Event type: Performance

WoWFEST 2026: Joelle Taylor: Maryville

Joelle Taylor brings a staged reading of her new poetry collection to WOWFest; a searing, poetic excavation of 50 years of lesbian counterculture.

Following-on from her TS Eliot Prize-winning poetry collection C+nto & Othered Poems, Joelle Taylor’s Maryville charts the lives of four butch lesbians through five decades of underground queer history; tracing the culture, clubs and resistance that shaped their world.

With a vividly sketched cast of characters, the Maryville butch bar becomes a lens through which to consider the underground histories of queer London. The violence and pain of oppression and the beauty and intimacy of community are rendered in awe-inspiring high definition.

The performance is directed by acclaimed writer and director Neil Bartlett, with visuals from artist and filmmaker Sweatmother. Maryville explores the scars, hopes and potentialities of dyke identity and the queer underground.

Joelle Taylor is a queer, working class author of six plays, a novel, and four collections of poetry. Her most recent, C+NTO & Othered Poems won the 2021 TS Eliot Prize, the 2022 Polari Book Prize for LGBT authors, and is currently being adapted for the theatre. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the host and co- curator of Out-Spoken, the UK’s premier poetry and music club, currently resident at the Southbank Centre.

Neil Bartlett’s recent stage work includes Orlando in the West End with Emma Corrin and a live version of Derek Jarman’s film Blue at the Tate Gallery, with Russell Tovey, Travis Alabanza and Joelle Taylor. His most recent novel was the Polari Prize-nominated Address Book.

Sweatmother is an artist and filmmaker based in London, whose moving image work blends performance, self-recorded documentation, internet and archival materials to explore and make visible queer lived experiences.

Joelle Taylor: a staged performance of her new collection MaryvilleDate: Thursday 14th  MayTime: 8pmVenue: The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP

Piano Concert with Duncan Honeybourne

Duncan Honeybourne, internationally acclaimed concert pianist gives an evening concert of Schumann, Bax, Pott & Chopin, with an interval for refreshments. All ages welcome – tickets are £10 on the door.

 

 

Bowie Experience

 

A must see for all Bowie fans, the latest production features all the hits from A to Ziggy.

Bowie Experience continues to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail, bringing the golden years of David Bowie to the stage. So, put on your red shoes and Let’s Dance!

 

An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight

 

A spellbinding live concert celebrating the music from cinema’s most whimsical and eerie masterpieces – from Tim Burton’s gothic fantasy films to cult classics of the dark and magical.

75 minutes of spine-tingling, heartwarming, and otherworldly music, performed live by an 18-piece chamber orchestra of first-class, classically trained musicians and evocative live vocals, and featuring unforgettable themes from:

• The Nightmare Before Christmas

• Edward Scissorhands

• Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

• Corpse Bride

• Alice in Wonderland

• Batman

• Beetlejuice

• Sleepy Hollow

• Labyrinth

• Wednesday

• The Addams Family

From the creators of The Best of Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated – Customer Reviewed: 4.7 / 5.

This brand-new orchestral journey dives into the magic, mischief, and melancholy of dark fantasy cinema.

Please note: The performance contains strobe lighting

Disclaimer: The Illuminated Orchestra and its events are not affiliated with the films and composers listed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

The Easy Rollers

In 2026, The Easy Rollers celebrate their 10th anniversary, embarking on their most high-profile UK tour yet.

Whether in their widely acclaimed, lingo-slinging, all-singing-and-dancing cabaret show or delighting festival audiences with their enormous repertoire and own song-writing, The Easy Rollers are a septet who embody the famed spirit and consummate virtuosity of today’s booming British jazz scene and bring it straight back to the music’s roots in 1920s and ’30s Harlem, Kansas City and New Orleans.

Fronted by the captivating Dani Sicari, whose time-machine of a voice is evocative of early greats like Helen Kane and Ruth Etting, The Easy Rollers have long established a reputation for delivering performances that channel the in-the-moment dynamism of the Jazz Age at the height of its cultural grandeur. Arising from their love of the tradition, they take pride in marrying a conscientious approach to authenticity with their mission of ensuring that this effervescent era of jazz is never presented merely as a nostalgic museum piece.

The band cut their teeth performing stages including Manchester Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Lake District Summer Music Festival, Buxton International Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, Marsden Jazz Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the band’s formative years. The Easy Rollers’ latest UK tour encompassed RNCM Concert Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, Cedars Hall, Clonter Theatre, and jazz clubs Peggy’s Skylight and Toulouse Lautrec.

Take Flight

 

Take Flight is a stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups. The story follows a musical mother bird as their baby hatches, grows and explores, navigating the challenges of hunger, sleep and play. Culminating in a beautiful aerial moment, the mother bird supports her baby to leave the nest & take flight.

This multi-sensory, interactive show ignites the imagination and curiosity of babies who are then invited into the space with the performers to explore the baby safe set and props, including having a swing in the silks.

We worked with development psychologist Dr Valentina Sclafani from Lincoln University to ensure the content is positive for babies in terms of neurological & motor skills development & encourages a strong bond between babies and their grown ups.

“Our 10 month old was just mesmerized and her attention was held the whole way through (which is a miracle in itself)”

 

Brass Monkees

Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Brass Monkees – the high-energy band that blends Soul and R&B into a high-octane, feel-good experience!

This dynamic group features a sizzling 3-piece brass section, electrifying lead vocals, and a tight rhythm section that brings you everything from smooth grooves to soulful ballads.

