Community Post Type: News

Liverpool based arts organisation DaDa return this month with a winter programme of three distinct events, adding warmth, joy and challenge to the cold winter nights. Unity Theatre and Museum of Liverpool will play host to the disability and deaf arts programme which aims to entertain and educate.

The programme, running in November and December will present a Liverpool premiere play, a night of captivating cabaret, along with their annual social justice lecture presented on international day or disability.

First up on Thursday 23 November, a brand-new play co-commissioned by DaDa and Manchester Independents will premiere to Liverpool audiences. Toilet Paper Diaries, written and performed by DaDa Fellow Porcelain Delaney is a heartbreaking and hilarious tale which anyone with endometriosis or another condition which has led to medical gaslighting will instantly recognise.

We meet Eloise in a hospital bathroom, she needs to do a sample, but she just can’t go. We jump into her childhood diaries exploring what’s brought her to this moment. Eloise was a happy child, a promising ballerina with no doubt she was going to grow up to be a star. Then at nine years old her periods start and completely derail her life. She’s thrown face first into a war against gaslighting doctors. They refuse to listen or believe her, but she’s determined she will keep getting louder until someone hears. Toilet Paper Diaries has access at the heart of the play and includes creative captions and audio description. There will be an optional touch tour before the play starts. There will also be BSL interpretation.

DaDa Cabaret has been a popular staple in DaDa’s programming and returns this month to the Unity Theatre on Friday 24 November, warming up the winter with a melting pot of engaging performances.

The night promises to be an explosion of emotions and ideas – fun, uplifting, challenging, extravagant, silly, and politically charged all rolled into one dazzling evening of performance.

A showcase of deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent acts including: Poets Joan Cooper Snark & Shaun Fallows, comedians Lizzy Lenco & Eden MW and singer Miss Sunny Sarah will light up the darker November nights with a line-up of sparkling cabaret performance hosted by the sensational Diva Hollywood and with Dora Belle delivering BSL.

Finally, this year’s Edward Rushton Social Justice Lecture takes place at Museum of Liverpool on Sunday, 3 December from 1-3pm, held on United Nations International Day for People with Disabilities and named after the blind poet, activist, abolitionist, and disabled man.

This year, the insightful and inspirational Ashokkumar D Mistry will be exploring ‘Reclaiming Nonchalance’ the value of disabled lives, particularly exploring the value of the lives of disabled children and young people. Ashok will be joined by panelists Kai Syng Tan (Artist / Agitator / Professor), Sonia Boue (Artist / Writer / Consultant) and Dr Linzi Stauvers (Acting Artistic Director, Education, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham) to discuss the topic.  The lecture is presented in conjunction with Disability Arts Online and will also be live streamed on the day and then made available on demand.

See their website here

Now regarded as one of Europe’s biggest celebrations of sneaker culture in Europe, the event offers a bigger and better immersive experience for attendees from all over the UK and beyond.

After debuting at the new site back in June, the 2nd instalment of 2023 will amp the sense of occasion even further, with founder Rob May having found the perfect location to scale up his independent trainer festival. The ACC offers a huge space which enables Laces Out! to accommodate more guests – thousands are expected to attend – whilst showcasing traders and sneaker brands ranging from limited productions to feted one-offs all under one roof.

Rob May explains: We’re very happy with our new home at the ACC and after the success of June’s edition Saturday 25th November is going expand further on the Laces Out! story. It’s brilliant to see the community continue to build around the festival and how guests come from all over the UK to trade, chat and be immersed in sneaker culture. As one of the longest running and largest trainer festivals in Europe, having so many like-minded people together is what this is all about for me and to help continue the boom in trainer lore which continues to grow globally. And in parallel to this, our wider programme includes guest speakers, music and culture with some very special guests as part of celebrating trainers in all their forms.”

On Saturday 25th November, sneakerheads will find an unparalleled selection of rare and exclusive trainers, limited editions and sought-after collaborations. And with a greatly expanded trader lineup, Laces Out! attendees will have an incredible opportunity to explore this vast array of footwear options and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the world who converge on Liverpool for this special day.

The event promises much more than just sneaker shopping, with fascinating insights and invaluable knowledge available from industry insiders and experts. The day will feature live music performances, guest appearances, panel discussions and exciting giveaways. 

The ACC Exhibition Centre, situated in the vibrant Kings Dock area of Liverpool, provides spacious halls, state-of-the-art facilities and a convenient location ideal for attendees, traders, and exhibitors alike. Laces Out! has established itself as a premier event in the sneaker community, attracting thousands of enthusiasts year after year. Making the ACC the new home for Laces Out! represents an exciting new period for the festival ahead of its 10th anniversary next year. 

