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‘Lost Soul 2. Smigger’s Wrecked Head’, At Liverpool’s Royal Court, Is Classic Scouse Comedy With A 70s Soundtrack

Posted on 04/09/2024 | by Uncover

By Susan Wallace

Lost Soul 2 - Liverpool's Royal Court - Credit AB Photography — Photo Credit: AB Photography

If you miss illustrious 70s Liverpool nightclubs Chequers, The Babalou, The Beachcomber, Ugly’s and Flintlocks, or just love 70s music and a good laugh – this one’s for you.

Feeling old after becoming a grandfather, cheeky, Scottie Road Scouser, Smigger (Andrew Schofield) escapes weekend babysitting to boogy on down to his favourite 70s disco when the realities of life do his head in. He’s wrecked.

This very funny, toe-tapping treat is the latest production in the popular, ‘Lost Soul’ series by plasterer turned successful playwright, Dave Kirby at Liverpool’s Art Deco, Grade II listed Royal Court Theatre – which offers a unique, cabaret-style, ‘Dining Experience’ option in the stalls. It has some matinees and is five minutes walk from Central – and Lime Street Station for wooly backs!

Life’s gotten stale. Where did the years go? The 70s music heyday and Liverpool nightlife, gone faster than ‘Chicken in a Basket’.

Smigger misses attention and sexy play time with wife, Donna, (Lindzi Germain), who’s doting on her new grandson and not been up for their traditional over 40s Sunday pub night in town lately, let alone anything else.

So they ditch domesticity and do the hustle off to Pontins Prestatyn for a saucy weekend.

The cast of seven also includes their daughter, new mum Amy (Jennifer Hynes); her laddish, scally boyfriend, of sorts, Charlie (Michael Hawkins); family bessies, couple, Terry (Paul Duckworth) and Pat (Cath Rice) with hapless, young barman (Lenny Wood) watching the seniors strut their funky stuff at the weekly ‘Soul Train’ 70s night disco for oldies.

At Pontins, Donna is all poised in red negligee set. But hopes of any inventive, raunchy role play are soon dashed as Smigger’s mucked up the packing.

Lost Soul 2 at Liverpool's Royal Court - Credit AB Photography — Photo Credit: AB Photography

On stage, the rotating set returns us home where crazy antics continue to conspire. Smigger’s had enough. The eternal teenager loves his family, but he’s off to have some time away by himself. He goes to the Riviera – Guest House, that is. He wants to go on Love Island for the over 50s.

Meanwhile, back at the disco, there’s hot drama and uncool dancing – with a comedic, clapalong performance on the dance floor when the barman has a go – more Morris than Motown!

In the house, Donna tanks up on paracetamol to cope without her wayward ‘Peter Pan’ husband and a madcap plan is hatched to hopefully reunite the devoted pair – always and forever.

With its 70s Liverpool nightlife nostalgia, catchy soul soundtrack, strong language, goofy gags and puns and indigenous one-liners, we smile in the face of the angst of love, life and loss.

A dab of pathos, and altered pace, doesn’t distract from the fun of the slapstick action – sharply, yet warmly directed by Bob Eaton – as we see Smigger comically lament the scary passing of 40-odd years at the speed of a disco inferno and the inevitability of having to let the music play.

As the script reveals through one hilarious altercation, just don’t ever mention the actor Alan Ladd to a Liverpool Lad. You’ll be there all day!

Lost Soul 2: Running until 14 September. Tickets from 0151 709 4321, liverpoolsroyalcourt.com and in person.

Culture Radar – Fay Lamb (Wonder Arts)

Posted on 02/09/2024 | by Uncover

This week our Culture Radar guest is Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Wonder Arts, Fay Lamb.

Loved: I love the work of Liverpool based company Whispered Tales and Echoes From The Islands is no exception. Wonder Arts co-commissioned Liverpool artist Gemma Bond to create Pirate Princess – pole work made family friendly by a strong woman being funny and silly is an inspiration for all little girls. I also have to mention Six – 90 minutes of pure joy!

