Community Post Type: News

To mark Arts Groupie’s exciting new exhibition #LightsUpOnLiverpool, Theatre History at – The Hornby Library Liverpool Central Library Nov 2024 till Feb 2025, they have 4 x FREE Theatre History Walking Tours available.

Join 18th Century thespians Bartholomew Garrik and Francoise Kemble as they take you on a journey celebrating Liverpool’s theatrical heritage, visiting the former sites of playing houses and contemporary theatres, finishing at the magnificent Liverpool Theatre History exhibition in The Hornby Library, Liverpool Central Library and Archives.

Sat 9th Nov – 11am & 2pm from unity theatre to The Hornby Library (2 hours duration).
https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/…/theatrical…/

Sat 30th Nov – 11am & 2pm starting outside Central Library and finishing at The Hornby Library (2 hours duration)

Limited Spaces available – BOOK now artgroupie@outlook.com
Kindly supported by Arts Council England

St Helens Theatre Royal is joining the campaign to help save Liverpool’s Zoe’s Place with a special fundraising performance of its enchanting half term panto.

Sleeping Beauty comes to St Helens from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2024.

And the theatre is announcing that £15 from every ticket already sold or newly bought for the 1pm show on Tuesday 29 October will be donated directly to the vitally important Liverpool baby hospice whose future is under threat.

It means panto audiences could help raise up to £10,500 if there is a full house.

In addition to the individual £15 ticket donation, a special bucket collection will also be held at the performance.

Zoe’s Place, which was founded in 1995, is one of only three hospices in the UK which specialises in caring for babies and children under the age of five who have life-limiting, life-threatening or complex conditions.

The six-bed hospice in West Derby includes a state-of-the-art sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, soft play area, outdoor play area and garden and a special bereavement suite where families can stay overnight. An expert nurse-led team delivers care tailored to individual children and their families to allow them to live life to the fullest.

But the lease on the Yew Tree Lane site runs out in 2025, and delays in securing planning permission for a new purpose-built hospice, combined with sharply rising costs in the construction industry, have led to Zoe’s Place announcing it faces closing its doors at the end of this year.

Since news broke earlier this month, a campaign has been launched to raise £5 million in 30 days to help fund a new building and keep the vital service in Liverpool.

Meanwhile the most spellbinding panto of them all, Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Princess Aurora who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabose, pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and is doomed to sleep for a hundred years – unless a handsome prince arrives to break the spell.

The talented cast of firm St Helens favourites includes Maddie Hope Coehlo in the leading role while Rachael Wood is Carabose, Lewis Devine appears as Chester the Jester, Lewis Burrage is the Prince, Warren Donnelly appears as the King, Katy Mac is Fairy Sparkle and Mark Two plays Dame Queenie.

The panto is written by Liam Mellor, directed by Chantelle Nolan and has choreography by Nazene Langfield. Callum Clarke is musical supervisor.

Telephone ticket booking line 01744 756000, lines open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com 

 

Singing superstar Jason Donovan as Frank-N-Furter, Hits Radio Liverpool Breakfast host Leanne Campbell and legendary entertainer Pete Price as The Narrator star in the Rocky Horror Show this Christmas at the Liverpool Playhouse, from Tuesday 3 December to Saturday 4 January 2025.

Known for her dynamic voice and larger-than-life personality, Liverpool’s favourite radio personality Leanne Campbell is trading the airwaves for the stage this Christmas season as she steps into the role of the Narrator in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical the Rocky Horror Show at the Liverpool Playhouse from Monday 9 December to Saturday 4 January 2025.

Leanne Campbell said:

“I’ve been Time Warping for as long as I can remember, so stepping into this role feels like coming home! I can’t wait to bring some scouse attitude and Christmas sparkle to the stage – let’s make this the wildest Rocky Horror Show yet!” Sharing the role with Leanne, is Liverpool Legend Pete Price who will also be donning his fishnets and bringing his unique talents to the stage from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 December and Saturday 7 December.

Pete Price said:

“I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of The Narrator in the Rocky Horror Show right here in Liverpool. It’s packed with fun and a bit of madness – just my kind of thing! I can’t wait to get up there and have a laugh with the crowds this Christmas.”Singing superstar Jason Donovan (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, London Palladium; the 25th Anniversary Production of The Rocky Horror Show) is also set to thrill Liverpool audiences, kicking off the festive season in show-stopping style as Frank-N-Furter from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 December. He will then pass the fishnets on to Stephen Webb (The Rocky Horror Show and Titanic, National Tour) who will take over the role for the remainder of the run in Liverpool after which the show continues to tour the UK.

