Community Post Type: News

On August 3rd 2024, Comics Youth CIC will be hosting Talking Shelves, a day focused on reading and recommending comics, graphic novels and manga by marginalised creators.

Talking Shelves is organised by the Marginal Changemakers programme. The event will be hosted through two Merseyside indie bookshops; Bear Hunt Books in the Wirral and Dead Ink Books in Liverpool.

Customers visiting Bear Hunt Books and Dead Ink Books on August 3^rd will be able to explore the shops’ comics, read recommendations for comics by marginalised creators and share recommendations of their own. The event was created as many young people feel that comics are poorly marketed and distributed and to give marginalised creators more attention.

This event is about giving comics a time to shine, and in particular celebrating and supporting marginalised creators. The hope is that people will leave this event feeling inspired and encouraging other bookshops in Merseyside to adopt this new approach to highlighting comics.

The Marginal Changemakers is an activist cohort focused on changing the publishing industry and creating a better environment for comics to thrive. The community will be at the centre of this change by bringing together different perspectives and shifting the mindset on how the industry treats comics. Talking Shelves is part of the Changemakers’ second campaign, Shelftalkers. In the Changemakers’ previous campaign, they created an Inclusion Charter, which publishers can sign as part of their commitment to making publishing more accessible.

To find out more about Comics Youth please visit www.comicsyouth.co.uk

A new survey by Visit England announced earlier this week that World Museum took number 1 spot for the 20 Most Visited Free Attractions in the Northwest in Visit England’s Annual 2023 Trends Report Survey.

Established in 1851, World Museum boasts an impressive and diverse array of collections and objects from around the world which includes an Ancient Egypt gallery, Aquarium, Bug House, Planetarium and World Cultures Gallery. World Museum’s researchers and curators are experts on a range of areas, from Egyptology to Botany to Geology.

Visitors can experience the wonders of life and the universe across the museum’s six floors, revealing millions of years’ worth of history, culture and science through immersive, thoughtful and dynamic collections. Also currently on display is the impressive exhibition Bees: A Story of Survival, running until May 2025.

The Annual Trends report by Visit England provides an overview of the visitor attraction sector using results from a mix of online and postal surveys.

Report highlights include attractions in England reporting an 11% increase in the volume of total visits from 2022 to 2023 (however this is still 28% below 2019 levels). And Museums/Art Galleries and Places of Worship receiving the highest increase in visits year on year (20%) and (19%) respectively.

This year, all three of the top attractions listed are operated by National Museums Liverpool (NML), with the Maritime Museum and Museum of Liverpool taking second and third place. In addition, NML’s International Slavery Museum, Walker Art Gallery and Lady Lever Art Gallery also placed in the top 20 attractions list.

Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool said: “We are immensely proud that World Museum has been recognised as the number one free attraction in the North West in Visit Britain’s Annual 2023 Trends Report. This, alongside the inclusion of several other National Museums Liverpool sites in the top 20, underscores the exceptional dedication of our team and the vibrant cultural offerings we provide. Our museums are committed to making culture accessible to all, and this recognition is a testament to the memorable experiences we strive to deliver to our visitors every day.”

Lord Hall, Chair of Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy said: “We are thrilled to see so many of National Museum Liverpool’s venues recognised in Visit Britain’s Annual 2023 Trends Report. This recognition is a testament to NML’s outstanding contribution to our cultural landscape and its pivotal role in attracting visitors to the Liverpool City Region. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience the rich heritage and dynamic offerings of our city”

National Museum’s Liverpool recently unveiled their new programme for Autumn/Winter 2024 which includes a celebration of LGBTQ+ icon and music legend Holly Johnson, a bedazzling 1920s garment exhibition and an incredible collection of work by Black British women and non-binary artists.

The full programme of activity for National Museums Liverpool can be seen on the website https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson

Holistic Harmonies use music, movement and song to promote positive wellbeing for the whole family. 

Based in Liverpool, Rachel Waite (Director) established Holistic Harmonies in 2018 and has created a vibrant community in the city region. Since March 2020 this work has relocated online ensuring a continued source of support and education. This has enabled us to reach a growing national and international community.