Looking forward to: Monster Disco from Headstrung at the Unity is a must for families. Wonder Boy telling the story of a 12 year old boy living with a stammer will be a powerful watch at The Playhouse. The River of Light, this year based on the theme of Play is also one that I’m not going to miss.

Trivia: Wonder Arts was previously Citadel Arts and operated the Citadel Arts Centre in St Helens. Wonder Arts is now a children and families organisation presenting performances, participation opportunities and artist development in the Liverpool City Region.

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

Posted on 02/09/2024 | by Uncover

September in Liverpool and the city region is packed with a vibrant mix of cultural events. From interactive art exhibitions and a Latin American festival to powerful theatre performances and jazz concerts, there are plenty of things to do in Liverpool and the city region this month.

Highlights include the return of BlackFest, celebrating Black arts with an exciting lineup, and the Neurodiversity Arts Festival, showcasing neurodivergent creativity. Music lovers can look forward to an evening with songwriter Guy Chambers and a special jazz performance by Shez Raja. Whether you’re into art, music, or theatre, Liverpool has an array of events to explore this September.

Things To Do In Liverpool & The City Region This September

1. Art Plays Games (5 September – 27 April ’25)

FACT has transformed their upstairs gallery into a new space dedicated to showcasing artists’ games and works made using AI technologies. Fun, playful and suitable for gamers and non-gamers of all ages, Art Plays Games looks at how artists are increasingly using games as a way to challenge conventional forms of storytelling and offer us new ways to make sense of the world today. Whether you’re a fan of interactive art exhibitions or looking for exciting things to do in Liverpool, Art Plays Games at FACT offers a fun and engaging experience for all ages.

2. La Feria (10 – 15 September)

La Feria Festival returns to Liverpool for an exciting and innovative programme of music, dance, theatre and street-arts from across the Latin Continent. A range of periphery events including storytelling, street arts and food and drink will also take place across the festival week, all exploring the beautiful and rich diversity of Latin American culture.

3. The Holly Johnson Story (14 September – 27 July ’25)

The Holly Johnson Story, at Museum of Liverpool, explores the incredible life of Holly Johnson and his meteoric rise to fame, where he became one of the first openly gay and openly HIV+ high profile artists in history. The opening of this exhibition also marks the 40th anniversary release of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s album Welcome to the Pleasuredome featuring Relax, Two Tribes and The Power of Love. Supported by a £142,338 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Museums Liverpool has partnered with local arts organisations Homotopia and DuoVision in collaboration with Holly Johnson to deliver this landmark exhibition.

4. An Evening With Guy Chambers, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (18 September)

Join one of the UK’s most successful songwriters, Guy Chambers, for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. Known for his iconic hits with Robbie Williams, including Angels and Let Me Entertain You, Chambers will perform piano interpretations of his greatest songs and share anecdotes from his 40-year career. In a unique twist, an audience member will have the chance to join him on stage to write a song on the spot!

5. Who The F—k is Shakespeare, Unity Theatre (19-21 September)

Following a sell-out run, four of Shakespeare’s (in)famous characters are back for a national tour, ready to tell their side of the story. Join Who The F-k is Shakespeare as they blow the dust off the classics to stage a multi-art form political occupation of stories steeped in racism, patriarchy and violence.

6. Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act, The Atkinson (20 September)

Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act explores the iconic detective’s life after his final confrontation with Moriarty. Holmes reflects on his career, friendships, and the lingering mysteries that haunt him. Experience cross-examinations, heated arguments between Holmes and Watson, and interactions with many of Conan Doyle’s famous characters. As the play concludes, the great detective reveals a shocking secret.

7. Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 (20 – 29 September)

The Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 brings together all the major arts organisations in Liverpool to celebrate neurodivergent talent, diverse perspectives, and creative expression, transforming Liverpool into a hub of creativity. Supported by notable artists including Johnny Vegas and Ashleigh Nugent, the festival features art showcases, theatre, music, and comedy, all spotlighting neurodivergent creativity. Additionally, educational workshops and talks aim to increase understanding and accessibility.

