Event type: Comedy

7:30pm

See new work created by Liverpool-based artists from the African Diaspora:
Ithalia Johnson
Ithalia Johnson presents The Untold Stories of a Carnival Queen, A Celebration of Female Identity, Community & Empowerment.
Premiering at Leap Dance Festival, The Untold Stories of a Carnival Queen is a semi-biographical multidisciplinary performance by Ithalia Johnson and the Dancing Queens. Rooted in community engagement, the show explores female empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery through African dance, music, and storytelling.

Drawing from historical narratives and lived experiences of diverse Black women, the performance highlights themes of discrimination, sexual exploitation, neurodiversity, and reclaiming space. It celebrates Yoruba deities and the rich traditions of carnival as an act of resistance and joy. Supported by Arts Council England, rehearsals take place at Toxteth TV Studios.

Ithalia has collaborated with a distinguished team of artists, including movement directors, choreographers, researchers, and vocal coaches, to bring these powerful stories to life: Tamara Josephine, Professor Emily Zobel Marshall, Ophelia Omoyele Balogun, Shea Best, Whispered Tales (Esther Simpson & Steve Gibbs), Jennifer John and Rhian Kempadoo Millar.
Afro Dance Academy
A performance sharing African culture through movement, showcasing the richness and diversity of Afro dance styles, including Afro House, Afrodance, and Amapiano.
Ruvimbo Bliss Munodawafa
Musikana Webasa (House Girl) is a performance examining the role and treatment of young female domestic workers in Zimbabwe, using contemporary dance theatre to highlight issues of disparity, depression, loneliness, abuse, the traditional gaze, aims, hope, ambitions and dreams.

New works by Afrodance and Ruvimbo Bliss Munodawafa have been commissioned by Culture Liverpool, funded by UKSPF, for Leap Dance Festival.

Part of Leap Dance Festival 2025; Liverpool City Region’s leading dance event, showcasing the work of local artists, community groups and young people.

7.30pm
 

All Things Considered Theatre’s Be.Spoke programme offers women a creative space to play, bounce and explore their creative performances. All of the work is original material and based on lived experience. This work is funded by The Arts Council England.

 

Performers:

Winnie Southgate

Alison Downs

Mollie MacPherson

Maddie Butera

Lucy Fiori and Eliane Collins

Julie McKiernan

7.30pm
 

For eight years ‘The LoD’ ran the best (and only) alternative comedy night in Liverpool; an underground fight club of a sketch show full of deadpan darkness, inappropriate twists and unlikely punchlines… They were even finalists of Sketch Comedian of the year… but they didn’t win.

 

Driven mad by the shame of being beaten by comedians from London… they left our

Planet… now they return – for revenge!

 

And for an imaginatively unhinged theatrical sketch show…but mostly for revenge!

 

With new members, The LoD are honoured to perform their ‘Best of’… at the iconic institution, The Blob Shop… Unity Theatre.

 

Featuring the Combined BMI of…

Disgraced netball coach: Rob Rhys Bond

Original series Klingon: Oli Bond

Alien fingered Bard: Danny Bradley

Affordable Mr Bean and educator: Liam Hale

Texting on the toilet’s: Lee Hithersay

Muppet felt Frankenstein: Alice Rowbottom

 

It’ll surprise you… it’ll confuse you… it’ll be… very very funny. So just come.

‘Way Marker’ from Weeping Bank ‘a masterclass in the art of the modern ghost story’ – Brontë Schiltz, writer/journalist Judith Holden had a ritual.

Each New Year she would embark on a solitary walk, a chance to lose herself in the landscape. No GPS signal to guide her, just her natural sense of direction and a trusted Ordnance Survey map should that let her down. This single day was sacred to her. A chance to be alone in her own thoughts and to work through her troubles and plan for the months ahead. A perfect day. But even perfect days can go wrong. Terrifyingly wrong.

‘Way Marker’ is a folk horror tale of isolation and dark secrets brought to you by The Librarian of Weeping Bank. Warning – The Librarian’s readings contain moments of heightened tension. The reading is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15 or of a nervous disposition.    