Rachel is also a director, choir leader trainer, and choir leader with national organisation Singing Mamas CIC and has been fundamental in spearheading Songline: an online lifeline of choir sessions delivered throughout lockdown.

‘Singing For Wellbeing’ out in nature and ‘Singing Mamas’ sessions have been announced for the summer and you can view all the dates and locations here.

Maureen Nolan and Coronation Street’s Emrhys Cooper are set to head a stellar cast in St Helens Theatre Royal’s fantastic festive family show this Christmas.

Pop legend and West End star Maureen will play the Wicked Queen while Emrhys, who is currently appearing on TV screens as Corrie’s Rowan Cunliffe, will take on the role of Prince Fredrick in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which comes to St Helens from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 12 January 2025.

Tickets, priced from £21, are on sale now.

They will be joined by panto royalty Leanne Campbell who is appearing digitally as the Magic Mirror, while the cast also includes St Helens’ favourite Lewis Devine as Muddles and Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly.

And Regal Entertainments Ltd, which stages the hugely popular seasonal shows at the theatre, has also enlisted the help of some very special local legends to voice the roles of the Dwarfs – with the magnificent seven comprised of Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan (Queen of Scotty Road), Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May.

All of those lending their voices are donating their fees to their chosen charities.

The cast will be joined by a superb supporting company of future West End stars from Nazene Danielle’s School of Dance – Dance Dynamix.

Meanwhile producers are still set to reveal who has won the title role of Snow White in the popular pantomime following hotly contested open auditions which were held at the theatre last week.

Maureen Nolan is a member of the legendary Nolans girl group of singing siblings who took the charts by storm in the 1970s and 80s with their hits including the top 3 floor filler I’m in the Mood for Dancing. She has worked in the industry for six decades and has appeared alongside a host of major stars from Frank Sinatra to Motorhead.

Her many theatre credits include Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, a role she played for two years in the West End. In fact, no fewer than four Nolan sisters have played Mrs Johnstone – winning them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Other stage appearances include Vi Moore in Footloose and Ruth in Calendar Girls, along with Mum’s The Word, Menopause the Musical, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and The Eva Cassidy Story – Over the Rainbow. She’s also no stranger to panto, having appeared in more than 20 including Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood at the Liverpool Empire and, most recently, the Wicked Queen in Snow White at Stafford.

Actor, singer, dancer and filmmaker Emrhys Cooper plays Prince Fredrick. Emrhys can currently be seen as cult leader Rowan Cunliffe in Coronation Street. His other screen appearances include, Vincent Wright in CSI: NY, Richard in Desperate Housewives, Young Greer in Person of Interest, and Alistair in Emmy-nominated drama series Vanity, alongside big screen appearances in Bright Young Things. Dreamcatcher and smash hit movie Mamma Mia!

Before moving to Hollywood, where he spent 15 years, a young Emrhys appeared in Aladdin in Maidstone, while his stage credits also include We Will Rock You, Fame the Musical, As You Like It, Entertaining Mr Sloane and The Boys in the Band. As a dancer he has worked with stars like Madonna, Pussycat Dolls, Christina Auguilera and the Sugababes.

And as a writer and director, his credits include the short film Trophy Boy (Official Selection at Cannes Film Festival) and his award-winning feature film directorial debut The Shuroo Retreat (released in over 35 countries and available on Prime).

Leanne Campbell returns in digital form, thanks to amazing state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, after appearing magically as the Genie in the Mirror in last Christmas’s Aladdin.

Leanne started her acting career at the age of 10, with early roles including Annie at the Liverpool Playhouse and an award-winning performance as young Helen in the much-loved Twopence to Cross the Mersey. She went on to play many leading roles in musicals and plays including Me and My Girl, Carousel, The Sound of Music and Scrooge. She was also cast as Pam in ITV’s Children’s Ward.

In 2020 she wrote and starred in the successful comedy play Pete Price is Dead at Liverpool’s Royal Court, other recent productions include The Salon and Achy Breaky Bride. Her many high-profile panto appearances include five years at the Liverpool Empire and six consecutive years at the city’s M&S Bank arena.

