Community Post Type: News

Liverpool Theatre Festival returns in less than two weeks – and one highlight of the 11-day programme is Sober Companion, a specially commissioned new play co-written and co-starring Liverpool-born actor Joe McGann and Jake Norton. 

Sober Companion will premiere at Liverpool Theatre Festival on Saturday 22 July, with two performances at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. It is one of three specially commissioned works to be presented for the very first time at the event. 

This is the first time playwrights and actors Joe McGann and Jake Norton have been involved in Liverpool Theatre Festival, and they are relishing the experience.

Written and performed by Joe McGann and Jake Norton, the play explores the funny, raw, and sometimes dark places of fame, addiction, and recovery. It is suitable for audiences aged 14 upwards. 

Liverpool-born Joe McGann is part of the well-renowned and talented McGann family. He is probably best loved for his role in long running television sitcom The Upper Hand alongside Diana Weston and Honor Blackman. He will appear in new Netflix series KAOS. Theatre credits include West End productions by Bertolt Brecht, Sam Shepherd, John Steinbeck, and Willy Russell. Joe moved back to Liverpool three years ago after moving away in the late 1970s.

Jake Norton trained at Liverpool John Moores University and Hope Street Theatre. He lectured at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) for seven years, before going on to lecture at The MGA in Edinburgh. The London-born playwright and actor, lived in Liverpool for 22 years before heading to Scotland where he still lives – so he is very much forward to again taking to the stage in Liverpool. Jake’s screen credits include Coronation Street, The Bill, Emmerdale, The Royal, and he has recorded several plays for BBC Radio 4. His theatre work has seen him tour extensively nationally and internationally.

Jake Norton plays Dan – a high-flying prime time television presenter. He also has a bad habit which he denies, but it’s not hidden as well as he thinks. People close to him are concerned.

Joe McGann plays Gerard – and he has seen it all before. He has personal experience of recovery that could be useful to Dan, so his services have been engaged. He embraces the basic human right of ‘taking the edge off’ reality, and the hidden consequences of black-outs.

There is an intervention, intrusion of privacy, stranger in the midst. We all need a little help sometimes, but it can be difficult to admit. “No good deed goes unpunished” – Oscar Wilde. 

Joe McGann explained: “Sober Companion is a very interesting piece for this year’s Liverpool Theatre Festival. Jake and I explored the idea of intervention – the action taken when someone is deemed to be harming themselves (and others) with their addiction to drugs or alcohol. We thought it would be an interesting subject for a play. We are both great fans of theatre and appreciate its role as a ‘safe space’ where such conversations can be had. From there, Sober Companion was born. 

“We are very excited to present the play at St Luke’s – it’s a wonderful, democratic, inspiring space for theatre in this city, an important setting to showcase local and international talent outside of conventional venues.Liverpool Theatre Festival is attracting new audiences to the performing arts in Liverpool, and we’re excited to stage the premiere performances of our new play as part of this year’s excellent programme.” 

Jake Norton added: “We originally pitched fantastic play The Seven Acts Of Mercy by Anders Lustgarten to venues but they were keen on a piece featuring just us two. We started work on a play originally called Sponsor – we shifted the character relationship, it developed quickly and took on a life of its own. And in one night round Joe’s kitchen table we created Sober Companion. Liverpool Theatre Festival had faith in us and commissioned it – then we had to write it! What a platform and opportunity to air new live theatre works. 

“The focus is intense, the intervention itself. It’s all based in one unescapable room – the dressing room of a very famous fictional TV presenter. We have written a play which interests us and hopefully resonates with others. Joe is from Liverpool, and I happily lived there for over two decades, so it will feel like a homecoming gig for me. Let’s see what the festival crowd thinks of it.” 

Sober Companion is one of three shows specially commissioned and will premiere at Liverpool Theatre Festival. The others are children’s shows The Oogy Boogy Man and Fred The Musical. The festival returns this month for its fourth consecutive year this time with a Summer run, taking place outdoors at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre from Thursday 20 July to Sunday 30 July. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival Producer and Artistic Director Bill Elms commented:“The ethos of Liverpool Theatre Festival is to showcase, support, and inspire established works and new live theatre. Joe and Jake are the perfect example of just how creatives and the festival can work. I hope to see this impressive new work have a life after the festival, and I am looking forward to working with the team to tour the play around the UK in 2024. 