As this is a charity initiative, they deeply appreciate any donations to help make this festival a success. Contributions will directly support the festival’s activities and the broader mission of The Brain Charity to provide emotional support, practical help, and social activities to those with neurological conditions. For those seeking unique things to do in Liverpool the Neurodiversity Arts Festival is a must-attend event that highlights diverse artistic expressions.

8. Shaun Ryder – Happy Mondays and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays, St Helens Theatre Royal (22 September)

Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman Shaun Ryder is hitting the road for a new, spoken word tour in support of his new book: Happy Mondays – and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays. Fans can look forward to a carnival of excess, wild tales, and improbable truths, as they enjoy the talents of a unique rock’n’roll star dubbed Britpop’s answer to WB Yeats.

9. BlackFEST 2024 (23 September – 31 October)

BlackFest returns this Autumn, celebrating Black arts with a powerful lineup of 16 events, a visual arts exhibition, and a dynamic programme across Liverpool. The festival showcases Black artists in music, spoken word, theatre, and fashion. Highlights include a special House of Legends Jazz concert headlined by King Courtney Pine for his 60th birthday. BlackFest offers a platform to support and celebrate Black culture, with artists like Ash Nugent, Joe Taylor, and Pari Richards. This special ticket gets you access to all their events, where you can save over £50!

10. Future Yard + Milap present: Shez Raja

Milap are collaborating with Future Yard for the first time, to present virtuoso British-Asian bass player Shez Raja. Renowned for his high energy live shows and unique Indo-jazz-funk sound, Raja was voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine. Shez will lead a stunning line-up that features sax sensation Vasilis Xenopoulos, Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keys and rising drum star Jamie ‘Drumcat’ Murray.

With so many things to do in Liverpool and the city region this September, from art and theatre to music and cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the city. To discover even more events happening in September check out our What’s On Listings.

Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar Spotlight On ‘Let Me Doodle That For You’

Posted on 21/08/2024 | by Uncover

By Pauline Neville

Black and white illustration of trees and log piles drawn by Let Me Doodle That For You

Clare Curran is the talented artist behind “Let Me Doodle That For You”. Her preferred medium is illustration, which she reproduces as beautiful prints for home decor, stationery and cards. Clare is always seeking out new inspiration and to this end, will happily work on commissions.

Clare lived for a while in Manchester during her time at university, her background including a degree in Graphic Design and an MA in Creative Technology. After studying she found that there were was no work to be had without experience but she couldn’t get an opportunity to gain experience either.

Fortunately at a networking night at university, she met the head of the design department who gave her a job designing materials for the university, which gave her that all important step on the career ladder. The next 25 years saw her embark on a successful career as a digital designer creating websites and mobile apps with interactive touchscreens for companies like Coca-Cola and Toyota. Her favourite gig from this period was working on Toyota’s exhibition space in Paris as she could witness users experiencing her creations and enjoying them. The piece of work won an award.

Black and white illustration of trees by Let Me Doodle That For You

Due to a change in circumstances, Clare became a freelance designer, working predominantly with her midwife sister building a range of pregnancy products under the brand of bitbaby. Being freelance has allowed her to have more time, time to draw. She had always drawn but had never done anything with it.She set to work building her stock and her brand and researching where her work would sit well and who her audience should be. This gave her more time for walks in the local parks, where she discovered much inspiration in nature. Here too she discovered the Reader Group at The Mansion House. The Reader Book Shop itself became the focus of her work and after drawing the shop, the group approached her and asked if they could use the image to put on their tote bags.

Increasingly she grew in confidence and by Summer 2023, had amassed enough work to hold a market stall of her own. At first she was very nervous but the customers and other stallholders were so supportive, encouraging her to try other venues and suggesting other subject matter.

“Now I have a few under my belt I can honestly say that each event provides a new opportunity to surround myself with like minded supportive women.” she tells me.

At an exhibition on Women’s Employment History at the National Trust’s Quarry Bank Mill, Clare discovered that at birth, a woman should expect to be in debt to the tune of £18,000* which will be the anticipated cost of period products and associated necessities. Another major inequality that women face in a lifetime.