She currently presents the regional Breakfast Show on Hits Radio alongside Joel Ross.

The hilarious Lewis Devine is Muddles. Lewis most recently appeared as Silly Billy in Goldilocks and the Three Bears at St Helens. His other roles for Regal Entertainments include French Frank in Beauty and the Beast, Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Chester the Jester in Sleeping Beauty and Buttons in Cinderella.

Coming from a talented performing family, Lewis won the first ever Kids Stars in Their Eyes as Donny Osmond and is part of a comedy show band called Schooner with his father Terry. Away from the stage, he runs The Devine Theatre Company to develop Merseyside youngsters in the entertainment industry.

And Nurse Nelly is played by Richard Aucott who also returns to the Theatre Royal after appearing as Widow Twankey in Aladdin at St Helens last Christmas. His other roles have included Dame Gertie in Goldilocks, Potty Polly in Beauty and the Beast and Ugly Sister Borisina in Cinderella.

Richard first set foot on stage aged 13 as the back end of a pantomime horse in Toad of Toad Hall. Starting at the bottom he made his way up the ladder until at 18 he played his first Dame. Since then, he has appeared in almost 30 pantos up and down the country, mostly as the Dame. He also makes most of his own stage costumes. His other theatre credits include Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Mr Woodhouse/Mr Elton in Emma, and Alan Bennett in The Lady in the Van as well as roles in The Importance of Being Earnest, Much Ado About Nothing and The Herbal Bed.

Regal Entertainments Ltd has been bringing top quality and star-studded productions to the North-West for more than 20 years. It is run by the theatrical powerhouse mother and daughter duo of Jane Joseph and Chantelle Nolan who produce top quality drama, comedy and panto productions which continue to break box office records.

It produces four pantomimes – at Easter, Christmas and in the February and October half term holidays, with tens of thousands of theatregoers enjoying the fantastic family-friendly fun each year.

Please note Leanne Campbell, Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan, Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May are not due to appear in person.

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

Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com 

 

It’s time to get ready to let your hair down and party, as although it may be July, plans are already underway for one of the biggest and brightest shows of the year, as the cast for the Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll panto Rapunzel  is unveiled. 

An ensemble of exceptional performers, features familiar friends returning and welcomes new faces too, who will be singing, playing, dancing and sparkling their way through the festive season, with Rapunzel, written by Jude Christian, running at the Liverpool Everyman from 16 November to 18 January.

Panto favourite Adam Keast returns with his full fairy wings, as the Fairy Fixer-Upper, as well as Script Consultant. Zoe West once again plays the baddie as Danny Rough and Rebecca Levy takes the role of Laurie, as well as Choreographer for the show.

With celebrations continuing for the Everyman 60th Birthday, it’s great to welcome back Michael Starke as Dame, Debbie Updo, having played in many Everyman pantos back in the late 1980s. Emma Bispham, who has previously appeared at the Everyman in Paint Your Wagon and The Big I Am plays Goop and Hairy McFairy, and Tomi Ogbaro, last seen at the Playhouse in Alice in Wonderland, plays Trevor. Joining the ensemble are Ben Boskovic as Prince Timotei and Ai Kumar is Rapunzel. The cast also includes understudies Alice Merivale and the return of Adam Scott Pringle.

Rapunzel is written by Jude Christian, who as a writer has created pantomimes for Lyric Hammersmith and as a director, recently directed The Legend of Ned Ludd at the Everyman. Directing will be Francesca Goodridge, who has directed numerous pantos for Theatr Clwyd and has been Associate Director for Boys from the Blackstuff (Liverpool’s Royal Court) and Nye (National Theatre).

Jamie Noar returns as Arranger and Musical Supervisor, having won Best Musical Director at the UK Pantomime Awards 2022. Set and Costume Design is by Janet Bird, who previously designed Our Lady of Blundellsands at the Everyman, Gillian Tan is Lighting Designer and the theatres’ resident sound team sees Ian Davies as Sound Designer and Rob Newman as Associate Sound Designer. Playing MD is Dylan Townley, the Assistant Director is Dena Davies and casting has been by Olivia Barr.

