‘A Covert Affair’ is a rom-com set in the cold war; two agents are tasked with a mission of seduction and espionage however find themselves in a tightrope of half-truths and hope.
They previously sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 and are now conducting a mini tour before returning to Edinburgh next year
7:30PM
2002. A writer, stranded in snowbound New York City during the build-up to the Gulf war, discovers a novel in a used bookstore bearing the name of his great-uncle, Tommy Kehoe.
His mother, Patty in Liverpool says her uncle Tommy could not have written a book – he was illiterate and traumatised by the First World War. The language in book is not Patty’s uncle.
The investigation by a mother and son begins as they trace Tommy’s movements from The Somme to the Liverpool Blitz and the New York publication of his inexplicable book to reclaim his true voice.
7:30pm
In its anniversary year, Ghost Stories of Christmas past meet chilling tales of Christmas present.
The show that revived a time-honoured tradition, according to the New York Times.
8:00pm
Join us from 6pm in the bar for the Luma Festival launch and exhibition.
Luma Creations’ annual International Festival of Latin American Arts & Cultures, LA FERIA, a celebration of the rich creativity, diversity and cultural heritage of Latin America, brings the award-winning one person play MANUELITA by Popelei.
Manuelita brings to life the remarkable story of Manuela Sáenz, the Ecuadorian revolutionary and trusted partner of Simón Bolívar. A proto-feminist, an underground spy, and one of the driving forces behind South American liberation, Sáenz played a significant role in the struggle for independence. Despite her immense contribution, she died in poverty and was largely forgotten by history books – until now.
Through a compelling blend of storytelling, physical theatre, comedy, movement, and live music, the production explores the passion, courage, resilience, and legacy of a woman who played a pivotal role in Latin America’s fight for independence.
Performed by Tamsin Hurtado Clarke, with live music composed by acclaimed Colombian guitarist Camilo Menjura, Manuelita has captivated audiences internationally and received widespread critical acclaim. Its accolades include the 2013 CASA Festival Bursary, awarded during the development of the production with the support of CASA Festival; the Three Weeks Editors’ Award and recognition as one of the Top 10 Shows at the Edinburgh Festival 2014; and runner-up nominations for LUKAS Theatre Production of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.
Celebrated for its dynamic storytelling, Manuelita connects historical events with contemporary conversations about identity, freedom, social change, and the role of women in shaping history. The production offers audiences a fresh perspective on one of Latin America’s most influential historical figures while highlighting the enduring relevance of her story.
Produced by Popelei, an organisation dedicated to promoting Latin American culture through theatre, festivals, and community engagement, Manuelita offers a unique cultural experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the life of one of history’s most remarkable women and discover a story that continues to inspire generations.
Background to La Feria
Luma Creations’ international festival, LA FERIA brings together acclaimed international and UK based musicians, theatre-makers, dancers and visual artists, for a vibrant programme of performances, workshops, exhibitions and community events.
The festival showcases many diverse voices and stories from Latin America, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and community connections whilst welcoming audiences of all backgrounds to experience the power of Latin American arts and cultures in the heart of Liverpool.
7:30pm
Dance theatre company Thick & Tight presents their award-winning show Natural Behaviour, a collection of performed portraits of human and non-human life forms.
Somewhere between a variety show and a biology essay come alive, Natural Behaviour is a queer look at what it means to be natural or unnatural, highlighting the essential role of diversity in all life.
Thick & Tight’s distinctive mixture of dance, satire, impersonation and poetry aims for the outrageous, the beautiful, the hilarious and the profound.
The line-up in this evening includes two moths, a pantomime horse, the dust in Quentin Crisp’s room, some flies on the wall, a lamenting songbird, a blade of grass and a lesbian seagull.
Thick & Tight’s co-directors Daniel Hay-Gordon and El Perry are joined by a cast of remarkable dance artists; Annie Edwards (Candoco), Azara Meghie (Ray Young, Talawa) and Jahmarley Bachelor (Punchdrunk). Natural Behaviour is designed by Tim Spooner, Pam Tait, Darren Evans and Nao Nagai.
“Deft, funny and utterly absorbing, a ravishing selection of short dance pieces that make their points about queerness and inclusivity with wit, passion and power. It’s fabulous.”
The Observer
“This is a show that’s rich, thoughtful, ridiculous and quite wonderful…hugely poignant and hugely silly”
★ ★ ★ ★ The Guardian
“A unique piece of art, thoughtful, considered, and unassuming”
★ ★ ★ ★ London Theatre
Natural Behaviour was awarded Achievement in Dance at the UK Theatre Awards 2025 and ranked no.1 Best Dance Show in the Guardian for 2025.
Natural Behaviour is co-commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre, Lowry, Royal Ballet & Opera, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Corali Dance Company and Duckie. It is supported by Britten Pears Arts, BalletBoyz, Dansox, Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance and One Legged Dog.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
7:30pm
ALL OF US | JAMIE WOOD/ DAN LEES
Two ordinary clowns look out at the horizon, both with different goals. The sun shines on their behinds as metaphors nip their ankles. Will they stride fearlessly towards the unknown or sheepishly head back to shore? Perhaps rivalry will ruin everything?
★★★★ ‘Clowns of the highest order’ A Younger Theatre ★★★★ ‘A vital dose of joy’ Fest Magazine
MARIE CHOU-FLEUR
Meet Marie Chou‑Fleur: a gloriously absurd, big‑hearted guide to being human. Part clown, part confidant, she arrives with joy, foolish wisdom and an unshakeable belief in you. Speaking straight from the heart, Marie celebrates who we are, who we might become, and the stories we tell ourselves along the way. Funny, stupid and deeply heartfelt, this playful show invites you to laugh, dream bigger, and feel truly seen — leaving with a lighter spirit, a fuller heart, and the sense that maybe, just maybe, everything is possible.