Black and white illustration of a tree by Let Me Doodle That For You

She says, “This made me think even more about how woman should look after one another and I believe that in Liverpool’s creative community this is realised. It is such a nurturing space and the camaraderie is palpable. We agreed that what customers and makers gain from face to face markets, is learning the reason that the subject of the artwork was chosen, what that place means to someone, in short, the story behind the piece. This leads us to recognise commonalities in people rather than differences and make connections through the art.”

Clare has had very positive feedback on her an Instagram page @letmedoodlethatforyou, where she shows her processes in time lapse, her followers find this very restful. We’ve all faced that blank page looking for inspiration and such online demonstrations can often kick start a journey of creativity in an unexpected direction, providing fresh inspiration. Clare has benefitted on occasion from online challenges such as “a flower a day” to kick start her drawing.

A good friend recommended Clare for a teaching position in Chester recently. Keen to share her talent and enthusiasm, she currently tutors a group of adults. She finds the group a joy to spend time with as they are so positive and talented. They have inspired her to develop this field further and she hopes to teach more classes, perhaps offering online tuition… you heard it here first.

Black and white illustration of a tree by Let Me Doodle That For You

Clare tells me that she passed a Redwood tree in Sefton park and must have looked at it 1000 times before a swimming buddy requested a drawing that she has now been working on for the past month.

Clare finds drawing a mindful occupation, she is never happier than when she can surround herself in nature and beauty, be inspired and feel truly rested and we think it shows in her work.

Join us at Liverpool Makers Bazaar at the Old Police station on 1 September, meet Clare and engage with her wonderful artwork and decide for yourself.

Note: *Huffington Post.

Culture Radar – Lizzie Edge (Liverpool Architecture Foundation CIC)

Posted on 19/08/2024 | by Uncover

LAF24 Co-Directors — Lizzie (middle) with the her fellow Liverpool Architecture Foundation Co-Directors Mat Giles and Ffion Roberts.

This week our Culture Radar guest is Co-Director of the Liverpool Architecture Foundation CIC (LAF), Lizzie Edge.

Loved: I popped over to Tate Liverpool’s Brickworks exhibition at RIBA North (National Architecture Centre) at Mann Island on my lunch break the week after the exhibition opened. While TATE Liverpool is undergoing exciting redevelopment their partnership with RIBA North has provided a superb opportunity to explore the intersection between art and architecture. As a practising architect with an interest in art, I loved how brick, a common construction material has been utilised in artistic work on display at the exhibition.

Looking forward to: The Anish Kapoor exhibition! I have tried to avoid any spoilers on social media so that I can be really in awe when I step into the Liverpool Cathedral. What a space to showcase his work!

I am also looking forward to checking out the Queer Places: The exhibition at Unit 3 Design Studio, an exhibition of the growing archive of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ Spaces: Past, Present & Future. It’s been running since June and was part of the Liverpool Architecture Festival 2024 programme, but I didn’t have time to go along to support the project during the festival period. The graphics and promotional materials, including the guide designed by artist Luke Fawcett, look fantastic, so I am eagerly anticipating learning more about Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ heritage.

Trivia: This year, the Liverpool Architecture Foundation reached a major milestone. Our third festival, the Liverpool Architecture Festival 2024 (#LAF24) took place in June. It engaged with over 4,000 people and included a dedicated space for a festival hub and a pop-up exhibition for the first time. The Architecture Showcase presented work from architecture practices based throughout the Liverpool City Region, providing a great opportunity to interact with the public. We are looking forward to achieving more significant milestones for the 2026 festival – stay tuned!

Culture Radar – Joanna Rowlands (ACC Liverpool)

Posted on 12/08/2024 | by Uncover

Joanna and Scout — Joanna and one of her cats, Scout

This week our Culture Radar guest is Director of Marketing & Comms, ACC Liverpool, Joanna Rowlands.

Loved: I went to see Taylor Swift at Anfield, not because I’m a massive fan but because I knew I would have mega FOMO if I didn’t when the rest of the city would be there. I LOVED IT! What a show. What a woman. Three solid hours of performance. Being at a big music event makes me so emotional at the best of times so seeing all those young people singing every word and mirroring every dance move, rendered me a puddle.