Nathan Powell, incoming Creative Director for the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse said:

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is iconic in this city and captures the essence of the Everyman, re-imagining brilliant stories for new generations, celebrating and nurturing talent, and ensuring everyone is invited to the party. The team have brought together the most incredible cast and company, I can’t wait for the building to be filled with joy and music, as we welcome our audiences for all the sparkle and silliness of the season.”

Rapunzel will have a number of access supported shows, including British Sign Language (21 November and 17 December at 7.00pm), a Relaxed performance (7 January at 5.30pm), Audio Description (16 January at 1.30pm) and a Captioned performance (18 Jan at 7.00pm). Tickets are priced from £16 to £46 and with some performances already sold out, so do book soon to be sure of your seats.

For full details of Rapunzel, visit https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-rock-n-roll-panto-rapunzel

Following on from their success last year with “They All Came Tumbling Down” a play about the struggle to knock down the notorious Netherley Flats, Valley Theatre are continuing their tradition of staging entertaining plays with a social edge with their latest production: Lifestyle Choice? My A**e!

The play, written by Steve Bird and Tom Mclennan, is a humorous response to Suella Braverman’s controversial claim that rough sleepers actually prefer to sleep out on the streets. It follows the story of Jody, who goes looking for her ex- Soldier father in the streets of Liverpool with the help of a charity Outreach Worker.

But be prepared for a lot of laughter and song as well as some hard-hitting drama about this increasingly worrying trend in our cities and towns.

As Matt Downie of the charity Crisis says: “Right now we’re in a perfect storm: sky-high rents, a dire shortage of affordable housing, and increased living costs are pushing more people onto the streets. For thousands this means long nights of trying to stay safe, moving from night bus to night bus, or bedding down in a noisy doorway where sleep is all but impossible.”

“Lifestyle Choice? My A**e” is at Valley Community Theatre (Liverpool L27 3YA)  on Friday 26^th & Sunday 28^th July, 7.30pm. 

More details and tickets from info@valleytheatre.co.uk or http://www.valleytheatre.co.uk

Head along to this special clothes swap event by Zero Fashion CIC.

Find some amazing clothes at this unique and eco-friendly swap shop. Their goal is to address our throwaway society and get people rethinking their shopping habits.

Zero Fashion CIC is aimed at tackling clothing waste in the city and supporting clothing poverty. It’s non-profit, working together to help support our communities.

Held at The Cubicle, Mill Lane, West Derby, doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start.

For tickets, email: siobhan@zerofashion.uk or text: 07734 174466

The Everyman’s 60th birthday year continues with Martin McDonagh’s brutal, hilarious masterpiece, The Lieutenant of Inishmore  from Saturday 21 September to Saturday 12 October.

Directed by Chris Sonnex, Artistic Director of Cardboard Citizens (an Associate Company at the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), an all Irish and Northern Irish cast includes Katherine Devlin, Jason Kelly, Taylor McClaine, Cameron McKendrick, Julian Moore-Cook, Michael Tient and Alan Turkington.

Mixing cats, killers and casual violence, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is the shocking, savage and sadistically funny winner of the Olivier Award for Best Comedy from Martin McDonagh; the acclaimed writer of In Bruges, The Pillowman and The Banshees of Inisherin.

Set on the remote Aran Islands, the story follows Padraic, a ruthless Irish National Liberation Army enforcer, who returns home to find that his beloved cat, Wee Thomas, has been killed. What ensues is a series of darkly hilarious and brutal events that expose the absurdity of extremist violence.

Taking the role of Padraic is Julian Moore-Cook, who has numerous tv roles that include The Peripheral, Derry Girls and Peaky Blinders, and recent theatre credits including Underdog: The Other Other Brontë (National Theatre and Northern Stage) and Cowbois (RSC and Royal Court). The role of Donny is played by Alan Turkington, Michael Tient is Brendan and Taylor McClaine plays Davey. Katherine Devlin, recently seen on BBC TV in Blue Lights takes the role of Mairead.

