Community Post Type: News

Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust, the charity behind the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, is delighted to announce the appointment in 2025 of Camilla Mankabady as its new Chair. Camilla has served on the Board for several years, most recently as Vice Chair, and now steps into the role following the end of Andrea Nixon’s tenure as Chair.

Camilla brings a wealth of experience in leadership, communications, and cultural advocacy. An accomplished former national TV journalist, she held senior editorial roles at BBC News, ITV News, and Euronews/NBC, earning national recognition including a BAFTA nomination in 2018 for her programme’s coverage of the Grenfell Tower disaster. After returning to her hometown of Liverpool, Camilla transformed the city’s Communications and Marketing before becoming the first Strategic Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Alongside her professional achievements, she is a passionate supporter of the arts, serving on the Board of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

On news of her appointment, Camilla Mankabady said:

“I am delighted and honoured to be announced as the new Chair of the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres. Theatre has been a passion of mine since childhood; that feeling of wonder and connection that great drama can spark has shaped who I am. I look forward to working closely with the Chief Executive Mark Da Vanzo, the Creative Director Nathan Powell, the Finance Director Ros Thomas and the rest of the team and trustees to help steer these extraordinary theatres into another great era. Together, we will build on their rich heritage, nurture new talent, and continue to bring bold, imaginative work to the residents of our city and beyond.”

Mark Da Vanzo, CEO for the theatres added:

“We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Camilla Mankabady as our new Chair. She brings outstanding strategic leadership, a deep commitment to our region’s culture, and a proven record of amplifying its voice. Her expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Board and advancing the Trust’s mission. I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrea Nixon for her outstanding service and dedication as outgoing Chair. With Camilla’s appointment, we look forward to building on Andrea’s legacy and continuing to strengthen our theatres and the creative sector across Liverpool City Region and beyond.”

The Trust also names existing Trustee Laura Collier as Co-Vice Chair; alongside Paul Evans, already serving in the role. An Independent Creative Director and Executive Producer, Laura has held senior roles across leading UK arts organisations, including Shakespeare North Playhouse, the National Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, and the Traverse Theatre.

On announcing her appointment, Laura Collier said:

“I’m honoured to be appointed Co-Vice Chair of the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres. As the Board welcome Camilla Mankabady to the role of Chair, we enter a new, exciting chapter. I look forward to ensuring the continued creative success of these iconic theatres, their audiences, the artists and communities that make these cultural landmarks so special and such a vital part of Liverpool.”

To find out more about the work of the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and the role of their Trustees, visit www.everymanplayhouse.com/about-us/who-we-are/

Liverpool’s legendary Epstein Theatre has officially named Liverpool-based theatre company Naughty Corner Productions as its new Artists in Residence, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for the venue and for Liverpool’s creative community. 

The multi-award-winning theatre company known for its bold originality, dark satirical humour, and ability to pack out venues across the UK, will now become a permanent creative force inside the Epstein Theatre. Together Naughty Corner Productions and The Epstein are committed to bringing new theatre to new audiences whilst giving emerging artists an iconic venue to showcase their talents. 

The announcement arrives under the leadership of the theatre’s new General Manager Stephen Edgerton, alongside Hayley Smitton, Events Manager, whose vision for a revitalised and inclusive programme has enabled the residency. Their team operates in partnership with Joe Roe and Maureen Bramwell, whose passion and determination saw the beloved Epstein Theatre reopened last April, re-establishing it as a cultural heartbeat in the city. 

Over the past decade, Naughty Corner has become one of the North West’s most distinctive theatrical powerhouses. Their shows have sold out year after year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, toured nationally, and played to thousands at Glastonbury Festival for the past 5 years. With multiple awards including The Sunday Times NSDF Award, Naughty Corner has consistently proven that ambitious, original theatre can draw huge, passionate, predominantly younger audiences. 

Alongside Artistic Director Mike Dickinson, the company is co-led by Trisha Duffy, Co–Artistic Director of Naughty Corner Productions, whose creative vision and commitment to emerging talent have shaped the company’s identity and impact. 

As Artists in Residence, Naughty Corner Productions will create a minimum of three brand-new full-scale productions each year, specifically designed to ignite The Epstein with fresh life, fresh audiences and fresh opportunities for the next generation of actors, writers and directors. 

