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Spooktacular Halloween Events In Liverpool and the City Region 2025

Posted on 19/10/2025 | by Uncover

Halloween is creeping closer, and Liverpool City Region is ready to deliver a frightfully good time. From family-friendly fun to spine-tingling nights out, there’s plenty of exciting Halloween events in Liverpool and the city region this year.

Step back in time to explore the origins of Halloween at The Atkinson, experience a concert of eerie orchestral favourites at the Liverpool Philharmonic, or revel in a ghoulishly glamorous burlesque at the Everyman Theatre — plus plenty more!

Here are some of the best Halloween events in Liverpool and across the city region for 2025.

Ghosts and Spirits – Downstairs at the Everyman Theatre (25 October)

Join the team downstairs at the Everyman Theatre this Hallow season for Ghosts & Spirits; three cocktails and three stories of the spooky kind.

Your ticket includes a sharing of stories read by their Ghost Hosts, which will include extracts from The Judge’s House (Bram Stoker), Signal Man (Charles Dickens) and Lost Hearts (M R James) plus a cocktail to complement each story.

It’s a triple scream show!

Family Concert: Spooktacular! – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (26 October)

Witches, vampires, ghosts and ghouls – they’re all at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this Halloween! In this fabulous Family Concert: Spooktacular, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra take on the spooky and the spine-chilling, performing haunting music from your favourite films and television, as well as creepy classics by Mussorgsky, Saint-Saëns, Leroy Anderson and more.

So head along in your most devilish disguise and settle in for a journey of musical mystery, it’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Family concerts are designed for 5-10 year olds, but all the family are welcome!

Little Liverpool Halloween Special – Museum of Liverpool (28 – 31 October)

Join Winnie the Spider and some of her friends for a fiendishly good time in the Little Liverpool Halloween Special at Museum of Liverpool. Head along and explore their dedicated children’s gallery with some added Halloween themed fun.

Little Liverpool spooky specials are for visitors aged up to age 6 and their parents/carers. The sessions are held over several days this year, so there’s plenty of opportunity to join in with the scary antics.

Spooky Tales – Unity Theatre (29 October)

Perfect for brave children aged 9+ and their families. From the Team that brought you When Another Dragon Roars. Do you enjoy stories about ghosts, witches, and things that go bump in the night? Then join Edward and Martha Creep as they share terrifying Spooky Tales that will make you gasp, gawp, and grin.

Featuring Altered Scale Theatre’s outstanding puppetry and Petite Ullaloom’s unique storytelling, Spooky Tales is a Halloween treat!

The Spare Rib: Scared Shirtless – Downstairs at the Everyman Theatre (30 October)

Join Spare Rib this Halloween-Eve for Scared Shirtless, a performance of spine-tingling sexiness! A night of frighteningly hot, terrifying delightful and weirdly funny burlesque that may leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about sexuality. There will be British Sign Language interpretation throughout and lyrics will be signed using a mix of BSL & SSE.

Once More… With Screaming – Liverpool Royal Court Theatre (31 October – 1 November)

The People’s Players present Once More… With Screaming, head along and join them for a spooktacular show from Liverpool Royal Court’s very own acting group.

This brand new comedy from writer Sarah O’Hara takes Hammer House Of Horror and hams it up to another level. Ghosts, secrets and murderous intent combine to put the willies up a willing audience who will be left screaming with laughter!

Tender Claws and Friends, Halloween Special – Future Yard (31 October)

With a voice that shifts from velvet sonorous tones to banshee-like wails, Tender Claws lures you into her haunting world of alt rock songs inspired by gothic fiction and the darker sides of nature and the human condition.

Her fuzz-heavy, 90s-reminiscent sound comprises powerful grunge-influenced outbursts and softer episodes, scattered with serrated guitar and synth elements. Following the release of her most recent single, Disappear; and shows this year supporting Dog Race, Rosegarden Funeral Party and Bonnie Trash, she eagerly awaits her suitably spooky Halloween show at Future Yard.

Isaac Hart: Halloween Through the Ages – The Atkinson (31 October)

Writer and Ghost in the Museum podcaster, Isaac Hart, returns to The Atkinson on Halloween Night to discuss the deep origins of the spooky season, with Isaac Hart: Halloween Through the Ages.

From ancient pagan traditions to modern panics over trick or treating, Halloween has always been the time of year that we welcome the weird and the uncanny into our lives rather than pushing it away, with often strange and surprising results…

Spooky Sudley – Sudley House (31 October)

Join the team at Sudley House this Halloween for some ghostly goings on at Spooky Sudley. Halloween at Sudley House will be family friendly but they do recommend that their very youngest visitors might like to be pre-warned that the theme of the event will be a bit spooky. Don’t say they didn’t warn you!

Whether you’re after ghostly tales, live music or family fun, these Halloween events in Liverpool and the city region promise plenty of thrills and chills this spooky season.

