Our Culture Radar guest this week is Digital Marketing, Communications and Content Producer at Open Eye Gallery, Maria Gulina.
Loved: I love the current exhibition at Open Eye Gallery. It’s called A Place Of Our Own and it brings together the local stories of people across Walton (North Liverpool), Prescot (Knowsley) and Chester town centre. All the works produced are examples of socially engaged projects, meaning that photographers and local communities have come together to co-author work which best reflects their local area. Whilst the three projects show varying views and responses to each location, what connects them is a clear pride in people’s memories and associations with each place.
Looking forward to: I’m really looking forward to the next project we are working on: LOOK Climate Lab 2024! We’ll be bringing together researchers and artists to show how photography can be a relevant and powerful medium for talking about climate change, and the events programme is looking very exciting. Mark your calendars: we’re opening on 18th January 2024.
Trivia: It was sad (but eye-opening) to learn more about Roma and Traveller communities. One of our socially engaged photographers, Ciara Leeming, worked with Roma and Traveller girls and women, to produce a zine and an exhibition. Roma and Traveller communities are already among the most marginalised in Britain – with a life expectancy 10-12 years below the national average. They face a lot of stereotypes, and I hope that our exhibition and the zine with their honest and brave stories will encourage empathy and understanding.
Pantomime season is here again and the Liverpool city region has a host of excellent shows this year. From Boy George in Peter Pan, Liam Fox in Aladdin and the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the Everyman, there’s a varied and immensely fun selection on offer.
1. Aladdin: St Helens Theatre Royal (2 December – 4 January)
Take a 3D magic carpet ride this Christmas with Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal, where you’ll be whisked off to a spectacular pantoland. Emmerdale’s Liam Fox makes his professional panto debut as the evil Abanazer, and pantomime royalty Leanne Campbell appears digitally as the magical ‘Genie of the Mirror’.
They promise gorgeous sets, dazzling costumes, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and an excellent soundtrack.
2.Cinderella: The Everyman Rock n Roll Panto (17 November – 20 January 2024)
The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is back, and this year they’re telling the story of Cinderella. With heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle, their gifted actor-musicians will bring the classic fairy tale to life, in surprising style.
Bursting with banging pop and rock tunes, this is a show to have you singing and dancing along, no matter what your age.
3. Peter Pan: M&S Bank Arena (2-3 December)
A big budget adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved Peter Pan will be flying into Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena this December. The show promises a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure. Legendary Culture Club star and DJ, Boy George, also debuts as Captain Hook in this fun Neverland fantasy.
Featuring fabulous digital animation, the unique show boasts a cast of fifty, including a dozen cirque performers and daring aerial stunts.
4. Sleeping Beauty: The Auditorium (16 December – 30 December)
This year’s spectacular Sleeping Beauty pantomime at The Auditorium, features great live music, showstopping dance routines and beautiful costumes. It’s sure to be a magical experience for children and adults alike.
The show features reality TV star and model, Katie Price as Carabosse, comedy sensation Bippo as The Castle Clown, plus Britain’s Got Talent finalist Lucy Kay as The Fairy.
5. Jack and the Beanstalk: The Atkinson, Southport (7 – 31 December)
Join hero Jack Trott as he embarks on an extraordinary journey up the beanstalk to an enchanted land above the clouds. With hilarious antics, lovable characters, and a handful of magic beans, this traditional Jack and the Beanstalk panto is captivating for audiences of all ages.
Packed with toe-tapping songs and stunning sets, this larger-than-life pantomime promises to be an unmissable treat for everyone this festive season.
6. Beauty and the Beast: Ten Streets Social (29 November – 5 December)
Join the fun for a pantomime tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast. Meet Belle and her friends on this magical adventure, as they discover that beauty is more than skin deep.
There’ll be glittering outfits and fantastic staging, alongside plenty of audience participation and huge helpings of laughter. Beauty and the Beast is a family pantomime not to be missed.
The Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Company are hosting their 41st annual family pantomime, Mother Goose. A traditional pantomime with a twist and some hilarious antics, on the stage and off.
The show is written by Laughing Cat Pantomimes and directed by Rosie Shields
8. Beauty and the Beast: Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight (8 – 31 December)
The enchanting Beauty and the Beast is making its way into The Gladstone Theatre this Christmas, as the Dreamworld Entertainments team return for another family pantomime in Port Sunlight.
Along with a spectacular cast, there’s all the laughs and traditions with a modern twist, their audience have come to know and love. Expect magic, mystery and lots of sparkle as they take you on a journey to find spell breaking love!
9. Jack and The Beanstalk: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (9 December – 7 January 2024)
This Jack and The Beanstalk production is full of song and dance numbers, bags of audience participation, plus magnificent 3D effects.
The show is led by TV star Hayley Tamaddon as The Vegetable Fairy, Hayley is known for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Joining her on stage will be CBeebies Joseph Elliot, as Fleshcreep, and Blood Brothers star Sean Jones, as Simple Simon. Not forgetting Oliver Brooks as the unmissable Dame Trott!
10. The Wizard of Oz: Liverpool Empire (13 December – 7 January 2024)
Featuring the iconic score from the Oscar-winning film, Liverpool Empire has a production of The Wizard of Oz, including the classics, Over The Rainbow and Follow The Yellow Brick Road. Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on a magical adventure down the yellow brick road.