“We’re now less than two weeks until the festival opens at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church on Thursday 20 July. The festival runs for 11 days and features 18 shows covering 24 performances – no mean feat for a festival still very much in its infancy. This is our fourth consecutive year and the festival continues to develop into an annual event we are very proud of – everyone is welcome to join us for accessible, affordable live theatre.” 

This year’s Liverpool Theatre Festival is being dedicated to Liverpool playwright Mark Davies Markham, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Mark premiered his one-woman play 2Gorgeous4U at last year’s LTF. This year the show is being staged once more in memory of Mark. Funds from the performance will be donated to charity.

Nine family shows will be staged during the festival, which coincides with the school Summer holidays for the very first time. Alongside brand new commissions The Oogy Boogy Man and Fred The Musical, the children’s shows are The Magic Bookmark With Mama G, Magic Gareth: Level Up!, Rubbish Romeo And Juliet, The Monkey With No Bum, Shout! The Mod Musical, Dame Fanny & Her Fabulous Friends, and The Tempest.

The full line-up also features Viva Tenori – A Celebration Of The Three Tenors; Whatever Happened To Billy Kenny; Perfectly Frank; A Night With Daniel Taylor – His Music And His Friends; Locomotive For Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit; Pauline Daniels – Get Me Before The Crematorium Does; and Laughterhouse Comedy – Pride Special featuring Morgan Rees and Bethany Black. 

Liverpool City Region Pride Festival takes place between 28 July and 30 July, and LTF shows have been specifically programmed on these dates to complement the weekend celebration.

This year’s festival partners are Liverpool BID Company, Edge Hill University, Morecrofts Solicitors, Bill Elms Associates, Ticket Quarter, and The Harrogate Group. 

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority. Along with Liverpool City Council and Culture Liverpool. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival was created by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms, who has worked in the theatre industry for more than 30 years. Theatres and live entertainment venues were ordered to close immediately under the Government’s first national Covid-19 lockdown guidelines in March 2020. It was Bill’s mission and vision to reinvigorate and boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sector, offering a lifeline when it was needed most. Liverpool Theatre Festival was created in a matter of weeks.

Since its inaugural staging in Autumn 2020, it has gone on to win praise from audiences and critics alike, as well as winning many awards along the way. Liverpool Theatre Festival is committed to supporting local artists, creatives, and theatre companies.

Fringe event Little LTF – Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works will take place in the Autumn, running between Tuesday 3 October and Sunday 8 October 2023. Performances will be staged within the more intimate marquee at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church. Further details about submitting work will be announced soon. 

There are still opportunities for businesses to support. To find out more contact producer and artistic director Bill Elms by emailing bill@billelms.com 

Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates. 

Sound Skills Music is a pioneering Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Liverpool, they are thrilled to announce the launch of their groundbreaking music production course. Designed to prepare participants for a career in music and bridge the gap for individuals who may not have the qualifications for higher education but possess a passion for music, this accessible course aims to empower aspiring musicians by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge and facilities to pursue a sustainable career in the music industry.

“At Sound Skills Music, we believe that everyone should have access to quality music education regardless of their background or financial limitations,” says Matt Lawton, Founder and highly qualified music lecturer. “Our course offers an affordable alternative to traditional universities and colleges, providing aspiring musicians with the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities needed to succeed in the music industry.”

Key Benefits of the Course Include:

Affordability: The course is designed to be accessible to all, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional educational institutions.

Bridging the Gap: Sound Skills Music aims to empower anyone with a love for music by providing them with the opportunity to acquire practical skills, industry insights, and networking opportunities, leveling the playing field, and opening doors to a sustainable music career.

Hands-On Experience: Participants will receive hands-on experience using industry-standard software, gaining valuable skills in music production under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Networking Opportunities: The course facilitates online and in-person networking among participants and industry professionals, offering a unique chance to forge valuable connections within the music industry.