Looking forward to: I love musicals and invariably have about three in the diary at any one time. We have a system that works – dinner with BYO booze in The Egg, musical at the Empire and a sing song in Ma Egy’s afterwards. It’s always a joy. It’s a way off but I’m really REALLY looking forward to Hamilton coming to Liverpool. I’ve never seen it live but I know all the songs from Disney+. The main challenge will be not singing too loudly in the theatre.

Trivia: My career in the arts started when I worked at the Everyman in 1996 as an usher. It was one long party. I was on a gap year with a day job at John Moores and after work I would hot foot it up the hill to Hope Street to chuck Revels and warm wine at customers, before staying up till the early hours arguing about politics in the much-missed Ev Bistro.

Culture Radar – Kerry Weeks (Liverpool John Moores University)

Posted on 05/08/2024 | by Uncover

This week our Culture Radar guest is Stakeholder Relations Manager at Liverpool John Moores University, Kerry Weeks (pictured above, right).

Loved: I visited the incredible, immersive Beyond Van Gogh event at the ACC last month and was blown away by this unique approach to experiencing art. I expected it to be visually stunning, but the audio really added to how immersive the experience is and took it to another level.

Looking forward to: This week I had a speedy glance around the fabulous Liverpool Art Fair at the Liver Building as I had a meeting there. I’m planning to go back and take my time, because it definitely warrants a proper visit. For a slight change of pace, tonight I’m heading to the Liverpool Indoor Funfair with my wife! We’re huge fans of funfairs and always make an effort to support the incredible showmen and their families to continue this fabulous tradition.

Trivia: My wife and I film and vlog our visits to theme parks and fun fairs in the UK and overseas, including capturing our on-ride experience on coasters and rides. This has become a real passion of ours over the past two years. It’s given us insight to the fascinating life of the showman and immersed us in the incredible community of showmen, workers and enthusiasts around the world. You can find us @themeparksandadventures on TikTok and YouTube.

Shift Liverpool: An Interview With The Sustainability Network for Liverpool City Region’s Cultural Sector

Posted on 05/08/2024 | by Uncover

Shift Meeting - Credit Max Gorbatskyi — Shift member meeting. Photo Credit: Max Gorbatskyi

Shift Liverpool stands at the forefront of sustainability efforts within the Liverpool City Region’s cultural sector. Co-organised by Jen Porter, Director, and Jon Davies, Producer, of Metal Liverpool, the pioneering network aims to address the climate emergency and achieve the region’s ambitious 2040 zero-carbon target.

By fostering collaboration among cultural organisations, Shift Liverpool facilitates the sharing of knowledge and resources, paving the way for innovative initiatives that benefit the entire sector. We talk to Jen Porter about the inception of the network, the pivotal role cultural organisations play in addressing climate change, and the strategic practices Shift promotes to reduce carbon footprints.

Uncover Liverpool: Tell us about the founding of Shift Liverpool and the vision behind it? What inspired you to create a sustainability network specifically for cultural organisations?

Jen Porter: Shift is a Metal project that was founded in 2021 to coincide with the run up to COP26 which was held in Glasgow that year. It was initiated by Metal Liverpool’s former Director Shaun Curtis with support from Nathalie Candel, who at the time was Future Yard’s sustainability manager. It was inspired by the sustainability networks set up in Manchester, GMAST, and SAIL in Leeds. The network was founded to ensure the arts sector was working collectively and contributing positively to Liverpool City Region’s ambitious 2040 Net Zero target, firstly by changing our own practices and for us to use art as a tool to communicate more widely on ways to reduce our environmental impact.

Uncover Liverpool: Can you discuss the importance of cultural organisations in leading the fight against climate change?

Jen Porter: Arts and Culture has a unique opportunity to influence the conversation on climate change, for many the crisis feels abstract, that it’s a problem that’s years away, which it evidently is not. Art can platform stories that are both local and global, giving focus to changes in our habitat that can be imperceptible, as well as providing creative solutions to the more urgent problems we are facing. Culture has not just the ability but the responsibility to show what’s happening to our world and what is possible when we work collectively for a better future.