Based on the much-loved movie, this critically rated production is directed by Nikolai Foster, known for his work on legendary musicals such as A Chorus Line and Billy Elliot The Musical.
11. Dick Whittington: Hope Street Theatre (14 – 31 December)
This Dick Whittington show features Hope Street’s favourite panto dame John Garfield-Roberts, serving comedy chaos as Sarah the Cook, alongside Lesley Butler as the revolting Queen Rat and Phil Perez as fantastically funny Fitzwarren.
Produced by Christopher Jones of Just Entertainment, the show features a host of Merseyside performers, including a large junior ensemble from the Hope Street based Performers Theatre School.
12. The Scouse Genie (Adults Panto): Hope Street Theatre (28 November – 2 December)
City Theatre present their first ever adult panto, The Scouse Genie, at Hope Street Theatre this year.
Based on the famous Aladdin story, The Scouse Genie tells the tale of Aria, a local Scouse girl who lives with her mum, Liver Bird, and her brother and sister, Timothy and Stacey. Set in Liverpool, this rebooted version of Aladdin will be something you’ve never seen before!
Discover the vibrant world of improvisational theatre with our handpicked list of the best improv classes in the Liverpool city region, where creativity and spontaneity take centre stage.
1. Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI)
Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI) teaches drop-in sessions for improvisers of all levels from complete beginners through to those who are more advanced. They also offer specialised courses at every level to enable people to increase their skillset.
They see improvisation as enabling people to tap into their own creativity, boost their self-expression and confidence as well as unleashing a ton of laughter! It also allows people to hone their listening and communication skills by actively listening to others.
Liverpool Comedy Improv: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
2. Wing It Impro and Stories
Wing It Impro and Stories is run by multi-award winning actor and director Mark Smith. Mark has spent twenty plus years as a professional improvisor, either as performer or director. He was Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Spike Theatre from 2008-2014 and devised or directed all of their theatre shows.
Wing It run a fun Spontaneous Theatre course with play built into the heart of it. It’s suited for those who have some experience in improvisation and are looking for an intensive hit of creativity.
Mark is also behind Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Wing It Impro: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
3. Liverpool Improvisation Festival
Wing It’s Mark Smith devised the new two-day Liverpool Improvisation Festival, which is supported and hosted by the Unity Theatre. Across two days in 2023, they presented an exciting programme of 12 shows including two world premieres and four workshops. There is a mix of established artists and companies and those who are new and emerging.
All the work is improvised and draws upon numerous art forms including clown, comedy, fooling, music, puppetry, storytelling, and theatre.
Liverpool Improvisation Festival: Unity Theatre, Hope Place, L1
4. Dream Academy of Arts
The St Helens based Dream Academy of Arts is taught by leading industry professionals, with experience in TV, Film, and Theatre.
Classes take place on Saturday mornings and are suitable for a range of age groups from 7-18 years, they provide unparalleled training in all aspects of performing arts. Training includes improvisation, voice work and confidence building.
Dream Academy of Arts: Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10.
5. Casino Improv
Slightly further afield, Casino Improv is a Wigan based Improv group, performing monthly at The Old Courts with The Something New Show. Casino Improv also performed at the first Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Casino Improv: The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Get your steps in and explore Liverpool in a whole new light with these walking tours.
1. Arts Groupie Walking Tours
Arts Groupie CIC offer a range of walking tours in Liverpool. They have their Beginners Guide To Liverpool tour, their Liver Bird Safari tour, Liverpool American history walking tour and Mersey Music history tour amongst others. Find out more and book onto a tour here.
2. Reel Tours – Film & TV Location Tour
Liverpool is the most filmed city in Europe, outside London, so you can imagine there’s a plethora of tv and film shooting locations dotted across the city centre. That’s where Gary Lunt of Reel Tours comes in. Gary is the city’s film buff, who will take you on a guided tour of some fascinating film locations, parting with film trivia along the way. Check out Gary’s local film knowledge here.
3. Shiverpool Historic Ghost Walks
The multi-award winning Shiverpool Ghost Tours are one of the best ways to spend an evening exploring Liverpool. Shiverpool’s hilarious street theatre ghost tours are super fun and packed full of history and interesting stories about the city.
4. Mersey Tunnel Tour
Did you know you can tour the Queensway Mersey Tunnel? You’ll learn about the construction of the tunnel, visit the original control room, see giant ventilation fans in action and go down to watch the traffic in the tunnel, deep below the city streets. You will also find out which Hollywood movies the tunnel has featured in.
5. The Old Dock Tour
Discover the origin of Liverpool’s fortune, buried underneath Liverpool ONE with the Old Dock Tour. Revealed during excavations on the site in 2001, the story of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock is explored on this guided tour.
6. Silent Adventures
If you’re looking for something a little bit different then Silent Adventures offer a unique and unforgettable walking tour around Liverpool city centre. Take a guided walk around the streets, which will soon escalate into a silent disco flash mob, with you at the heart of it. Also, did you know they offer a festive Silent Disco tour around the tinsel-swept streets of Liverpool? Check it out here!
7. Heritage, History and Culture Guided Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and colourful city of Liverpool with this Heritage, History and Culture Walking Tour! This tour showcases both historic and contemporary architecture, and brings the history of the city to life through personal stories and anecdotes.