Unlocking Potential: With a supportive and nurturing learning environment, Sound Skills Music helps individuals unlock their true potential, fostering creativity, confidence, and growth.

The first course will commence in the July 16th at Liverpool Hope Universities Creative Campus, providing an six week intensive program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the music industry.

For more information and to register for the course, visit www.soundskillsmusic.com

Formerly a wind turbine factory on Regent Road in the Ten Streets area of Liverpool, Invisible Wind Factory is truly multi-purpose in its programming and ethos.

As one of the region’s most innovative spaces, IWF continues to chart its own cosmic course with a vibrantly diverse range of events this summer, from live gigs curated by Amorphic Music, club nights and new festivals to markets, watch parties and plenty of roller skating. 

In addition to the Invisible Wind Factory’s Main Hall, the iconic building is home to the IWF Rollerdrome, Substation, Factory Garden, Factory Kitchen, Workshop and Studios and is one of the UK’s leading events, creative and artistic spaces.

The venue’s programme of summer events has been released, packed with goodness all the way to the end of September. Autumn’s programme will be released soon.

Invisible Wind Factory’s Summer Listings

For tickets to all events see here

Amorphic presents: Mareux + Liminal Project – Friday 14th July

IWF Substation

Moonfrog and Amorphic music present Mareux at IWF Substation with support from murky and mysterious Mersey dark wavers Liminal Project.

Rollerdrome Summer Programme launches with Barbie Skate – Friday 21st July

IWF Main Hall

 The Rollerdome summer programme will include plenty of open skating, beginner and advanced skating classes for adults and kids, workshops and themed events and commences with a Barbie Skate special. 

The Flying Dutchman – Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July 

IWF Main Hall

The Flying Dutchman is a haunting political tale exploring the displacement of people and the psychology and realities of living on an island with hardening borders.

Love Island Final Watch Party – date TBA 

IWF Main Hall

Expect interactive rounds, amazing prizes, a DJ spinning the best party tunes, and a very special guest host to be announced soon.

Amorphic presents: The Utopia Strong – Wednesday 26th July

IWF Substation

Featuring world snooker champion Steve Davis and left-field visionary Kavus Torabi.

909 presents Henry Saiz – Saturday 29th July 

Summer Terrace 

909 takes over the Invisible Wind Factory Outdoor Terrace for their legendary summer party with Henry Saiz.

No Play Festival – Saturday 5th August 

IWF Main Hall

A brand-new, alternative music festival with Yonaka, Vukovi, Higher Power, Super love, Lizzy Farrall, Love is Noise and Gen and the Degenerates.

Amorphic presents: The Sun Ra Arkestra – Saturday 12th August

IWF Main Hall 

Legendary avant garde jazz ensemble The Sun Ra Arkestra take centre stage at IWF.

Amorphic presents: Deerhoof – Wednesday 23rd August

IWF Main Hall

Avant noise-pop group Deerhoof return to Liverpool after a decade-long hiatus.

Crep Car Boot – Saturday 26th August 

IWF Main Hall

Find the freshest creps from some of the highest rated vendors in the UK, local street food, sneaker artwork and accessories with non-stop DJs.

909 Terrace Party – Steve Parry and Samuel Lamont – Bank Holiday Sunday 27th August

Summer Terrace 

909 are back on the terrace to see out the long weekend with legend Steve Parry and Samuel Lamont. 

Amorphic presents: Mick Harvey – Sunday 17th September

IWF Substation

Mick Harvey of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party presents material from his new album of duets with Mexican singer Amanda Acevedo at a series of concerts alongside Berlin’s ’Sometimes with Others’ and J.P. Shilo.

Live Nation presents: Crawlers – Saturday 23rd September 

IWF Main Hall

Liverpool rockers Crawlers take over IWF.

Amorphic presents: Rhys Chatham’s G3 – Sunday 24th September

IWF Main Hall

Rhys Chatham is a composer, guitarist, trumpet player and flutist from Manhattan, currently living in Paris, who altered the DNA of rock and created a new type of urban music by fusing the overtone-drenched minimalism of the early 60s with the relentless, elemental fury of the Ramones.