The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences around the world featuring all the outrageous characters and infectious energy that has made the show a global phenomenon for over five decades. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all the famous musical numbers which have made the Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for 50 years and counting, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “Time Warp”.

The show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank-N-Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.

The Rocky Horror Show at the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 3 December to Saturday 4 January 2025 is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress. There is a captioned performance on Thursday 12 December at 7:30 pm, and an Audio Described performance on Thursday 19 December at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are priced from £11 – £51 and are available at www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-rocky-horror-show

The Floral Pavilion Theatre is thrilled to announce its latest, highly-anticipated Autumn / Winter programme, promising an eclectic mix of entertainment to delight audiences of all ages.

Following a sensational summer of festivals and events, the venue is set to continue its momentum with an exciting line-up of drama, comedy, music – and crocodiles!

Highlights of the season include the hilarious murder mystery Cluedo 2, starring Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach.

Younger audiences will love seeing David Walliams’ Awful Auntie brought to life on stage by The Birmingham Stage Company.

Other evenings are packed with live music so you can dance the night away to your favourite tracks by classic artists, and comedy stars including John Bishop, Jason Manford and Al Murray will have audiences rolling in the aisles.

But the season’s crown jewel is undoubtedly “The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook!”, running 6th December – 5^th January.

By popular demand, the fantastic Sean Jones returns for an incredible fifth season as Smee. He’ll be joined by an amazing cast including Tom Lister, Danny Colligan, and Holly Atterton in this piratical adventure to Neverland.

Pauline Campbell, Venue Manager at the Floral Pavilion said: “At the heart of everything we do is our audience. We’ve listened to feedback on what shows people want to see in our programme, and we hope that people really enjoy what we have coming up. We look forward to welcoming them all to our fantastic venue in New Brighton”.

Full highlights of the Autumn /Winter season include:

Comedy

Laughter takes centrestage with outstanding performances from comedic heavyweights kicking off a great season from November:

• John Bishop (3 Nov)
• Gyles Brandreth (4 Nov)
• Jason Manford (6 & 7 Nov)
• John Culshaw (21 Feb)
• Al Murray (22 March)

Live Music

The Floral Pavilion’s stage will come alive with world-class artists bringing both new music and modern classics to New Brighton.

• Greatest Hits of Motown (17 Oct)
• Foster and Allen (9 Nov)
• Guitars across the Mersey (18 -20 Nov)
• A Country Night in Nashville (13 Feb)

Drama

Theatre lovers can look forward to a range of captivating productions:

• “Cluedo 2” – Unravel the secrets in this thrilling sequel (12-16 Nov)
• “Rita, Sue and Bob Too” – Get entangled in this provocative comedy (26 Feb – 2 March)

Families

• “Awful Auntie” – A brand-new stage production perfect for the whole family (24-27 Oct)
• There was an old lady who swallowed a fly (13 Oct)
• Dear Zoo (5 Nov)
• The Little Mermaid (23 Feb)

Enhanced Theatre Experience

The Floral Pavilion continues to offer a delicious selection of pre-theatre dining options before most shows. The venue’s café is open throughout the day offering a warm welcome to all whether visiting for a show or a stroll on New Brighton’s picturesque prom.

“We’ve had an amazing summer,” Pauline added, “and are now excitedly looking forward to an action-packed Autumn Winter season. We can’t wait to welcome guests to experience the magic of live performances at the Floral Pavilion.”

Tickets are now available for these shows and many more. For more information and bookings, please visit the Floral Pavilion website or contact the box office

Liverpool’s largest celebration of sneaker culture returns to its original home for a special 10-year anniversary event.

Laces Out! is marking its official 10th anniversary this October, and to celebrate the milestone, it’s heading back to where it all started – Camp and Furnace, Liverpool.

Taking place on Sunday 13th October, this is a nostalgic return to the event’s original venue, where the very first event was held a decade ago. After over two years away from the space, organisers say they “couldn’t think of a better location to celebrate this landmark event with our attendees who love the venue as much as we do”.