8. The Beatles Fully Guided Walking Tour
The Beatles Walking Tour is perfect for music and Beatles fans alike. The tour showcases the history and musical culture of Liverpool as your tour guide shares fascinating stories that create a fun, interesting and memorable tour.
9. Liverpool Cycling Tour
Enjoy Liverpool in a way only a cycling tour of the city can offer and join us on the award-winning Liverpool Cycle Tours who offer something for everyone, be it their Beatles Tour or their Walking and Drinking Tour, they have it all covered. Not a cyclist? No problem they also have electric motor assisted bikes.
To find out what else you can get up to in Liverpool visit our What’s On section.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Helen Parry is the creative force behind Mollusc By The Sea. Born and bred in Liverpool and proud of it…. for Helen, art has been always in the background, whilst she lived her life. Although she loved art at school, she was persuaded to drop it in in favour of the sciences, as is often the case perceived by her family to be of more use. Although Helen tells me that in her youth, women were more commonly steered down the route of the caring professions and indeed Helen’s mother encouraged her Helen into nursing. She followed a career spanning nursing and midwifery but managed to take a foundation in fine arts along the way and married raising 3 daughters with her husband.
Helen and I chatted about being the mother of young children and how it can be a time when it would be easy to lose yourself to some degree, always being identified as someone’s mother, with people never remembering your name even ….only who you are in reference to a child that their child goes to school with. She declares lack of time to be the enemy of art. Indeed, people often tell us at our handmade markets that they’d love to try new crafts… If they only had the time. Retirement gave Helen the gift of time and she was able to indulge her desire to create. She decided that this time was hers and that she would use it exactly as she wanted.
Helen’s mother had taught her to crochet and she began making miniature everlasting cacti in tiny terracotta pots. The collection grew until it rivalled the palm house with tiny plants crowded onto every flat surface. Her brother mentioned that he’d never seen anything like them and suggested that perhaps she might sell them. Helen was unconvinced, as is so common. She was lacking confidence in her own work and felt that it would be too nerve racking to set it out before strangers . Luckily with her husbands support and her daughters’ encouragement she overcame her fears and booked a stall at her first market. After positive feedback and securing her first sale, she was thrilled….and hooked and began looking around for other markets to attend. She wanted to expand the crochet developing new stitches and patterns but came to realise that this craft was not for her.
We have always maintained at Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar that there is a craft for everyone and if you consider yourselves not to be creative it’s just that you have not yet discovered the medium that suits you.
While holidaying with her husband at a youth hostel in Boggle Hole, near Robin Hood’s Bay Helen was chatting to people who had been collecting items from the beach and discussing what could be done with these souvenirs when she spotted a tiny box on the wall made from driftwood. It housed a miniatures seaside scene. She was enthralled and the feeling stayed with her and once home, she determined to give it a go.
She remembered that when studying photography her college had organised a trip to Crosby Beach and she had been fascinated by the objects that the sand had yielded up. Beyond the usual sea washed pottery and driftwood there had been tiles, and man made metals and huge lumps of architectural stonework from municipal buildings. Intrigued, she researched the history of the beach and found that it was littered with rubble from the blitz.
She feels it is a record of normal lives swept up and dumped. When walking on the beach she says, you are walking on family history.
She reminisced about family holidays in Gronant Beach in N Wales in the 1960 and recalled many happy hours collecting treasures like sea washed glass, shells and tiny scraps of colourful plastic. During 2nd world war people of Liverpool were evacuated to Gronant where there was no electricity nor water as all the structures were handmade bungalows but the welcome was warm with locals donating caravans for families to live in. There were also railway carriages used as homes. Helen’s Great uncle built a bungalow there for her grandmother, where together with her 9 children and their children the family enjoyed many happy holidays there. What could be more quintessentially British than a seaside trip ?
Helen remembers it very much as a recycled village powered by the make do and mend philosophy very evident in Helen’s work today as all materials are found salvaged or gifted. Most frequently from the beaches they depict so quaintly.
So Helen began developing her trade mark scenes honing a plethora of crafts, woodwork painting and chiefly problem solving to allow her to turn her collection of salvage into desirable representations of tiny seaside scenes. Some are replicated from life, but in the main, they spring directly from her imagination. A combination of remembered structures form a lifetime of seaside trips. Under her skilful hands tiny scraps of discarded thread become seagulls and slithers of unwanted wood, colourful cottages or proud and purposeful lighthouses. Looking closely you will find miniature boats bobbing on the waves of painted seas.
Attendance at local art and craft markets such as Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar has helped Helen gain confidence and enjoy meeting new people. She mentioned that the atmosphere at the Lark Lane venue is always warm and friendly. The other stallholders are always welcoming and supportive and the customers friendly and always finding time to chat. They are intrigued by her work which invariably prompts happy conversations, memories of childhood holidays that they had enjoyed beside the sea.
As we become older, Helen muses, we hark back perhaps to the simple pleasures of our childhood, a day at the sea with the sand between our toes.
As the tiny worlds that Helen creates find their places on our shelves or walls they are little islands of mindfulness in our busy worlds.
