By Abbie Billington
Spring is finally here and as the ice melts and flowers bloom, we’re looking ahead to an exciting season of theatre shows in Liverpool and the city region. From feel-good musicals and wild animal adventures to jaw-dropping drama — there’s lots to get excited about. As Hal Borland once said, ‘No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.’ So, why not shake off those winter blues and enjoy some top-tier theatre across the Liverpool city region?
Red or Dead – Royal Court (21 March – 19 April)
The life and work of Liverpool Football Club legend, Bill Shankly is brought to life in this fictionalised epic on stage at the Royal Court. Shankly came to Liverpool with one goal: to build Liverpool Football Club up and up until they were invincible. With a whopping 52 cast members, the energy in the auditorium is sure to be electric, transporting you back to a golden age of football. So, whack out your red scarves and hats and lose yourself in Shankly’s Liverpool!
Animal Farm – Playhouse (1 – 5 April)
“All animals are created equal. But some are more equal than others.” When a revolution against the humans explodes at Manor Farm, the animals soon find that a life without humans is not all it’s cracked up to be. The utopia of equality they create soon dissolves under the tyrannical hooves of pigs Napoleon and Snowball. As tensions mount, how will the animals fare? After the huge splash of Ryan Craig’s adaptation of 1984 in November last year, Ian Wooldridge brings another of George Orwell’s chilling tales, Animal Farm, to life at the Playhouse this spring.
War Horse – Empire Theatre (8 – 19 April)
The critically acclaimed National Theatre production of War Horse returns to the Empire Theatre this April, and this is certainly not one to miss. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel and adapted by Nick Stafford, War Horse tells the story of Joey, a farm horse sold to the Cavalry during World War One and shipped off to France. It is a heart-wrenching story of love and loss, and the bond we share with our animal companions. South Africa’s Handstring Puppet Company bring the horses of the story to life and provide captivating visuals that will surely stick with you for a lifetime.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Atkinson (10 – 12 April)
Dust off those heels and join SONG for their production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at The Atkinson! SONG are Southport’s Award-Winning Musical Theatre Society, and twice a year they produce two high quality productions. This April, they’re retelling the story of Jamie New, a young boy who defies expectations as he embraces his true identity. The show carries a heartfelt message of acceptance and is certainly one that the whole family will enjoy.
Extremis – Hope Street Theatre (16 – 19 April)
When human resilience is tested, will hope prevail, or will darkness reign? In this new play by award-winning playwright Ian Moore, humanity is pushed to its absolute limit in this gripping tale of survival and sacrifice. It is a fantastic exploration of the human spirit and will leave you asking the question; what does it mean to make the ultimate choice?
Takeaway – Everyman (26 April – 17 May)
Fancy a takeaway? The Everyman’s creative director, Nathan Powell, shines a spotlight on Liverpool’s Caribbean community in this uplifting narrative of fun, heartbreak and just the right amount of spice. When the beloved Hyltons Caribbean takeaway is threatened by the technological age knocking at their door, Carol’s family are thrown into a chaotic whirlwind. Tension isn’t the only thing that’s rising as a block of luxury flats is set to demolish a local Community Centre, an all too contemporary reality in Liverpool’s current climate. If you like your theatre with a sprinkling of family tension, a dash of fun and a whole heap of delicious food, then this is the show for you.
Hamilton- Liverpool Empire Theatre (6 May – 7 June)
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi award-winning masterpiece, Hamilton, arrives to the Empire this spring! Known for its unforgettable score and show-stopping choreography, there’s a reason everyone can’t stop raving about this show. The story of Alexander Hamilton, America’s Founding Father, is rooted in drama, deception and dance numbers – what’s not to love? If you like your history lessons served with hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, then the Empire Theatre is your place to go.
Afloat – Unity Theatre (23 – 24 May)
Asylum Link offer a poignant, thought-provoking piece of theatre for social change in Afloat, following the journey of two English asylum seekers fighting for their lives as the dream to make Britain Great turns into a living nightmare. Afloat offers a first-hand experience of the challenges that asylum seekers must face every single day and invites its audience to engage with the work with a sense of empathy and compassion. It is an important piece of theatre that shines a light on the misunderstood members of our community who deserve our kindness.
Asylum Link also invite audiences to a post-show discussion, opening a dialogue on how we can collectively support asylum seekers in our community.
Speedo Mick – The Scouse Stomper – Royal Court (30 May – 5 July)
Join the much loved, world famous, Speedo Mick as he recounts his story of being that homeless guy in the shop doorway they said wouldn’t amount to anything, to raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for disadvantaged young people and the homeless. This inspirational show is the feel-good boost we all need.
Maybe it’s time to dig out those speedos?
FOUR – Hope Street Theatre (11 – 14 June)
Tip Tray Theatre have just hosted their What Happens Next competition for 2025, but in June the Hope Street Theatre hosts last year’s winner, FOUR. Written by Elspeth Todd, FOUR sees four family members hit with some unexpected news. Each family member is given the spotlight, recounting their version of events in this story of love, loss, and grief. Tip Tray Theatre and their What Happens Next competition have been at the forefront of supporting emerging writers and their work, setting them up for success in the theatre industry. If you want to support grassroots theatre, then look no further than Tip Tray Theatre!
To discover even more theatre shows in Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On listings.