Laces Out! has grown into one of Europe’s most prominent sneaker culture gatherings, consistently uniting sneakerheads from across the UK and beyond. This special anniversary event will feature an unparalleled experience for attendees, packed with exclusive trainers, sought-after collaborations, and a chance to relive the magic of the event’s early days.

Founder Rob May explains: “We wanted to do something special for our 10th anniversary, and what better way than to return to Camp and Furnace, the place where it all began. The space holds so many memories for us and the community around LACES OUT!, and we’re excited to bring the event back there for this one-off celebration. It’s been an incredible journey over the past decade, and we’ve built something that people travel from all over to experience. We can’t wait to celebrate with old and new faces who supported us along the way.”

As always, expect sneaker prizes, panel talks with industry legends, music, and exclusive collaborations. Sevenstore are once again lead partners in the event the event alongside adidas, so expect some product giveaways. Crep Protect will also be on hand with their sneaker cleaning activations and exclusive sneaker prizes.

Before all of this the 10-year celebrations kick off with two unbelievable pre-parties you won’t want to miss. First up, Hip-Hop legend Easy Mo Bee will be spinning at Lost Art Skate Shop on Wednesday 9th October, followed by the iconic Nightmares On Wax at 24 Kitchen Street on Friday 11th October. These two parties will set the stage for an unforgettable 10th-anniversary celebration, blending legendary artists with the unmistakable Laces Out! energy.

Don’t miss out on these exclusive events as Liverpool gears up for the biggest and best festival in Laces Out! history.

Laces Out! Trainer Festival takes place on Sunday 13th October at Camp and Furnace in Liverpool. Tickets start at £10 for general admission and are available now at lacesout.co.uk

Liverpool-based pioneering disability and Deaf arts-led organisation DaDa is celebrating its 40^th anniversary.

The award-winning, cutting-edge multi artform charity was founded in 1984 and since then has become an integral part of the campaign for greater equality and access for disabled artists across the arts and cultural sector.

It develops and presents excellent disability and Deaf arts through an artistic programme that includes high quality festivals and events, fed in to by a year-round programme of engagement work with developing and established artists, young disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent people, their families and the wider community.

The centrepiece of DaDa’s work is DaDaFest International – launched in 2001 as a platform to showcase the work of disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent artists and which is set to return in March 2025 with the theme for the special anniversary festival revealed today as RAGE.

DaDa was founded in 1984 by artistic director John McGrath and Liverpool disability activist and performer Mandy Colleran as Arts Integrated Merseyside (AIM), then a branch of London-based Shape Arts.

In 1986 it became the independent North West Disability Arts Forum (NWDAF) with a focus on Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding area, and worked as a cross-artform organisation led by disabled artists and advocating for disability rights, equitable access to the arts and arts training, and developing bespoke support for disabled artists to develop their own practice.

It was renamed DaDa in 2008.

Over DaDa’s 40 years it has made an important impact through advocacy and social change and through partnership and collaboration with a range of organisations and bodies.

That includes supporting Liverpool City Council on policy making around access to services and transport; being consulted during the redevelopment of the Liverpool Everyman to make it one of the most accessible theatres in the country and working with the Unity for more than 20 years to change perceptions of disabled artists and for the theatre to independently programme work by and support disabled artists.

DaDa has also been invited to collaborate and share expertise internationally, most recently on projects in Indonesia and Brazil.

DaDaFest was launched in 2001 to promote disabled artists in ‘mainstream’ venues and present artist work as having equal value in terms of artistic quality and political and social impact. Artists from across the UK were invited to take part and NWDAF worked with Liverpool venues and arts organisations to present a diverse programme of events.

The festival also worked to remove barriers for disabled audience members to attend by offering BSL translation, audio description and support with transport to and from venues.

It quickly grew to become a home for UK disability arts and to attract international artists, soon moving to a biennial format to assist artists to secure funding and develop work.

The festival provides a safe space for peer discussion and shared learning, a national and international platform for new and existing work by disabled artists, and networking opportunities.

A total of 13 DaDaFests have now been held, featuring more than 500 events showcasing the work of disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent artists.

Previous festival participants have included Dame Evelyn Glennie, actor and comedian Liz Carr, comedian Francesca Martinez, performer Claire Cunningham, poet Amina Atiq, sculptor, fantasy novelist and performance artist Brian Catling, visual artists Tony Heaton and Rachel Gadsden, and artist-activists Bobby Baker and Liz Crow. Artists have also come from Indonesia, India, Mali, Congo and South Africa as well as from across the UK.

