There’s rhythm in the air, and it’s not just confined to Roberto Sierra’s toe-tapping Fandangos.
It’s the driving force behind the nostalgic melodies of Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances – the sound of a Russian composer stranded in Centerport, New York, and amid the freeways and palm trees of 1940s California. In between, Pablo Ferrández summons up the quiet power and deep poetry of Elgar’s hugely popular Cello Concerto. “A star in the making” says one critic: we say he’s already up there!
Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character.
It’s time to rise again!
Come together for an unforgettable night of music and spoken word, celebrating diversity and combating racism in one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.
Hip-hop legend Skinnyman, who returns to the city in a show of solidarity, will be joined by a blistering line-up of Liverpool talent, including rapper Blue Saint, Yemeni Scouse poet Amina Atiq, Roy – a storyteller like no other – and the rising stars Sam Millne & the Virants, with more exciting names to be announced.
Expect big beats and rhymes, unforgettable performances, and a vibe that’ll make you wish the night lasted forever. In the proud tradition of Rock Against Racism, this epic night will demonstrate unity in the face of those that seek to divide us and make a powerful statement that Liverpool is proudly multicultural and a city of sanctuary.
The night will kick off with a spectacular outdoor performance by the Batala drummers at the North Entrance to the hall.
This event is presented in partnership by Love Music Hate Racism, Writing on the Wall, and Liverpool City Hall and is generously supported by the trade union movement.
Skinnyman: is a British hip-hop artist renowned for his incisive lyrics and storytelling. He gained prominence through rap battles and collaborations with artists like Wiley and Shystie. His 2004 album, Council Estate of Mind, was hailed by The Face magazine as “a vital bulletin from the frontline.” Notably, he once defeated Eminem in a London rap battle and has supported The Streets at Brixton Academy. His return to Liverpool has been met with widespread acclaim.
PJ Smith – ‘Roy’: is a Liverpool-born writer, spoken-word performer, and recovery worker. His debut collection, Algorithm Party (Rough Trade Books, 2020), was met with critical acclaim – it’s first print run sold out in just 40 minutes. He has appeared on BBC 6 Music and opened for The Beautiful South and The Farm. Through his candid exploration of Liverpool life, addiction, anxiety, and relationships, Roy continues to resonate with audiences, offering sharp, insightful perspectives on the complexities of life in Liverpool and beyond.
Amina Atiq is a Yemeni-Scouse poet, performance artist, and community activist. Recognized as one of the “100 Inspirational Women of Merseyside,” she has been featured by the BBC and TEDx. Her work addresses themes like diaspora and Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, aiming to amplify marginalized voices through poetry, documentaries, and community engagement. She has published extensively in platforms such as Cordite Poetry Review.
Blue Saint (Daniel Sebuyange) is a Congolese British rapper, singer-songwriter, spoken-word poet, and activist. A former member of Writing on the Wall’s Liverpool Young Writers, he has performed alongside artists like Ed Sheeran and Akala. His EP series, Enter Mynd, received support from outlets such as GetIntoThis and Bido Lito! Magazine. He is also the founder of MerseyMusic.co.uk, promoting grassroots music in Liverpool.
Sam Millne & the Virants are a dynamic band known for their energetic performances and genre-blending sound. Fronted by singer-songwriter Sam Millne, their music ranges from upbeat indie rock to introspective, lyrically rich tracks. Hailing from Cumbria and Liverpool, Millne brings a storytelling approach to songwriting, with breakout songs like Living in Limbo and Italy gaining attention. Beyond music, Millne is a journalist and founder of MerseyMusic.co.uk, supporting grassroots artists in the region. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for electrifying live shows, Sam Millne & the Virants continue to make waves in the UK music scene.
From the most delicate of musical miniatures, to the full splendour of Walton’s Crown Imperial, there’s nothing that can’t be played on a great organ.
And there’s no organist alive who knows the Philharmonic Hall organ better than Liverpool’s City Organist Ian Tracey.