To learn more about The Librarian, his dark tales and the village of Weeping Bank, head over to www.weepingbank.com

3.40pm
 

Taxi tales … a night on the town
Taxi tales is inspired by Raymond Carvers short stories which subsequently became the award-winning film ‘Short Cuts’ directed by Robert Altman. Carver was a master storyteller in expressing a lot with a little, Carver’s signature style: understated yet impactful portrayals of the struggles and frustrations of everyday life.
The taxi driver, a witness to countless dramas, has seen it all unfold either in the backseat of their cab. Therapist, confidant – passengers bare their souls under the flickering city lights. The subsequent journey throws up recurring themes resulting in a rich human comedy – a mosaic of life’s absurdities, built piece by piece across one night.

1.30pm
 

A SPECIAL DOUBLE BILL

 

Cafe Amour

by Neil+1

Technology has made our access to the dating world easier. Swipe right for love, swipe left for your next potential marriage. But what would happen when our first date becomes the most influential moment in our lives? Join us in the Cafe of Love as Neil and a random audience member search for answers to the many mysteries of the heart!

Will you swipe right for me?
“What was really spectacular is how Neil Curran made a non-improviser off the street, the star. For a truly unique experience, I highly recommend this show”
 – Will Luera, Florida Studio Theatre
“Really recommend seeing @ImprovNeil. His show #NeilPlusOne is hilarious!”
 – Nathan O’Reilly, Spin1038
“Neil and his guest were superb”
 – Dave Madden, DublinCulture.ie
 

Godse Jansen

Improv Theatre Like You’ve Never Seen Before – and hopeful never will see again! 

The infamous Danish improvisation theatre group Det Hvide Snit (known internationally as The NoNoBut) is back on stage with their brand-new show, “Godse and Jansen”. Kim von Bülow and Bo Vilstrup, two of Denmark’s most seasoned improv actors, present a performance that challenges both the audience and themselves – with a mix of chaos, humor, and an unpredictable journey to… well, who knows where? 

Founded in 1986, Det Hvide Snit is possibly the world’s oldest active improvisation theatre group (?). They’ve gained a reputation for their boundary-pushing performances, especially their iconic show, “The Yellow Line”, where anything can happen, and nothing is off-limits. With “Godse and Jansen”, they take a new approach but with the same wild and humorous spirit that has made them kind of famous in Denmark.

Welcome to “Godse and Jansen” – where nothing is planned, and everything is possible. Bon appétit!

12.30pm
 

In Jungle of Emotions, young audiences will explore a world where animals get a voice, each with their own unique feelings and personalities. Through playful, on-the-spot storytelling, children will discover how we handle emotions like excitement, nervousness, and happiness. With laughter and surprise around every corner, this heartwarming show helps children understand and express their own emotions in a light and joyful way.

Full of imagination and creativity, Jungle of Emotion is perfect for young minds eager to learn and have fun. Kids will get to participate, shout out ideas, and even help shape the story as it unfolds! Bring your little ones for an uplifting, educational experience they won’t forget.

8.30pm
 

Taxi tales … a night on the town
Taxi tales is inspired by Raymond Carvers short stories which subsequently became the award-winning film ‘Short Cuts’ directed by Robert Altman. Carver was a master storyteller in expressing a lot with a little, Carver’s signature style: understated yet impactful portrayals of the struggles and frustrations of everyday life.
The taxi driver, a witness to countless dramas, has seen it all unfold either in the backseat of their cab. Therapist, confidant – passengers bare their souls under the flickering city lights. The subsequent journey throws up recurring themes resulting in a rich human comedy – a mosaic of life’s absurdities, built piece by piece across one night.

2.40pm
 

The 1960s, a time of antiwar protests, countercultural movements, and the “generation gap.” ImprompTwo returns to its roots with their deep dive into the gritty, American gothic style of improvised theatre. Set in the midwest, where hard work is futile and dreams have gone by the wayside, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN delves into what keeps people going when everything is changing and nowhere feels right. Inspired by the great American playwrights, they will create a beautiful, improvised play filled with stunning silences, passion, and pathos.

8:00pm
Unity 1
Liver Bards ‘Unified’ brings some of the many brilliant poets and bards from Ma Boyle’s basement to the Unity Theatre. Liver Bards is a time and place for poets and those that like to be around them to get together and share their truths and listen to others speak theirs.

There is always a need to gather in person to experience poetry and share our humanity. Why not explore Liver Bards and the many other rich and varied poetic events and opportunities? You will more than likely find places, spaces and faces where you are welcomed.

Keep poeteering! Keep barding!

 

Thank you to the hundreds of individual Liver Bards – audience and performers alike – who make the best nest and help our fantastic flock to fly.

Many thanks to Iain Hoskins and the Ma Boyle’s team for making us welcome over the years.