Liverpool’s theatre scene is set to dazzle this autumn with an eclectic mix of theatre shows in Liverpool and the city region that cater to all tastes. From heartwarming musicals to gripping dramas, the Liverpool City Region’s stages will be filled with unforgettable performances.
Highlights include the inspiring tale of Made in Dagenham, the chilling gothic of Dracula, and Girls Don’t Play Guitars, which tells the powerful story of The Liverbirds, Liverpool’s first all-female rock band. Whether you’re in the mood for a pop-fueled journey with & Juliet, a blood-splattered dark comedy like The Lieutenant of Inishmore, or a poignant wartime romance in Birdsong, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best theatre shows in Liverpool and the region this season.
The Lieutenant of Inishmore – Everyman Theatre (until 12 October)
Mixing cats, killers and casual violence, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is shocking, savage and sadistically funny, winning the Olivier Award for Best Comedy. From the acclaimed writer of In Bruges, The Pillowman and The Banshees of Inisherin, comes this breathless, blood-splattered tale of revenge.
Girls Don’t Play Guitars – Liverpool Royal Court (27 September – 26 October)
Girls Don’t Play Guitars is the untold true story of The Liverbirds! From The Cavern to Hamburg’s Star Club Mary, Sylvia, Val and Pam did it on their terms, turning down Brian Epstein, hanging out with Jimi Hendrix and driving Chuck Berry wild. This foot-stomping musical will be packed with all of the great 60s songs that shook The Cavern, including the Liverbirds smash hits Peanut Butter and Diddley Daddy.
The Lodger – Unity Theatre (4 – 5 October)
Dora Colquhoun presents The Lodger, starring George Jenkins. Four humans and one hoofed mammal, all on a mission to find home. This hilarious and sometimes tragic tale follows a lodger’s journey as she encounters a menagerie of characters, all yearning for a sense of belonging.
Birdsong – Liverpool Playhouse Theatre (8 – 12 October)
Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss returns to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel. The critically acclaimed Birdsong returns in a brand-new production for 2024. The show tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.
The Trials – The Brindley, Runcorn (9 – 12 October)
The near future…The climate emergency is gathering pace and our generation is being judged. The jurors are children. But are they delivering justice – or just taking revenge? A timely and troubling speculative drama that imagines the grim repercussions of our current climate emergency. Dawn King’s searing play The Trials received its British premiere at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in August 2022, directed by Natalie Abrahami.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (13 October)
Bringing one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best selling book! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly has been written especially for grown ups to enjoy with their children, so come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun.
Made in Dagenham – Gladstone Theatre, Wirral (16 – 19 October)
Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting British musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right. Funny, touching and timeless, Made in Dagenham shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together.
The Book of Horror Volume II – Hope Street Theatre (23 – 26 October)
4AM Productions returns with their spine-chilling Halloween spectacular after last year’s huge success. This year, the Curator and his eerie minion are back to unleash more tales from the sinister “Book of Horror”—a collection of six terrifying short plays guaranteed to leave you trembling.
& Juliet – Liverpool Empire (28 October – 2 November)
Irreverent West End hit musical & Juliet embarks on its first UK tour with a stop at the Liverpool Empire in autumn 2024. Join Juliet on a journey of self-discovery and second chances, told through a soundtrack of top pop anthems from the last three decades composed by songwriter Max Martin. Max has an incredible songwriting pedigree, from writing Baby One More Time to Since U Been Gone, and Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) to Roar.
Dracula – The Atkinson, Southport (5 – 6 November)
Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian Gothic with the Contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style. Dracula features a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.