After a run of sold out gigs up and down the UK, Hollie is back with her paperback tour as she chats and reads from her latest paperback Lobster and other things I’m learning to love, plus a selection of firm favourites from Slug and Nobody Told Me.
Here, she will be joined by Michael Pedersen for the Liverpool launch of his brand new debut novel Muckle Flugga. Expect strong language and adult content, gift-wrapped in gorgeously crafted poetry.
After a brief stint away and a few secret screenings, Mystery Theatre Club is back!
This time they’re upstairs at Metrocola in town!
In May we will be screening Ash & Money, a favourite during our residency at Kitty’s Launderette.
Ash and Money is the first film project by Theatre NO99. It is a full length making-of documentary that sheds light into how NO75 Unified Estonia came to be, interviews the people behind the project and also many political figures in office at the time and looks into how the process of creating possibly the biggest contemporary performing arts event in recent European history evolved in real time.
The NO99 Theater announced in March of 2010 that it would use all the tricks commonly used in politics and communications over the following two months to create a new successful and energetic super-party. The theater organized a party convention and staged it with the participation of 7000 people. The documentary film produced about the project and its influences is a study of the state of affairs in democracy, the media and grass-roots society in the Republic of Estonia.
BUT time did it’s work…
Situation changed and people changed.
Or did they?
Making a welcome return to WoWFEST, Dr John Cooper Clarke one of the most iconic poets of our time, whose seminal works, including Evidently Chickentown and (I Married a) Monster from Outer Space are as relevant and vibrant today as when they were first written.
If he hadn’t achieved enough already, the status of the ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry,’ is now writ large as Dr John Cooper Clarke became the first-ever poet to headline an arena here in the UK, with a sell-out performance at The Co-op arena in Manchester. You will not want miss this unique evening of conversation and performance that promises to be full of his trademark sardonic wit, biting satirical verse and hilarious ponderings on modern life.
His work bridges literature, music and performance, the self-confessed nosy parker is hot off the back of his arena tour and the paperback release of his best-selling poetry collection, WHAT.
It’s hard to be good all the time. A good mother, a good daughter, a good partner, a good friend, a good person. To be ambitious but not ruthless; a success but not a sell-out. A gentle parent but not a pushover. To be smashing life and make it look easy. The juggle. Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started. This is a stand-up show and a support group!
★★★★”A fabulously funny show from a class act.”Evening Standard
The Juggle is a brand new tour from confessional multi-award winning comedian Suzi Ruffell.
Suzi has appeared on Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Last Leg and QI. Suzi co-hosts smash-hit podcasts Big Kick Energy with Maisie Adam and Like Minded Friends with Tom Allen, as well as having her own podcast, OUT with Suzi Ruffell. She even finds time to host on Virgin Radio. Suzi’s debut book, Am I Having Fun Now? is released in June 2025.
In celebration of the release of her hilarious memoir of the same name, comedian, novelist, and professional show-off Jenny Eclair comes to Liverpool Playhouse with a brand-new autobiographical show.
From drama school, (mostly drinking cider and eating sausage rolls), sleeping with men who looked like they lived under a carpet, punk poetry, anorexia, bedsit misery, waitressing and not really having a clue about anything, to being the first woman to win the Perrier Award, becoming a mother, author, grumpy old woman, podcaster and nana!
Still gigging to sell-out crowds forty years later, Jenny invites you to look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything. Warning, punk poetry, animal impressions and baritone nursery rhyme singing may feature.
Back with a bang, award-winning comedian Sam Avery returns with his electrifying new show, Thunderstorm!
In his trademark punchy style, Sam takes you on a whirlwind journey through the chaos of the modern world – from parenting disasters to culture wars, conspiracy theories to political morons.
With sharp wit and a stormy twist, he’s here to prove that the only way to weather modern life is through laughter!
Expect thunderous punchlines, lightning-fast jokes, and a night of belly laughs you won’t forget.