Community Post Type: News

National Museums Liverpool has announced a series of exhibitions across their venues that will challenge audiences to think about how they view the natural world.

A relentless battle to survive, the beauty of our landscapes as painted by female artists and natural beauty in a masterpiece by Diego Velazquez, are all displayed in galleries for the Spring / Summer 2024 season.

Bees: A Story of Survival will transport visitors into a world of bees, to explore their importance to our own lives and to understand their fight for survival. In a unique partnership with award-winning artist and sculptor Wolfgang Buttress, the immersive exhibition is a beautiful harmony of art and science featuring cutting edge technology. Using sound and light environments, the exhibition provides visitors with a real-time connection to the bees within their natural habitat and reveals the changing picture of their activity. Bees: A Story of Survival opens at World Museum on 3 May 2024.

The work of female artists will go on show at Lady Lever Art Gallery as Another View: Landscapes by Women Artists opens on 20 April 2024. The exhibition will examine women artists’ place in the history of British landscape art, a story traditionally dominated by male artists. Featuring artwork from National Museums Liverpool collections and works from other institutions, Another View: Landscapes by Women Artists celebrates the history of landscapes by women artists.

The only surviving nude artwork by artist Diego Velázquez, The Rokeby Venus, is the focal point of National Treasures: Velázquez in Liverpool, opening at the Walker Art Gallery on 10 May 2024.

The masterpiece is being loaned to the Walker as part of the National Treasures programme celebrating the 200th birthday of the National Gallery in London. The Walker will display the painting alongside a selection of unexpected works from the collections of National Museums Liverpool, exploring this iconic 17^th century painting in a contemporary light.

Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, said: “From a brand-new exploration into landscapes by women artists to the visually-stunning and important Bees exhibition, I’m sure we’ll have something for everyone to enjoy. This season we are focussing on the natural world, the role many species and we play in it. From learning about insects, animals and humans over the years to how we can help in the fight against climate change, our venues are perfectly placed to help you discover, educate, experience and take action.”

Alongside exhibitions, a range of learning events will take place across the season, with activities suitable for all ages. Beyond the Label talks delve into the hidden stories in National Museums Liverpool’s collections, and Old Dock Tours give people a chance to see Liverpool from below the ground.

For more information on all exhibition and events taking place across National Museums Liverpool venues, please visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

A brand-new monthly comedy night is launching in Liverpool.

Comedy at Tempest will showcase some of Liverpool’s recognised faces trying new material and those taking their first steps in the spotlight. 

It launches on Thursday 12th October at 8pm and then will run every 2nd Thursday of the month at Tempest on Tithebarn with free entry for all. 

Hosted by Mark Devine, Comedy at Tempest will complement the established comedy already in the district.

Each night, guests can vote for their favourite comic they want to see in a final comedy showdown, with the winner being awarded a paid spot on a professional stand-up comedy night in 2024.

Comedy At Tempest joins the long-running Monday weekly quiz night at the iconic Liverpool venue, along with its bottomless cocktail brunch every Saturday and Tuesday’s 2-4-1 burger offer.

Tempest pays homage to New York’s meatpacking district eateries, focusing heavily on brunches, lunches, cocktails and craft beer. It has a glorious rooftop looking out in all directions across the city and is best for early evening sunsets on the top floor, plus there’s great music and guest DJs and a subterranean club too, Kol Box.

Comedy At Tempest – launching Thursday 12th October 

12 Tithebarn St, Liverpool, L2 2DT

Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 8pm 

www.tempestontithebarn.co.uk / Insta: @tempestontithebarn / Twitter: tempestontithe

Tel 0151 242 6170

This half-term the seven venues of National Museums Liverpool (NML) are bursting with exhibitions, events and workshops for all the family.

William Brown Street has been a school holiday choice for generations and this October half-term is no exception. The popular exhibition, Return of the Gods, continues at World Museum, accompanied by special events for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome. Up the hill at the Walker Art Gallery visitors will enjoy choosing their favourite painting from the 70 selected for the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize 2023. They may even be inspired to create their own masterpiece in Big Art, the gallery’s dedicated space for families.

The Liverpool waterfront offers the perfect backdrop for an exciting day trip this half-term. The Museum of Liverpool’s new exhibition, Happiness! will tickle funny bones young and old, exploring the career, and of course telling the jokes of Liverpool icon, Sir Ken Dodd. Across the dock the Maritime Museum’s Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story exhibition reveals the background of the most famous ship of all and its links to Liverpool. At the International Slavery Museum’s visitors are in for a real treat with drumming workshops and traditional storytelling.