Uncover Liverpool: Can you explain the significance of the pledge that organisations are invited to sign when joining Shift Liverpool?

Jen Porter: The most important thing to signing the pledge is to commit to recognising we share a common goal and that as a network we’re making the effort to make a difference, no matter the size of your organisation. By participating in our bi-monthly networking meetings, and receiving our monthly newsletter, we want to encourage people from all levels of an organisation to work towards collective actions that can benefit everyone. This can often start with communication and taking knowledge exchanged in our meetings to your wider team.

Uncover Liverpool: What specific practices or strategies does Shift Liverpool promote to help organisations reduce their carbon footprint?

Jen Porter: Since we established we have been mostly encouraging organisations to get their house in order at an operational level. It’s the quick, cheap but not particularly showy wins in your building, such as switching lights, appliances and heating off when you don’t need it, encouraging better recycling and reducing waste at source, that can make a big difference to both your footprint and behavioural change. Then it’s about making sure a baseline of knowledge is shared across the organisation, whether it’s becoming certified Carbon Literate or agreeing environmental working policies that influence people’s choices on travel, purchases and programme. We’re currently working through the Arts Green Book with a core group of Shift members looking at Operations, Buildings and Productions and trying to collectively meet the baseline target.

Dens - Credit Anna Ekvist — Metal Liverpool’s PICTON PLAY #ListenResidency artist Andrea Ku hosted Dens of Sanctuary in the spring, a series of den building workshops at Wavertree Botanic Park. Andrea led nature walks around the gardens area, set up forest play activities and shared skills for building outdoor shelters using wood found in the park. Photo Credit: Anna Ekvist

Uncover Liverpool: What are some examples of successful collaborations or projects that have emerged from the network?

Jen Porter: Shift have been involved in a couple events, Future Yard’s POP26 and the Arts Green Book day hosted by us with Paddy Dillon from Renew Culture and powered by Ecotricity. Both events led on sharing guides to embed sustainability in our organisations, with Future Yard’s Sustainability Roadmap and Paddy presenting on the Arts Green Book, a comprehensive guide for organisations to becoming leaner, cleaner and greener in their buildings and operations. From that event a number of organisations have agreed to adopt the practices from the book; watch this space as we plan to share the developments on this more widely.

Uncover Liverpool: What are some of the biggest challenges Shift Liverpool faces in its mission to drive down carbon footprints and promote sustainability?

Jen Porter: I think the biggest challenge is to make sure we all get the same opportunity to make a difference, which depends on many factors around what we’re able to control. This ranges from very practical things such as tenanting a building and therefore being unable to make contract changes to energy suppliers to making behavioural changes that contradict ways we’ve been working for such a long time. This is where the importance of networks come in: we need to support each other and make a group effort to agree that certain ways of working need to change if we are to make a difference.

Uncover Liverpool: Are there any upcoming initiatives or events that you’re particularly excited about?

Jen Porter: We love urban greening initiatives like Scouse Flowerhouse and Sudley Walled Garden, who are community focused groups bringing art and nature together for many of their activities. We are also looking forward to our involvement in Car Free Day 2024, on Sunday 22 September, a day where a main street in Liverpool will become animated by cycling, walking, creative and leisure activities to envision a world with less traffic and pollution.

Uncover Liverpool: What advice would you give to cultural organisations just beginning their sustainability journey?

Jen Porter: Celebrate your step changes on each level and don’t underestimate your sphere of influence! As an example, if you can change your habits on travel, taking public transport or walking instead of the car, that encourages others to take that step. Building embodied knowledge in your team for things like transport links and safe walking routes could then influence the travel advice you give to your audience.

I would also make sure to give yourself and your team time and permission to figure out new ways of doing things and be transparent about it. You don’t have to get everything right first time, and like everyone we’re on a journey to becoming more sustainable and environmentally aware. There’s no cure-all for the challenge we face (just yet) but if we can keep embedding better ways of doing things within cultural organisations we can ensure we’re heading in the right direction to create a greener future for all.

To find out more about Shift Liverpool and joining the network visit shiftliverpool.com or email hello@shiftliverpool.com.

