Event type: Performance

 

What began in 1995 as a ground-breaking union of musicians and instruments, has continued as a unique musical offering through one live album, four studio albums and countless outstanding performances. A new recording is due for release in early 2025. After 30 years Flook show no sign of letting-up in their brilliance, their dynamism, or their inventive flair. 

The band early on evolved an inimitable trademark sound and hold fast to their rightful reputation as exceptional musical innovators; the whistles and flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weaving and spinning tunes rooted in tradition over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. 

There is an ever present abundance of individual virtuosity amongst Flook’s four members, but there is also something wholly unique when this iconic Anglo-Irish band step on stage together, their playing always an intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, whistles, frets and skins. An evening and a celebration you don’t want to miss out on.

 

The musical partnership between the world-renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and brilliant Californian cellist Natalie Haas spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 20 years, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music –and continue to thrill audiences at festivals and concert tours internationally with their virtuosic playing, a near-telepathic understanding and the joyful spontaneity and sheer physical presence of their music.

A 2011 inductee into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, Fraser has a career spanning over 30 years, with a long list of awards, accolades, radio and television credits, and feature performances on movie soundtracks. Haas, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, is one of the most sought-after cellists in traditional music today, and has performed and recorded with a who’s who of the fiddle world. Together, the duo blend a profound understanding of Scottish tradition with cutting-edge string explorations, and, in addition to performing, they both have motivated generations of string players through their teaching at fiddle camps across the globe.

After the resounding success of Tapestry: A Tribute To Carole King, Visions of Albion return to the Music Room on Saturday 7 June  ready to embark on another musical journey through the ages. This time, the spotlight shines on Neil Young’s seminal 1970 masterpiece After The Gold Rush. 

Led by the captivating vocals of Samantha Shields and supported by harmonies that envelop the audience, Visions of Albion brings Young’s masterpiece to life. With Daniel Ryan’s soulful guitar work, Helen Maw’s enchanting piano melodies, the rhythmic foundation laid by Chris Jones on bass, and the dynamic beats of Pete Roper on drums, the stage is set for an unforgettable evening.            

From the raw emotion of ‘Tell Me Why’ to the haunting beauty of ‘Birds’ and the socially charged anthem ‘Southern Man’, experience the full spectrum of Young’s musical genius in a setting that is both intimate and electrifying.            

With two spellbinding performances to choose from, join Visions of Albion as they pay homage to Neil Young’s unparalleled artistry, weaving a tapestry of sound that captures the essence of a bygone era while resonating with timeless relevance and power.        

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Young’s music, this is an experience not to be missed—a night of transcendent beauty, unforgettable melodies, and the timeless allure of After The Gold Rush.

 

Andy McKee, a renowned acoustic guitarist, is set to release his six-track EP “Symbol” on September 17. The EP features McKee’s interpretations of influential tunes that have inspired him, showcasing his ability to branch out and include music not originally for acoustic guitar.

Symbol includes renditions of songs by artists such as Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, Billy McLaughlin, and Prince. McKee’s unique approach to the guitar, including altered tunings, tapping, and percussive hits, has garnered him millions of YouTube viewers and established him as a prominent figure in the music industry. His upcoming EP is a testament to his musical prowess and the impact of influential artists on his own work.

 

Ha! Bumbug!

It’s that time again when the Royal Court searches “Christmas shows” on Google and picks one to scousify! This year we’re improving on the great Charles Dickens, who always wanted his shows to have more stupid jokes and live music.

As always, this is a show for grownups only so pack the kids off to their nan’s for the night and come and join us for a laugh!

Jacob Marley is dead and nobody knows who bumped him off. Mary Marley, his missus, is going to track down the killer and she’s got one man in her sights. Scrooge. But how can she make him cough to the crime? 

Ebeneezer is a geezer who always quite fancied Mary, but now she’s ghosting him with the help of the Scratchitt family and Mr Kettiwig. Will he learn his lesson? Will Marley be avenged by three little birds? Will Charlie Dicko spin so fast in his grave that a sinkhole opens up? Only one way to find out…

The creative team from last year’s Christmas show are on board and the cast and bandare rushing to the Court to sign their contracts. This one is going to be full of all of the jokes and incredible live music that you have come to expect from the city’s biggest Chrimbo celebration.