Friday Nov 28th sees the launch of TheCreativeCorner Festival, a three-night annual showcase celebrating emerging talent. 

All theatre makers are encouraged to enter the festival where 4 pieces will be chosen to perform at The Epstein before a judging panel consisting of leading Edinburgh Fringe producers theSpaceUK renowned for championing new work and influential theatre makers from the Northwest.

Whilst all 4 pieces will receive audience and judges feedback the overall winner will receive a week long run at that year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival completely free of charge in partnership with theSpaceUK, Epstein Theatre and Naughty Corner Productions along with a performance date at the Epstein upon their return from the festival later in the year. 

Festival Competition Details Announced later this week.

Full details of the TheCreativeCorner competition — including how to apply — will be announced Friday, 28th November, when submissions officially open. 

The four successful companies who will perform at the festival and present their work to the theSpaceUK industry panel will be revealed at a special Epstein Launch Night for Creatives on 10th January. This event will welcome artists, producers, and theatre-makers into the space to meet each other, network, share ideas, and begin conversations for future creative ventures, so look out for the official announcement and book a free place for the evening! 

“This residency isn’t just about making theatre,” says Naughty Corner Artistic Director Mike Dickinson. “It’s about dismantling barriers. It’s about opening the door for the next wave of artists who’ve been told ‘no’, ignored, or shut out of the industry. The Epstein is giving us a home, and together we’re giving a home to so many others.”

 

Christmas has arrived at Shakespeare North Playhouse.

The very special seasonal show bewitched family audiences over its opening performances. It now runs at the award-winning Prescot theatre until 10 January 2026.

Tia Larsen plays the title role in the fairytale adventure which has been given a very special Prescot twist in this heartwarming new adaptation by writer Nick Lane – his third Christmas production for the venue.

She is joined on stage in Shakespeare North’s atmospheric and intimate Cockpit Theatre by Emma Grace Arends, Emma Bispham, Thomas Cotran, Elliott Kingsley and Charlie Mae McKevitt.

In the Kingdom of Prescotisia lives a young woman called Cinderella, whose world is turned upside down when her beloved mother suddenly disappears, and her father remarries. Even worse, it turns out Cinders’ new stepmother, Filania, is awful – and so are her two dreadful daughters!

When Prince Flarf of Crosbinia decides to throw a huge party, they are determined to be celebrated as the belles of the ball while Cinderella is left home alone.

But all is not lost because happily, help is at hand in the form of Fairy 23780, better known as Mandy, who is fresh from Fairy Godmother school and excited to be able to assist Cinderella to find her missing mum AND win the heart of the handsome prince to boot. Or rather, glass slipper.

Cinderella is packed with magical moments, favourite tunes, lots of laughs and an uplifting message about family, friendship and self-discovery, making this new production the perfect family show for the festive season.

Tia Larsen returns to the stage at Shakespeare North after appearing as swing in Alice in Wonderland last Christmas, where the versatile and talented young actor – who by day works as a member of the front of house team – impressed audiences and critics alike, performing a variety of key roles during the run.

Emma Grace Arends plays Mandy the Fairy, Emma Bispham is Filania, Prince Flarf is played by Thomas Cotran, who appeared in Nick Lane and Elizabeth Godber’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (More or Less) at Prescot earlier this year, Elliott Kingsley is King Dean and Charlie Mae McKevitt makes her Prospero Place debut as walking understudy.

All other roles are played by members of the cast.

Cinderella is directed by Nicole Behan, Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Paperwork Theatre, who returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse for a second Christmas after acting as Associate Director for last season’s production of Alice in Wonderland.

Assistant director is Kate Treadell, while the creative team also includes Abigail Middleton as movement director and choreographer and Rob Green as composer and musical director, with set and costumes by Chloe Wynn and sound design from Ernest Acquah.

Cinderella is produced by Shakespeare North Playhouse and is the Prescot theatre’s fourth Christmas show since it opened its doors in July 2022.

Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said today: “What a fantastic and joyful opening weekend in our Cockpit Theatre space. Our first audiences have absolutely loved Cinderella, and watching young theatregoers being beguiled by the enchanting world of conjured by our wonderful cast is what Christmas – and live performance – is all about.

