1984

ROOM 101… BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU… SUPER STATES … THOUGHT POLICE…

The novel which has most influenced the 21st century is brought to the stage in a thrilling new version by Ryan Craig.

On 4th April 1984, Winston Smith, comrade 6079, starts a diary. In a world where every action is painstakingly monitored and controlled, this simple act puts Winston’s life in jeopardy. A clandestine love affair with co-worker Julia further enrages the authorities, but can they truly trust each other? And what of the mysterious O’Brien? Will he help them overthrow the regime, confront them with their most terrifying fears, or worse…?

Shocking and fantastical when first written in 1949, Orwell’s novel has remained one of the most chillingly prescient novels of the last century.

The Rocky Horror Show

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show comes to Liverpool Playhouse as part of a new world tour.

Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror show is the biggest party and features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.

The Baddies

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! Don’t you dare to come too close to a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost!

The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast wicked spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits…who will succeed? Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think…

With songs by Joe Stilgoe (Zog and Zog and The Flying Doctors), The Baddies is a wickedly hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit story. A laugh-out-loud riot for all the family.

Shirley Valentine

Willy Russell’s one-woman show, Shirley Valentine, comes home to the Liverpool Everyman as part of our 60th birthday celebrations.

Originally commissioned and staged by the Everyman, the role of Shirley will be played by Liverpool actor Helen Carter in a revival directed by Stephen Fletcher.

Willy Russell is one of the most celebrated and widely produced writers of his generation, with works regularly produced across the globe. Willy has had a long association with the Everyman; his breakthrough as a writer came in 1974 with John Paul George Ringo… & Bert, which transferred to the West End and won numerous awards.

Further stage plays at the Everyman included Breezeblock Park (1975) and Stags and Hens (1978). After huge international success with Blood Brothers and Educating Rita, he returned to the Everyman in 1986, writing the iconic Shirley Valentine.

Ghost Stories

When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.

Enter a world full of thrilling twists and epic turns, where the ultimate love-letter to horror is imagined live on stage. A fully sensory and electrifying encounter, Ghost Stories is one of London’s best reviewed plays of all time and will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat. This is a theatrical experience like no other.

After exhilarating audiences across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s Ghost Stories is “Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever.

After the Act

A new 1980’s-inspired musical about pride, protest…and abseiling lesbians.

Thatcher’s Section 28, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools, was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global blueprint for LGBTQ+ oppression and galvanised a community. After the Act is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.

Its joyously exuberant original live score accompanies the inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation.

This is the story of how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a generation decided to fight back.

Room on the Broom

Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Iggety ziggety zaggety zoom!

Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!

Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award-nominated show for everyone aged 3 and up.

Play On!

What does it take for a woman to make it in a man’s world?

Meet Vy, a talented songwriter looking to make it big in the 1940’s Harlem scene. She quickly learns from her uncle Jester that women will never be taken seriously in a man’s world. But, like many a strong hero, she refuses to accept defeat. Through her gender fluid cunning, she meets club owner The Duke and sensational nightclub singer Lady Liv and is swept up in a syncopated symphony of melodies, mistaken identities and romance. Who will come out on top?

Play On! is set in the jazz scene of New York’s Cotton Club. This stylish retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong (A Kind of People, Royal Court; All My Sons, Talawa and Royal Exchange) fuses the thrilling music of Duke Ellington with street dance choreography. Prepare to be wowed by this musical spectacular that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping along with the timeless soundtrack.

Birdsong

There is nothing more than to love and be loved.

Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss returns to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel.

★★★★★
‘Riveting’
Telegraph

The critically acclaimed show returns in a brand-new production for 2024. Telling the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

A mesmerising story of love and courage. Set both before and during the Great War.

Once seen never forgotten.

Starring award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the role of Ben Mitchell in EastEnders, and produced by the award-winning Original Theatre, who brought you the smash hit productions of The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie, Murder in the Dark and The Habit of Art.

The Scouse Red Riding Hood

Little Red is off her head. Her nan’s in bed and the wolf’s not fed. With a pan of scouse and a loaf of bread, she’s off to the forest where the woodsman led.

What’s that noise? It’s the sound of the Royal Court Christmas show coming steaming back into town! Jam-packed with jokes and incredible live music, this is the only way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

This is a show that’s for grownups only so leave the kids at home and have a night out for yourself!

Christmas is coming and nan is laid up as her sciatica is giving her gyp. It’s down to Little Red and her mate Big Blue to get out to her cottage in Spinney Woods with a proper scran. She wants some of that CBD rubbing oil you get from the place in St John’s that does the Spanish cleaning products too.

There are strange creatures that lurk in Spinney Woods but they meet a lad with a big chopper who makes them feel safe. They’d better watch out for the beasties and bugs. The snakes and scorpions. The woollybacks and… wolves!

Join the Royal Court gang on another Christmas adventure that is guaranteed to have you laughing and singing into the new year. Get down here for great food, drinks, jokes, songs and so much more!

Nana red was safe in bed until the wolf came in but then she said: “I’ll pull your ears and smash your head then the lad with the axe is going to make you dead.”

The show is always a sell out so book your tickets now!

Written by Kevin Fearon
Directed by Mark Chatterton

Musical Director Howard Gray

Cast to be confirmed

Age advisory 16+ strong language throughout. Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed into the auditorium.

Performance Information 
 
Stalls tickets are available with a meal (served at your table before the show) for an extra £14 for one course or £19 for two courses. Click here to see our menu. If you are eating with us please arrive at least an hour before the performance. 
 
Tickets are available for the show alone in stalls, circle and balcony. 
 
You can also dine next door in the Courtyard Bar & Kitchen. Their pre-theatre offer is two courses for £18 and three for £22pp (price subject to change). Book a table on their websiteby clicking here
 
BSL performances are on Tuesday 26 November & Tuesday 7 Janurary (interpreter Karl Llorca). Audio Described performance is on Thursday 28 November (describer Anne Hornsby). To book please contact Box Office on 0151 709 4321 or email lauren@royalcourtliverpool.com. 
 
Circle and balcony will open at 7.15pm. There are bars in both areas for pre-show and interval drinks. Stalls will be open from 6:15pm. 
 
If you are bringing a large group, every tenth ticket is free. This ticket will be automatically added to your basket on purchase. Meals and building levy must still be paid on your free ticket. 
 
NO BOOKING FEES ON THIS SHOW 
 
Please note – the bar will close 15 minutes before the advertised start time. 
 
£2 from every ticket bought will be donated to The Royal Court Liverpool Trust. For more details go to www.royalcourttrust.org 
 
Please contact Box Office to book if you are a wheelchair user.