To find even more events happening in the Liverpool City Region take a look at our What’s On Listings

Liverpool Irish Festival 2025: Preview

Posted on 12/10/2025 | by Uncover

Liverpool Irish Festival is all about bringing Liverpool and Ireland closer together through arts and culture. The festival opens the door to Irish culture in fun, accessible and creative ways – from performances and workshops to tours and events across the city.

At its heart, the festival is about sparking conversations through cultural storytelling, blending tradition with contemporary creativity. It’s a celebration of Ireland’s many sides, proudly challenging assumptions along the way.

This year’s theme is ‘arrivals’, shining a light on the contributions of Liverpool’s Irish community.

Here are just a few highlights from the 2025 programme:

Reveal: Book and Documentary Launch – Boxpark (13 October)

This special preview to launch the festival also presents the exclusive first screening of their new documentary and the debut of their long-awaited book, Reveal. Three years in the making, this evening marks a milestone moment for Liverpool Irish Festival.

Documenting the 2024 Walk of the Bronze Shoes — a pilgrimage from Strokestown, Ireland to Liverpool — and the creation of the Global Irish Famine Way, this book and film capture countless hours of research, endurance and dedication from our remarkable walkers and researchers.

#LIF2025 Launch – Liverpool Irish Centre (16 October)

Meet the Festival team and artists at the #LIF2025 Launch, hear about the programme and meet with friends. The Centre, the spiritual home of the Irish community in Liverpool, provides a convivial space in which to toast ‘fáilte’ (welcome) to all those who join them, have helped them and will be there for festivals ahead.

You can also be among the first to claim your free Brave Maeve treasure map and meet Stu Harrison — the illustrator and storyteller that brought Liverpool’s real life Brave Maeve to 2D.

In The Window: Meet The Maker: Corinne Price – Bluecoat Display Centre (17 October)

The Bluecoat Display Centre and Liverpool Irish Festival’s 2025 In The Window: Meet The Maker is artist Corinne Price. This event provides visitors with the chance to speak with the artist directly, about their work, general practice, ambitions and achievements.

Centred on Corinne’s ceramics, which layer pigment into the clay itself, visitors will benefit from a guided question and answer session, being able to ask additional questions.

Queer Arrivals – Unity Theatre (17 October)

Queer Arrivals, staged at Unity Theatre, is a deeply personal, music-filled journey by Irish singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt, exploring what it means to come into queerness – and into oneself – later in life. With original songs and intimate storytelling, Gráinne shares her experience of falling in love with a woman in her 40s and how that has transformed her understanding of identity, artistry and belonging.

Incorporating Gráinne’s partner Jules Stewart on drums and vocals, Queer Arrivals is a tender, honest, and powerful celebration of love, growth, and self-acceptance debuting at the Liverpool Irish Festival.

The Great Hunger 2 Hour Tour – Starts Pilotage Building, near Museum of Liverpool (19 October)

Join Liverpool Irish Festival‘s John Maguire (also of ArtsGroupie) on an expanded The Great Hunger 2 Hour Tour of several Liverpool Irish Famine Trail sites, including Clarence Dock – the entry way for over 1.8m+ Irish Famine poor – and others in the town centre.

Spectators will hear how The Great Hunger changed Liverpool’s streets, learning how locations were used for sanctuary, nourishment and safety. Along the route, sites of Irish influence will also be marked helping to show the geographic memory of these times. Walkers will also hear about the benevolence of Liverpool’s people and on-going effects on the city today.

The Druids – Liverpool Irish Centre (19 October)

Irish folk band The Druids are back with another master show, featuring captivating new blends of traditional Irish folk music and storytelling. This type of performance highlights the band’s rich musical heritage, weaving together timeless Irish ballad songs with the powerful narratives that have been passed down through generations.

The combination of music and stories gives audiences a deep dive into Ireland’s cultural history, offering a mix of lively jigs, heartfelt ballads and tales that reflect the country’s folklore, struggles, and triumphs. Irish folk bands often use this format to connect with their audiences on a more emotional level, while also providing an immersive, entertaining experience.

Did I Ever Tell Ya – Liverpool Royal Court (22 October)

Join award-winning Irish playwright and actor David Gilna for Did I Ever Tell Ya, an unforgettable evening of storytelling at Liverpool’s Royal Court, as he delves into the laughter and heartbreak that shape our lives.

Through themes of grief, nostalgia, and the enduring power of humour, David asks the ultimate question: why do we tell the stories we do? A deeply moving and wildly entertaining night that will leave you laughing, crying, and craving more.

Welcome Home / Failte Abhaile – Sefton Park Palm House (23 October)

Irish people have made homes all over the world and Liverpool is no exception, being known as East Dublin, East Belfast and the 33rd county! Taking this year’s theme of ‘arrivals’, the George Ferguson Irish Dance School and Merseyside’s Melody Makers have collaborated to produce a Welcome Home / Failte Abhaile programme, celebrating what it is to arrive. Whether home is new or old, arriving there can be full of anticipation, expectation and nostalgia.

