age of endless notifications, artificial intelligence and algorithmic feeds.

Seema Mattu: LOCAL SUPERSTAR II, FACT Liverpool (18 September 2026 – 14 February 2027)

Seema Mattu, LOCAL SUPERSTAR (2026). Installation view at Eastside Projects, Birmingham. Courtesy of the artist. Photography by Ashley Carr.

Step aboard a tour bus and enter the ever-expanding world of Saheli, a fictional band created by artist Seema Mattu.

A series of films follows the group through auditions, rehearsals, interviews and jam sessions, while interactive instruments invite visitors to make music alongside the band and contribute to an evolving sonic landscape. Exploring caste, queer desire, technology and collective creativity, LOCAL SUPERSTAR II presents music as a space where people can gather, experiment and create something together.

For Mattu, superstardom is not simply about global fame, but the excitement of ideas taking shape at a local level, supported by the people and places around them.

Rae-Yen Song 宋瑞渊: •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~•, FACT Liverpool (18 September 2026 – 14 February 2027)

Rae-Yen Song, •~TUA~• 大眼 •~MAK~• (2026). Installation view at Tramway, Glasgow. Courtesy of the artist. Photography by Keith Hunter.

Rae-Yen Song transforms the gallery into a living, otherworldly environment inspired by family mythology, ecology and Daoist ways of understanding the world.

At its centre is a glowing pond containing organic matter, microscopic life and invertebrates, whose movements influence the shifting light and sound around the space. Handmade objects created using textiles, glass, ceramic, willow, hair and even cat fur appear throughout the installation.

Inspired by the story of an ancestor who drowned at sea in 1950s Singapore, the exhibition brings together the visible and invisible, encouraging visitors to think of heritage and ancestry as something living, changing and deeply interconnected.

Next Up-2026, Open Eye Gallery (18 September – 1 November 2026)

Open Eye Gallery’s annual graduate exhibition returns with new work from early-career photographers connected to its MA in Socially Engaged Photography, delivered in partnership with the University of Salford.

Featuring Yaqeen Amir, Ella Horniman, Jack Smith and Helen Constantinou, this year’s exhibition explores subjects including displacement, LGBTQI+ history, working-class creativity and environmental damage.

From photographs documenting the 1988 protests against Section 28 to collaborative zines created with underrepresented communities in North Manchester, Next Up-2026 highlights stories and experiences that can often be overlooked, while offering an exciting glimpse at the future of socially engaged photography.

New Faces, New Focus: Stories We Share, Open Eye Gallery (18 September – 20 December 2026)

Bringing together artists, community participants and museum collections from across the UK, New Faces, New Focus: Stories We Share explores journeys, identity and the meaning of home.

Created through residencies in the Liverpool city region, Armagh and Aberdeenshire, the exhibition places the experiences of communities affected by migration and displacement at its heart. Photography, sculpture, sewing and writing sit alongside objects from museum collections, revealing how everyday items can hold powerful memories of family, heritage and belonging.

Related displays will also take place at The Atkinson, Kirkby Gallery and The World of Glass, before the exhibition continues its journey to Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Becky Beasley: A Gentle Man (Part II) (1975–2029), Bluecoat (26 September 2026 – 3 January 2027)

Becky Beasley’s touring exhibition completely transforms Bluecoat’s gallery, with a large green linoleum artwork stretching across the floor, hand-cut lake silhouettes and adjustable “conversation” or “kissing” benches where visitors can pause and rest.

Pastel-pink curtains shaped into the letters H, S and P — an acronym for Highly Sensitive Person — hang alongside ceramics, photographs and sculptural furniture. At the centre of the exhibition is a four-part video portrait of an imaginary figure combining elements of American writer Bernard Malamud and the artist’s father.

Narrated by actor Russell Tovey, the work moves through four major parts of life: work, family, chosen family and dying. Entry is free.