Autumn is a wonderful time to get out of the city and see the changing colours of the season, followed by a cosy trip to a gallery. A jaunt to Lady Lever Art Gallery provides the last chance to see the enchanting Flower Fairies (closes 5 November) and to take part in themed crafts inspired by the natural beauty of Cecily Barker’s delicate paintings. While out in leafy Mossley Hill things are about to get very spooky with Sudley House getting into the spirit of Halloween, with creepy crafts, ghoulish ghost stories and a puzzling pumpkin trail!

October is also Black History Month and NML has a busy month of talks, workshops and music sessions, as well as fascinating online resources available all year round. Find out more here.

Half-term highlights across each venue: 

World Museum

Return of the Gods  
Until 25 February 2024  
Adults £8 (concessions available), children under 17 free  
Prepare for the high drama of the ancient world as we meet the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus. Their lives were packed with great loves, greater feuds and the powers to influence, save or condemn human lives forever. This family-friendly exhibition dives into ancient Greek and Roman mythology to expose the original ancient characters of the heroes and heroines of our time. This boldly designed exhibition allows you to step inside the stories, as two-metre-high statues tower above you. Featuring a stunning collection of over 100 sculptures and objects, displayed together for the first time, experience the luxury of a Roman villa, before journeying into the underworld to meet Hades.

Return of the Gods Exhibition Tour: Mythology and Daily Life  
24, 27 and 28 October  
11am and 2.30pm 
Adults £13 (includes £8 exhibition ticket. Children £5)  
Prepare for the high drama of the ancient world as we meet the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus. Their lives were packed with great loves, greater feuds and the powers to influence, save or condemn human lives for ever. This family-friendly exhibition and tour dives into ancient Greek and Roman mythology to expose the original ancient characters of the heroes and heroines of our time, and what they meant to people of the time.

Gods and Goddesses – Story Time Performance  
25 October 
11am, 12:30 and 2pm 
Adults £3, children £2 
Discover the mind-blowing myths from ancient times and learn how to recognise your Apollo from your Aphrodite with the simple trick of knowing the tale behind the talisman they hold, or the story behind the scenes they inhabit.

Aquarium Keeper Experience   
31 October and 2 and 4 November   
11:30am and 2:20pm 
(Group of 2) £40   
(Group of 4) £60 
In this behind-the-scenes immersive experience an aquarium ranger will show you they look after the incredible creatures at the museum, from moon jellyfish to terrapins. You’ll learn how to use the specialist equipment and will even get the chance to feed the animals.

This experience is only available to participants aged 8 years and older. It can be booked for groups of up to two or four people, with a maximum of two under 18 per group of either size. If two under 18-year-olds are attending the two-person package, an adult must accompany them as a free spectator/chaperone.

Meet the Scientist 
28 October 
Follow a treasure map and discover more about the human body and the amazing world around us, with lots of fun activities for children of all ages and their adults.

Drumming Displays with Agida African Arts 
Tuesday 31 October  
10:30 and 11.30am 
Celebrate Black History Month with urban griot and master drummer Karim Mbaye, of Agida African Arts. Karim will share traditional Senegalese stories brought to life using African musical instruments including the drum and kora.

Drumming Workshops with Agida African Arts 
Tuesday 31 October 
12:30 and 2pm
Join urban griot and master drummer Karim Mbaye, of Agida African Arts, for traditional Senegalese stories brought to life using African musical instruments including the drum and kora. Families will have the chance to get hands on with traditional African instruments as they learn to drum and dance. Due to the size of the drums, this workshop is open to visitors aged 8+. All children must be supervised. Numbers are limited, please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Walker Art Gallery  

Photie Man: 50 years of Tom Wood  
Until 7 January 2024  
Adults £9, children 6 – 17 £2, children under 6 free. Concessions are available. 
A new major photographic exhibition from Tom Wood at Walker Art Gallery, showcasing 50 years of the artist’s work. Photie Man celebrates the acclaimed Irish-born artist Tom Wood with a comprehensive survey of work spanning 50 years since the start of his career. The exhibition brings together photography from the 1970s to the present day, many of which are being displayed for the first time in Liverpool – where a large number of Wood’s iconic photographs were taken.