Culture Radar – Dennis Outten (Focal Studios)

Posted on 29/07/2024 | by Uncover

Focal Studios Team — Pictured left to right: Eric Gooden, Jayne Casey, Femi Da Costa (Focal), Dennis Outten (Focal), James Hooton (Focal), in Jayne Casey’s new venue on Victoria Road.

This week our Culture Radar guest is the Founder and Managing Director of Focal Studios, Dennis Outten.

Loved: We really enjoyed the dance, music, arts, theatre, new street art and comedy at New Brighton Arts Festival, which was organised by one of our partners, CChange (Holy Family Multi Academy Trust) who are also based on Victoria Road. It was fantastic to see how their creative curriculum has directly impacted the lives and aspirations of so many young people who performed or took part in the festival.

We even got to see scouse legends Space play on the main stage with some of our projection mapping onto Good Hood forming an immersive backdrop!

Looking forward to: It’s another shameless plug for a Wirral event but we’re so excited for the Future Now Festival at Future Yard on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August. Especially the peerless Wirral-born She Drew The Gun, whose visceral, hard hitting songwriting expounds the wild injustices faced in 21st century Britain after 14 years of Conservative rule.

The festival has grown so much that it’s taking over Birkenhead Town Hall and multiple venues across the town, promising to be an incredible weekend of musical talent and celebration. Considering its only 1 stop on the train from James Street, there’s no reason for the Scouse psychological divide to hinder attendance across the water!

Trivia: Focal Studios have recently taken over the upper floors of the old Natwest Bank on Victoria Road, New Brighton, that we’re turning into a Creative Technology Hub. It’s situated above Jayne Casey’s (CREAM, District, Baltic Triangle) amazing new venue and is promising to be an incredible addition to the city region’s most thriving seaside creative community – Costa Del Newbo. We can’t wait to share it with everyone and begin making an impact on the livelihoods of creatives in the region.

We also have an incredible immersive installation opening in Wilkie’s New Palace (the 1920s fronted arcade and funfair) with artist Di Mainstone, which is a real coup for the region. If you haven’t popped over yet to check out the world-class street art, bars/pubs, cafes/restaurants, galleries, seaside heritage and event spaces, grab your sunnies and come check it out. You’ll probably end up moving here with the rest of us!

10 Things To Do In The Liverpool City Region In August

Posted on 29/07/2024 | by Uncover

Schools out for summer and we’ve picked out 10 things to do in the Liverpool city region in August. From art exhibitions and theatre performances to music festivals and creative workshops, there’s plenty to get excited about this August. Highlights include Brickworks at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, where the humble brick is celebrated in a captivating display, and the poignant play I Am Steven Gerrard comes to the Royal Court Liverpool.

Art enthusiasts can explore Into The Wyld at Williamson Art Gallery, while Liverpool Cathedral hosts the groundbreaking exhibition Anish Kapoor: Monadic Singularity.

For those looking to get hands-on, Bluecoat and the Museum of Liverpool offer a range of creative workshops. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about bee conservation with Andrea Ku, or catch Pokey LaFarge’s live performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. The month wraps up with the lively Future Now Festival in Birkenhead and a family-friendly adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin at The Atkinson.

Tate Liverpool - Brickworks - Credit Tamas St. Auby (Szentjoby) — Tate Liverpool – Brickworks. Credit Tamas St. Auby (Szentjoby)

1. Brickworks, Tate Liverpool + RIBA North (31 July – 12 Jan ’25)

The humble brick becomes the hero in Brickworks, a new display featuring works from the Tate collection at the gallery space at RIBA North, showcasing the transformative power of bricks in art.

Additionally, running alongside the Brickworks exhibition there will be free hands-on creative workshops for families of all ages with Arty-Texture. Explore the ‘Brickworks Den’ where you can fun constructing, building, cutting, gluing, tracing, stamping your own brick-inspired creations.

2. I Am Steven Gerrard, Royal Court Liverpool (1 – 3 August)

I Am Steven Gerrard is a story of football, aspiration, music, Steven Gerrard, loneliness, reality television, love, religion, friends, loss, passion, enemies, Davina McCall, politics, ambition, family, virginity, past generations – and the impact they leave behind.