To discover more exhibitions and events taking place across Liverpool and the city region, explore Uncover Liverpool’s What’s On listings.

BlackFest 2026 – Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

Posted on 20/09/2026 | by Uncover

BlackFest returns to Liverpool this autumn with another packed programme of music, theatre, comedy, film, visual art, spoken word, poetry and creative workshops.

Founded in 2018, the grassroots Black Arts festival champions Black artists and brings their work to both community spaces and established cultural venues. This year’s festival marks 100 years since the beginnings of Black History Month, with events taking place across Liverpool throughout September and October.

The 2026 line-up features everyone from ’90s pop favourites Cleopatra and Jamaican-born Liverpool musician KingFast to artists Alena Kudera, Nina Edge and acclaimed sculptor Faith Bebbington.

Here’s our guide to what’s happening at BlackFest 2026.

Short Experimental Performances & One Woman Plays – Shakespeare North Playhouse (24 September)

BlackFest Creatives Collective takes over Shakespeare North Playhouse for an evening of new writing, music and performance exploring identity, relationships, race, grief and what it means to be British.

Short Experimental Performances and One-Woman Plays features work from MD Productions and Miguel Doforo, alongside Mariam Jama’s My Friend Fiona, a three-hander set in the near future.

Loisha performs her one-woman play Brit-tish, asking whether Britain can truly feel like home when you’re both Black and British. Mariam Abood, also known as Emmy, will also showcase her debut work, Frenemies, exploring the complicated space where friendships and rivalries collide.

Expect an evening of fresh ideas, exciting stories and experimental performances covering everything from AI and dystopian futures to identity and belonging.

Short Experimental Performances From Black Writers & Comedians – Shakespeare North Playhouse (25 September)

The following evening brings together stand-up comedy, spoken word and new experimental work from the BlackFest Creatives Collective. Hosted by Skelmersdale comedian, writer and actor Daniel Hippolyte Carmichael, Comedy and Short Experimental Performances includes spoken word sequences from Sandstone Silver and stand-up from young performer Jaqson Johnston-Lynch.

Also appearing is Sarah Levine, one of Liverpool’s fastest-rising comedy talents. A mixed-race single mum with zero filter, Sarah is sharp, fearless and more than happy to say what everyone else is thinking.

Cleopatra – The Tung Auditorium (25 September)

Sisters Cleopatra, Zainam and Yonah Higgins burst onto the British pop scene in the late ’90s with their infectious energy, soulful harmonies and unforgettable performances. The Manchester siblings became the first Black British girl group to achieve mainstream success, securing their place in pop history with hits including Cleopatra’s Theme.

Now, Cleopatra are heading to The Tung Auditorium as part of BlackFest 2026, offering the perfect chance to relive some ’90s pop nostalgia.

Short Experimental Performances & One Woman Plays – Shakespeare North Playhouse (26 September)

BlackFest Creatives Collective returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse for another evening of new and developing work. This edition of Short Experimental Performances and One-Woman Plays includes an experimental R&D performance from Chelsey Emery, Chase Johnston-Lynch and friends, celebrating Black excellence and historical figures.

Sarah Abusin presents Jailbird, a musical exploring the lives of incarcerated women in Dubai, while Nigerian spoken word artist Janoma Omena performs work exploring queerness, young adulthood, reproductive health and migration.

KingFast – The Tung Auditorium (30 September)

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Belfast and now part of Liverpool’s music scene, KingFast brings together the sounds and influences of his different homes. He has performed at Liverpool Sound City, LIMF, Deva Fest, Nantwich Jazz Festival and Elderflower Fields Festival, as well as reaching the final of Southport’s Eurovision Calling.

His music has been heard on Radio City and BBC Radio Merseyside, as well as through a national in-store jukebox playing in major chains across the country. Catch him live at The Tung Auditorium as part of this year’s festival.