Liverpool’s charm isn’t just reserved for sunny days. When the rain clouds gather there’s lots of indoor activities in Liverpool and the local region. Whether you want to explore renowned museums, wander through stunning art collections, or discover modern art, you’ll find plenty to do in this guide.
Museums
Museum of Liverpool
Museum of Liverpool
Want to find out more about the history of the city? Then take a trip to the Museum of Liverpool.
Maritime Museum & The International Slavery Museum
To discover Liverpool’s Seafaring past, head to the Maritime Museum. While you’re there, pay a visit to the International Slavery Museum and hear the untold stories of enslaved people and learn about historical and contemporary slavery.
World Museum
The World Museum is great for exploring Ancient history, outer space and coming up close to some critters. The full dome Planetarium is the perfect way to discover more about the Earth and Universe.
Port Sunlight Museum
Port Sunlight Museum is an award-winning museum that tells the story of William Lever and his vision to create a village for workers at his Sunlight Soap factory. Explore how the village developed over the years, from the working and living conditions to the charming architecture, and meet the people who built it and lived here.
Western Approaches HQ
Western Approaches HQ Museum is a precious time capsule that will transport you back to WW2, their self-guided tours take around 1.5 hours. Walk through hidden rooms and discover the stories locked in the WW2 bunker that protected the tactics of the British Armed Forces and aided the Allied victory.
The Beatles Story
The award-winning The Beatles Story is the the world’s largest permanent exhibition telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles. The exhibition features walk through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios, and many more. Additionally, The Beatles Story features an impressive collection of authentic memorabilia such as original instruments, clothing, John Lennon’s glasses, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, never-before-seen photography and original handwritten lyrics.
Art Galleries
Lady Lever Art Gallery
Walker Art Gallery
Liverpool is home to an impressive collection of art galleries from traditional to contemporary work. The Walker Art Gallery, houses paintings, sculpture and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. The collection includes European Renaissance paintings, masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt and Turner and the winners of the John Moores Painting Prize.
Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool holds international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, including work from Picasso, Tracey Emin and Sir Peter Blake. Their impressive collections could easily take hours to explore and their kids zone is a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged too. * While the Tate Liverpool building at the Royal Albert Dock is closed for improvement, Tate Liverpool has moved into the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North, Mann Island.*
The Bluecoat
The Bluecoat also offers a unique and varied programme of visual art, performance and literature. They host a regular programme of family events for all ages, so budding artists have a place to explore their creativity.
Open Eye Gallery
If photography is your thing, Open Eye Gallery is an independent not-for-profit photography gallery and archive championing photography as an art form, hosting entertaining exhibitions.
Sudley House
With a trip to Sudley House you can explore the home of George Holt and his family, a Victorian merchant with impeccable taste in period furniture and paintings.
Williamson Art Gallery
Visit Williamson Art Gallery to view their collections of artworks, ceramics, sculptures, and maritime history. They are also home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK, and to some internationally important paintings.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
And if you want to discover one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative arts, then a visit to the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, Wirral is a must.
FACT
FACT Liverpool Exterior on Wood Street – Courtesy of FACT Liverpool
FACT is the UK’s leading organisation for the support and exhibition of art and film that embraces new technology and explores digital culture. They have two large art galleries, three cinema screens showing mainstream and art house films, a media and events space, a lab for learning and experimentation, a café and a bar.
The Atkinson, Southport
The Atkinson
The Atkinson is Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history. You can find them in the middle of the iconic Lord Street and just 3 minutes’ walk from Southport train station.
They offer an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing their stunning 19th century buildings to create a welcoming and accessible multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
British Music Experience
British Music Experience
You can discover the extensive history of British Rock and Pop music at the British Music Experience. With over 600 artefacts charting the UK’s musical past with memorabilia, stage outfits, instruments, images and footage, it charts the beginnings, rise and influence of British pop from 1945 to the present day.
There’s plenty to see in their galleries and you can engage in their audio visual experiences and hologram performances. Plus, you can get hands on in their interactive zones including the Gibson Interactive Studio where you can learn to play guitar, drums or keyboards. Or dance your way through the eras in the Dance the Decades studio.
Liverpool’s Central Library was remodelled and reopened in 2013 and is full of surprises. Check out their famous collections of rare books housed in the stunning Hornby Library and Oak Room, as well the impressive Picton Reading Room. You can also study their rare archives from the 13th century to the present day which tell Liverpool’s story.
The Anglican & Metropolitan Cathedrals
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
A visit to both the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals is a great way to take in some awe-inspiring architecture, with plenty of features to explore in both buildings. The Anglican Cathedral, Britain’s biggest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe, is free to enter. You can also choose to do the the tower and audio tour which is highly recommended.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is steeped in history too. Beneath the Cathedral lies a unique opportunity to view one of the city’s greatest architectural gems, The Lutyens’ Crypt. And it’s no ordinary cathedral crypt; to many in the city this is Liverpool’s third cathedral, a secret spiritual space.
The World of Glass, St Helens
World of Glass
From its humble beginnings to its rise as a world leader in Glass making, you can find what made St Helens great, at The World Of Glass in St Helens. Step into St Helens past and relive life in the town in the last century.
You can also find out about properties of glass, look through periscopes and microscopes, and play with lenses to change the colours in light. Plus admire contemporary glass and beautiful designs from some of the Worlds greatest makers.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Here are some art hubs and creative centres in the Liverpool City Region for you to explore your creative side.
