May is shaping up to be a huge month for arts and culture across the Liverpool and the city region, with everything from major theatre premieres and the return of Comic Con Liverpool to grassroots exhibitions, live music and more. It’s a big month for theatre fans, with some really exciting productions heading to the big stage, plus highlights like Steve McQueen’s Grenfell film installation and Liverpool’s longest-running literary festival, WoWFEST 26, it’s going to be an action-packed month! Here are 10 unmissable events in Liverpool the city region this May.
1. The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, Everyman Theatre (2 – 23 May)
A bold world premiere lands at Liverpool Everyman Theatre with The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher. Adapted from a story by Hilary Mantel, this tense two-hander imagines a chilling “what if?” moment in 1983, as Margaret Thatcher prepares to leave hospital. Described as a darkly funny, tension-filled show, it promises to be a politically charged piece that digs into power, class and the impact of one life-changing decision.
2. Comic Con Liverpool, Liverpool Experience Campus (2-3 May)
One of the biggest dates in the pop culture calendar, Comic Con Liverpool returns to the Liverpool Experience Campus on 2–3 May 2026, taking over the entire waterfront campus (including the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre, Arena and Auditorium). Special guests include William Shatner, Gillian Anderson, Noah Schnapp and many more. Plus, there’s cosplay, live panels, gaming zones and a huge marketplace filled with artists and traders.
3. The Rocky Horror Show, Liverpool Empire (4-9 May)
Cult classic The Rocky Horror Show calls at the Liverpool Empire Theatre as part of a brand new world tour, starring Jason Donovan as the iconic Frank-n-Furter alongside Jackie Clune as the Narrator. The Rocky Horror Show follows straight-laced couple Brad and his fiancée Janet, whose journey takes a strange turn when their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion on the way to visit an old college professor. What unfolds is a gloriously weird and wonderfully chaotic adventure you won’t forget in a hurry.
4. WoWFEST 2026: New World Disorder, Various Venues (Throughout May)
Liverpool’s longest-running literary festival returns with a powerful new theme as WoWFEST26: New World Disorder takes over venues across the city. Led by Writing on the Wall, this year’s programme brings together writers, artists and activists to tackle the big issues shaping the world right now – from inequality and disinformation to AI and global conflict. There will be plenty of bold conversations with inspiring voices and lots of thought-provoking moments, all rooted in the belief that creativity can challenge power and spark change.
5. To Kill A Mockingbird, Liverpool Empire (12-16 May)
Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird arrives at Liverpool Empire Theatre, in one of the most highly anticipated theatre events of the season, bringing this powerful courtroom drama to the city. Based on Harper Lee’s classic novel, the story follows lawyer Atticus Finch as he stands up for justice in 1930s Alabama, testing his beliefs in a deeply divided town. This thought-provoking and emotionally charged story still hits hard today.
6. Make Huyton Village Showcase, Make on the Corner (14-21 May)
From 14–21 May 2026, Huyton Village becomes a creative hotspot as the Make Huyton Village Showcase takes over Make on the Corner. Showcasing work by residents of Make CIC’s Huyton hub, the week-long exhibition features everything from fine art and costume design to handmade crafts and interactive pieces. It’s a chance to discover local talent up close and see just how much creativity is thriving in Knowsley.
7. Steve McQueen: Grenfell, Bluecoat (16 May – 21 June)
Steve McQueen’s powerful film installation Grenfell comes to The Bluecoat from 16 May to 21 June, in a co-production with Tate Liverpool. Created in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, the work offers a stark visual record of the building before it was covered over, honouring the 72 lives lost. Screenings will take place at set times, with free entry available via timed tickets, offering a space for reflection on one of the UK’s most devastating tragedies.
8. Highwaymen! What About The Women?, The Atkinson (21 May)
A fascinating talk is set to take place at The Atkinson with Highwaymen! What About The Women? by Margaret Holbrook, exploring the often overlooked stories of women who rode the highways of 17th and 18th century England. Based on Holbrook’s book of the same name, the talk delves into the dangerous but intriguing lives of female highwaymen – from independence and adventure to the very real risks of capture, punishment and execution. The evening also includes a book signing, with copies available to buy on the night.
9. Roller Derby, Future Yard (22 May)
Hamburg dream-pop duo Roller Derby head to Future Yard for a much-anticipated live show in their intimate live room. Blending 60s melodies with 80s textures and modern indie pop, their sound is hazy yet hook-filled, with Philine Meyer’s vocals drifting over warm, melodic guitar lines from Manuel Romero Soria. Fresh from sold-out European and UK tours, this is set to be a standout night for fans of dreamy, atmospheric indie.
10. Our Public House, Shakespeare North Playhouse (26-30 May)
A stormy night traps everyone inside a local pub in Our Public House, a funny, big-hearted new show coming to the Shakespeare North Playhouse. Landlady Sanjana, regulars and a few unexpected arrivals are all stuck together as tensions rise, secrets come out and people finally say what they really think. With live music and real voices from across England woven in, it’s a funny yet sharp look at community, change and speaking your mind.
To disocver even more, you’ll find 100+ event listings via our What’s On listings.