Event type: Theatre

Pillow Talk is a new play that follows a trans man’s journey as he discovers his sexual identity across three different sexual partners.

CONTENT WARNING: Transphobia, depictions of sex, depictions of sexual assault.

Pillow Talk focuses on sex from a trans lens and the importance of communication and consent in the bedroom. The aim is to open a discussion about trans gay sexuality, as well as to provide representation of what sex can be like for trans people, especially trans men and trans masculine individuals – something that is rarely shown in media.

A musical exploring the highs and lows of having ADHD is embarking on a national tour this autumn. ADHD The Musical: Can I Have Your Attention Please? is the brainchild of Dora Colquhoun, a neurodivergent theatre maker and performer based in Liverpool. With the help of Dolly Parton, Julie Andrews and Cher, the piece attempts to unpack the feelings of shame and failure commonly felt by those with the disorder.

With support from Arts Council England, Dora worked with Professor Joydeep Bhattacharya – a neuroscientist from Goldsmiths University in London – to produce the musical comedy lecture which navigates the challenges of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The show – which will travel across the UK taking in dates at venues in Scarborough, Liverpool, Wakefield, Devon, St Helens, Bristol, Warrington, London and Ormskirk – also explores the differences in which ADHD manifests in men and women, something which the medical profession has only relatively recently begun to acknowledge.

Dora herself said: “It is a really important time to be sharing this work. ADHD and neurodiversity only very recently is prevalent in mainstream society. For many years women have been left out of the conversation and research. I hope to provide an honest, eye opening and entertaining account of my experience as a woman with ADHD. My aim is to create acceptance, understanding and open up the conversation as to what having ADHD means. I do not have any answers, but I have stories, songs and multiple wigs.”

The exciting and heartfelt production, which was described as “a beautiful, poignant, moving and incredibly important ride from start to finish” by the Liverpool Theatre Festival, is a journey of self discovery and self acceptance that looks to end the stigma and address common dismissals of ADHD. As Dora herself says of the show, “Let me take you by the hand and explore: Why people with ADHD are drawn to new experiences? Why have I had so many jobs? Why did I drink enough to kill a small horse before a job interview?”

A Liverpool woman who started a theatre company in northern Thailand is bringing a powerful new production to the city this month as part of Pride.

Natalie Taylor, an LJMU alumni who lives in the city centre, founded Dark Horse Theatre Chiang Mai with fellow drama and music teachers who had all migrated to the Southeast Asian country.

The founders came together ‘out of a love for dark-humoured, engaging and progressive theatre’ and wanted to see more creative arts in the city of Chiang Mai where they lived.

Their productions quickly gained a cult following for their quirky style and love of interesting performance spaces – one production was in an old ice factory – but the pandemic saw many of their team return to their home countries and the company’s activity put on hold. However, it was during the lockdowns that one of the founders, Kelly Holliday, wrote Transistor – a dark comedy drama about Trans and LGBTQ issues.

“Picture the most dysfunctional family you can imagine; stew them over an intense heat and watch them implode” explained Natalie when asked about the show’s story.

The two-hour-long dark comedy focuses on a radical feminist mother who has been estranged from her youngest child since they began their transitioning journey.

”Kelly wanted to write a story about a family – a family who was topical. It’s not about trans people being an issue – that’s not the case – it’s about trans people having issues within a family and not being accepted.

It’s so important to us to make theatre that’s relevant to an audience. And I think the trans debate is highly fuelled at the moment and that’s why Kelly wrote the play.”

Transistor “exposes and explores” some of the conflicts and issues that a Trans person might experience both within modern society and also within the LGBTQIA+ community. It is specifically focused on the very current debate that explores the space between the Trans experience and second-wave radical feminism.

The play runs from 25th to 29th July at The Hope Street Theatre in Liverpool city centre. Tickets are available now via Ticket Quarter.

Audience members are warned that the play contains strong language throughout and scenes which some audience members may find upsetting and is suitable for those 16+.

Venue: Shakespeare North Playhouse
Dates: Fri 4th Aug & Sat 5th Aug 2023
Time: 7PM
Space: The Studio

Step into the captivating world of “Who’s Afraid of M!key Garland?” as the unstoppable rapper takes the stage in his debut one-man show.

Through a mesmerising blend of rap, verbatim, and heartfelt storytelling, Garland shares his personal journey of homelessness, challenging societal stereotypes and shedding light on the class divide in the UK. Presented by ArtsGroupie, this raw and unapologetically queer production brings hope and a powerful message of community support.

Garland’s remarkable performance, accompanied by his album’s critically lauded songs, paints a vivid picture of his struggles and triumphs, delving into themes of abuse, addiction, mental health, and the broken systems that perpetuate them.

As the stage transforms into a dark canvas, Garland’s words and statistics pierce through, demanding the audience’s attention and fostering a sense of solidarity.

Produced by: ArtsGroupie
Directed by and Starring: M!key Garland
Music by Diamond Style, and Trkk Beats
Lyrics by M!key Garland

Watch the trailer here.

Venue: The Reader (Calderstones Mansion)
Dates: Sunday 23 July 2023
Time: 12pm & 4pm
Space: Garden Theatre

Local touring theatre company, ArtsGroupie CIC, returns to Calderstones Park after its recent sold out performance of ‘Kitty from the Washhouse’.