Make Liverpool
Make CIC is a creative-led organisation with spaces across Liverpool City Region (Baltic, North Docks and Hamilton Square). At Make people come together to share skills, make, fix and create. It’s a place to learn new skills, uncover your inner talents and rediscover your passions. Make is the best place for creatives, makers and doers to hang out all under one roof. There’s workshops both the community and Make members, studios for residents and loads of events to attend.
Established in 2012, Make has become one of the popular community hubs for artists and local businesses, integrating various fields, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, embroidery, and woodcraft.
Smithdown Social Arts Hub
Smithdown Social Arts Hub is an enterprise which works tirelessly to support local artists and help people develop their skills whilst providing them with a platform to share their work with the community, through their gallery space. They also support local musicians and writer’s in developing their skills further and sharing it with the world. They host many art exhibitions at Gallery 455, and they offer their own art classes for the community to get stuck into.
Bluecoat
Bluecoat is a contemporary arts centre in which many exhibitions, events, and workshops are held for the community to get involved with and discover art in different forms. They aim to provide people with creative outlets who may not have had the chance to explore their creative side. They offer free family events throughout summer for you and your family to get stuck into.
dot-art
Independent gallery and dot-art run lots of great arts and creative classes for children and adults. Their courses include life drawing, abstract painting, cartooning, photography, an introduction to darkroom, textile arts, Cyanotype workshops and more.
Writing On The Wall
Writing On The Wall is a creative project which inspires writers within the community to share their talent for words and meet others who share the same passion. Their aim is to provide writers with the platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated. They understand the power of words and how important stories are for the progression of society which is why they host various workshops and events for adults, young people, and professionals to develop their skills. They are also a huge advocate for the power writing can have for mental health support and promote working through your emotions by writing it out.
Merseymade
Merseymade is a creative hub in which art studios are set up for local artists to work in, from painters to nail artists and jewellery makers. You can stop by to watch these artists at work and shop their designs, as well as dine at their café. If you would rather get involved creatively, they host many events and workshops ranging from wine tasting to clay making and candle making. Head over to the Merseymade website to browse the events they have to offer.
Zap Graffiti
Zap Graffiti is an art venue in which graffiti art is celebrated and explored. They host graffiti art classes which are available for children aged 6+ and adults to develop basic skills and technique. The classes are taught outside, and all equipment is provided for your little ones to discover their inner artist and learn an amazing skill. They also host art galleries for the community to come and visit some talented wall murals. If you’re already a graffiti artist looking for a canvas, they have a variety of sites to offer where you can let your creative juices flow.
MD Creatives
MD Creatives is a project that was expanded upon from the dance school ‘MD Productions’ in order to provide the community with an opportunity to get involved in performing arts and expand their skills within areas such as cooking, hairdressing, DJ’ing, make-up and more alongside dance. They have lots of courses and services available online to get involved with and enhance your communication and social skills as well as gain employability and life skills. If you have a passion for performing arts or you’re looking to join their academy and meet like-minded people visit their website for more information.
The Art Room Wirral
The Art Room is a studio which offers a range of art classes including one to one classes and workshops both in person and online for adults and children. The classes focus on art and crafts including mixed media, drawing, watercolour and more! If you’re an artist or you’re someone who is just wanting to start out, be sure to check out their website and develop your skills today.
Studio Arts Liverpool
Studio Arts Liverpool is based in the Bridewell Studios on Prescot Street, L7, and has been running classes since 2015 for people of all abilities. There are various classes and courses on offer, including the recent addition of collagraphs and drypoint etching. At the end of each course, students are invited to exhibit their work in the Bridewell Studios gallery to celebrate their achievements. For more information about courses, check here.
China Butterfly Craft Centre Formby
The China Butterfly Craft Centre is a pottery studio, offering pottery painting for all ages. If you want to get more hands on you can take on the pottery wheel and get creative with your own designs. There’s designs already to choose from such as ornaments, trinkets, dishware etc. you can just show up and get straight to it, adding your own character to your chosen item using acrylic or glaze paints. Why not grab a bite whilst you’re there?
Frankie’s Paint It Pottery
Another art hub which offers pottery painting is Frankie’s painting pottery which is open to everyone in the community. With a wide range of objects to choose from at different prices, why not get creative and learn a new skill? Pottery can be a perfect outlet for your emotions and to take time out of your daily routine to relax and create. It’s also a great way to meet new people. They also host events such as Prosecco And Paint for adults and clay imprint workshops. Check out their website for more information.
Sola Arts
Sola Arts is an art organisation which focuses on art psychotherapy, working with adults, families, and children with mental health needs, providing individual and group art therapy for people to express themselves and gain support. They offer social support and help people develop skills and increase their confidence and independence in both life and art and crafts.
You can also discover a whole range of workshops, arts classes and events by checking out our events listings here.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Liverpool comedy drag performer, Filla Crack, share their reflections on the indispensable legacy of the working-class drag icon, Paul O’Grady, aka Lily Savage. They also their upcoming charity event, a fitting tribute to the star who left an indelible mark on the city, the drag scene and the entertainment world.