Keep your past and future, this show is the best Christmas present you could wish for!

It’s the hottest ticket in town, so book now!

Age advisory 16+ strong language throughout. Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed into the auditorium. 

 Performance Information 

Stalls tickets are available with a meal (served at your table before the show) for an extra £14 for one course or £20 for two courses. Click here to see our menu. 

If you are eating with us please arrive at least an hour before the performance. 

Tickets are available for the show alone in stalls, circle and balcony. 

BSL performances are on Tuesday 25 November & Tuesday 6 January (interpreter Karl Llorca). Audio Described performance is on Thursday 27 November (describer Anne Hornsby). To book please contact Box Office on 0151 709 4321 or email lauren@royalcourtliverpool.com. 

Captioning will be available for performances from 14-17 January. Please contact Box Office for more details. 

Circle and balcony will open at 6.45pm. There are bars in both areas for pre-show and interval drinks. Stalls will be open from 5.45pm. 

If you are bringing a large group, every tenth ticket is free. This ticket will be automatically added to your basket on purchase. Meals and building levy must still be paid on your free ticket. 

NO BOOKING FEES ON THIS SHOW 

 Please note – the bar will close 15 minutes before the advertised start time.

£2 from every ticket bought will be donated to The Royal Court Liverpool Trust. For more details go to www.royalcourttrust.org 

Please contact Box Office to book if you are a wheelchair user.

The D.A.M. Trio—Dennis Davis, Carlos Alomar, and George Murray—played a crucial role in shaping David Bowie’s most experimental works. Alomar, a teenage guitar prodigy, began performing at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, collaborating with legends like Chuck Berry and James Brown. His life changed in 1974 when he met Bowie, leading to co-writing the hit “Fame” alongside John Lennon and establishing a creative partnership that spanned from ‘Young Americans’ to the ‘Berlin Trilogy’ and even 2003’s ‘Reality’.

Jen Brister is Reactive – or so she’s been told. Apparently you don’t have to respond to every little thing around you. Finding herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general, Brister has been told she needs to chill the hell out. Can Jen find her zen? It seems unlikely to be honest…

Jen is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian and writer, as seen on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, QI and Mock The Week. Following a sold out 2022 tour, Jen is back on the road with her highly anticipated new show.

With their mix of Afro-Cuban style, pop, traditional griot music, and lilting, mellifluous rhythms, Orchestra Baobab get audiences dancing along to their classic tunes around the world.

Orchestra Baobab’s story began in the 1960s. In a fashionable club built around a baobab tree, the band developed a distinctive take on a raft of styles, and set the tempo for a new era of Senegalese and African music! Classic albums followed, and now they celebrate decades of incredible music.

Atcha Lene – let’s go!

Following an overwhelming response to the rescheduled ‘ANTMUSIC 2025’ tour, Adam Ant has announced an extra Liverpool date, to meet incredible demand.

Celebrated for hits like Stand and Deliver, Goody Two Shoes, Dog Eat Dog, and Antmusic, Adam Ant will take audiences on a journey through his illustrious career, performing chart-topping classics and fan favourites. A pioneer of the post-punk era, his career spans over four decades with more than 22 hit singles and multiple acclaimed albums. His dynamic stage presence and eclectic sound have cemented his status as one of Britain’s most beloved performers, earning him the BRIT Award, Q ICON Award, and two Ivor Novello Awards, among other accolades.

Inspired by the beloved children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, there’s fun for all the family as we head off on an epic adventure. From the exciting, to the scary, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra serve as your guide on this musical journey, as we discover iconic pieces by Grieg and Mussorgsky, an enchanting original work by Ian Stephens, and Debbie Wiseman’s musical portrait of a polar bear from her Carnival of the Endangered Animals.

Family concerts are most suitable for children aged 5-10 years.

Ian Stephens We’re Going on a Bear HuntGrieg In The Hall of the Mountain King from Peer GyntMussorgsky Great Gate of KievDebbie Wiseman Polar Bear from Carnival of the Endangered AnimalsJessie Montgomery Starburst

Ellie Slorach conductorLucy Drever presenterJames Mayhew live illustrationKate Labno BSL Interpreter

Tickets for children under 18 months are free, but must be booked in advance.

BSL interpretation provided at this performance – call 0151 709 3789 or email ticketing@liverpoolphil.com to book suitable seats.