John Moores Painting Prize 2023 
Until 25 February 2024 
Adults £5, concessions available. Children under 17, free. 
The John Moores Painting Prize is the UK’s most well-known painting competition, bringing together the best contemporary painting from across the UK to Liverpool.

The Curious Curiosity Shop 
31 October and 1 November 
12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm 
Abandoned and forgotten, suspended in time, until now…something is stirring within the peculiar storerooms of the Curious Curiosity Shop. Follow the Keeper of the Keys on a magical journey around the gallery in a performance fuelled by music, dance and art in this whimsical promenade production.
Presented by Tangled Dance Company in partnership with the Walker Art Gallery. 
Places are limited and cannot be booked in advance. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.  

Unwind at the Walker 
Various dates 
Children £2 with two adults (free) 
An opportunity to introduce youngest visitors to elements of mindfulness through sensory play, movement and crafts, inspired by paintings and themed books which help children to understand emotions and explore their senses.
This session is aimed at children 0-5 years old, however older siblings are also welcome to attend with their accompanying adults. 
These sessions have limited numbers so booking in advance is advised. 

Craft and Create 
31 October and 1 November 
1pm 
Be inspired be the art works and beautiful spaces then get creative in a craft workshop.

Rhymetime 
21 and 28 October 
11.15am
Rhymetime brings songs and stories, led by the Learning and Participation team, followed by free play in Big Art, the dedicated children’s gallery.
This session is aimed at pre-schoolers aged 0-4 years, however older siblings are also welcome to attend with their accompanying adults.  

Museum of Liverpool 

Happiness! 
Until 3 March 2024 
Adults £5 (concessions available), children under 17 free  
Introduce the kids to the whimsical, surreal and theatrical humour of Sir Ken Dodd. From the Diddymen to the Broken Biscuit Factory, Ken’s imagination was both endless and infectious and transformed the UK comedy scene. Through never-before-seen personal objects, film, photography, digital interactives and of course many, many jokes, this tattyfilarious show is guaranteed to raise a smile!

Little Liverpool Specials 
Various dates 
Children £2 with two adults (free) 
Little Liverpool is a hands-on fantasy world, crammed with fun activities especially for children under the age of six to play and learn. It is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the Museum of Liverpool. Look out special themed sessions: Lion Cubs, Shipmates and Scribble and Splash, available on various days. These sessions have limited numbers so booking in advance is advised.  

Future Voices: Open Mic 
29 October  
From 1.30 
Drop into the atrium, at the heart of Museum of Liverpool, for live open mic sessions from talented young performers. Expect anything from music, poetry, comedy, spoken words, drama or storytelling, showcasing the amazing creativity in the city.  If you’re aged between 16-24 and interested in taking part register here  

An Armourers Tale 
31 October and 1 and 2 November 
11:30am and 2:30pm 
In 1337 the Hundred Years War began. King Edward III mustered his forces against the French king, achieving victories at Crecy and Poitiers. Travel back in time to the medieval period and become part of Edward’s army at a turbulent time in history, meeting Lord FitzWarin and Sergeant at Arms, John, to discover more about weapons and armour of the age.

Maritime Museum  

Titanic – Fashions and Fortunes 
1, 2 and 3 November  
11am – 12 noon and 1:30pm – 3:30pm 
What clothes and other items might those on Titanic have packed for their journey? Using fashion and the prized possessions of passengers discover the different people on board that fateful night.
Suitable for adults and children over 7.  

The Leaving of Liverpool 
4 November  
11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm 
Go back in time to Liverpool, 1854, and meet travellers as they embark on a journey across seas to start a new life. Listen to stories of hope and fear, as role players bring to life the tales of emigrants who travelled through the port of Liverpool.

Old Dock Tour 
Various dates 
Adults £8.50, children aged 6-17, £7.50. Children under 6 go free. Concessions available.  
Discover the origin of Liverpool’s fortune, buried deep below the Liverpool ONE shopping centre. Families will be fascinated by the large portion of the Old Dock wall still rising more than 20 feet from the bed of the Pool – the creek that gave Liverpool its name. Friendly guides will bring the history to life, explaining how this feat of engineering changed Liverpool’s destiny forever.

