Community Post Type: News

London is where McGuinness was born and currently resides, but one he’d never really call ‘home’ – despite his deep affection for the city. Born to Irish parents, his complex relationship with London is considered in this lyrically personal – yet universal – exploration.

“You and I go back a long time // We braved the rain and bathed in sunshine // But you walk all over me sometimes” quips McGuinness here.

McGuinness’ wry lyrical flair is once again flaunted in this ‘widescreen romance’ about displacement and uncertainty. Capturing the dichotomous nature of London – both its fun, vibrant and romantic surface; and its hard, bleak and intolerant underbelly – it’s a song that muses themes of identity and belonging, of where you come from and where you’re going, in a place that can seem to be fighting against you.

Recorded at Liverpool’s Docklands Speed Shop with friend and producer Gajo Paco, its tasteful additions of cello, slide guitar and wurlitzer were also added to the mix there.

A lush, warm and cinematic new addition to Eugene McGuinness’ canon, standby for further new music very soon….

For more information, visit here

Listen to the new single here

Join The Tung Auditorium this December for a month stuffed full of festive cheer! From returning favourites to magical student performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this wonderful time of year.

This year’s programme is as eclectic as ever; from stunning symphony orchestras, festive fanfares & Christmas sing-a-longs to the more intimate reflective shows, there’s something for everyone…

“We’re still not doing a panto this year, but there’s plenty of Christmas spirit on offer at the Tung this December, from traditional carols to festive jazz. Many of these concerts are now becoming an annual tradition in themselves!”
– Richard Hartwell, Artistic Director of The Tung Auditorium

Known for its state of the art acoustics and intimate feel, the stunning Auditorium is making space for moments of calm and quiet reflection at this hectic time of year, with a restorative winter performance from award-winning contemporary ensemble Manchester Collective & The Marian Consort. Imagine a stunning collaboration where choral voices and soft strings gently intertwine – ‘Wintering’ offers the perfect respite from the rush of the festive season.

Getting people in the ‘Christmas spirit’ this year, Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden’s ‘Wassail’ promises a festive feast of delightful folk music. Before carolling there was ‘wassailing’, where seasonal songs were exchanged for money, food and ale. Carthy & Boden will take audiences back to some of the oldest songs in the English canon, lighting up the darkest days of the year.

The Tung Auditorium is continuing its Yoko Ono Lennon Lunchtime Concert series in December, spotlighting some of the best up and coming talent that the city has to offer. The programme also appears to be very on theme, with both a festive choral performance from Liverpool Cathedral Girls’ Choir, and a merry brass band concert from the talented University of Liverpool students.

Back by popular demand, Liverpool Welsh Choral are set to perform a Festive Fanfare. Teaming up with Northop Silver Band for a spectacular Christmas special, the ensemble will be singing some of your favourite carols mixed in with some Welsh melodies.

If you fancy joining in, Choir with No Name are also back for another year for their Big Christmas Singalong, bringing their iconic Christmas joy and cheer to kick off your holidays in style.

Another returning highlight is award-winning Liverpudlian artist, Robert Vincent. The Americana singer-songwriter is back with his band and string section for a special homecoming show.

For tickets, visit here

On 22nd January 2026, Canelo will publish Better Off Dead, a new Liverpool-set crime fiction novel by local author Sean Watkin.

Sean was born and raised in Liverpool, studying at Liverpool John Moores University. He has been shortlisted for Fresher Writing Award, Book a Break Prize, Bristol Short Story Prize and the McDermid Debut Award and his writing has been featured in The Gay UK magazine, and The Content Wolf e-zine, as well as other LGBT+ publications. Sean has spoken at crime fiction festivals up and down the country and at more regional events in and around Liverpool. He lives in Liverpool with his partner and two dogs.

‘Sean Watkin brings Liverpool to life in all its rich dark colours’ – Val McDermid

BETTER OFF DEADThe emotional fallout from their last case has left DCI de Silva and DS Barclay’s lives in tatters and so, when the National Crime Agency takes over their investigation, the duo are reassigned to a cold case. A dismembered body found in Formby woods, hidden for decades. But then another body is discovered.  As the two dig deeper into the identities of the victims, they both uncover a tangled web of awful crimes and learn that they can’t trust anyone even those closest to them…

Visit the Canelo Books website here

Make Hamilton Christmas Makers Market 2025

Held: Make Hamilton, 69-71 Argyle Street, Birkenhead

On Saturday 13th December 2025, the artist and Makers of Make Hamilton, Birkenhead, invite you to a celebration of creativity at their Christmas Makers Market. …

Free

For more information, visit here

The Art of Christmas by Ed Williams

The Festive Season brings with it the familiar nativity scenes, winter landscapes and of course Father Christmas, but how did these images become synonymous with Christmas?

This lecture takes the audience on a journey from the Medieval to the modern era explaining the development and important iconography of these Festive favourites.

You may never look at a Christmas card in the same way ever again.

For tickets and more information, visit here

Held: 9 December, 10.45am

It’s time to rest, dear one. When you finally do fall into slumber, you find yourself in a car, on the Highway to Infinity. You meet a bio-digital being, Ish, who has been waiting for you for so long. They have lost parts of her memories and require a human to help them discover them.

Highway to Infinity is a 20 minute philosophical game filled with cut scene visuals with three mini-games about memories and identity, created by artist Symoné.

What happens when the screen looks back at you?

For more details, visit here

Closing date: 1 January

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/