DaDaFest International 40 will run from 8-31 March 2025, with an official launch event revealing the programme set to take place at the Unity Theatre on 29 November.

The festival theme RAGE was chosen after consulting with disabled artists who reflected their frustrations at the continued uphill battle for equity and inclusion – with disabled people still being excluded from conversations and decision making, and disadvantaged when it comes to work, transport and the cost of living.

DaDa interim chief executive Zoe Partington says: “This is a very important year for DaDa as we mark our 40th anniversary – 40 years of artistic excellence, activism, advocacy, creativity, collaboration, conversation and celebration.

“Our vision is ‘equity and excellence in the cultural landscape to break down the barriers that exist for disabled art communities’ and I’m very proud of the high level of artwork which has been created and presented over those four decades under the DaDa umbrella as well as in partnership with organisations and venues within Liverpool and beyond. It’s not been easy and disabled leaders have had to fight for equity at DaDa.

“I’m also delighted we can reveal the theme of next year’s DaDaFest International is RAGE. After consulting with artists, the feedback we received clearly shows that though some progress has been made, too many decisions are still taken without involving disabled people. This has left disabled artists and disabled communities raging that the gaps in society are still so wide, and we are still so far from equity and representation at all levels in art, culture and heritage. Often neglected, ignored and discriminated against at the highest levels in the arts sector, community and government at cultural level. 

“We want our festival to continue to provide an equal, radical and open space for artists to flourish, share work and debate the solutions to the issues we face together through artistic excellence, expression and engagement, to offer valuable networking opportunities for disabled artists across the arts sector in Liverpool and beyond and, importantly, to provide a high-profile UK platform exclusively for new and existing work by disabled artists and activists to ensure no stone is unturned and we are at the centre of the decision making powers and production  We still live in an age where we cannot drop our guard and have to campaign for real change .”

Website: www.dadafest.co.uk

Edge Hill University is supporting the launch of the 13th annual dot-art Schools programme, an initiative that encourages artistic talent among schoolchildren across the Liverpool City Region.

The programme invites Year 5 and Year 9 pupils to participate in an online art competition, with the winning pieces displayed at Liverpool’s prestigious Walker Art Gallery.

The dot-art Schools programme engages over 1,500 students from 100 primary and secondary schools each year, offering children the chance to develop their artistic side, have their skills recognised and envision a future career in the arts.

Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools Project Manager, said: “We are grateful for the continued support of Edge Hill University’s Faculty of Education as a major partner. The University’s generous contribution makes this programme possible.”

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education at Edge Hill University, said: “Our fantastic partnership with dot-art has helped to promote creativity and promote good mental health in schools – two things that are key to our curriculum here at the University. I’d encourage every school in the city region to try the competition and find out for themselves how much the children and teachers enjoy the experience.”

The competition, which culminates in a prize-giving ceremony and public exhibition, provides the opportunity for children to showcase their work for the first time in a public space, giving them confidence and pride.

Alice Demba, Young People and Adults Lead at National Museums Liverpool, said: “I want to praise the dot-art Schools’ 2024 exhibition for its celebration of students’ creativity, passion, and enthusiasm. A standout moment for me was engaging with students and families; it was wonderful to see how their sense of pride and achievement boosted their confidence and self-belief. I’m excited for the 2025 showcase at the Walker.”

Lucy Byrne, Director of dot-art, added: “dot-art Schools is all about encouraging self-expression and creativity. We can’t wait to see the new ideas and talents students will bring to the 2025 programme.”

Schools interested in participating in the 2025 programme can register online via the dot-art Schools website until Christmas. For further information, visit schools.dot-art.com or contact Carolyn Murray at carolyn.murray@dot-art.com.

A rising star from Liverpool is celebrating success after landing a role in the cast of Mamma Mia! in London’s West End. Adam Scotland (23) from Norris Green, who trained at Liverpool Theatre School, will take up an ensemble role, covering for lead character Sky (Sophie’s fiancé), when he joins the West End production at the Novello Theatre.