General admission tickets and VIP packages for Saturday November 25th offering exclusive gift bags from official partner Crep Protect include free cleaning products, stickers, pin badges and more. Other partners of the event include Liverpool-based retailer Seven Store and there will be an after party at Lost Art in the Baltic Market from 5pm until late with more info to come.

Laces Out! Trainer Festival

Saturday 25th November 2023

ACC Exhibition Centre, King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Kings Dock St, Liverpool, L3 4FP

11am – 4pm

Tickets from £10.00 + £1.00 booking fee

Info and tickets: https://lacesout.co.uk/ 

An acclaimed show highlighting the incredible talent of the late Beatle George Harrison embarks on a UK tour in Spring 2024, it follows the Liverpool premiere and a successful run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Something About George – The George Harrison Story, pays tribute to the man dubbed the “quiet Beatle” it will visit 28 UK venues across England, Scotland and Wales, its biggest tour to date. It will open at Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Sat 3 February and closing at Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe on Sat 23 March.

West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor, fresh from his TV appearance in BBC’s Unbreakable, were he made the final with his partner Shirley Ballas (head judge from Strictly Come Dancing), front’s the band of five and tells the fascinating story of George and performing his biggest hits. The band are Joe Smithson (MD, Guitar and Vocals), Callum Macmillan (Percussion/Drums), Tom Kinton (Base Guitar and Vocals) and James Breckon (Keyboard and Vocals).

Featuring beautiful songs like My Sweet Lord, Something, Got My Mind Set On You, and My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something About George showcases Harrison’s incredible solo material and music from rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, which was made up of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty… and, of course any show celebrating one of the Fab Four just must include a few classics from The Beatles.

From heartbreak to hedonism and song writing to success, Something About George celebrates a life that was anything but quiet.

See here for Floral Pavilion show tickets

The Reader reveals its carefully crafted festive programme of outdoor trails, crafts, reading and activities for all ages.

The Reader is inviting visitors young and old to gather at its home in Calderstones Park this Christmas as it launches its 2023 festive programme and fundraising appeal. 

The season begins on Friday 24 November and promises a month-long celebration, including Step into Stories on Sunday 3 December – a day of festive activities in the Mansion House where visitors will be able to add a decoration to the community Christmas tree, create their own wrapping paper, attend a literary tour of the Mansion House and pick up a beautiful new book in exchange for a donation.  

The event – which is made possible thanks to the generosity of publishers Walker Books and Penguin Random House – is part of a wider programme of exciting seasonal events and activities at Calderstones that includes reading, wellbeing, crafts and fun. 

The Reader charity, which uses the power of literature and reading aloud to transform lives across the UK, is also calling for donations to help it reach a £10,000 festive fundraising target that will support the First Page project, its work reading with children and their families across the Liverpool City Region. 

FULL PROGRAMME DETAILS 

Children and families 

From Saturday 25 November – Saturday 23 December, the Storybarn team will be bringing a new self-led story trail to the park for families with young children.  

This year, the outdoor story trail is based on Haiwyn Oram’s A Message for Santa, a story about a little girl who isn’t looking forward to Santa’s visit. A copy of the book featuring beautiful illustrations by Tony Ross (The Little Princess, Horrid Henry and many more) is included with every family ticket. 

Over in the Storybarn, all sessions running from Saturday 25 November until Saturday 23 December will have a festive feel. There will be seasonal storytelling, rhymes and songs for little ones aged 1-4 at Incy Wincy Rhymers, alongside classic carols, Christmas stories and crafts to take home for children aged 4-9 in at Christmas at the Storybarn. 

December also sees Santa’s helpers moving into the Mansion House for a limited time only as the elves bring playful good cheer and silly storytelling to The Old Café at Cosy Tales with Elves on 3, 17 and 23 December.  

Wellbeing and crafts  

As the winter days get shorter and the festive season approaches, An Afternoon of Wellbeing on Saturday 9 December offers a welcome chance for nourishment and relaxation. Readers are invited to restore a sense of wellbeing with a relaxed Shared Reading session featuring poems from the Emily Dickinson anthology Hope is the Thing with Feathers, and a restorative walk around the park led by a member of staff. 

Those interested in local history can take part in free Hidden Heritage guided walks on 9, 12 and 23 December to discover the stories of Christmas past at Calderstones.  

There’s also a chance to get creative in Festive Make – a free, drop-in craft session for families that takes place on Sunday 10 December alongside the popular Makers Market when local independent traders return to the Mansion for some thoughtful Christmas shopping.  