Visual Arts Launch – Granby Winter Garden (30 September)

BlackFest’s Visual Arts Launch brings artists, creatives and audiences together for an evening celebrating Black visual art and creative expression. Taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Granby Winter Garden, the event combines art, music, conversation and community, with a special live piano performance from Jazz Gittens.

There will also be a panel discussion featuring artists from the BlackFest 2026 visual arts programme, who will share more about their creative practices, inspirations, experiences and the stories behind their work.

BlackFest 2026 Presents: Visual Arts Workshop with Ayobami – Granby Winter Garden (7 October)

Get creative with multidisciplinary artist Ayobami during this hands-on Visual Arts Workshop at Granby Winter Garden. Specialising in floral artwork and expressive abstract pieces, Ayobami combines colourful acrylic blends with detailed ink hatching to create bold and dynamic compositions.

During the session, she’ll introduce participants to her creative practice and encourage them to experiment with colour, abstraction and expressive mark-making.

BlackFest Presents: Plant-Based Goodness, Arts, Crafts & Market – Palm House, Sefton Park (11 October, Afternoon)

Spend an afternoon enjoying good food, creativity, music and community inside Sefton Park Palm House. Plant-Based Goodness, Arts, Crafts and Market features healthy and flavour-packed food from Yammtree, introducing visitors to indigenous ingredients that can support wellbeing and immunity.

There will also be an all-ages arts and crafts table led by visual artist Layla Gibiliru, with parents welcome to get involved, plus a market filled with handmade products and one-of-a-kind gifts. Local DJ Shanay Maxwell will provide the soundtrack to the afternoon with a selection of soulful tracks.

BlackFest 2026 Presents: Awakened ft. Kelechi Okafor – Palm House, Sefton Park (11 October, Evening)

Later that evening, the Palm House hosts Awakened featuring Kelechi Okafor, bringing together literature, culture, conversation and big ideas.

Kelechi Okafor is a British-Nigerian artist, writer, presenter, actor and political commentator. She is also the creator of the acclaimed Say Your Mind podcast, which has grown to more than 280 episodes and explores self-reclamation through an unflinching look at society.

Her work spans literature, media, performance and political commentary, often exploring Black identity, systemic injustice and the experiences of Black communities. This event offers an opportunity to hear more about her work, ideas and approach to creating meaningful change.

BlackFest 2026 Presents: Visual Arts Workshop with Alena Kudera – Granby Winter Garden (14 October)

Discover the creative potential of unwanted clothing, textiles and everyday objects at this Visual Arts Workshop with Alena Kudera. Alena is a visual artist, designer and maker who transforms discarded materials through craftsmanship and creative reinvention.

Her work explores clothing as a language and the body as a canvas, taking inspiration from folk motifs, sensory patterns and sculpture. During the workshop, she’ll share her practice and invite participants to explore textiles, sustainability, deconstruction and material storytelling.

BlackFest 2026 Presents: Visual Arts Workshop with Nina Edge – Granby Winter Garden (21 October)

Artist, writer and urban design activist Nina Edge leads a special Visual Arts Workshop exploring creativity, materials, community and public art.

Nina’s multidisciplinary practice spans radical textiles, ceramics, street performance, public art and short film.

A dual-heritage British Asian woman, she originally trained as a ceramicist and became known for using materials traditionally viewed as low-status crafts to question established artistic hierarchies.

Celebrating Legacy Sculpture Workshop with Faith Bebbington – Granby Winter Garden (22 October)

Round off the festival programme by creating something meaningful with acclaimed Liverpool sculptor Faith Bebbington. During the sustainable Celebrating Legacy Sculpture Workshop, participants will create a piece honouring their own identity or celebrating an inspiring Black historical figure.

Using recycled paper and cardboard, you’ll make a personal 3D artwork while exploring identity, heritage, Black history and legacy in a welcoming group setting.

For even more events, exhibitions and cultural happenings explore our What’s On listings.