3. Into The Wyld, Williamson Art Gallery (2 August – 21 December)

Material Matters presents Into the Wyld: a festival of contemporary art at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum exploring the continuing legacy of the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and its unique connection to the Wirral. Into the Wyld also features work from over 20 invited artists across the region, plus an associated five month programme of performance art, poetry readings, children’s workshops, film screenings and a symposium.

© Anish-Kapoor - All rights reserved — © Anish-Kapoor – All rights reserved

4. Anish Kapoor: Monadic Singularity, Liverpool Cathedral (10 August – 15 September)

To celebrate its, Liverpool Cathedral will present an exciting, UK-first exhibition by the internationally acclaimed British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Kapoor is renowned for his iconic works, such as Cloud Gate in Chicago and the Orbit Tower at the Olympic Stadium in London. Monadic Singularity contemplates key moments in life: birth, marriage, and death, with the exhibition taking visitors on a journey through the Cathedral’s spaces, including a large-scale installation in the Well, a stunning reminder of our existence on Earth.

5. Creative Workshops At Bluecoat (Throughout August)

Unleash your creative side and try something new this summer with Bluecoat’s creative workshops covering a variety of sessions with Summer Botanical Cyanotype Workshop (3 Aug), Introduction to Copper Sulphate Etching (10 Aug), Introduction to UV Screen Printing (17 Aug), Back To School Print Party (31 Aug) and Complete Monoprinting (31 Aug).

6. Craft At The Museum, Museum of Liverpool (9 – 15 August)

Museum of Liverpool will host two Craft at The Museum sessions this August with Liverpool Album Covers (9 – 11 Aug), where families can find out about famous record album covers from Liverpool musicians and create your own. In their second session children can learn about and make their own Victorian toy Victorian Toys (13 -15 Aug).

7. Save the bees! But which bees need saving? Find out with Andrea Ku! (17 August)

Discover the fascinating world of bees with local artist and beekeeper Andrea Ku in this informative session. Learn about the over 270 bee species in Britain, from honey bees to bumblebees and solitary bees, and find out which bees need saving.

Andrea will bring an observational hive from her Liverpool apiary, providing a unique opportunity to see a bee colony in action and learn to identify different castes. Gain insights into beekeeping and potential careers in the field. This free event, primarily for ages 16-24, welcomes all visitors on a first-come basis.

8. Pokey LaFarge, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (20 August)

Join Illinois native Pokey LaFarge as he debuts his latest album, Rhumba Country, a vibrant fusion inspired by the soul of Californian shores and distant locales like Africa and Latin America. Since his 2006 independent debut Marmalade, LaFarge has carved a niche in the blues and folk scene, with his journey taking him from Nashville to Los Angeles, and finally to Mid-Coast Maine. Rhumba Country reflects his newfound creativity, blending mambo, tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock-and-roll. Experience this kaleidoscopic sound live in an intimate show celebrating life and love.

9. Future Now Festival, Birkenhead (24 – 25 August)

Future Now Festival will take over Birkenhead on the bank holiday weekend, with 60 bands and artists performing on five stages across four venues around the Hamilton Square area. Alt-experimental pop/rock band Everything Everything will headline Birkenhead Town Hall on Saturday night with Nadine Shah closing the show headlining the Town Hall on Sunday. Nubiyan Twist return to Future Yard to headline the Garden stage on Saturday and Birkenhead’s-own She Drew The Gun headlines outdoor on Sunday. Weekend and day tickets are available now.

10. Rumpelstiltskin, The Atkinson (31 August)

Altru Drama present this new adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin – perfect for the whole family. Betsy and her dad the Miller are struggling to make ends meet, but a chance meeting with the foolish and greedy King Jacob thrusts them into a world of weaving, spinning and gold. Can Betsy spin the gold and save herself? Of course not! But Rumpelstiltskin can! Suitable for children aged 3-11 and their families.

To discover even more events happening in August check out our What’s On Listings.

Author: Uncover