“Nick Lane has created yet another delightfully witty and entertaining Christmas treat, while Tia Larsen is perfect as the heroine at the heart of what continues to be the greatest fairytale of them all. I know theatre lovers of all ages are going to enjoy a magical and memorable experience at Shakespeare North Playhouse this season.”

Book on their website: shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk

 

Daniel Brocklebank leaves the cobbles of Coronation Street to take on the role of Dr Frederick Frankenstein in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical at the Liverpool Playhouse for a limited five-week run over the Christmas season. Performances begin 3 December 2025, and run through to 3 January 2026. 

Daniel Brocklebank is an award-winning actor best known for his portrayal of Billy Mayhew in Coronation Street. In 1999 Daniel won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in the multi award-winning Shakespeare In Love (Miramax) and in 2010 he won a Best Actor Award at LesGaiCineMad International Film Festival for his role in British indie film Release (FAQs Ltd).

Adapted by Mel Brooks from his legendary 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Young Frankenstein tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.

Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, Young Frankenstein has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. It will surely be the perfect opportunity for a production company to showcase an array of talents. With such memorable tunes as The Transylvania Mania, He Vas My Boyfriend and Puttin’ on the Ritz by Irving Berlin, Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.

Also joining the cast with Daniel will be Amelia Adams (Grace Farrell in Annie, UK Tour; Mary Delgado in Jersey Boys, UK Tour & West End) as Elizabeth Benning, alongside current cast members of the production running at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester: Jessica Martin as Frau Blücher, Pete Gallagher as The Monster, Curtis Patrick as Igor, Simeon Truby as Inspector Hans Kemp/Harold the Hermit, and Julie Yammanee as Inga. The cast is completed by Belle Kizzy Green, Robin Kent, Bryan Mottram, Alanna Panditaratne, Nathan Ryles, Hakeem Tinubu, Patricia Wilkins and Jessica Wright.

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein has a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, orchestrations by Doug Besterman & Mark Cumberland and original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman.

Following previous Christmas seasons, Liverpool Playhouse has brought Six the Musical and The Rocky Horror Show to the stage and continues to offer a brilliantly different take on festive entertainment. Young Frankenstein this Christmas is another chance to enjoy a gloriously offbeat holiday season filled with laughter.

This production is directed and choreographed by international award-winning director and choreographer Nick Winston, known for Bonnie & Clyde (Garrick Theatre, Whats On Stage Award for Best New Musical), MAME and Burlesque. Young Frankenstein is running at the Liverpool Playhouse from Wednesday 3 December to Saturday 3 January 2026. There is an Audio-described performance on Saturday 13 December 2pm performance and a Captioned performance on Friday 19 December.

Ticket prices range from £22 to £51 and are available at www.everymanplayhouse.com/event/young-frankenstein/

Who doesn’t love a bargain? And now you can get a bag full – and help a great cause. Open Door, The Whitechapel Centre’s charity shop, is bringing the hugely popular Fill A Bag event to Vanessa’s Bar on Monday 19th January. 

For just £15 you can grab a bag full of clothes – from designer, to vintage, to almost new or needing a little love. Update your wardrobe with unique and affordable finds while supporting The Whitechapel Centre’s vital work to end homelessness.

Your challenge? Just two hours to rummage through an absolutely amazing array of clothes and fill your bag with treasures.

Humaira Khan, Shop Manager at Open Door Waterloo said, “We’re delighted to be able to bring our popular Fill a Bag event to Waterloo. The city centre event is always very popular and we hope this will be the same. It’s a great opportunity to grab fantastic fashion finds, from brands to wardrobe staples. The thrill of the hunt is part of the fun! This is your chance to unearth unique items and support the fight to end homelessness for people in our city.”

Vanessa, owner of Vanessa’s Bar said, “We are delighted to be able to host this event at Vanessa’s Bar. Supporting our community is what we enjoy doing most and this is a great way to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause”. 