Bio:
Natalie Bellingham is a theatre-maker, performer and physical comedian. She grew up in Manchester and is now based in Yorkshire, where she makes bold, tender work that sits somewhere between clowning, storytelling and theatre.
Her solo show Look After Your Knees, co-created with international clown Jamie Wood, has toured extensively across the UK and had a hugely successful run at Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. She was a Funny Women finalist in 2021 and created and toured The Polar Bear is Dead made with Italian theatre-maker Daniele Pennati. She co-founded Uncanny Theatre and spent over a decade touring original work around the UK, performing at venues and festivals including HOME Manchester, The Lowry, Transform and Gateshead International Festival of Theatre.
.
Our outrageously talented actor-musicians bring you a show that’s part rock concert, part pop spectacular, and all-out family fun. Made just for Liverpool, this is the fairytale you know and love… but turned all the way up to eleven!
A little naughty, a lot loud, and totally live, you can expect powerhouse vocals, electrifying tunes and some wild costumes. So be our guest, grab your crew and head to Hope Street, for a monstrously good time.
7:30pm
It’s drag, it’s comedy, it’s cabaret, it’s clown. Parker Dee is a wannabe woke ‘cis-het-straight-white-man’. His girlfriend taught him how to be a sensitive guy, but when she dumped him, he found himself teetering on the edge of the Manosphere!
What’s a guy to do but write a deeply moving and fearlessly exposing cabaret show?
Watch him battle back from heartbreak with quirky takes on pop standards and killingly witty original songs – the bluesy ‘Manspreading’ and the heartrending Brel-like ballad ‘Ow, Baby’. Ungirlfriended is full of poignant moments, hilarious twists and snazzy outfits. Anyone with a heart should see it.
Peta Lily is a director, performer, theatre maker. One of the main practitioners in the early physical theatre movement, she trained with Le Coq, Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Yoshi Oida, Sankai Juku (Butoh Dance), Mike Alfreds (Theatre Direction) and Carlo Boso (Commedia dell’Arte).
Reviews for Peta Lily’s previous work:
‘Funny where it hurts.’ – The Guardian
‘Incisive and inventive wit.’ – The Scotsman
‘Fringe theatre at its best.’ – South China Morning Post
‘Extremely funny.’ – Time Out
‘Bold, gutsy and a brave new adventure in style.’ – The Stage
Parker Dee audiences say:
‘Absolutely sizzling with comedic genius!’
‘Truly exceptional – the performance skills, the humour, the writing.’
‘Such a wicked night out!!
‘Funny, charming and super entertaining!’
‘Loved this narrative / non-narrative show existing at the intersection of theatre, cabaret and drag – it has a satisfying arc while at the same time being really silly.’
‘Masterful, fun, hilarious and really incisive!
‘Illuminating – allowed me to re-think some of my own 59-year-old-white-male assumptions.’
‘So smart and funny. touched so nimbly on the mad world we’re living in.’
‘Wonderful off-the-cuff impro.’
Part of Physical Fest 2026, Tmesis Theatre’s international physical theatre festival, for full programme go to: https://www.tmesistheatre.com/physical-fest/
7:30pm
Work in progress performance
We are in a remote village in 1590. And also in a folk tale. Gelly needs a love spell. Euphemia needs her child. Agnes needs only freedom from men. But a wind is blowing. King James’s ship is hit by a storm, and he blames witchcraft. Soon witches are everywhere: in dreams and thoughts and prison cells and court rooms. Gelly, Euphemia and Agnes find themselves caught in a whirlwind of fantasy and fear, and their only hope is to take control of the story.
A powerful new exploration of the stories we inherit and the ones we tell, combining Tmesis’ trademark blend of striking physicality, original songs and evocative text by writer Lizzie Nunnery.
Part of Physical Fest 2026, Tmesis Theatre’s international physical theatre festival, for full programme go to: https://www.tmesistheatre.com/physical-fest/
7:30pm
A Tragicomic history of a burn out
Nominated as Best Belgium contemporary circus show 2017
PESADILLA (Spanish for nightmare) is a visually breathtaking fusion of dance, circus and physical theatre that follows an ordinary man trapped inside his own dreams, desperately fighting to stay awake.
Funny, tender and profoundly moving, the story unfolds through the unlikely relationship between a lonely man and his imaginary alter ego: a giant panda.
With grotesque humour and striking visuals, it reflects on the pressures of contemporary life, our growing isolation, technological overload, relentless urban pace, and the quiet unravelling of a society on the brink of hysteria.
Dreamlike, exhilarating and deeply human, this unforgettable production invites audiences to ask: do our truest selves emerge with our eyes open… or closed?
Press quotes:
A really unique show, an absolute must see! Marine Girard – La Provence
Circus marries the dance-theatre to build a show that is attractive, funny and touching. Christian Jade- RTBF
BIO
Piergiorgio Milano is an Italian-Belgium internationally recognized choreographer. His background embraces circus, dance, theater and martial arts. He proposes a very strong physical language that combines virtuosity in movement with a clear theatrical esthetics. His works always run on the borders between arts, categories and discipline; trying to force those borders he finds strength into the creative process. His performances are always a radical combination between circus dance and theater
Part of Physical Fest 2026, Tmesis Theatre’s international physical theatre festival, for full programme go to