The Everyman has always championed emerging talent and the cast for The Lieutenant of Inishmore is no exception with two graduates from Liverpool John Moores University: Cameron Mckendrick is Christy and Jason Kelly, makes his professional stage debut as Joey.

Mark Da Vanzo, the theatres’ Chief Executive said:

“As part of the Everyman’s 60th birthday celebrations, this production underscores our commitment to daring, thought-provoking and relevant work. Blending dark comedy and biting satire, Martin McDonagh’s brilliant play is sure to be a hugely entertaining and surprising night at the theatre.”

The Lieutenant of Inishmore Set & Costume design is by Ellie Light (whose previous Everyman credits include Cherry Jezebel and Top Girls); Lighting Designer is Laura Howard; the Composer & Sound Designer is Jenny O’Malley; Fight & Intimacy Director is Claire Llewellyn of RC-Annie; with casting by Áine O’Sullivan.

There are accessible performances, with Captioning available on Wednesday 25 September at 7.30pm, Audio Description on Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm and a BSL Interpreted show on Thursday 10 October. A post show Q&A will take place on Wednesday 2 October. Tickets priced from £11 to £36 are available now from www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-lieutenant-of-inishmore

September 2024 sees the return of Global Goals Week: Liverpool following the spectacular success of last year’s campaign.

2023 saw Lord McConnell open proceedings, Cllr Liam Robertson confirm the city’s climate commitments, 18 events across the Liverpool City Region, well over 500 real-world participants, Al Pacino giving his half-time pep talk, and a global audience reach to be envied. The entire community of Liverpool certainly stepped up and showed the world exactly what it can do.

This year’s plans will bring together leaders, policymakers, business leaders, community organisations, students and youth groups from around the region and the world, to share best practices, showcase innovative solutions, demand bolder leadership and forge new partnerships to advance the SDGs everywhere.

From September 22nd to 27th 2030hub will host and support a wide variety of launches, interactive events, workshops, networking opportunities, and online content all designed to inspire and empower participants to take action to leave nobody behind and tackle climate change.

“We are thrilled, and maybe a little scared after the success of 2023, to host Global Goals Week: Liverpool 2024. Year five will be even bigger than ever!” said 2030hub’s David Connor. “This event is a unique opportunity for Liverpool City Region to come together, accelerate sustainability and highlight what Liverpool can do for the world!” he adds.

Global Goals Week is a universal call to action beyond any 2030hub events, as a platform for all local stakeholders to convene around key themes and support each other’s events, activities and content. By working together Liverpool can lead the way, as already demonstrated with last year’s GGWL2023 event and success in winning ‘Most Improved Sustainable Destination’ awarded by the Global Destination Sustainability Index.

Our call to action to all Liverpool City Region stakeholders includes:

Take Action – Host your own sustainability / networking / educational event. Launch something new. Commit to be bolder!

Advocate – Use this week to campaign for the change you want to see! Who can you influence or support? Share your successes!

Collaborate – Actively support all local Global Goals activities.

2030hub’s targets for this year include:

• 10+ Liverpool events on the main UN Global Goals Week calendar
• +3 global cities connecting with Liverpool through our Local2030 Coalition network
• 5+ new local SDG initiatives launched / commitments made
• To get #GlobalGoalsLiverpool trending!

“Global Goals crucially demand local actions. The UN is helping the SDGs refocus away from countries and Prime Ministers, to what we can ALL do at a city and town level, every day. Hopefully Global Goals Week: Liverpool can become more of a Eurovision scale success for sustainability, playing to the local creative, entrepreneurial and passionate strengths here.” says 2030hub Co-Founder Stephen Sykes.

As always, 2030hub will support all local stakeholders to engage through regular online workshops (register your place here).

We have already begun updating the online support materials such as logos, videos, links and documents on the GGWL2024 Trello available to all here.

2030hub is seeking partners and sponsors to support administration, core events and wider stakeholder events for 2024. If you would like to explore the benefits of either in-kind or financial support for Global Goals Week Liverpool contact David Connor via david.connor@the2030hub.com