Brass Monkees take you on a musical journey through legendary hits from icons like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Curtis Mayfield, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Jocelyn Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and so many more! With years of experience in the music industry, this talented group knows how to bring the heat, creating an atmosphere full of infectious enthusiasm and unbeatable chemistry.

Prepare to groove, laugh, and lose yourself in the rhythm with Brass Monkees.

Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life

After a successful, extended tour of 2022’s Stretch and Think, Justin Moorhouse is back on the road with brand-new show The Greatest Performance of My Life.

Join Justin as he discusses everything from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising his Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saved him from a life of continually being beaten up. It’s funny and interesting, and perhaps a little bit heart-warming, too.

Women Aren’t Funny (Cockpit)

Get ready for a glorious night of standup comedy in our Cockpit that’s here to prove one undeniable truth: women are in fact hilarious.   

Featuring a stellar lineup of the funniest female and non-binary comedians from across the North West and beyond.  

COMPERE: Kay Nicholson

Kay Nicholson is an incredibly dynamic and witty comedian making waves on the UK comedy circuit. Known for her sharp observational humour and down-to-earth style, Kay delivers performances that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Her relatable storytelling, coupled with her infectious energy, makes her a favourite at clubs and festivals alike.

Kay’s natural stage presence and quick wit have earned her spots at some of the country’s most prestigious comedy venues, including regular appearances at Hot Water Comedy Club. A rising star with a fresh perspective, Kay Nicholson continues to charm and entertain with her unique comedic voice. She is currently starring in the UK tour of Andrea Dunbar’s hit comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too.

“One of the best new acts I’ve ever seen” – Jamie Hutchinson

“The up & coming queen of scouse comedy” – Skiddle

OPEN: Katie Tracey

Kate Tracey is a rising star in the UK comedy scene, known for her sharp wit and engaging stage presence. She made her stand-up debut over a decade ago at Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool, one of the biggest comedy venues in the country, and has since evolved into a seasoned performer, now headlining shows at the very place where her journey began. Kate’s comedy is a clever blend of relatable anecdotes and bold humour, delivered with a natural confidence that keeps audiences hooked. Her growth from a first-time performer to a headline act is a testament to her talent, making her a must-see comedian on the circuit.   

MIDDLE: Anna Thomas

Winner of the BBC New Comedian of the Year, 2021 Nominated for the Sean Lock Award on Channel 4, 2023

“She has the appealing air of not quite being of this world. But whatever planet she’s from, they know funny” – Chortle

Anna Thomas is an award-winning comedian, originally hailing from Carmarthenshire, South Wales.

She wrote and starred in ‘Lady Bigfoot’, a short film that premiered on BBC One Wales, and is available on the BBC iPlayer.  

As heard and seen on ‘What Just Happened’ on BBC Radio Wales and BBC One Wales, ‘The Machynlleth Comedy Festival Showcase’ on BBC Radio Wales and BBC 4Xtra.

“Welsh starlet, Anna is the breakthrough act of the moment and highly touted for a successful career in comedy. Comparisons with fellow Welsh comic, Rhod Gilbert don’t end with their accents; Anna’s delightfully grumpy and gruff delivery leaves audiences belly laughing”– Punch Drunk Comedy

“A dotty oddball with a giddy energy… tumble of daft ideas that sweeps everyone up with her daffy charm” – Chortle

“Anna Thomas is a Welsh delight on stage” – Skiddle 

HEADLINER: Rachel Fairburn

Now based in London, and star of Live at the Apollo and Comedy Central Live, Rachel has been described by Rolling Stone as ‘very much the Rock ‘n’ Roll star of British comedy’. She has been a finalist of several prestigious competitions including Funny Women, City Life Comedian of the Year, the NATYS and English Comedian of the Year.

Rachel has been a staple of the Edinburgh Fringe since 2014, with 6 critically acclaimed solo shows under her belt and featured in the ‘40 jokes of the fringe’ by the Daily Telegraph in 2018 and ‘Best Jokes from Edinburgh Fringe 2022’ in The Times. She also featured on Chortle’s ‘One to Watch’ list in 2020 and picked up the 2019 online content award from Joe.co.uk.

She has appeared on BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy and BBC’s Funny Festival Live. Her TV credit’s include Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Russell Howard Hour Life Lessons.

Rachel is also a popular podcaster, co-hosting and co-writing the worldwide smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla. With a huge international following of over a quarter of a million listeners and growing, she has taken the podcast on several sell-out UK tours and a tour of the USA. She also features in Global Original’s Ghoul Guide with Rachel Fairburn and Glad Rags with Paul McCaffrey & Rachel Fairburn.

Stealing Sheep

Liverpool’s Stealing Sheep team up with She Drew the Gun, Meduulla, Ellaments (Big Joanie) and more to unleash GLO: Girl Life Online: an arthouse touring show diving into the virtual subconscious of culture through a girlhood lens. Questioning how reality is shaped by the internet and how girlhood is formed under its influence, the project explores dopamine living, distraction, obey-culture vs IRL experience, and nostalgia for free-party freedom.

Working as multi-instrumentalists with analog synths, Stealing Sheep deliver a high-energy live experience for fans of Talking Heads and Confidence Man. Styled with costume designer Ellie Coolegreen, the show channels cosmic fighter-girl chic, inflatable humour, oversized silhouettes and frazzled, capitalist playboy Gen-Z couture. Guerrilla girls energy for the algorithm age: chaotic, conscious, fun club energy.