Borrowed is a radical story about a pregnant fat girl, a prejudiced healthcare system, and a pineapple.
Triggered by the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States, Borrowed was born (pun intended).
Centring a fat woman as our protagonist, this play destroys the notion that the sole purpose of pregnant people are to be vehicles for a foetus. It tackles what it’s truly like to grow something inside of you and battle the thoughts of your own inner child, while manoeuvring a medical field like a landmine. At the heart of this play, it is about a person’s bodily autonomy and trying to navigate a world that was not made for them.
This performance will feature a 30 minute long Post-Show Q&A with the creator of the piece entitled ‘Fat Characters Aren’t Just Funny Friends’.
Celebrating a renowned writer and one of England’s first abolitionists, ‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’ will see the man come magically alive and out of his portrait to talk about his life and times.
Using puppetry, physicality and traditional storytelling.
A poet, historian, and patron of the arts, he was responsible for helping to establish the first botanical garden in Liverpool in 1802. In that same year, he wrote a children’s poem, The Butterfly’s Ball and The Grasshopper’s Feast for his son, Robert, which won him international fame.
Roscoe was a social activist throughout his life and an advocate for the environment and racial justice. He became an MP in Liverpool to vote against slavery and this led to the abolition of slavery in 1807. Journey with us back to see Liverpool through the eyes of this distinguished gentleman.
Fresh from a stint at the Shakespeare North Playhouse, Artsgroupie and Playwright John Maguire bring this new play to the Newsroom of The Athenaeum, where it will be performed under the portrait of Roscoe himself!
Due to the configuration of the building, access may not be possible for wheel chair users. It is recommended to contact the concierge desk on 0151 709 7770 to discuss access prior to booking if you have any queries.
Ticket price includes a complimentary glass of Club wine or a soft drink upon arrival, and access to the Athenaeum from 6:00pm. The performance will start at 8:00pm, admittance cannot be guaranteed after this time.
From the makers of the hit play “Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse”.
Celebrating a renowned writer and one of England’s first abolitionists, ‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’ will see the man come magically alive and out of his portrait to talk about his life and times.
Using puppetry, physicality and traditional storytelling.
A poet, historian, and patron of the arts, he was responsible for helping to establish the first botanical garden in Liverpool in 1802. In that same year, he wrote a children’s poem, The Butterfly’s Ball and The Grasshopper’s Feast for his son, Robert, which won him international fame.
Roscoe was a social activist throughout his life and an advocate for the environment and racial justice. He became an MP in Liverpool to vote against slavery and this led to the abolition of slavery in 1807. Journey with us back to see Liverpool through the eyes of this distinguished gentleman.
Produced by: ArtsGroupie
Directed by Margaret Connell
Starring John Maguire
Written by John Maguire
From the makers of the hit play “Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse”.
Celebrating a renowned writer and one of England’s first abolitionists, ‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’ will see the man come magically alive and out of his portrait to talk about his life and times.
Using puppetry, physicality and traditional storytelling.
A poet, historian, and patron of the arts, he was responsible for helping to establish the first botanical garden in Liverpool in 1802. In that same year, he wrote a children’s poem, The Butterfly’s Ball and The Grasshopper’s Feast for his son, Robert, which won him international fame.
Roscoe was a social activist throughout his life and an advocate for the environment and racial justice. He became an MP in Liverpool to vote against slavery and this led to the abolition of slavery in 1807. Journey with us back to see Liverpool through the eyes of this distinguished gentleman.
Produced by: ArtsGroupie
Directed by Margaret Connell
Starring John Maguire
Written by John Maguire
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.
The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back, and they’re delighted to announce that this year they’re telling the story of Cinderella.
With heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle, our awesomely talented actor musicians will bring the classic fairy tale to life in surprising style.
Bursting with banging pop and rock tunes, this is a show that will have you singing and dancing along, no matter what your age.
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.