International Slavery Museum 

Drumming Workshop with Agida African Arts 
2 November 
12.30pm and 2pm 
Join urban griot and master drummer Karim Mbaye, of Agida African Arts, for traditional Senegalese stories brought to life using African musical instruments including the drum and kora. Families will have the chance to listen to get hands on with traditional African instruments as they learn to drum and dance.
Due to the size of the drums, this workshop is open to visitors aged 8+. All children must be supervised. Numbers are limited, please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Lady Lever Art Gallery 

Flower Fairies  
Until 5 November 2023  
Tickets are free to book with a suggested donation. 
The Lady Lever Art Gallery explores 100 years of Cicely Mary Barker’s ethereal illustrations in a new exhibition, Flower Fairies. In association with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK), the exhibition looks at the delicate work created by Barker. Flower Fairies, features around 45 exquisite and botanically accurate, original illustrations, including Barker’s best-loved flower fairy creations and early sketches, alongside digital projections, items from National Museums Liverpool’s botany collection and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by award-winning costume designer Vin Burnham.

Flower Fairies: Craft and Create 
25 and 26 October  
1-4pm 
Immerse yourself in nature and magic of Flower Fairies-inspired craft and create sessions. Inspired by the incredible artwork of Cicily Barker families will make special creations to take home and keep.

Flower Fairies: Story Explorers 
Thursday 26 October 
10:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm 
The autumn Flower Fairies have emerged ready for Wirral’s October half-term. Listen to a story, explore sensory trays, inspired by nature, and make an artwork to take home all followed by a chance for a magical wonder through the Flower Fairies exhibition.
These activities are specially for children under 5 and their grown-ups. 
Places are limited. Book in advance to avoid disappointment 

Sudley House 

Spooky Sudley 
28 and 29 October  
11am 
What was that noise? Was that a footstep on the stair? Join the annual Halloween celebrations at Sudley House, for ghost stories and creepy crafts. This event is family-friendly but it is recommended very young visitors are pre-warned that the theme of the event will be a bit spooky!

A day out isn’t complete without a souvenir and in NML’s gift shops you can find everything from art-themed gifts to pocket money purchases inspired by the collections.

If you’re planning on multiple visits, NML offers a range of membership options for individuals and families which include unlimited access to paid exhibitions across all seven venues, Planetarium shows at World Museum and the Old Dock tours. Memberships also include access to special events, previews and talks and 15% discount in museum and gallery cafés, gift shops and NML’s online shop.

Liverpool independent record shop, Dig Vinyl, is thrilled to announce its latest expansion with the addition of a new shop in the wider Merseyside area.

Dig Vinyl’s second permanent retail shop sees the brand branching out over the water to the Wirral, joining the vibrant independent retail scene of West Kirby. The new shop marks a significant milestone in Dig Vinyl’s decade-long journey, having witnessed three expansions and a strategic move within Bold Street, and emerging as a committed independent business in the landscape of the North’s music and vinyl culture.

Dig Vinyl West Kirby will open on Saturday, 4th November on the bustling Banks Road, just a short walk from the station and a stone’s throw from the beach. The shop will stock the usual diversity of genres, eras & sounds that its loyal customers have come to expect, including rare finds from America, Japan, and beyond. Their friendly team of dedicated crate diggers are also excited to curate stock that caters to the preferences of local customers. In support of this, the West Kirby store will see an extension of Dig Vinyl’s partnership with Birkenhead music venue Future Yard, committing to stock releases by the emerging artists and local talents who grace Future Yard’s stage. Dig Vinyl will also continue to partner with Future Yard on the organisation of the quarterly CRATE Vinyl & Craft Beer market.

Eager to join the thriving creative scene on the Wirral, Dig Vinyl looks forward to embarking on new collaborations with local organisations, venues, pubs, and bars. Their first partnership sees New Brighton-based SUP shop showcasing a revolving collection of screen-printed gig posters from their Onomatoposter exhibition, curated by local artist Toucan Tango. Fans of the Bold Street shop needn’t worry as Dig Vinyl’s Liverpool shop will continue to operate as usual, remaining as dedicated to digging as ever!

More than just a record shop, Dig Vinyl has seamlessly integrated itself into the music community of the North and farther afield, actively participating in prominent events like Eurovision, We Out Here Festival and the David Bowie World Fan Convention. Their contributions go beyond the shelves, as they offer musical insights and staff recommendations through various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and radio shows. The extension of their retail presence with the new West Kirby shop is yet another avenue the Dig Vinyl team is taking to spread their passion for music and vinyl to the Merseyside community and beyond!