As a young working class gay lad from Liverpool, seeing Lily Savage streamed live into our homes on a Saturday Night was the representation people like me needed to see. Skip decades ahead, having watched Paul O’Grady continue on a majorly successful career (still touring with Annie the Musical and due to appear at The Liverpool Empire before sadly passing away) it’s fair to say Paul left a legacy. One of which is pure inspiration for people like me, who ended up joining the whacky world of drag. To feel there is a career for us, through representation, whilst also having hope and understanding that we can play these comedy characters, whilst also having morals.
A drag queen who swears but also cares? Absolutely.
We all know the North / South divide is real, look at HS2 for example. The media likes to push out narratives of us working class being rude, unwilling to work, abusing drink / drugs, brash, unhealthy, tasteless. Now think about that. The word “queer” has historically been used as a slur, meaning “strange / odd,” but used as a weapon to offend people who fall away from sexuality and gender norms, so to reclaim the word takes back power. I think that’s exactly what Paul did with charm, in a comedic way. To play into the stereotypes takes away power from the slurs, but to be horribly funny whilst doing it, is typically Northern. We win when we claim our culture. I might start identifying as a pauper.
So it’s fair to say, when Paul passed away, the city felt a loss, especially amongst the drag scene. For those of my generation and those before us, we adored the character and the man behind the dark roots, fishnets, charm and offense. We all have admiration for celebrities, peers, and those who live in the limelight, so to see the media presence and tributes pour in after Paul’s passing rippled through the city, the media, and the drag community.
We all felt the loss and wanted to mourn and celebrate his life. But, in times we lose an idol, understand it’s important to remember they are human and let those near and dear deal with the loss in a way they feel fit, whether they choose to mourn and celebrate his life publicly or privately.
Cut to a few weeks later, Carla Lane Animals In Need posted an image of empty dog food shelves on social media, the first thing I thought was “if Paul was here now, he wouldn’t have that!” I called upon a few drags in the city and suggested we celebrate Lily as the drag community in Liverpool, whilst also helping those in need. Entertainment and charity? Perfect.
Savage! A Celebration of Lily Savage, is an arts market with food and drink which will feature drag performances, hosted at Birkenhead Arts Palace on Sunday 8 October. Entry is free and all proceeds will go to Carla Lane Animals In Need. Dogs are welcome (and cash preferred.) There is still space for stallholders, so contact Filla Crack here for information.
The community has come together to create an event nodding to the area where Paul was brought up. I’m so very proud our scene can pull together for a worthy cause. Our drag queens, kings and things are the new generation of drag. We hold space to represent the future of gender bending art and working class representation. This event is more than just a fundraiser, it’s an excuse to celebrate the community spirit us Northerners do best.
Liverpool has produced a great number of inspiring female icons, from anti-racist campaigners to acclaimed novelists and all-female bands. Here we celebrate the contributions of these extraordinary women, both old and new, who have left their mark on the city and beyond.
1. Dorothy Kuya
Dorothy Kuya was a Liverpool-born black anti-racist campaigner and active feminist who fought all her adult life for social justice, women and children’s rights.
During the 1950s, Dorothy became an early member of the National Assembly of Women (NAW), and would go on to become vice-chair of the organisation during the 1980s. She also led a successful campaign to establish Liverpool’s Inernational Slavery Museum, which opened in 2007.
In 2021, a University of Liverpool residence hall, formerly known as Gladstone Hall, was renamed after her. Gladstone Hall was originally named after former British Prime Minister William Gladstone, whose family became rich through the slave trade. More than 4,465 students of the University of Liverpool voted on a historical figure they believed would be a suitable replacement, and the winner was Dorothy Kuya.
2. Eleanor Rathbone
An outstanding philanthropist dedicated to social reform, Eleanor Rathbone, was the daughter of William Rathbone VI. Among other achievements, she established a District Nursing system in Liverpool which was adopted nationwide.
Eleanor was the first woman to be elected to Liverpool City Council and represented Granby ward from 1909 to 1934. In 1929 she was elected as an independent MP and continued in this position until her death in 1946. She was associated with many campaigns for social reform, particularly on issues affecting women.
She is most often associated with the campaign to introduce Family Allowances, finally won in 1945, which has developed into Child Benefit.
3. Leanne Campbell
Starting her radio career 20 years ago at Juice FM, Leanne Campbell now co-hosts Radio City Breakfast, for which she received a prestigious Radio Sony Academy award. A trained actor, she began her theatre life playing Annie at the Liverpool Playhouse aged just ten, alongside appearing in panto at the Royal Court.
She is known the city over for her instantly recognisable scouse warmth and character. In addition to being queen of the airwaves, panto star and charity host, Leanne also launched Ladies of Liverpool in 2017, an internet resource dedicated to shouting about the best women in the city.
The Liverbirds were an English all-female rock band from Liverpool, active between 1963-1968. They were one of the very few female bands on the Merseybeat scene, as well as one of the first all-female bands in the world.
John Lennon infamously told the group that ‘girls’ were unable to play guitars. This remark motivated the band, and they proved him wrong, as The Liverbirds became one of the top attractions at Hamburg’s Star-Club and released two albums and several singles on the club’s own label.
One of those singles, a cover of Bo Diddley’s Diddley Daddy, reached number five on the German charts.