Amorphic presents Salami Rose Joe Louis – Friday 13th October

IWF Main Hall
  Brainfeeder records signee Salami Rose Joe Louis headlines an intimate show at Invisible Wind Factory Substation, bringing her unique blend of Jazz infused hypnagogic pop to the city for the very first time.

Amorphic + Parr Jazz present Get The Blessing – Saturday 21st October
IWF Main Hall

Bristol-based quartet Get The Blessing boasts an international fan-base, having forged a unique sound that defies classification. But they have never lost sight of thumping tunes, infectious beats, nor joyous collective spontaneity.

Invisible Wind Factory 

3 Regent Rd, Liverpool, L3 7DS

https://www.invisiblewindfactory.com 

From myths to mermaids and photography to fairies, National Museums Liverpool (NML) has such an action-packed summer of exhibitions, events, workshops and activities for all ages – they’ve had to open an extra day each week!

Explore ancient Greek and Roman myths in special exhibition Return of the Gods, try your hand at seaside circus skills and marvel at aerial acrobatics in a mesmerising mermaid parade at World Museum; take a joyous journey to the heart of Liverpool through Tom Wood’s photography at Walker Art Gallery or enjoy ethereal illustrations of Flower Fairies at Lady Lever Art Gallery.

Don’t forget your teddy bear for a picnic at Sudley House, get up close with archaeology at Museum of Liverpool (recently shortlisted for a Kids in Museums Family Friendly award), and meet detector dogs at the Maritime Museum.

Summer isn’t just about the kids – NML has plenty of activities for adult visitors to enjoy too, including Beyond the Label talks with curators who reveal more about the incredible collections they take care of, and creative workshops and tours inspired by new exhibitions.

From Monday 24 July to Monday 28 August, National Museums Liverpool venues will also be open on Mondays each week throughout the summer holidays to give visitors even more chance to explore new exhibitions, get involved in art workshops, get creative in craft sessions, hear from the experts in talks and go behind the scenes in tours.

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 visiting lots over the summer and beyond, 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% in museum and gallery cafés, gift shops and NML’s online shop.

Taking place at the iconic BAFTA HQ in the heart of London, the ESI Film Festival will offer a £10,000 cash prize pool provided by non-profit partner ESG Gaming.

Leading global B2B esports and media company Esports Insider (ESI) has announced the first esports & gaming short film festival, taking place as part of their flagship event ESI London on Friday 20th October. The historic venue, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, has been confirmed as the destination for the inaugural film festival, which aims to showcase the positive difference video games and esports can make to people’s lives via the medium of film, and offers a cash prize pool of £10,000 provided by non-profit partner ESG Gaming.

Submissions are open for the ESI Film Festival which calls for filmmakers to shine a spotlight on the talent behind the screens, and illustrate the meaningful difference video games and esports have had in people’s lives. Gaming and esports offers a new form of entertainment, creativity and a platform for expression. The festival’s themes this year are digital inequality, diversity, and mental health. The deadline for entry is Friday 1st September 2023, with the winners announced at the film festival on the evening of Friday 20th October, where the top three placed films will be showcased for the first time.

The advisory board will include Gina Jackson OBE, who has extensive experience helping to solve the talent crisis in the games industry. ESG Gaming are a confirmed non-profit partner for the event. ESG Gaming are committed to working alongside the digital entertainment sectors to ensure the experience is open, inclusive and positive for all consumers and stakeholders. They champion lived-experience, working with people from a variety of backgrounds across the entertainment sectors in order to gain insight for research, product development, and evaluation. A full list of judges, advisory board members and partners will be confirmed at a later date.

The £10,000 prize pool, courtesy of non-profit partner ESG Gaming, is split as follows:

• 1st Place – £5,000

• 2nd Place – £3,000

• 3rd Place – £2,000

Submissions can be made via the ESI entry form here. 

All submissions must have a maximum run time of 20 minutes, and can be any style or film type (e.g. documentary, animation, comedy, action). Submissions can be from individuals, groups (e.g university societies, friends, colleagues), or companies, and all lead participants must be aged 18 or over.