This engaging two-hour programme features over 50 musicians and dancers from across Merseyside. The performance takes place in one of Liverpool’s most emerald spaces: the ever-magnificent Sefton Park Palm House.

Family Day – Museum of Liverpool (25 October)

A festival-staple and must-see, at Family Day you’re invited to pop by or spend the day at the Museum of Liverpool. There’s plenty of activities to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. The Armagh Rhymers return with their (exclusive to the Festival) Liver Bird story helping to understand how the First Nations people of North America helped the Irish during The Great Hunger.

The Bolger-Cunningham Dance School will give it their all in the morning, before the George Ferguson School for Irish Dance produce junior and senior dance sets, whilst Melody Makers and Comhaltas will bring their intergenerational group to play in the space. You’ll also be able to collect a Brave Maeve Tír Na nÓg map.

View the full Liverpool Irish Festival 2025 programme for more information.

For even more things to do in Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On Listings.

INDIKA Festival 2025: Preview

Posted on 12/10/2025 | by Uncover

Milap’s INDIKA festival is returning to Liverpool this October with a 15-day celebration of Indian music, dance and culture. The expansive range of events are taking place across the entire Liverpool City Region, as Milap strives to bring Indian culture to an even bigger audience.

Coinciding with their 40 year anniversary, the 2025 INDIKA festival “feels especially meaningful, as a celebration of how far we’ve come and a statement of where we’re headed” (Alok Nayak – Artistic Director of Milap). As one of Europe’s largest festivals of Indian classical arts, INDIKA has a varied programme which will allow audiences to not only watch and listen to performances, but feel them too, through multi-sensory experiences from both internationally renowned and British talent.

The programme will include captivating events that span across India’s diverse cultural traditions, such as traditional and contemporary dance and music, yoga, poetry, storytelling, talks, workshops, films, and more to inspire and connect with audiences.

Here’s some highlights coming up at this year’s festival.

The Tapi Project – Downstairs at the Everyman (22 October)

A continuous revival and retelling of stories and themes that make up modern India – held together by their compelling songwriting and compositions. Influences from the worlds of jazz, funk, folk and rock – filtered through the Indian subcontinent – all combine to create their unique and genre-defying sound.

Dancing The Divine – Unity Theatre (23 October)

Dancing the Divine by acclaimed Kathak artist Sanjukta Sinha comes to Unity Theatre on Thursday 23 October. This intimate solo performance takes inspiration from the figure of Krishna, exploring themes of love, longing and devotion through movement and stillness. Rather than retelling myths, Sinha invites audiences into a personal, meditative journey where presence, absence and the search for the divine unfold on stage.

Rohan Roy Collective – Philharmonic Hall Music Room (24 October)

Taking place in The Music Room at Philharmonic Hall, acclaimed violinist Rohan Roy leads the collective in a bold fusion of Indian classical and contemporary sound. Joined by Giuliano Modarelli on guitar, Domenico Angrano on bass, and Harkiret Singh Bahra playing the table. This promises fusion at its finest as they combine Indian classical ragas with jazz, groove, and global sounds.

The Stringmasters – The Tung Auditorium (25 October)

After being brought together by Milap in 2013, Anil Srinivasan, an award winning Indian pianist, and Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh, a virtuoso of the Saraswathi Veena have come together and created a remarkable blend of Western and Carnatic classical traditions.

A Carnatic Quartet- A Concert for Children and Families -Philharmonic Hall Music Room (29 October)

Also taking place in The Music Room at Philharmonic Hall is an exciting opportunity to introduce a new generation to the magic of South Indian classical music. Designed just for families, the Carnatic Quartet have created a high-energy interactive performance perfect for curious young minds. Comprised of Shreya Devnath (Violin), Mylai M Karthikeyan (Nadhaswaram), Praveen Sparsh (Mridangam), and Adyar G Silambarasan (Thavil), the quartet create melodies that open up a world of wonder.

Sarathy Korwar – Future Yard (29 October)

One of the most original and compelling voices in the UK Jazz scene. Sarathy Korwar – globally acclaimed percussionist, composer and producer – is set to present music from his upcoming album ‘There Is Beauty, There Already’. Expect a striking, percussion-led exploration of rhythm, voice and electronics. With South Asian temple procession rhythms and contemporary minimalism, this is futuristic folk at its finest.

Resonance – Strings Across Borders – The Tung Auditorium (31 October)

A captivating concert taking place in the Tung Auditorium is Resonance – Strings Across Borders, made up of the duo of acclaimed sarod maestro Dr Pandit Ranajit Sengupta and distinguished sitarist Ashim Chowdhury and also the versatile and virtuosic German guitarist André Krengel. Accompanying the musicians is the esteemed Kousic Sen on tabla. It’ll be an evening where you can experience a fusion of musical traditions, where Indian music meets contemporary guitar and where tradition meets innovation.