On Sunday 3 December, South Liverpool florist, Booker Flowers and Gifts, will be hosting Foraged Wreath Workshops where Master Florist Fleur will be sharing the secret of how to create a Christmas door wreath with wow factor. 

While throughout December, free ‘Make your own pine cone Christmas tree’ craft packs will be available to collect from the welcome area in the Mansion House as The Reader celebrates the launch of its new ‘Trees Around the World’ interactive park map. 

Food and Drink

The Ice Cream Parlour at Calderstones and The Reader Café will be serving up seasonal food and drinks throughout the winter period while the Mansion House will be playing host to Christmas Parties on selected dates throughout December, bookings open now.  

Jemma Guerrier, The Reader’s Managing Director said: 

“It would be wonderful if people from all over the city region could put a visit to Calderstones on their Christmas list this year and hopefully the varied programme of events gives everyone an opportunity to do just that. 

“2023 has been a tough year for many and The Reader is grateful to everyone who’s supported us – whether that’s coming along to events, buying a drink from the Café or making a donation. It’s thanks to your kind support that we can continue to reach those most in need.”  

Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, residents of L15 (Wavertree), L19 (Garston) and L24 (Speke) who are likely to experience barriers to accessing arts and culture can receive free tickets to selected events by joining The Reader’s Front Door Key scheme. Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For all ticket bookings, visit The Reader website.

Iconic designs by Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant and Laura Ashley are being showcased in a new display celebrating costume, jewellery and decorative objects made by female designers.

Creating Visions: Women Designers 1900-2000 opens at the Walker Art Gallery on 21 October 2023. The display, located in the Craft and Design Gallery, will showcase pieces dating from the early 20th century to the early 21st century. They draw from National Museums Liverpool’s extensive decorative arts collection which is one of the finest in the UK.

The display celebrates 100 years of women designers at the Gallery and features 14 items of dress. These include a mini dress by Mary Quant. Quant, who died in April 2023, is credited with bringing to popularity the era-defining above-the-knee skirts and dresses of Britain’s ‘swinging sixties’.

Also on display will be a pinafore dress by Jean Muir; a tunic dress with matching overcoat by Janice Wainwright; a tunic dress from Vivienne Westwood’s Nostalgia of Mud Collection; a skirt and a long-sleeved top from Vivienne Westwood’s Rolls Royce Collection; an evening cape by Thea Porter; and a glass wedding dress made by Diana Dias-Leão.

Fiona Slattery Clark, Curator of Decorative Art at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Our vast decorative art collection contains some truly exquisite pieces by female designers and it’s been a joy to assemble some of the most exciting and significant designs from the last hundred years for this display.

“As well as featuring designers of global influence and acclaim, we’ll be displaying pieces with an important connection to Liverpool, including evening dresses made by designers who sold their garments in high-end boutiques located on Bold Street in the early 20th century.”

The display will include two Parisian-inspired evening dresses inspired by British designer Lucile and made by T & S Bacon of Bold Street, Liverpool; an evening dress inspired by French designer Madeleine Vionnet; an evening dress by Callot Soeurs Ltd; an evening dress with the label of Elaine Paquin of Bold Street, Liverpool; a full-length summer dress by Gina Fratini; and a full-length summer dress by Laura Ashley.

Also on show will be a selection of jewellery, enamels and glass which will change throughout the duration of the display. Jewellery from the 1980s and ‘90s by female jewellers will be exhibited, including pieces by the internationally renowned Wendy Ramshaw and Jane Adam. From Perspex and acrylic to precious metals and ceramic, a varied mix of materials will be presented.

The enamel display will feature a selection of works by a local artist specialising in enamelled metalwork, Liverpool-born Lily Day (b. 1870). Day studied at Liverpool School of Architecture and Applied Art and became an enamelling/metalwork instructor there. Between 1898 and the early 1920s her work was frequently exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery.

Find out more about the display at liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

Over at CONTENT in Liverpool, the venue is now gearing up for a sensational first full season of live music running all the way into spring 2024.

As one of the UK’s newest destinations for live music and events, the Baltic Triangle’s hotspot has already hosted two stellar international acts with Caroline Polachek and Unknown Mortal Orchestra performing earlier in the summer. The legendary Liverpool Disco Festival joined them in an initial 3-pronged soft launch which attracted diverse audiences from across the UK.

CONTENT is now embarking on its first full season of shows from autumn into spring. Kicking off is an epic double header featuring Pretenders with Chrissie Hynde on Sunday 22nd October and no.1 pop sensation Maisie Peters on Monday 23rd October. 