Dig Vinyl West Kirby – 156B Banks Rd (via Alexandra Road), West Kirby, CH48 0QB

Dig Vinyl Bold Street – 27 Bold Street, 1st Floor of Resurrection, Liverpool, L1 4DN

Proving that our fascination with the ancient world shows no signs of stopping, this autumn World Museum will host a packed series of events featuring broadcaster and academic Professor Mary Beard and leading author Natalie Haynes, as well as experts from National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

Inspired by the Return of the Gods exhibition, talks and tours will bring to life just how the Emperors ruled, how people lived and how the gods presided – and why the ancient goddesses cast just as powerful a gaze as their male counterparts.

National Museums Liverpool will be hosting an evening in conversation with acclaimed author and broadcaster Professor Mary Beard on Friday 15 December to discuss her new book ‘Emperor of Rome’ and her career as the world’s most famous classicist. The event will explore the colourful and infamous rulers of ancient times.

Bestselling author Natalie Haynes will introduce her new book ‘Divine Might’, delving into powerful and lesser told stories of the ancient Greek goddesses, on Saturday 25 November. The event is in collaboration with Classics for All North and will include a chance to explore World Museum’s special exhibition Return of the Gods and encounter some of the featured goddesses like Athena and Artemis up close.

A host of expert talks will reveal more on the lives of people in ancient times, including; The ever-lasting influence of ancient fashion by Dr Lee Wright, fashion historian from Liverpool John Moores University on Saturday 7 October and Wining and dining like the ancient gods with Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool on Saturday 2 December.

Delving into the more mystical side of things, Jordan Poole from the University of Liverpool will reveal how magic existed in ancient times in a fascinating talk on How amulets protected the ancient world on Saturday 9 December. While Dr Georgia Petridou, Reader in Ancient Greek History at the University of Liverpool, will explore the myth of the abduction of Persephone by the god of the Underworld, Hades –  one of the ancient world’s most popular albeit darker tales in The cult of Persephone and Demeter on Saturday 16 December.

Tactile and BSL curator tours will offer a chance for visitors to experience the popular Return of the Gods exhibition in a different way, guided by the subject expert. Family visitors can also enjoy specially curated events for all ages including messy play sessions inspired by ancient pottery and mosaics.

Dr. Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool said,

“We are thrilled to be hosting a packed season of events in collaboration with acclaimed authors, academics and well-known figures in the world of Classics, to delve even further into the world of ancient life and mythology.

“Our Return of the Gods exhibition at World Museum has been immensely popular since we opened, and proves that the enduring fascination with the myths and legends of ancient times shows no signs of stopping. Stories of heroism, rivalry, jealousy and adventure continue to capture the imagination of all ages and we are so pleased to be playing a part in bringing that to life for visitors through our incredible collections.”

On Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October 2023, FACT celebrates its 20th Birthday with a weekend of free events for all to enjoy. Marking two decades since the opening of the acclaimed arts centre in Liverpool, the celebrations include the unveiling of two new major exhibitions, talks by contemporary artists and influential figures, family-friendly activities, the grand opening of Studio/Lab – a dedicated space for artistic experimentation, and a birthday party.

Friday 20 October 2023

FACT is thrilled to unveil two new immersive exhibitions by Jenkin van Zyl and Uma Breakdown alongside a day of talks from artists, curators, and sector leaders. Across three panels, speakers reflect on the possibilities of art to inspire more activist outcomes, what artists need in terms of support from institutions, and how the landscape of art and creative technology has changed over the years since FACT opened.

Panelists and guest speakers include Nicola Triscott (CEO/Director, FACT); Eddie Berg (Founding Director, FACT); Ruth McCullough (Former Director, Abandon Normal Devices); Helen Starr (Curator); Dr. Alan Dunn (Artist); Jack Ky Tan (Artist); Dr. Emma Murray (Criminologist-in-Residence at FACT); Larry Achiampong (Artist); David Blandy (Artist); Zinzi Minott (Artist); and Isabel Ramos of Keiken (Artist).

To conclude Friday, FACT is delighted to partner with Mandela8 to present a screening of their latest film. From Dream to Reality follows the journey and realisation of a new memorial to Nelson Mandela in Princes Park, Liverpool. Joining the celebrations, Picturehouse is proud to present a curated 35mm double-bill of Repo Man and Walker from acclaimed director Alex Cox.

Saturday 21 October 2023

The festivities continue into Saturday, offering a lineup of free events and interactive experiences throughout the day. Highlights include guided tours, artist performances, family-friendly workshops, gaming tournaments and celebratory parties.

