Event type: Theatre

The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen o...

Join Queen Jesus in Liverpool for two nights only at St Bride’s Church in the heart of the city’s Georgian Quarter.

The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven is a unique, emotive, one-woman theatrical piece that “leaves everyone feeling blessed” as it seeks to end trans discrimination. Jesus has returned to earth as a trans woman and this is your chance to come and meet her even if you don’t normally go to church.

The show is written and performed by Jo Clifford (TAMING OF THE SHREW, EVE) – one of Scotland’s most renowned playwrights with over 100 plays to her name, Stonewall role model and recently elected an Elder of the United Reformed Church.

Described as having “one of the most remarkable journeys in recent theatre history” (Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman) the show has indeed had an incredible journey over the last fifteen years since its premiere as part of the Glasgay festival in 2009. From being the subject of hate, abuse and a mass protest outside the initial show, to hundreds of critically acclaimed and sold-out performances in the UK and Brazil. Indeed, the Brazilian version has become the most talked about work in the country and is at the epicentre of the struggle against censorship and bigotry.

This is Jo’s first time performing her show in Liverpool, and it is a chance for the audience to be blessed with a sense of shared connection. There has never been a more important time for such a simple message of hope and of love.

“I wrote The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven because I wanted to resist. Resist the profound and damaging shame and fear and guilt that has been with me almost all my life. The shame and the fear and the guilt that comes on almost all of us trans women and men born into this hostile world.” – Jo Clifford

Meet the playwright in conversation on
Friday 25th April
7.30pm
entrance by donation and no booking required

Theatre Performance
Saturday 26th April
7.30pm
Performance duration 55 minutes.
Concessions £10
Full price: £15

Event

Sales over the cost of production donated to Open Table Liverpool.

FOUR

Written by Elspeth Todd, FOUR sees four family members hit with some unexpected news. Each family member is given the spotlight, recounting their version of events in this story of love, loss, and grief.

Tip Tray Theatre and their What Happens Next competition have been at the forefront of supporting emerging writers and their work, setting them up for success in the theatre industry.

Takeaway

A portion of fun and a big plate of chaos.

Hyltons Caribbean takeaway is a much-loved restaurant at the heart of Liverpool 8. Built by Carol and her late husband into a bustling hub with a mouth-watering menu, it serves great food with a huge side-order of love. But in a world of delivery apps, street food markets and gourmet curry goat, her family are divided about what their future should hold.

The Liverpool they live in is changing too. With a block of luxury apartments about to wipe out a local Community Centre, anger’s rising and things are getting spicy.

Takeaway is a big bowl of fun, heartbreak and chaos dished up by our creative director, Nathan Powell. Packed with big laughs, family tensions and delicious food, this is a tasty Everyman treat made for our stage, our city, our people – the perfect recipe for everyone who loves a delicious night out.

The Walrus Has a Right To Adventure

A wilder life is closer than you think.

Meet Oskar, Rio and Hazel – three people getting on with their lives in different corners of the globe. They’ve never spoken. They’ve never met. But they’re about to share a startling wild-animal encounter. One that will transform the way they think about their world.

From Norway’s glittering fjords to Colorado’s stunning peaks to Halewood’s majestic Tesco, The Walrus Has a Right to Adventure spins three very human stories into one tender and touching tale.

Funny, surprising and inspired by real animal encounters from around the world, this is powerful, inventive storytelling at its creative best – a swooping, soaring play about instinct, expectation and identity, and what it means to be truly free.

Speedo Mick- The Scouse Stomper

Over its illustrious 150-year history Everton Football Club has had many heroes but perhaps none of them have been absorbed into the wider public consciousness as much as Speedo Mick. 

A die-hard Blues supporter, supported himself by thousands across the country and around the world.

This is the story of a man who thought he had lost everything. His family, his home, his mind and his soul. For some time, he suffered from addiction and mental health issues. As he got on the road to recovery, he wanted to give something back, so he set about raising money.

He ran marathons until his knees gave out, he swam the channel until his shoulder packed in. And after that? Well, he had the trunks and he fancied a walk…

Join us for the world premiere of the musical that celebrates one of the biggest characters to come out of this city. From being that homeless guy in the shop doorway, they said it wouldn’t amount to anything, to raising more than £1,000,000 for disadvantaged young people and the homeless.

Age advisory 16+ Strong language.

Dress code: get dressed

Written by John Fay
Music by Boff Whalley
Directed by Conrad Nelson
Designed by Ellie Light

8pm shows Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm matinees on selected Thursdays and all Saturdays.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible story of Jamie New, a young boy with big dreams.

Join SONG for a captivating youth performance of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, a heartwarming musical that celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the power of believing in yourself.