Where: Vanessa’s Bar, 38 South Road, Waterloo L22 5PQ 

When: 4pm – 6pm, Monday 19th January 

Tickets: www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/fabwaterloo  

Background

The Whitechapel Centre, a leading homeless and housing charity in the Liverpool region, has two charity shops called Open Door. The shops sell a variety of donated items, including clothes, shoes, accessories, books, and homeware. All proceeds go to support The Whitechapel Centre’s work to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Open Door Waterloo is at 105, South Road, Waterloo L22 0LT (0151 920 0907). Open Door Allerton is at 28 Allerton Road, Allerton L18 1NL (0151 733 6787). Both shops are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm).  

Fundraising for The Whitechapel Centre helps the charity continue to provide their vital services that can prevent people from facing a life on the streets. Open every day of the year, the charity aims to be there for those people facing homelessness to help them resolve their situation as quickly as possible. This includes daily services for rough sleepers, expert housing and benefit advice and health and wellbeing support. The charity also provides learning and education activities so that people can gain valuable life skills to help maintain a home, and their independence, such as budgeting, managing their health, smarter food shopping and cooking. 

 

Kindred LCR and BlaST are excited to invite you to the next That THiNG event, taking place at District Liverpool on Thursday 27th November.

This Christmas special is their way to say thank you being an important part of this journey together creating and sharing value as part of their entrepreneurial ecosystem, its set to be an inspiring night packed with creativity, enterprise, live performances, and people powered energy.

As a valued member of the BlaST and Kindred LCR community, they’re offering 20% off ticket price’s using the discount code KindredNov25 at checkout.

Plus they’ve set up a wider discount for friends of The Culture Network LCR: 10% off tickets using code: WeAreMighty

What is That THiNG?

That THiNG is Liverpool’s live pitch and performance night that brings together creatives, early-stage entrepreneurs, and people with bold ideas to share their THiNG with a live audience. The night includes live pitches, performances, networking, entertainment, and a tasty plate of food from a local caterer. All ticket sales fill up the funding pot, the audience decides who takes home the funding pot, which can reach up to £2,000. So far, they have organised 3x Culture SOUP and That THiNG events that have circulated £10,925 across 39 people in the BlaST community, including pitchers, performers, local caterers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, and we are excited to keep building on that impact.

Why come along?

• Be part of a growing community backing creative innovation and enterprise
• Discover new ideas, local talent, and emerging entrepreneurs
• Enjoy live entertainment, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere
• Have your say in choosing the winning pitch
• Connect with like-minded people from across the region

If you want a feel for the energy, performances, and creativity from previous events, you can take a look here: https://www.instagram.com/thatthingliverpool/

They would love to see you there.
Bring a friend, come as a group, or join solo and connect with others on the night. Let’s make this Christmas special one to remember.

Book your discounted tickets using the code KindredNov25:
Buy tickets – That THiNG Liverpool City Region’s Exciting Live Pitch And Performance Night Returns! – District Liverpool 61 Jordan Street, Liverpool

 

This session will introduce you to the Eleanor Rathbone Trust and the Elizabeth Rathbone Trust.

Both trusts fund charitable organisations and projects in Merseyside, particularly those which support disadvantaged women, children and families, refugees, prisoners, their families and ex-offenders, and holidays/outings for disadvantaged children. Grants are in the region of £3,000 – £5,000.

Held: LCVS, Dale Street, Liverpool, 9 December, 1pm – 3pm.

Learn more and book now

Join LCVS and Kindred for this in-person event and find out more about how social investment could grow your organisation.

Kindred gives money and support to socially trading organisations (STOs) who are based in Liverpool City Region. Kindred’s money is offered at 0% interest to enable socially-trading organisations (STO’s) to grow their impact. Money is usually repaid over a 5-10 year period but this varies between organisations.

Held: LCVS, Dale Street, Liverpool, 4 December, 1pm – 3pm.

If you are interested in finding out more book your space today!

Learn more and book now

This session is for organisations who are seeking ways to develop a robust fundraising strategy that will provide them with improved financial sustainability whilst keeping their mission visible and at the forefront.

Participants will leave the session equipped with a toolkit that enables them to introduce short term fundraising strategy shifts in their organisation. The workshop will also provide them with an increased knowledge of the ways in which they can approach medium- and longer-term strategy shifts to improve organisational resilience.

Held: LCVS, Dale Street, Liverpool, 2 December, 10am – 4pm.

Learn more and book now