INDIKA festival will take place across Liverpool from the 17th-31st of October, with Diwali on the 20th of October featuring as the centrepiece of the festival. Full of exciting events and experiences, this multi-arts festival has something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

INDIKA Festival 2025
17-31 October
Various venues
More information can be found on Milap’s website.

Culture Radar – John Ironmonger (Novelist / Liverpool Literary Festival 2025)

Posted on 10/10/2025 | by Uncover

This week’s Culture Radar guest is novelist John Ironmonger, who will be talking at Liverpool Literary Festival 2025.

Loved: I visit River of Light every year and I’m a regular at the Floral Pavilion and the Liverpool Empire, I went to their amazing launch party for Eurovision. I also pop into the Walker Art Gallery, whenever I can, to see The Shepherdess by George Clausen, which I love.

Looking Forward To: I’m delighted to be joining this year’s Liverpool Literary Festival, which is held 17 – 19 October. As an alumnus of the University of Liverpool, it’s great to be part of this year’s 10th anniversary programme, where I’ll be talking about my latest novel, The Wager and the Bear. Tickets are still available so I would encourage anyone who is interested in themes such as climate change to book and come along.

I’ll also be heading down to see Liverpool Empire’s new production of Fawlty Towers next month.

Trivia: I once drove a £100 banger from Plymouth to the Gambia for an African children’s charity and raised over £10,000

Culture Radar – Archana Shastri (Milap)

Posted on 06/10/2025 | by Uncover

This week’s Culture Radar guest is Archana Shastri, Director of Marketing & Communications, Milap.

Loved: I recently had the chance to see one of India’s most celebrated composers, Ilaiyaraaja, present his very first Western symphony, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. With a career spanning over 7,000 songs and a huge global following, it felt special to witness such a milestone in his incredible career — the music was breathtaking, and it was amazing how he brought his signature Indian sound seamlessly into a Western symphonic form.

Looking Forward To: INDIKA Festival is just around the corner, and honestly, the whole line-up is going to be brilliant. In music, I can’t wait for The Stringmasters featuring Milap favourites Jayanthi Kumaresh (veena) and Anil Srinivasan (piano) with Indian percussion, and in dance, Dancing the Divine with kathak dancer Sanjukta Sinha — the way she blends energy, passion, and grace is astounding.

Trivia: I trained in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, for over 15 years.

Music Room 10: Celebrating 10 years of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room

Posted on 02/10/2025 | by Uncover

From local legends to global sounds, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room is celebrating 10 years of bringing you closer to grassroots music, their birthday celebrations will be held from 28 September to 13 October.

Over the past decade, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s Music Room has done it all. They’ve brought you incredible shows spanning the whole spectrum of musical genres, plus intimate chamber concerts, musical adventures for their youngest audiences and inspiring community music workshops too. They’ve welcomed a vast array of artists, nurtured new talent, and collaborated with partners to present a programme that’s exciting, diverse and truly unique.

Now, they’re marking this special occasion with a huge celebration of all the Music Room does. So head along, join the party and help celebrate a decade of the Music Room – a real treasure of Liverpool’s music scene.

Discover their Music Room 10 programme below…

Cerddoriaeth Cymru: 9Bach, Cerys Hafana and VRi (3 October)

In every corner of Britain, there are tales to be told – and great folk artists ready to tell them through song. In the Music Room, they have a proud folk music tradition, and so as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations they’re shining a spotlight on folk musicians from across the home nations, celebrating their countries and their music.

First up at Cerddoriaeth Cymru, they welcome three captivating Welsh artists, VRï, Cerys Hafana and 9Bach, back to the Music Room.

Daughters of Albion: Kathryn Williams and Sarah Smout (5 October)

The Music Room has always been a beloved home for folk music – and they’re finishing theirr tour of Britain’s folk tradition by returning home to England with Daughters of Albion. In two exciting shows, you’ll see female folk artists, both established stars and up-and-coming talent, come together on stage in inspiring showcases of the English folk genre, its history and its future too. This afternoon, they welcome Kathryn Williams and Sarah Smout.

Kathryn Williams is a Liverpool-born, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer-songwriter with 16 albums under her belt. Cellist, singer and poet Sarah Smout weaves together nature, creativity, and activism to provoke thought and inspire change. Her music has been played on BBC Radio 2, she’s worked with Greenpeace and been a session musician for artists such as Michael Chapman and Bridget St. John

Music Mondays (6 October)

Over the last ten years, the Music Room has been home to lots of Liverpool Philharmonic’s award-winning Music and Health work – an integral part of their activity within the community, helping thousands of people every year. They’re proud to celebrate that programme during this anniversary.

So, today they’re hosting a very special edition of Music Mondays. Running as a social prescribing programme, Music Mondays aim to boost mood, increase social connection and build confidence through learning about music and making music together too. Sessions are open to anyone aged 18+ from across the Liverpool City Region, and participants can self-refer or be referred by a GP/community organisation.

