Event type: Theatre

Following a sell-out 2024/2025 tour host of The Bugle, New’s Quiz, Test Match Special and Taskmaster champion Andy Zaltzman, extends his hit tour into 2026 (with extra material added due to phenomenal world chaos).

One of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, Andy assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race. Attempting to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where?, and above all Why?

Join the BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over as artists Shak, Chelsey, Resila and BluBoy bring exciting experimental new works using their disciplines and theatre to bring their stories to life.

Some of the artists use their writing and directing skills, some their own performance and poetry skills and some a combination of singing performing and writing. They are also creating open mic slots after the artists have performed, you can sign up before the event at andi.herring@blackfest.co.uk.

Head along and enjoy a highly varied set of work from ambitious creatives.

What happens when you have the feeling that you are disappearing?

Rhys wants to be a boxer while his father wants to learn Welsh. Yasmin is living with her nan while her mother wants to be looking over the plains of Uganda. The children can’t speak to their parents, and the parents don’t understand how their children are feeling.

In Mari Lloyd’s moving and sharply funny play, we see the world through the eyes of two sparring 18-year-olds in a small Welsh ex-mining town as they try to comprehend the actions of their parents and begin to realise they have bigger things to fight for.

Following widespread acclaim since its 2023 London premiere, STILL HERE returned in 2025 with its original, award-nominated cast for a celebrated South Wales tour. Now, this powerful piece of new writing—hailed as “a heartfelt triumph”—comes to The Hope Street Theatre and the playwright’s home base of Merseyside for the first time. 

With Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler

Directed by Julia Stubbs

“This is an endearing, enjoyable script performed by two wonderful actors with a long future ahead of them. Whether you’re a young adult finding your place in the world, or of an older generation struggling to keep up with life’s many changes – this show works for all.” THE REVIEWS HUB

“Director Julia Stubbs skilfully takes Lloyd’s smart script and interweaves the stories of the two damaged teenagers seamlessly… Warm and funny, with two excellent performances, Still Here is hugely enjoyable” ★★★★ FAIRY POWERED PRODUCTIONS

“Writer Mari Lloyd’s words take centre stage, delivered by two assured, talented young performers… Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler’s performances are moving and true” BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

“A brilliant cast… Jones gives a powerhouse performance as Rhys… Kaler offers a sharp, stylish and nuanced performance” ★★★★ BUZZ MAGAZINE

“Still Here is not just a play—it’s an experience that lingers in the heart long after you leave the theatre.” THE EDIT

Content information: suitable for 14+; strong language throughout; reference to self-harm; reference to attempted suicide | Running time: 70 minutes with no interval.