5. Beryl Bainbridge
Born in Allerton, Beryl Bainbridge was acknowledged as one of the best novelists of her generation, she was made a dame in 2000, but lost none of her black humour or rebellious image with her new literary status. Earlier in life, she had actually been expelled from Crosby’s Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, as she was caught with explicit poems in her pocket.
Beryl Bainbridge‘s prolific output included eighteen novels, three of which were filmed, several plays for stage and television, and many columns and reviews. She won The Guardian fiction prize and two Whitbread awards, but although five of her novels reached the Booker prize shortlist, including The Dressmaker (1973), none of them won the prize.
She bore the disappointment with a wit and detachment honed by a lifetime’s practice.
6. Stealing Sheep
The all-female Stealing Sheep have consistently been one of the city’s most inventive pop bands. They formed in 2010 and their much acclaimed debut studio album, Into the Diamond Sun, was released in 2012 by Heavenly Recordings. Their sound cleverly mixes electronic pop, disco, Italo, and 80’s synths, combined with ethereal vocal lines and obscure three-part harmonies.
The band’s live show explores audio-visual sequences, costume, movement and special effects. They are still based in Liverpool, where they collaborate with artists in their resident art-space, the Invisible Wind Factory. The band members are Rebecca Hawley (vocals/keys), Luciana Mercer (vocals/drums) and multi-instrumental vocalist Emily Lansley.
In 2019, they performed at UK festivals with a fifteen strong all-female procession, to celebrate the centenary of Suffrage, with the band seeing being female become more of a theme in their work. Stealing Sheep are currently writing their fourth album.
7. Carla Lane
Carla Lane was born in 1928 in West Derby, Liverpool. She was a writer and producer, best known for the classic Liverpool-based TV shows Bread and The Liver Birds. Both shows broke new ground, with Bread being a satirical take on 80’s dole culture in Liverpool and The Liver Birds covering the alternative lives of single women in the late 60s.
Lane was described as ‘the television writer who dared to make women funny’ and much of her work focused on strong women characters.
She was also a vegetarian dedicated to the care and welfare of animals since 1965 and established the Animal Line trust in 1990, with her friends Rita Tushingham and Linda McCartney. In 2002, Lane returned her OBE to then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in protest against animal cruelty.
8. Jodie Comer
Actor Jodie Comer is known for her many stage, television and film appearances. Her role as the protagonist of the BBC television hit series, Killing Eve, propelled her from a national treasure to international stardom.
Jodie hails from Childwall, the daughter of Merseyrail employee Donna Comer and Everton FC physiotherapist James Comer. She started acting at a local weekend drama school called CALS in the Belle Vale area of Liverpool when she was just 11 years old.
Jodie has since made appearances in series such as Waterloo Road, Holby City and Silent Witness.
9. Melanie Chisholm
The multi-talented Melanie Chisholm, more often known as ‘Mel C’, or ‘Sporty Spice’ to her fans, hit the global stage as one of the five members of the Spice Girls.
She has since become a media personality and one that people have taken to their hearts. Mel C hails from Whiston in the Borough of Knowlsey and and has been singing in bands and music projects since she was 14.
Melanie has also worked as an actress, she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in Blood Brothers in the West End and starred as Mary Magdalene in a touring show of Jesus Christ Superstar.
10. Cilla Black
Vauxhall singer, Cilla Black, conquered the world of entertainment in the 1960s and later became a much-loved media personality, hosting legendary hit shows such as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.
Her celebrity friendships stretched far and wide, including strong links to The Beatles and Paul O’Grady. In her later years, Cilla became a regular part of the British public’s life again, when she regularly joined the Loose Women panel at lunchtimes.
She had 11 top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart between 1963 and 1971 and her version of Anyone Who Had a Heart was the UK’s biggest-selling single by a female artist in the 1960s.
11. Emma Rodgers
Merseyside’s Emma Rodgers is a globally acclaimed artist who has created numerous works of art that grace not only our city museums and galleries, but also our streets and public spaces.
Emma created the Cilla Black artwork on Mathew Street and the Meccano Liver Bird at Liverpool Shopping Park, Edge Lane. She was awarded the Arts & Culture Award at the Merseyside Women in Business Awards 2017.
Educated in Wirral, Emma has shown her work internationally and has also worked with Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers to create inspiring and much sought after sculptures.
12. Kim Johnson
British Labour politician, Kim Johnson, made history by being Liverpool’s first ever black MP. She sits on the Women and Equalities Committee, Education Committee and Speaker’s Advisories Committee and has constantly fought for what is right since she took on the position back in 2019.
Prior to becoming an MP, Johnson was a Unison Shop Steward. She also held a role of creative diversity manager in the Capital of Culture bid team, representing the longest established black community in the country.
Since 2015, Johnson has been the Chairperson of Squash Liverpool, a community interest company committed to positive social change and in 2020, she became a patron of Toxteth charity organisation Mandela8.
Amanda is the smiling face behind Felt Fabulous Gifts. She was originally from Bromborough, on the Wirral. Following completion of a degree in Psychology, she was unable to identify an appropriate path of employment and took a job with the police. Here, she met the man who would become her husband. The couple moved into a flat in Liverpool together and she never left.