Hope St. Blues: Catfish Keith and Jo Harman with very special guest Connie Lush (7 October)

Foot-stomping, heartbreaking and spellbinding, some Music Room legends return to sing the Hope St Blues. On this tenth anniversary, the pioneering Catfish Keith makes his tenth appearance on our stage, and award-winning, best-selling blues/soul vocalist Jo Harman performs for the third time too.

They’re also delighted to welcome back Connie Lush from retirement to perform a couple of songs. She was the artist who performed the very first test event at the Music Room’s launch and treated them to a Christmas residency in 2019.

One Night on Sugnall (9 October)

As part of their celebrations, they’re welcoming back some of the city’s most exciting young stars in One Night at Sugnall – artists who have all risen up through the Music Room, and have each headlined their own show in the space. Head along as Ellis Murphy, Astles, MT Jones and Motel Sundown perform as you’ve never seen them before.

Ellis Murphy has amassed a cult following with his timeless brand of storytelling, through his songs that are both current and fresh but also reminiscent of a time when troubadours were the voice of a generation. Astles’ songwriting has piqued the interest of the NME, Clash Magazine and even Sir Paul McCartney. He has supported the likes of Bill Ryder Jones, The Mysterines and Michael Head.

MT Jones evokes a sound that transports you back to a smoke-filled speakeasy, while also feeling fresh and innovative and Motel Sundown draw listeners with their blend of 70’s soft rock and luscious three-part harmonies.

They Say It’s Our Birthday: Baked a la Ska (10 October)

Today’s the day – it’s officially the Music Room’s tenth birthday! And what better way to celebrate this anniversary than with an all-out, irresistible party hosted by none other than Baked A La Ska – the incredible group who have brought so much fun and joyful energy to the venue over the years.

With their annual Christmas show, and plenty of other visits besides, they’ve introduced us to vintage ska sounds and an eclectic platter of covers – and now they’re back, marking a decade of the Music Room with a specially-curated, never-before-seen show. In this very special performance, they’ll be sprinkling some ska dust on Beatles hits and rarities, and travelling through their own back catalogue, bringing you tracks from all five of their albums. Get ready for a real extravaganza, from one of the tightest rhythm sections in Manchester.

Klezmer-ish – Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories (12 – 13 October)

Klezmer-ish returns to the Music Room to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 10th anniversary of both the band and this iconic venue. These special performances will be a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, joy, and musical magic.

To mark the occasion, they’ll welcome back special guest artists who have collaborated with them over the years, while also showcasing the talent of new young performers, coming together to create a dynamic and exciting blend of sounds and styles.

Youth Company Celebrates 10 years of the Music Room (12 October)

Since 2015, the Music Room has been an invaluable venue for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, giving the region’s brightest young musicians a space to stage incredible concerts, and celebrate their talent and hard work. For their anniversary, Youth Company Celebrates 10 years of the Music Room, they’ve invited two of Youth Company’s stellar ensembles to head along and really put on a show.

Both Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Band and Brass Band are no stranger to the Music Room – they have regularly taken to the stage over the years to sell-out audiences. Hear the best of the company’s contemporary and brass ensembles in an electrifying, high-energy performance of pop favourites new and old, and brass music that will bring the house down.

For full event listings and tickets visit liverpoolphil.com.

Inside The Studio Beyond: A New Stage for Liverpool Creatives

Posted on 29/09/2025 | by Uncover

By Grace Stokoe

Liverpool’s creative scene is ever-evolving, and The Studio Beyond is a testament to that.

Following their success with The Studio Below, Sharon Colpman and her team launched their second venue in March this year. Upgrading to a more central location on Wood Street, The Studio Beyond boasts a 50 seater theatre space, rehearsal room, podcast suite and bar, as well as their on-site Red Book Casting Agency, run by Sinead Renaye.

Colpman, Co-Founder of The Studio Beyond and Make it Write Productions, explains, “if you stay still it doesn’t work, we have to keep moving forward”. Having started out as a science teacher, Colpman realised she was something of a wordsmith when asked to write a play for her village’s millennium celebration, working alongside Forest Forge Theatre Company. Moving to Liverpool, she was keen to showcase her plays locally, resulting in the birth of Make It Write Productions.

Co-founded with James Gaskin, Make it Write is a community interest company (CIC) supporting writers, actors, directors and the like to take their work to the next level. Now, with both studios at their disposal, Colpman’s dedicated team are not only using the spaces to mentor, but have stepped up as one of the city’s most affordable venues, without sacrificing professionalism or high quality tech. She presents The Studio Beyond as “a great place to experiment. Blake is really good with people who haven’t done a tech run before – he can see their vision, paint a picture of the night in his head and just make it happen!”

Inside The Studio Beyond Liverpool - Atom Improv — Atom Improv

Al Donohoe from The Atom Improv describes it as “a conveniently priced fringe venue that young theatre makers have been lacking in the city centre.” Atom’s fortnightly Harold Night and monthly improv jam both take place there, providing a safe space for improv lovers old and new to get up on stage.