Adam, who graduated from Liverpool Theatre School in 2022 with a Level 6 diploma in musical theatre, is also second cover for the character of Eddie in the show. The talented performer made his West End debut in To Kill a Mockingbird at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre over 10 years ago. His theatre credits also include Magical Merlin at the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden, Dick Whittington at Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, The Nutcracker at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Matilda the Musical with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Speaking on treading the boards in one of the longest running musicals in West End history, Adam said: “Mamma Mia! is such an uplifting show, which has captivated audiences for over 25 years and it’s incredible to be part of the West End production. Performing on the West End stage in one of the most popular musicals of all time is like a dream come true.

“I feel very lucky to have this opportunity and it’s been fantastic to get so many messages of support, particularly from my former tutors at Liverpool Theatre School who always encouraged me to achieve my ambitions.”

Liverpool Theatre School Principal, Maxine Ellis, congratulated Adam on joining the West End cast of Mamma Mia! She said, “Adam has always shown exceptional talent and determination as a performer. We’re so proud to see him take on such an exciting role. Liverpool Theatre School is like one big family and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching our students and graduates become West End stars. Huge congratulations Adam!”

Adam completed an elite musical theatre training programme at Liverpool Theatre School, where many stage stars have learned their craft. Alumni can be seen in smash-hit musicals such as SIX, Frozen, Blood Brothers, The Book of Mormon and Wicked.

Liverpool Theatre School, whose patrons include dance legend Wayne Sleep OBE, as well as stage and screen star Anita Dobson, provides professional training in dance, musical theatre and acting with a range of BTEC courses and diplomas accredited by Trinity College London. All students must pass an audition to secure a place at the prestigious stage school, which marks its 85^th anniversary this year.

Talented young performers are currently being invited to audition for Liverpool Theatre School, which has a number of fully-funded places and bursaries available for September 2025. To find out more, or to apply for an audition, please visit here.

The City of Liverpool has become the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.        

The title comes in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy – following several years of developmental work by ACT 1.5, an artist-led research and action effort, and climate scientists from the  Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

To mark the launch of this initiative, the following key events and plans were also announced:

A three-night live music series at Liverpool Arena from 28 – 30 November in collaboration with Massive Attack, ACT 1.5 and SJM concerts, to showcase innovations in sustainability and the smart design of live music events.

A headline industry event, called Expedition 1, on (29 November) and public event (30 November) in the adjacent ACC Liverpool which will test and showcase eight cross-sectoral pilot projects for rapid decarbonisation across live music, TV and film productions scheduled in 2025, and then invite the public into multiple climate action workshops, live audience podcasts, and performances.

The implementation of three initial plans for galvanising decarbonization in the cultural sector: a pioneering integrated public transport and ticketing program (TAG Network); electrification with 100% renewable energy of all key live event and filming locations in the city centre; and a new Paris 1.5-degree compatible sustainability standard that major events will need to meet in order to be granted a land use agreement for an event to proceed.

This work builds upon the ground-breaking project commissioned by the band Massive Attack and developed over the past four years, culminating in a climate action accelerator event entitled ACT 1.5 in Bristol (UK) in late August. The band worked in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, AGF, and super low-carbon providers to produce what is anticipated to have been the lowest greenhouse gas emissions show of its size ever staged.

As an ’Accelerator City’, Liverpool will expand on this use of policy, technology, infrastructure, and transport practices to pilot and then embed decarbonisation methods into the fabric of the city, extending the scope of this work to include national film and television institutions; establishing cross-sectoral solutions with clean, green providers and sustainability-focused event & onscreen producers.

Find out more here

ACC Culture Network LCR Member

With only five weeks to publication of Chris Shepherd’s debut graphic novel, Anfield Road there’s a lot going on.

First up, why not pre-order Chris 80’s coming of age story?  This 272 page graphic novel took Chris four years to draw and is a beautiful thing. Buy it on his Etsy shop and get a limited edition print. Check out the options here.

Chris has lots of events planned for the release of Anfield Road in Liverpool, London, Brighton, Harrogate and Manchester. November will be a whirlwind of activity.

Here are the first dates to get in your diary…

29th October – PUBLICATION DAY – Anfield Road is available in shops and online for the first time.

2nd November – LIVERPOOL – signing at Forbidden Planet, Bold Street. 12:30-2pm.

7th November – LIVERPOOL – signing and talk at Waterstones Liverpool. Chris will be in conversation with Liverpool legend Bernie Conor. Click here for tickets.

Check out the latest on the website.