Visitors are welcome to explore Studio/Lab – a new space dedicated to artistic development and experimentation – to play with motion tracking technology, virtual reality, live 3D sculpting and VJing. Studio/Lab will play a key part in FACT’s future, providing emerging artists with support and equipment through funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Programme and The Foyle Foundation.

Artists Larry Achiampong and David Blandy host an engaging afternoon of gaming tournaments and conversation suitable for all ages, while artist Jenkin van Zyl and a group of local young people lead a tour designed to share their unique perspective on van Zyl’s immersive exhibition. Artists-in-residence The (new) Constellation will also present behind-the-scenes content from their recent commission alongside a costumed performance.

In the evening, visitors are invited to the opening of two major solo exhibitions by Jenkin van Zyl and Uma Breakdown. Breakdown’s multimedia installation, Earth A.D. 2 (2023), explores the structures and history of Gothic narratives, and their creative relationships to time, space, identity and social relations. Van Zyl’s Surrender (2023) transforms the galleries into a series of immersive environments. From the belly of a rat to an energy-drink-lined trophy room, van Zyl’s hallucinatory film explores ideas of productivity, escapism and community. As part of the celebrations, van Zyl has also created a new short film that expands his psychotropic world, which will be available to view from inside a limousine at the opening.

The festivities culminate with an official after party at District in the Baltic Triangle (61 Jordan St, Liverpool L1 0BE). FACT has partnered with local promoters PLUSH and Social Hours to curate the evening’s musical lineup, alongside cabaret performances programmed by EAT ME, and a special headline DJ set by exhibiting artist, Jenkin van Zyl.

Nicola Triscott, CEO/Director at FACT, said: “In 2003, FACT was Liverpool’s first purpose-built arts centre for more than 60 years, brought into reality by a grassroots campaign for a centre for film and the then emerging field of electronic art. It grew out of the extraordinary success of the city’s Video Positive festival and was a landmark moment for Liverpool and the UK, giving moving image and digital art a home in which to experiment and find a national and international audience. In 2023, as we mark the centre’s 20th birthday, we celebrate that rich history and look towards FACT’s next twenty years as a place where we nurture the next generation of artists and filmmakers and enable new stories to be told through the converging fields of film, art and creative technology.”

Full programme listings and free bookings can be found at fact.co.uk/birthday

Dick Whittington features the same creative team as last year’s critically acclaimed, sold-out production of Jack and The Beanstalk at The Hope Street Theatre in 2022 and will, once again feature a company who are all local to the Merseyside region.

Producer Christopher Jones of Just Entertainment says “Following the huge success of Jack and the Beanstalk last year, we wanted to make sure this year’s production is even bolder. I think we have done that; the principal cast has grown in size and the show’s ambition is getting bigger by the day, we are thrilled that the same creative team are on board to bring this adventurous pantomime to life”

Dick Whittington will be headlined by Liverpool Live’s Lesley Butler who will be playing the evil Queen Rat and John Garfield-Roberts who brought the house down last year will once again be donning the frock to titillate us as the larger-than-life Sarah the Cook.  Liverpudlian Michael Irvine-Hall probably best known to many as one of the faces of the hit Bongo’s Bingo will play the titular Dick Whittington, while Phil Perez – the UK’s face of the family board game Pop-Up Pirate makes a welcome return as Captain Fitzwarren and his band of long-lost relatives.  St Helen’s based Kieran Maleedy will bring the slapstick as the silly Idle Jack and LIPA Graduate Faye Griffiths will be loud and proud as the Fairy Cross the Mersey. Roxanne Male will make her Just Entertainment debut as the evil sidekick Ratasha. Joining the principal cast following several pantomimes as adult Ensemble Sarah Collinge will be playing the leading lady Alice Fitzwarren and Freya Barnes will be playing the lovable Tilly the Cat.

Local performers Lucy McManus (LMA), Harley Boote (Liverpool Theatre School) Eloisa Goodall  (Ballet Theatre UK) will appear as our adult ensemble and will join alongside a gigantic junior ensemble from Hope Street based Performers Theatre School.

Dick Whittington is written by Christopher Jones and will have direction by John Garfield-Roberts, musical direction by Andy Mudd, choreography by Jenna Bradshaw, set design by John Garfield-Roberts and Abbie Jones and Lighting Design by Joe Sanderson. The pantomime will be produced by Christopher Jones and Sheryl Dean for Just Entertainment Limited.

Booking: www.hopestreettheatre.com or via Ticket Quarter on 0344 561 0622