Toeing the line of theatre and stand up, Donohoe and twoprov partner, Mike Burton, hope to give their audience “a sense of alternative comedy, proving how great improv can be”. Rejecting the working man’s club style of humour in favour of something more unpredictable, they build their shows around the crowd, asking audience members to share their own hilarious stories as prompts.

With roughly 90% of their spectators being return customers, the joy and loyalty within Liverpool’s improv scene is clear to see. “Sometimes people will quote our own show back to us, which is funny,” says Donohoe, “they’re very supportive, fun and willing to get involved”.

The Atom Improv took it one step further as students returned to the city this September, kicking off the academic year with a Freshers Week Extravaganza. With show tickets starting from just £3, The Studio Beyond consistently ensures that the arts are accessible on a budget, meaning you can spend a little and laugh a lot!

Notably, the venue’s commitment to inclusivity goes much further than finance. Creative spaces are often seen as a safe haven for the LGBT+ community, and The Studio Beyond is no exception. Abbie Caskie, co-founder of Bunny Boiler Productions, produced They’re Just Roommates back in July, as part of Grin Theatre’s Pride Double Bill – a night built for queer joy. Drawn to the venue through word of mouth within Liverpool’s creative community, her experience working with them was positive from first rehearsal right through to curtain.

Caskie wrote and directed her “modern day lesbian adaptation of Pride and Prejudice” as a celebration of queer relationships. Representing a lesbian love story without questioning sexuality, her show attracted likeminded audience members of all ages. Describing the team as “supportive and engaged with the show”, she felt they were “all collaborating to make the night a success”. Now, having successfully trialed her work as a 30 minute piece, the theatre-maker hopes to develop it into a full length show. “The point is to be inclusive and we will welcome you,” expresses Colpman. Regretfully, the building is not currently accessible, due to its listed status.

As committed as they are to their work at The Studio Beyond, the team prove to be talented creatives themselves. Theatre Manager, Molly Farquhar, recently returned from Edinburgh Fringe Festival with a five star review from The Scotsman. Her award winning show, Hairy B*stard, previewed at the venue before heading off to The Fringe.

Hairy B*stard – a show about self love, self loathing, and how expensive razors are – is a semi-autobiographical show based around Farquhar’s experience with PCOS and hirsutism. Having previewed at The Studio Beyond, she had a full house to work with. “Hearing people laugh, cry and connect was wonderful,” she reflects.

Farquhar describes her workplace as “a welcoming, warm space that provided me with a platform to tell my story. As a working class creative, I strongly believe in championing local voices and giving them a chance to shine. Without places like Beyond, this just wouldn’t happen.” Enabling her to test new sections of the show and work on audience interaction, the preview was vital in preparing her for Edinburgh Fringe.

The Studio Beyond Theatre Manager, Molly Farquhar — Theatre Manager, Molly Farquhar

It’s never a dull day as part of The Studio Beyond’s team, getting stuck in and wearing many hats. Farquhar loves to mentor, teach and network with local artists on top of her managerial duties. She adds, “every single one of us works our socks off to make sure we can provide a community space for creatives. We’re approachable, problem solvers, and most importantly – we care.”

Colpman shares her hopes to open The Studio Beyond’s hidden roof terrace ready for summer 2026, as well as investing in air conditioning for the hot-yoga-studio turned-theatre. With Liverpool Fringe 2025 just around the corner, they will debut as a Fringe venue for local practitioners, along with hosting the official awards evening on 12 October. “Having that live experience is something that’s dying out, to come here and have connection with real live people,” she highlights.

Other upcoming shows include their Fringe Bangs Film Festival and Studio Beyond The Grave open mic this October, followed by Christmas festivities, Weird Fest, Queer Words and much more in store for 2026. “We all share boundless energy and passion for the arts,” says Colpman, “some nights we crawl to the kebab house because we’re so tired, but seeing happy faces after you’ve been running around behind the scenes makes you realise why you’re doing it”.

For further information on The Studio Beyond, visit studiobelow.co.uk or follow @studio_below_and_beyond on Instagram.

Buried Treasure by ArtsGroupie CIC: Cyclops in the Wood

Posted on 28/09/2025 | by Uncover

By John Maguire

In this latest instalment of Buried Treasure, John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC uncovers the hidden riddles and remarkable treasures within Liverpool Central Library, with the coded granite walkway leading to one of the world’s most extraordinary books.

As you enter the path to Liverpool’s Central Library, on the ground, there is a list of great examples of storytelling—an impressive 79-foot-long walkway, detailing popular titles from books and films.

It reminds me a bit of Madonna’s shout-out to the fabulous age of Hollywood in the song Vogue. Here, we find a list of timeless classics, ranging from local authors, such as Educating Rita (Willy Russell) and The Cruel Sea (Nicholas Monsarrat), to National titles, including Charlotte’s Web (E. B. White) and Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier).