Witness Jamie’s journey as he defies expectations and embraces his true identity. With catchy tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and a message of acceptance, this production is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.

Recommendation: 13+ parental discretion advised. Please note that this production contains some strong language.

Thursday 10 April: 7:30pm
Friday 11 April: 7:30pm
Saturday 12 April: 2:30pm & 7:30pm

War Horse

The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse returns in all-new UK and Ireland Tour.

War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.

Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man’s Land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home.

This production uses strobe lighting.

The National Theatre’s Partner for Financial Wellbeing, Charles Stanley, is supporting War Horse on tour.

Red Or Dead

Peter Mullan (Ozark, Westworld, Mum) is Bill Shankly in an incredible new show adapted from David Peace’s iconic novel.

“I’m a people’s man – only the people matter.” Bill Shankly

This epic show, with a cast of 52, is the fictionalised story of one man, Bill Shankly and his work and of his life after that work. A man of two halves.

“Although I’m a Scot, I’d be proud to be called a Scouser. ”Bill Shankly

Brought to Liverpool from Huddersfield to fire the red heat of a revolution, Bill Shankly had one aim. To build Liverpool Football Club up and up until they were invincible.

“Liverpool was made for me, and I was made for Liverpool. ”Bill Shankly

Promotion, the first division title, the FA Cup and success in Europe all followed as Shankly defined what it was to be a Liverpool fan. He demanded total loyalty from his players and coaches. A loyalty that he hoped would be repaid when he retired.

“All I ask is that we try to make the people happy.” Bill Shankly

Adapted and directed by Phillip Breen (Royal Shakespeare Company, Clwyd Theatre Cymru) this will be the World premiere of an epic show that will have you on your feet and crying out the great man’s name. Don’t miss it.

“David Peace’s fictional portrait of the legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly is so hypnotic that even the football-averse might enjoy it.”  Mark Lawson, The Guardian

“David Peace brings perfect pitch to this ode to Bill Shankly’s Liverpool reign.” Frank Cottrell-Boyce, The Observer

A love letter to a great manager, an elegy to the beautiful game.” Doug Johnstone The Independent

Age advisory 14+

Cast confirmed: Les Dennis, Matthew Devlin, Paul Duckworth, Keith Fleming, George Jones, Gordon Kennedy, Oliver Mawdsley, Allison McKenzie, Peter Mullan, Liam Powell-Berry, Dickon Tyrrell and Jhanaica Van Mook

 

Written by David Peace
Adapted for the stage and directed by Phillip Breen
Designer Max Jones

8pm shows Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm matinees on selected Thursdays and all Saturdays.

This Kind of Black (Requiem For Black ...

This Kind of Black (Requiem for Black Boys) is the powerful new stage show from poet and musician Reece Williams.

It’s about growing up in Manchester’s Moss Side in the 1990s, a stone’s throw from conflict and violence. It celebrates a community held together by prayers, warmth and humour, while mourning the tragic loss of young life. It’s about the intersection of race and class, when the media only portrays you through the lens of ‘Gunchester,’ gangs and poverty.

Above all the show explores the complex relationship between a gangland father and his son, and the impact of trauma on the mental health of young Black boys across the generations.

Reece Williams is a towering presence on the northern spoken word and poetry scene and has performed alongside the likes of Saul Williams, Kae Tempest, The Last Poets and Amiri Baraka. He is passionate about youth engagement, cultural policy and race relations and works to empower young people from economically deprived communities to create projects that foster social change.

“This Kind of Black is a beautiful, lyrical requiem that manages to be both moving and gently celebratory.” Adventures In Theatreland

“A real celebration of community, depicting its strength, hardship, humour and resilience. Williams is absolutely brilliant.” ILoveManchester

The Intrusion

We survived so you don’t have to.

The world has ended, time to rejoice. A leader emerges, one who promises a better future. This curious collective may have outlived the humans, but can they avoid repeating the same mistakes?
The Intrusion is a dynamic new collaboration from Bric à Brac Theatre and Told by an Idiot. Featuring original music, creative captioning*, and clown; this darkly comic production offers an anarchic look at extinction and questions who gets to survive.
Directed by Anna Marshall

Praise for Bric à Brac:

‘The cast members are faultless in their hybrid roles and the whole world hint is, aptly, a perfect example of risk paying off’ The Observer on Glass Ceiling Beneath the Stars

‘Remarkably intricate piece of theatre’ British Theatre Guide on Glass Ceiling Beneath the Stars

‘Creative, really smart, very funny and poignant’ Sinners Review on Glass Ceiling Beneath the Stars

Previous praise for Told by an Idiot:

‘One of the jewels of left field British theatre’ Guardian

‘Their work is never less than sublime’ Independent