Event type: Performance

Jade Helliwell

Jade Helliwell takes to the stage for a one time special show at the Music Room. The show promises to bring together Jade’s two loves, music & comedy storytelling.

After calls from fans of Jade’s music and live shows for her to incorporate comedy into her live show, Jade decided to take the chance and put on the special. After the debut of her ‘Victoria Wood esque’ song ‘Hot Tub Song’ on the Girls Night In The Round Tour in 2023, Jade has been busy writing material for a show just like this.

The audience can expect an acoustic performance of all the fan favourites, followed by an ‘all new’ set of story telling and comedy songs. Influenced by the likes of Victoria Wood & Fascinating Ada. The show is set to be a rollercoaster of emotions and something not to be missed.

‘Your Song’ – a Celebration of the Songs of Sir Elton John & Billy Joel

Singer-songwriter John Reilly and pianist/composer Lewis Nitikman are delighted to be returning to the Music Room at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, this time to perform ‘Your Song – a Celebration of the Songs of Elton John and Billy Joel.

‘Your Song’ has been wowing audiences throughout the country. This concert is NOT one of the usual tributes, it’s 100% live music, a faithful interpretation of the music of Sir Elton John and Billy Joel. John Reilly has an amazing vocal range and Lewis Nitikman is a superb pianist and also plays bass keyboards and sings backing vocals. So, no dressing up, no miming and no backing tracks, just two consummate professionals celebrating amazing, timeless songs, performed from the heart with passion and musical excellence.

‘Your Song’ has performed at Alexander’s Chester, Kirkgate Arts Centre Cockermouth, The Goods Shed, Tetbury, Chapel Arts Centre Bath, Pizza Express The Pheasantry Chelsea, Alnwick Playhouse,  Masham Town Hall and most recently at Hampton Hub Club, Middlesex and the iconic Crazy Coqs in Soho, all ending with standing ovations as the guys celebrate these fabulous songs in their own unique style. They are playing Acapela Studios, Cardiff, for the third time, to a sell-out audience.

FARA

In celebration of their tenth anniversary, Orkney-born folk quartet FARA embark on a whistle-stop tour, returning to some of their favourite venues and towns from a decade of touring. Presenting an evening of highlights from their three critically acclaimed albums, FARA’s fiery fiddles, foot-stomping piano, and enchanting three-part vocal harmony will take you on a joyful journey through their time performing at the forefront of Scotland’s folk music scene.

An Evening with Rachel Sermanni

Step into a night of raw beauty, vivid storytelling and spellbinding songcraft as Scottish indie-folk artist Rachel Sermanni shares songs from her latest album Dreamer Awake. With poetic candour and emotional depth, her music explores themes of womanhood, motherhood and the quiet surrealism of everyday life. From the lingering weight of dreams to moments of stillness and reflection, her performance promises to be both tender and transformative.

Opening the evening is Norwegian-born, Liverpool-based Sara Wolff, whose analogue-infused psych-folk has drawn comparisons to Cate Le Bon and Jenny Hval. Her immersive live set blends field recordings, cassette loops and ambient textures, offering a rich and imaginative listening experience.

Together, these two distinctive artists invite you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in an evening of luminous, emotionally resonant music.

Inhaler

Dublin’s rising rock sensation Inhaler are heading to Liverpool for their biggest UK headline show to date at the M&S Bank Arena this October.

Fresh off a string of acclaimed performances and festival appearances, Inhaler — Eli Hewson, Robert Keating, Ryan McMahon, and Josh Jenkinson — are set to take the stage for an unmissable night of music that marks a major milestone in the band’s explosive rise.

Joining them on the night are The Snuts, along with a very special reunion performance by Liverpool legends The Bandits, who will perform live for the first time since 2004.

This is more than a gig — it’s a celebration of one of Ireland’s most exciting new bands and a must-see moment in Liverpool’s music calendar.

U14s accommodated by an adult / standing 14+

STILL HERE

What happens when you have the feeling that you are disappearing?

Rhys wants to be a boxer while his father wants to learn Welsh. Yasmin is living with her nan while her mother wants to be looking over the plains of Uganda. The children can’t speak to their parents, and the parents don’t understand how their children are feeling.

In Mari Lloyd’s moving and sharply funny play, we see the world through the eyes of two sparring 18-year-olds in a small Welsh ex-mining town as they try to comprehend the actions of their parents and begin to realise they have bigger things to fight for.

Following widespread acclaim since its 2023 London premiere, STILL HERE returned in 2025 with its original, award-nominated cast for a celebrated South Wales tour. Now, this powerful piece of new writing—hailed as “a heartfelt triumph”—comes to The Hope Street Theatre and the playwright’s home base of Merseyside for the first time. 

With Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler

Directed by Julia Stubbs

“This is an endearing, enjoyable script performed by two wonderful actors with a long future ahead of them. Whether you’re a young adult finding your place in the world, or of an older generation struggling to keep up with life’s many changes – this show works for all.” THE REVIEWS HUB

“Director Julia Stubbs skilfully takes Lloyd’s smart script and interweaves the stories of the two damaged teenagers seamlessly… Warm and funny, with two excellent performances, Still Here is hugely enjoyable” ★★★★ FAIRY POWERED PRODUCTIONS

“Writer Mari Lloyd’s words take centre stage, delivered by two assured, talented young performers… Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler’s performances are moving and true” BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

“A brilliant cast… Jones gives a powerhouse performance as Rhys… Kaler offers a sharp, stylish and nuanced performance” ★★★★ BUZZ MAGAZINE

“Still Here is not just a play—it’s an experience that lingers in the heart long after you leave the theatre.” THE EDIT

Content information: suitable for 14+; strong language throughout; reference to self-harm; reference to attempted suicide | Running time: 70 minutes with no interval. 

 

 

 

 

Double feature: The Irish Countess and Call Yourself an Irishman

The Irish Countess (75mins) brings to life the extraordinary story of Countess Constance Markievicz. Born into Anglo-Irish privilege, she rejected her comfortable lifestyle and made a defining choice to stand alongside Ireland’s revolutionary movement. From the Gaelic Revival through the Easter Rising and the battle for Irish independence, this play presents a reflection on her courage and conviction. 

The theme of identity continues in Declan Duffy’s thoughtful and moving presentation: Call Yourself an Irishman (90mins), which follows. Using humour, reflection and song Declan explores what it means to be Irish through the lens of second- and third-generation voices. He’ll consider the history of Irish migration to Britain — including the huge contribution of Irish people to Liverpool and Manchester — alongside the difficulties encountered by the people who made that journey. In doing so, he’ll share how all of this has influenced us, their descendants, in our consideration of who and what we are. 

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Did I Ever Tell Ya

Join award-winning Irish playwright and actor David Gilna for an unforgettable evening of storytelling as he delves into the laughter and heartbreak that shape our lives. Through themes of grief, nostalgia, and the enduring power of humour, David asks the ultimate question: why do we tell the stories we do? A deeply moving and wildly entertaining night that will leave you laughing, crying, and craving more.

So why do we tell stories? Why does David I tell stories? Maybe it’s to make sense of the madness we call planet earth. Maybe it’s to hold on to the people we’ve lost. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because stories are the only thing that last. The only thing that matters. Because we’re all in this mad, beautiful mess together.

After a string of sold-out shows at The Viking Theatre and The Civic Theatre, David’s thrilled to be bringing his new play to Liverpool’s Royal Court as part of #LIF2025 following his 2023 performance of Bolt From D’Blue. 

Written by award-winning Irish playwright David Gilna and directed by Frank Allen. 

“Some stories heal, some stories haunt, and some fill the room with laughter—this one does it all”, The Viking Theatre.

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Welcome Home/Fáilte Abhaile

Irish people have made homes all over the world and Liverpool is no exception, being known as East Dublin, East Belfast and the 33rd county! Taking this year’s theme of ‘arrivals’, the George Ferguson Irish Dance School and Merseyside’s Melody Makers have collaborated to produce a welcoming programme, celebrating what it is to arrive. Whether home is new or old, arriving there can be full of anticipation, expectation and nostalgia. We’ll also welcome new guests to the stage.

This engaging two-hour programme features over 50 musicians and dancers from across Merseyside. The performance takes place in one of Liverpool’s most emerald spaces: the ever-magnificent Sefton Park Palm House.

Liverpool Irish Festival is proud to present this thematic collaboration, building an ongoing series of bespoke programmes, and becoming a firm fixture of the Festival. Grab your tickets whilst you can. 

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Stories of the Ramayana | INDIKA FESTIVAL

2:00pm

STORIES FROM THE RAMAYANA
Performed by Upahaar Dance Company (London)

Graceful, expressive, and full of storytelling magic — this vibrant performance brings to life stories from the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the return of light over darkness. Closely tied to the festival of Diwali, the Ramayana explores themes of love, duty, courage, and the power of hope — universal ideas that continue to resonate today.

Performed in the classical South Indian dance style of Mohiniattam, dancers from Upahaar weave together movement, music, and vivid expression in a show perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.

Two workshops follow the performance:

Family Workshop (3:00–3:30pm) – FREE TO JOIN!
Join us immediately after the performance for a free, hands-on session for children and families to try out Mohiniattam dance together. No separate booking required — just stay on after the show and join in!

 
Mohiniattam Workshop for Dancers (4:30–6:00pm)
A unique opportunity for experienced dancers of any background to explore the graceful movements and expressive language of Mohiniattam in more depth.

Booking required for this workshop: https://www.acc360.co.uk/unitytheatreliverpool-1602579988-moving-with-grace-a-mohiniattam-workshop-for-dancers.html

 

This event is part of INDIKA, a festival of Indian arts and culture taking place across the Liverpool City Region from October 17th – 31st 2025.