You notice, amidst this, “wordy welcome” that several red letters are standing out within the granite walkway as you trail into the library. A bit of a riddle! In fact, the red letters spell out a coded message.

It is fitting that we are faced with such a challenge when entering the reading space. Not many people know that a man by the name of Arthur Wynne was a Liverpool-born inventor who came up with something still popular now. The first ever crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913.

At first, it was known as a “Word-Cross Puzzle,” and not the shape we know today, for this initial one was diamond-shaped, featured a hollow centre, and had the word “Fun” already filled in. This puzzle, created for the “Fun” section, became a widespread phenomenon, though the term “crossword” only emerged later due to a typesetting error.

The puzzle was an immediate success, becoming so popular that other newspapers quickly began to publish their own versions. The popularity of Wynne’s creation led to the publication of the first crossword puzzle book by Simon & Schuster in 1924.

So, what do the red letters in this Word puzzle on William Brown Street mean – if you collect them as you make your way into the library, they read Cyclops In The Wood.

You can find the said Cyclops In The Wood, that is the OAK room (wood), next to the Hornby Library, just off the Picton reading room. Inside, you will have to search for the mythical beast, which is in fact a book titled The Genus Crocus by George Maw (1886), situated amongst the bookshelves.

Keeping a watchful eye on a piece of absolute treasure, the magnificent Birds of America by John James Audubon (1827- 38). 435 life-sized prints celebrated for artistic and ornithological accuracy. The depictions of birds are majestic. It is displayed open, and the dimensions when open are 3 feet 4 inches high by 4 feet 6 inches wide by about 5 inches deep. It looks like it has been taken from a giant’s bookcase. Each page of the book is illustrated with a hand coloured image of a type of bird. They catalogue and display American birds, some of which are extinct. His work in this book indicates he was an incredible artist who created one of the most scientific explorations of birds. In 2018, a copy of The Birds of America was officially sold for $9.65 million (£7, 161 197.44).

It has to be noted that Audubon is a controversial figure with accusations of plagiarism and criticism of his involvement in the slave trade. In 1905, a non-profit environmental organisation was founded in his name, dedicated to bird conservation and habitat preservation. The organisation is the largest and oldest ecological organisation in the world, advancing the education and advocacy of policies to protect birds and their environment. It has not shied away from the murkier elements of their namesake and addresses his white supremacist views and ethical failings on their website with an insightful essay – The Myth of John James Audubon.

The people of Liverpool own this book in Liverpool Central Library, the taxpayers of our City, a public treasure on display every day. There is a magical energy in the air when you enter the room surrounded by the bookcases and with the cyclops guarding close by. When I visit this space, I always think about writer Roald Dahl and his words: “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”.

Once a week, the book has its page turned so you can see a new bird in its glass nest (The book is encased in a bulletproof glass case). I like to view this tomb as much as I can, to try and spot a different bird; one day, I hope to have seen them all. So far, my favourite has to be The Flamingo. I have seen this a few times, and the last time, as I stared closely with my face pressed up against the glass, I am sure the creature pecked its beak on the side as if to say hello.

Review: The Magic of Motown, 20th Anniversary Tour at Empire Theatre

Posted on 17/09/2025 | by Uncover

By Terry Sweeney

The Magic of Motown on stage at the end of their performance at the Empire

When Berry Gordy took out that famous 800 dollar loan to start Tamla Records in 1959 he couldn’t have dreamt that 60 odd years later the music he created would still be moving audiences all of the world, but here we were on a rain-swept Wednesday night in Liverpool listening to his greatest music and the Motown legacy carries on.

This year three of Motown’s all-time greats, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie and Stevie Wonder have been performing in the UK, and for those who couldn’t make it to watch one of their shows, The Magic of Motown covered music by all three, and more.

The show opened with the band playing the opening bars of Please Mr Postman by the Marvelettes. This was their debut single and the first Motown song to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles in 1961. The first of seemingly endless Motown number 1’s in the US, the UK and across the world, From the moment that the familiar lyrics ‘oh yes, wait a minute Mr Postman. Wait ,wait Mr. Postman’ rang out in the darkened auditorium the audience started partying. The Liverpool audience were up for a good time last night and the singers on stage, backed by an excellent band, didn’t disappoint

They roared through a cracking set list of songs from all of Motown’s heavy hitters; The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Isley Brothers, Smokie Robinson, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, Martha & the Vandellas and The Jackson 5.

The show contained fantastic lead and backing vocals, wonderful music, aided by multiple costume changes, mixed all girl and all boy sets, with the occasional duet or single piece. The singers were exceptional all night, with only the occasional over-emoting on the outro hitting a flat note with me.