The Pretenders rose from London’s late-70s punk and new wave scene gaining huge popularity across the world and they remain a potent and compelling force to this day. They are swiftly followed by Maisie Peters, who is signed to Ed Sheeran’s record label and opened the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival this year and performs at CONTENT as part of her UK tour following the release of her number one album The Good Witch. 

Next up, in November CONTENT plays host to the Homotopia Festival 2023 Opening Night on Saturday 11th November. Homotopia is the UK’s longest running LGBTQIA arts and cultural festival and CONTENT will proudly welcome their 20th anniversary launch with the queer cabaret and pro wrestling collective FIST, a dynamic mix of vibrant comedy, electrifying drag performers and jaw dropping wrestling moves. It also stars Filla Crack, Lilly Snatch Dragon and DJs until midnight.

On 15th November the legendary Stereolab, one of the most innovative bands of the 90s, led by Tim Gane and Laetitia Sadier, will bring a blend of avant-pop and jazzy futurism to Liverpool for their show in the city in over twenty years.

To see out the year in the most celebratory of styles, CONTENT will celebrate the festive season with Liverpool legend Craig Charles hosting his legendary Funk & Soul House Party on Boxing Day Tuesday 26th December. CONTENT will be transformed into Craig’s living room where he will delve into his extensive record collection bringing a packed-out show groove, funk and soul classics all night. Backed up by a stellar Liverpool and Northwest line up. Featuring Lifetime Achievement 2022 DJ Mag winner, DJ Paulette. Liverpool’s Sense of Sound Singers will perform a heavy set of uplifting dance and soul Boxing Day bangers alongside another live performance from Big Disco Energy.

Attention then turns to the New Year and a trio of dates to savour. Indie-rocking legends and festival headliners The Vaccines will perform a no doubt sold-out show at CONTENT on Saturday 13th January, celebrating the release of their new album Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations as part of their UK and European 2024 tour. Then Saturday 2nd March sees fast-rising Liverpool band The Cheap Thrills headlining in their biggest hometown show to date at CONTENT, following their sold-out main room show at the 02 Academy.

Rounding off this first full season, more Merseyside magnificence drops in on Thursday 21st March with Bill Ryder-Jones, who after multiple sold-out Liverpool headline shows has chosen CONTENT to play and with his new 8-piece band performing a multiverse of folk-laden melodic tracks from his brand new forthcoming 2024 album.

Tickets for all shows are available via Dice FM and CONTENT, Liverpool.

Further artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

CONTENT – full season of dates coming up 

The Pretenders – Sunday 22nd October 

Maisie Peters – Monday 23rd October

Clash of the Titans: Homotopia Festival Launch – Saturday 11th November

Stereolab – Wednesday 15th November

Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party – Tuesday 26th December

The Vaccines – Saturday 13th January

The Cheap Thrills – Saturday 2nd March

Bill-Ryder Jones – Thursday 21st March

CONTENT

Cain’s Brewery Village, Stanhope St, Liverpool, L8 5XJ

https://contentliverpool.co.uk/

Insta: @contentliverpool 

Twitter: @ContentLiv

FB: contentparkliverpool 

 

 

The museums and galleries of National Museums Liverpool (NML) are some of the most iconic settings in Liverpool – from the classical grandeur of World Museum and Walker Art Gallery on William Brown Street, to the heritage of Maritime Museum on the city’s Royal Albert Dock and the iconic Museum of Liverpool situated on the world-renowned Pier Head.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Liverpool’s museums have been featured on the big screen for years – with a number of high-profile shoots taking place throughout these emblematic spaces.

Here is just a small selection of the many films and TV shows that have used NML venues as filming locations:

• Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story – Walker Art Gallery: 

It was the social media sensation that gripped the nation – and now, the Disney+ documentary as told by Colleen Rooney herself will premiere this week. Dubbed the Wagatha Christie trial, the documentary will tell the story of the infamous trial and the fall out between Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. The courtroom scenes were filmed at County Sessions House on William Brown Street, part of the Walker Art Gallery.

• Funny Woman – World Museum 

This adaption of Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl was shot in Liverpool during September 2021, and saw World Museum transformed into a hospital in episode three. Other familiar scenes include Hawke Street in the city centre behind the Adelphi Hotel and Broughs Butchers and Rowlands Pharmacy in Birkdale, the latter of which was transformed into a hairdressers. Starring Gemma Arterton as charismatic Barbara Parker, the series saw a young woman from Blackpool finding her comic voice in the male dominated world of the 1960s sitcom.