Films will be judged on originality, creativity, plot, pacing, structure, characters, cinematography and entertainment value as well as on effectiveness of the message and the ability of the film maker to reach an audience.

Further submission information and criteria, including submission specs, can be found here.

All those interested in applying for judge, advisory board or partner positions, please fill out this form.

The ESI Film Festival is part of ESI London, the biggest B2B esports event globally that takes place at Wembley’s BOXPARK on October 19th and 20th and will offer two days of deep discussion around esports.

Follow Esports Insider on Twitter for the latest updates or visit https://esportsinsider.com/events/esi-london-2023 to discover the full agenda.

Tickets for the ESI Film Festival are through invitation only. Tickets for ESI London can be purchased here.

After a hugely successful launch event on Thursday evening, Liverpool Art Fair 2023 at the Royal Liver Building is now open to the public!

The event, which is free to attend, is open from 30th June to 20th August, Tuesday to Sunday, 12-6pm. Visitors will be able to view an amazing array of paintings, sculptures and prints on display in this iconic space, by a record 175 local artists, starting at just £20.

Liverpool Art Fair is an annual event, aiming to showcase a wide range of affordable original art by a plethora of local artists; providing a unique insight into the region’s creative talent and the opportunity for everyone, from seasoned collector to first time art buyer, to own their own piece of the Liverpool art world.

The events programme starts this Saturday (1st July) with the first of seven weekly free creative workshops led by our partners Cass Art; this week we have “A Beginners Guide to Portraits”. These sessions are suitable for ages 12 and over and free tickets can be booked via our website.

On Saturday 15th July at 3pm we have our first event for art lovers, people new to buying art or just those wanting to find out a bit more about the art on display. A Beginners Guide to Abstract Art is an informal guided tour by one of our friendly staff, around the non-representational artwork that can be found in Liverpool Art Fair. Free tickets can be booked via our website.

Then on Tuesday 18th July we have the first of our programme of events for artists in partnership with the BIPC (Business and Intellectual Property Centre); Price, Promotion, Protection. This event is designed to give visual artists the tools they need to start or build their professional careers. Hear what support is available across the Liverpool City Region from a range of speakers and gain practical advice and tips on protecting your creative work and intellectual property from specialist solicitor Frances McEntegart. This event has limited availabilty, but free tickets will again be available via our website.

More events will be announced over the summer so keep an eye on the Liverpool Art Fair socials!

Thanks to our media partnership with Open Media, you’ll be able to see Liverpool Art Fair posters featuring artists work popping up on advertising screens across the city; please do share your photos on socials!

Liverpool Art Fair is also sponsored by CBRE, who manage the Royal Liver Building, and Evelyn Partners; we are incredibly grateful for their generous support.

For more information, please visit: liverpoolartfair.com/

Following a successful partnership with the curators Max Gorbatskyi and Viktoria Bavykina developing the HOME programme during Eurovision in Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery is delighted to announce they will be supporting the development of artistic projects for the national pavilion for Ukraine at the 60th Venice Biennale.

Ukraine will be represented by Katya Buchatska, whose project, co-authored with neurodiverse people, addresses the subject of greetings and scrutinises the communication structures; Andrii Dostliev and Lia Dostlieva, who together with Ukrainian displaced people will reflect on the image and perception of refugees; and by Daniil Revkovskiy and Andriy Rachinskiy, whose video-work features numerous amateur videos that recorded the experiences of people in Ukraine before and during the full-scale russian invasion. The pavilion architect is Oleksandr Burlaka, project coordinator is Olena Kasperovych, and designer is Misha Buksha.

Andriy Rachinskiy, Oleksandr Burlaka, Andrii Dostliev and Lia Dostlieva were all exhibited in Open Eye Gallery and other venues across the Liverpool City Region during the HOME programme.

The 60th Venice Biennale is set to run from 20 April – 24 November 2024 and will be curated by Adriano Pedrosa. The title of the Biennale is ‘Foreigners Everywhere’, and it will spotlight artists from diverse backgrounds, especially those who belong to groups that have historically been marginalised. The countries are now announcing the curators and the artists for the national pavilions.