‘The Liver Bird’ is a magical outdoor interactive family theatrical experience combining classic storytelling and puppetry, featuring Calderstones Park’s very old Allerton Oak. Charlie J has heard all about Liverpool’s famous Liver Birds from his Grandma Bailey’s stories. He is fascinated by them. And just when things start to get difficult at school, and just when he needs it most, Charlie J is visited by a very special creature…

Dive into this glorious, modern day fairy tale, shared with the magic of puppets and storytelling. And keep your eyes to the skies!

Suitable for all ages.

This is an outdoor production, so please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!

Watch the trailer here.

1970s Leeds. The Millgarth Incident Room is the epicentre of the biggest manhunt in British history, for one of the most notorious serial killers: the Yorkshire Ripper. With public and political pressure mounting, hundreds of officers must work around the clock to end one man’s reign of terror in this gripping retelling of true events.

Following a sell out run at The Black-E, The Incident Room is back by popular demand!

“An intense and thought-provoking look into the police investigation into the crimes of the Yorkshire Ripper” North West End, FIVE STARS.

Olivia Hirst and David Byrne’s ‘beautifully crafted’ (The Guardian) play goes behind the scenes to investigate the case that nearly broke the British police force.

OLD FRUIT JAR PRODUCTIONS return to the Studio at The Royal Court, after their sell-out run of Twelfth Night, to present a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in British history. THE INCIDENT ROOM explores the wider issues of misogyny and institutional negligence that surrounded the case, both at the time and in the present day.

“Emotive, informative, clenching and compassionately human” The Broken Spine, FIVE STARS.

Age advisory 16+

Running time approx 2hrs 25 including interval

Fresh from performing at the Little Liverpool Theatre Festival, join these larger-than-life forest animals for this interactive, fun packed show.

Our furry friends have had their homes ruined by pollution and litter and now Mean Queen Morticia is trying to take their home. They might have to look for somewhere new to live unless you can help! But not all is as it seems… some litter isn’t as rubbish as you think.

Join us for a story of magic, talking animals and unusual friendships. Celebrating friendship, the environment and the power of community, this feel-good interactive show is not to be missed!

Come dressed up as your favourite animal and see if you can help clean the forgotten forest!

Never sure which holiday destination to pick? Are you tired of the same old places? Why not try the Mystery Cruise where you don’t know where or when you are in your destination, until you arrive.

Take the pressure off by putting yourself at the mercy of our Captain onboard this luxury Mystery Cruise liner. Where you can truly relax, unwind, and completely and utterly cut-off from the world. Let us take to the waves and explore lands, undiscovered gems and hidden secrets. Sounds like heaven doesn’t it? A cruise that keeps you guessing until the very last moment…

… But first you must survive the notorious Crew of The Plunder. ….We’ve all heard the rumours but it can’t be that bad? Can it? Johnny and his crew only have till they dock to save their ship, their reputations and their jobs… but someone onboard doesn’t want them to succeed, someone is willing to do anything to stop them… even kill!

Join DBY Interactive, the North West interactive specialist, for their debut at the iconic Floral Pavilion for an interactive theatrical show, All Aboard!

Rubbish Shakespeare Company make their return to Liverpool with a revival of their debut production, Rubbish Romeo and Juliet. And the cast and crew couldn’t be more miserable about it, as they once more sully Shakespeare’s legacy with a play that’s so rubbish, it would leave ‘The Bard’ spinning in his grave.

This rubbish show is for kids, but don’t call it a children’s show. This production is a TRUE family show, in line with all-ages entertainment like Pixar and The Simpsons – and the riotous atmosphere of a panto! Beloved by the entire family, kids will bond with their parents and siblings over raucous belly laughs. Featuring an accessible mix of the original text with modern references, human balconies, sausage roll fights and plenty of high-octane slapstick, it’ll likely be the funniest tragedy you’ve ever seen (yes, you read that correctly), though the cast don’t intend it to be.

“I don’t know why people keep turning up” says Artistic Director (and Juliet), Lee Hithersay. “We try to do a serious Shakespeare, perform it correctly, and everyone just laughs at us. I wouldn’t mind, but the other two in the cast keep breaking character, bickering, and throwing a strop onstage. It’s embarrassing! I play Juliet and I’m supposed to fall in love with Romeo at first sight – but have you seen him? Genuinely, how can I be expected to fall in love with that? Daniel Day Lewis would struggle.”

Touring since 2018, and performing in schools for five years before that, the company has stained the reputation of every theatre they’ve performed in. Rubbish Romeo and Juliet’s storytelling is full of devilishly cheeky shortcuts, and layered so fluidly with interactive moments that will surprise even the biggest fan of the 400 year old original. The show may seem to fall apart, but it somehow still tells an abridged version of the classic play that’s been lauded for its faithfulness to the original source material. Especially the bit at the end where Romeo and Juliet drench each other with bottles of poison in a petty game of one-upmanship.

Wait, but is it actually rubbish? ‘Ok, not really,’ admits Lee. “Though we squabble, bicker and try to full-on-flee the show a number of times, it’s all meant and rehearsed. Every moment has been carefully timed to within an inch in order to maximise the laughs. We are still rubbish though; our props are foraged and repurposed from ‘tat’ we’ve found at the pound shop. Our wigs are raggedy and matted. Shakespeare can be pompous and intimidating to many, so our aim is to de-mystify it. Our motto is ‘Shakespeare for All’, regardless of age or background. So, we mess up his plays and act as silly as possible. We want everyone to leave thinking: if they can do it, so can we!”