Amanda says that she loves much of Liverpool and is especially drawn to certain areas that she describes as little islands with their own personalities such as Lark Lane with it’s relaxed hippy vibe and extensive choice of quality food and drink options. Of course there is also The Old Police Station, home to the monthly flea market and the Liverpool Makers Bazaar, where Amanda regularly sells her delightful handmade art alongside other talented local artists. She enjoys the friendly atmosphere and interested customers.
Over the years Amanda has dabbled in a variety of crafts. She laughs, explaining how she would buy equipment, use it a few times then tire of that craft, moving onto something else. I had recently seen an amusing post pop up in my feed where a crafter had explained that “people need to realise that buying craft supplies…and actually crafting are two different hobbies!”
I confess, my personal cupboard of shame boasts several uncompleted projects that languish in bags because I was too impatient to see them through. I was unsatisfied with my ability to master a new technique to my satisfaction or unhappy with the progress I had made. One day I will challenge myself to revisit them but that day is not in the foreseeable future!
Luckily for us one day Amanda happened upon needle felting. She began by needle felting onto a felt background, creating landscapes which she gifted to family and friends. She developed her style in this way but was never truly happy with the texture. To her mind, it was “too fluffy.”
So, she began experimenting with wet felt. She explored techniques and made 3D objects, such as bowls. As her confidence in her work grew, she opened an Etsy shop. Her husband also encouraged her to set up as a sole trader and Felt Fabulous Gifts as we have come to love it, was born.
Now firmly committed to her felting journey Amanda wanted new challenges and sought out books covering many styles and techniques. These books led her to experiment and she began making small 3D needle felted animals….and she was home. More experience, combined with her love of nature resulted in the range of tiny woollen creatures she is creating today.
Amanda has also offered classes in needle felting approaching a friend who was running a sewing group to request that she use her space to organise and run sessions for beginners. This felt like a natural progression as Amanda had taught in a previous life and was keen to share the joy and satisfaction of creating such unique creatures with others. She discovered that even when a group of people are following the same instructions the resulting owl or robin would each have their own character, personality even.
Teaching the workshops, Amanda found a great sense of achievement, in assisting people with starting their own crafting journey. Their satisfaction came from creating something new but also from enjoying the mindfulness that making any piece of art can so often bring.
At this time, Amanda began leaving her work at retail outlets Arts Hub and Florence and Fox and ran more workshops. These were popular with groups celebrating occasions such as Christmas, special birthdays, or hen dos.
With experience of commissions, Amanda learned to identify the tiny details that makes each pet unique. She was creating representations of much loved pets whether totally freestanding or as a 3D wallhanging panel. Making pieces of an actual living creature involves so much consultation, she tells me. The customer provides photographs, but will also relay information specific to their pet, such as commenting on their especially fluffy ears or extra lolling tongue. It is this combination of pictures and personal impressions which allow Amanda to faithfully reproduce the essence of each animal.
When making a memorial model for a customer it came to Amanda that some of the actual dog hair could be needlefelted into the artwork along with the usual British wool, making it even more special for the owner to treasure.
Most recently, Amanda has been creating brighter bolder models to make nursery mobiles or home decor. When she received a commission to construct an underwater themed mobile for a new child Amanda worked closely with the customer to agree colour schemes and even characters to be included. This resulted in a particularly personal and unique piece of art that thrilled the customer. Such a special item is surely, destined to become a family heirloom.
Amanda found that she enjoyed being taken outside her comfort zone colour-wise, as working to recreate nature had meant gravitating to a very muted colour palette. It has also led to the development of a range of underwater creatures. Which nestle quietly alongside her favourite range of British birds.
Obviously with commissions Amanda adheres to a greater extent to a brief and enjoys the satisfaction that the customer demonstrates on receiving the artworks reflecting their very own pets. However, when creating for herself, Amanda enjoys the freedom of creating her version of creatures rather than a more faithful representation.
Like so many artists Amanda mentions the therapeutic nature of art, going so far as to say she has on occasion “felted her way through trauma.” I think all artists can identify with the feeling of total absorption in creation and how it can be a lifeline to switch off and provide a short holiday from daily life when needed.
One favourite commission saw her make a dog for an elderly woman with dementia, the finished product provided a comforting presence, something to cuddle.
She has had customers cry happy tears on receiving the finished artworks.
She recalls the woman who had to return home abroad after an extended stay with her grandchildren. She expressed her joy at feeling more connected to the family after commissioning a small model of the pet dog for each of the children and posting these to them, after she was home.
In common with many makers, Amanda expressed a preference for selling her art directly to the public. She mentioned that the face to face contact afforded at markets or workshops offers instant feedback (whether directed to her or overheard from the other side of the trestle table). This allows her to develop her product line and keeps her ideas fresh, interesting and relevant to the customers. This way of selling also allows her to witness first hand that rewarding moment of engagement that people have when they first come across her charming work
If you would like any more information about Amanda’s work or you would like to discuss a commission for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, contact Amanda at @FeltFabulousGifts on insta or by email at feltfabulous68@gmail.com.
Or better yet, come have a chat and pick things up to examine in person. Her next event is at Liverpool Makers Bazaar, The Old Police Station, Lark Lane L17 8UU on Sunday 10th September, from 11am-4pm.
Keep in touch
Newsletter
Sign up to keep up to date with what's on in the city and the region!
