Event type: Theatre

Phyllida Sings | LIF 2026

Phyllida invites you to a celebration of her life and career. She’ll be sharing her repertoire of songs and stories—songs and stories which are unique for each performance.

The lyrics, the music, and the conversation are all inspired by the audience and created on the spot. Indeed, the whole character of Phyllida is only fully formed once the show has begun. From her piano, she’ll tell of her amusing adventures, her incredible career, and her most personal moments.

Come and celebrate the life of this incredible woman—you may smile, you may laugh, you may cry, you might even sing along!

“This lovely gentle clever show was a delight.” (Scene)

“A powerhouse of musical improv” (Open Your Mouth And Sing)

“Phil Lunn from the UK became the star of the festival.” (Sirp Magazine)

STAGE LEFT

Created in-house at the Unity, this new performance dives into the theatre’s bold and rebellious past. From its roots as Merseyside Left Theatre in the 1930s to the vibrant creative home we inhabit today, A Radical Reimagining brings decades of radical storytelling roaring back to life.

Through dynamic performance, powerful voices, and striking moments from the past, we celebrate a legacy of theatre made for the people. Expect a journey through protest, passion, and creativity, a reminder that this stage has always belonged to those with something to say.

Part of Unity’s Heritage Lottery Funded project.  

Young Radicals

Step into the future with our Young Radical Theatre Makers as they take the stage in a bold, high-energy ensemble performance, this new generation of artists amplifies the voices of today to ask the urgent questions of tomorrow, a call to listen, to reflect, and to imagine what comes next.

Divided by the ensemble. Directed by Grace Gallagher and Mariana Pires

Part of Unity’s Heritage Lottery Funded project.  

 

The Visible Man

Hollywood’s monster maker is at the end of his life. But his creations won’t let him depart so easily. Embittered from his Hollywood lifestyle, James Whale confronts the flawed, grotesque creatures that he brought to life in an effort to tell one last incredible story to tell; his own.

Based upon the true story, ArtsGroupie examines class and LGBTQ+ identity whilst celebrating the life of Universal monster movie director James Whale, an artist that defined horror cinema. An intimate performance from John Maguire (‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’). Written and directed by David Griffiths (‘The Hammer and Helena’)

WoWFEST 2026: Launch of Buckled: a play by Helen Jeffery

Family, friendship and booze. Drinking to remember. Drinking to forget.How do you navigate sobriety in a world that revolves around drink?

Join playwright Helen Jeffery for the launch of the published playtext of Buckled, released by Salamander Street Press as part of WoWFEST26.

Originally commissioned by Unity Theatre for Up Next Festival and later touring across the North West, Buckled is a darkly funny, deeply human exploration of alcohol dependency and the relationships shaped by it. At once tender and unflinching, it examines the quiet pressures of a culture where there’s always an excuse for another drink.

During this intimate event, Helen will share extracts from the script and take part in a conversation about the play’s creation, development and journey to publication. Copies will be available on the night at a special discounted price.

Trigger warning: Alcohol dependency. Suggested age: 14+

Helen Jeffery is a playwright, poet, performer & director. A graduate of the Liverpool Everyman Playwright’s Programme she has had several plays produced including ‘The Brink’ and ‘Gun Metal Blue,’ a recipient of the Blink.Theatre Award for new writing.

Helen was commissioned by Unity Theatre, Liverpool to create Buckled as part of Up Next Festival 2023. In 2024 and 2025 it toured to several venues in the Northwest including The Atkinson, Southport, The Arts Centre, Edge Hill, 53 Two in Manchester and Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

Helen is currently developing a new play for stage, as well as working as a dramaturg through her company ‘Sober Scribbles.’ More information about this and her other projects can be found here.

Venue: Unity Theatre Bar

 

A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny

Saddle up for a joy-fuelled, sequin-spattered gender journey of self discovery, as Canal Street Kings founder, trans trailblazer and international cabaret renegade Hunter King presents his debut musical, A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny, ‘maid in the wild, wild, north west’. An award winning, queer parody epic where Disney meets Dolly Parton by way of Manchester’s gay village.

Inspired by Hunter’s real-life transition and the transformative power of drag, this foot-stomping, pun-slinging hoedown tells the tale of a milkmaid on a mission to discover their authentic self. After setting off from their small town and thinking they’ve finally found freedom, they meet a mysterious man with a moustache and a secret — and suddenly, self-discovery gets a whole lot hairier.

Expect epic musical parodies, dazzling vocals, unashamedly terrible puns, “a scene stealing cow”, and a “hootenanny with heart” (Canal St Online, 2025). Commissioned by Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford.

Four Letter Words

A coming‑of‑age story set in the world of queer online kink, Four Letter Words explores the thrill, risk, and tenderness of seeking connection in a time of isolation.

Blending live projection with intimate storytelling, the production invites audiences into Gemma’s private world, asking how we search for identity, belonging, and closeness when the world feels out of reach. 

The Karate Kid The Musical

 

Don’t miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography.

Daniel LaRusso’s journey is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling. At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, dignity, and respect.

A Tony Award-winning design team transforms iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.

 

 

The City of Curses: A Murder Mystery By Trial

In the midst of civil war, hunger and incurable sickness – something worse haunts the streets of the City, something the locals cannot lock their doors from… witchcraft.

With the infamous Witch Hunts ripping through Europe, desperation conjures paranoid reaction amongst the towns folk and they have taken matters into their own hands.

Join the secret trial held outside the safety of the city where a Witch; accused of sorcery, seduction and murder must prove her innocence. But with rumours spreading like the plague – is everyone telling the truth?

Inspired by the historical ‘Witch Hunt Craze’ dark history you are invited to be the jury in this interactive and site specific Murder Mystery Show.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it.

Set in 1934 Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird was inspired by novelist Harper Lee’s own childhood and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and was long at the top of the banned book lists.