Highlights of the show included:

‘Sugar Pie Honey Bunch’ and ‘Reach Out’ by the Four Tops
‘Just my Imagination’ and ‘My Girl’ by the Temptations
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Sir Duke’ and ‘Superstition’
Marvin Gaye, with and without Tammi Terrell on ‘You’re all I need to get by’ and ‘Heard it through the Grapevine’.
Smokie Robinson and the Miracles with ‘Shop Around’, and ‘Tears of a Clown’.
Diana Ross & the Supremes with ‘Baby Love’ and ‘Stop! In the name of love’.
Lionel Ritchie’s ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’.
Jackson 5 with ‘Rockin’ Robin’ and ‘ABC’
‘Heatwave’ by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
‘Please Mr Postman’ by the Marvelettes.

At the interval the ‘Four Tops’ were mingling with the crowd in the bar during the interval drinks.

The second half of the show continued where the first half left off, with great music, call and response with the audience, and singing along to all the choruses. People were dancing in the seats and the aisles, if not the streets, and the girls from Queen Mary High School in front of us were on fine form singing and dancing along to Motown’s finest.

The singers were top-notch; no one would pretend that they measured up to Stevie, Marvin, Levi Stubbs, David Ruffin, Martha Reeves et al-but then who does?

At the end the singers asked if we’d like to have them back next year, and they got a resounding yes. The night finished with the cast of the show taking a selfie with the Empire audience in the background.

The Empire has already mailed to ask for feedback on the performance, so let’s hope they act on what we’ve fed back and book The Magic of Motown for 2026.

To find live music events happening in the Liverpool city region take a look at our What’s On Listings.

John Moores Painting Prize 2025: Celebrating the Best of Contemporary Painting

Posted on 17/09/2025 | by Uncover

By Terry Sweeney

The John Moores Painting Prize is currently on show at the Walker Art Gallery, opening on 6 September, the exhibition runs until 1 March 2026.

About The John Moores Painting Prize

The Prize was set up in 1957, when John Moores sponsored a competition for contemporary artists at the Walker Art Gallery for the first time, with the intention of showcasing the best of new British painting. John Moores, as well as his work with The Littlewoods Organisation and Everton Football Club, was a philanthropist and great supporter of the arts and was himself an accomplished amateur painter.

The John Moores Painting Prize has since been held almost every two years, with the prize open to all contemporary painters and welcomes submissions from both established and emerging artists. It awards:

First Prize: The winner is awarded a £25,000 prize.
Lady Grantchester Prize: Awarded to recent art graduates, this prize includes £5,000, £2,500 in art materials, and a month-long residency in London.
Visitor’s Choice award: selected by exhibition visitors, this award offers £2025 to the winning artist.
Each years Prize winner is also awarded a solo exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. The 2023 winner, Graham Crowley, had a very well-received exhibition ‘Graham Crowley: I paint shadows’ on display until July 2025.

Over sixty years the competition has helped to support the work of a number of British artists and has often been acknowledged as a key moment in the careers of many distinguished painters.

The Prize attracts large numbers of visitors and remains hugely popular with the visiting public. Recent exhibitions have had record-breaking numbers of visitors.

The regular acquisition of the first prize-winning works by the Walker, along with other selected works, has led to the gallery holding a large collection of post-war British painting.

John Moores Painting Prize China 2024

This year there is also a side exhibition of the John Moores Painting Prize China 2024 winners. The 6 prize-winning artists have recently completed a month-long residency and studio exhibition at John Moores University’s School of Art and Design.

This is the 8th edition of the Prize in China. It follows the same founding principles as the UK model. The Prize is open to all painters from across China and an invited jury selects the paintings. The artists remain anonymous throughout the process.

In the UK, during its sixty-year history, the John Moores Painting Prize has displayed some of Britain’s greatest contemporary artistic talents.

Previous winners include David Hockney, with his ‘Peter getting out of Nick’s Pool’ (1966), and Peter Blake, who later became the first patron of the prize in 2011.

John Moores Painting Prize 2025

This year’s exhibits are a mix of figurative, landscape and abstract pieces, with several painting I found particularly interesting, including my Visitors Choice vote, which was for Darkened Heart (a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth) by Joanna Whittle. This is an exquisite small-scale landscape depicting a tent with a luminous structure within it; (oil on rayon). Joanna’s work typically depicts temporary structures which ‘speak of fragility and transience’, Joanna has exhibited at John Moores previously.

Darkened Heart was endorsed as Highly Commended by this year’s judging panel.

Another painting Highly Commended by the judges was Bedscape2 by Katy Shepherd, which is another I would personally commend, as is Ayomide Feyujimi, a portrait by Martin Stevenson.

Some of the larger pieces, for example The Judge’s Quarters (Facing West) by Shaan Syed, benefit from extended study and reveal some of the revisions undertaken during their creation.

As always with such exhibitions, visitors will have particular preferences, and the opportunity to have your voice heard and vote for your personal winner is always welcome.

John Moores Painting Prize 2025
Walker Art Gallery
Running until 1 March 2026
Free Entry
More Info