• Doctor Who – Museum of Liverpool 

“Nobody has got a top floor like the Museum of Liverpool, because nobody has got our history.” – Dan Lewis (John Bishop)

Doctor Who visited Liverpool in early 2021 to start filming for the thirteenth series of this iconic British TV staple. During the episode, we’re introduced to Dan Lewis, portrayed by Liverpool comedian John Bishop, on a visit to the Museum of Liverpool.

• The Batman – Walker Art Gallery 

NML played a role in The Batman, providing a backdrop for the filming and also hosting a backstage film crew hub in Liverpool. Warner Bros’ The Batman, released in March 2022, was shot in Liverpool during October 2020 and was the world’s first largescale production in an urban area to shoot under the new Covid-19 industry guidelines. The striking Walker Art Gallery was used as one of the filming locations that transformed Liverpool into Gotham City. The official still from the film shows Robert Pattinson, as Bruce Wayne, in front of St George’s Hall with Walker Art Gallery in the background.

• Digging for Britain – Museum of Liverpool 

In summer 2022, NML welcomed the Digging For Britain team. Filming took place for the 10th series of the popular TV programme, with Professor Alice Roberts following a year of British archaeology, joining up the results of digs and investigations the length of the country.

NML featured in episode 6, Headless Romans and Anglo Saxon Gold. In it, Professor Roberts speaks with Vanessa Oakden, Lead Curator of Archaeology, Jeff Speakman, Assistant Curator Regional Archaeology, and dig volunteers about the history of the Piermaster’s Green, the impact of the Second World War on the area and looks at some of the fascinating finds.

• Eurovision 2023 Turquoise Carpet – Walker Art Gallery 

There’s no doubt that Eurovision fever swept Liverpool in May 2023 and NML was no exception. The Walker Art Gallery hosted the official “Turquoise Carpet” event of the 2023 edition of the globally known singing competition – the official red carpet event that opens the week of Eurovision festivities in each host city. The event saw the acts from each of the 37 competing countries descend the stairs at the Walker, before heading out along the carpet towards St. Georges Hall to speak to fans and media. The event was broadcast live on YouTube.

• Anthony – Walker Art Gallery 

In 2020, Anthony Walker’s story was told in a one-off film on BBC One, produced by Liverpool-based LA Productions. Jimmy McGovern’s new drama could not have been shown at a more pertinent time, when more people than ever are having crucial conversations on race and representation. The powerful film imagines Anthony’s ambitious future, but grounded in brutal reality. Select scenes were filmed at the County Sessions House, next to the Walker Art Gallery.

• Silent Witness – Museum of Liverpool and Maritime Museum 

BBC Studios’ hugely popular drama celebrated its 25th series in 2022, with six thrilling new episodes – opening in Liverpool with an edge-of-your-seat assassination attempt. Liverpool is favoured by filmmakers for doubling-up locations as New York, London, or Moscow, but Silent Witness is set to showcase the city’s landmarks in full glory.

Production filmed for over a week in Liverpool last year, with cast and crew filming key scenes in some of the most well-known locations including the Museum of Liverpool and the Maritime Museum.

Festive films are a staple when it comes to the winter season, and this year The Luna Cinema is back with a whole new programme of classic Christmas and New Year film screenings in magical settings to spread some festive cheer.

The ultimate cinematic event for Christmas, The Luna Cinema’s 2023 winter line-up includes five indoor festive screenings, perfect for sleigh-loads of festive fun and quality time with friends and family at the most wonderful time of the year.

Pioneers of the UK open-air cinematic experience, The Luna Cinema’s winter programme promises to encapsulate the magic of this enchanting season with over 100 screenings that are sure to provide some welcome holiday cheer. Audiences can expect all the festive classics, including “Elf”, “Love Actually” – both of which are celebrating 20 years since their release, as well as “Home Alone”, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Holiday, and family favourites such as “The Grinch” and “Frozen – sing-along”.

The Luna Cinema’s screenings in Liverpool are taking place at the breathtaking Town Hall.

We all know one of the best parts of the festive season is the food and beverages, and The Luna Cinema has ensured there will be a fantastic selection of refreshments available across all venues. From a warming hot chocolate to a mug of mulled wine, Luna will make sure you have everything you need to immerse yourself in the festive cheer.

George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, says: “Nothing says Christmas like gathering with family and friends to watch festive film favourites and we’re as excited as ever to be back this winter with a wonderful line up of film favourites in breath-taking venues across the country. An absolute must-do this December, our 2023 programme represents the ultimate line-up of Christmas classics in a beautiful winter setting, giving guests everything they need to cosy up and get into the festive spirit!”

Tickets are available to purchase via https://www.thelunacinema.com/winter and prices start from £10.50 including booking fees; the season runs from 1^st December until 2^nd January.