A Night of New Theatre!

Two new short plays hosted by The Black-E Theatre. The team aim to create accessible, thought-provoking and fun theatre, that will enrich the culture of the city.

Armed Robbery and Suicidal Intent by Hosanna Starkey, directed by Samuel Thomas. Assistant director Ava Benkova.

I Always Cry On My Birthday by Ines Sawday, directed by Ava Benkova. Assistant director Samuel Thomas.

Tiny Acorn Tall Tales

Have you enjoyed The Storybarn’s six-week Tiny Acorns course?

Due to lots of interest in follow-on sessions, they’re pleased to present Tiny Acorns Tall Tales.

These stand-alone sessions include Shared Reading for grown-ups, rhyme time for the little ones, and a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Storybarn.

Tiny Acorns Tall Tales sessions are for children under 1 only. If your little one is older (or particularly mobile!) you might want to try Incy Wincy Rhymers instead.

Tickets are £6 per adult and include a free tea or filter coffee from The Ice Cream Parlour after your session. Under 1s are free but will still need to book a ticket.

Storybarn Open House

They are opening the doors of the Storybarn especially for families with autistic children under the age of 9yo, and families with sensory conditions so they can come and enjoy their wonderful imaginative play space in a stress free environment.

A Storyhunter will be on hand to help you if you need it; but they will not be running activities or group story sharing.

They will have a relaxed attitude to noise and movement, and give families a chance to explore the space at their own pace and in their own way.

They have also reduced the capacity for this event, so it will not be as busy as most of their other public sessions.

Children with additional needs are always welcome to join in at any of their events, and they will always do what they can to support you, but they also know that sometimes what you really need is the freedom to just do it your own way!

Incy Wincy Wanders

Head along for a wander-full Wednesday morning. Take a story-themed stroll through Calderstones park with our Storyhunters every week. Explore the great outdoors with nature-based activities, share stories, and sing along to your favorite songs.

Their adventures will take us off the beaten path, so make sure to dress your little ones accordingly. Bundle up in wellies and puddle suits for cooler months, and don’t forget sun cream and hats for summer strolls.

After a morning of exploring, you’ll relax with a warm cup of hot chocolate and some fresh fruit.

Sessions last 90 minutes. The adventure begins outside of the Mansion House.

Father’s Day At The Mansion Hous...

They’re celebrating father figures of all kinds in the Mansion House garden. There’s something for everyone, with hourly storytelling sessions, games and craft tables open all day long. Kids will love their free face painting station, while adults can tuck into a delicious BBQ and put their feet up with a drink from their bar.

Come rain or shine, they’ll make sure it’s a day to remember. If it’s cooler outside, bundle up in your favourite wellies and puddle suits for some fun in the rain, and if the sun is shining, don’t forget to protect yourself with some sun cream and hats.

Whether you’re staying for an hour or making a day of it, this event is sure to be a hit with the entire family.

Songs for Europe

All the glitz and hitz of Eurovision… This energetic, visual and funny show has been created with 150 people living in care homes and features their voices reflecting on the early days of Eurovision.

They also speak of the values upon which the contest was founded – love, peace, harmony and hope.

Embarking on a two week tour to 20 care homes, the performances at Unity are for people living with Parkinson’s, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases, and their loved ones.

The show features a brand new song bu Luke Thomas & Dora Colquhoun, featuring the voices of 100 care home residents who have helped write the lyrics.

Performed by three actors known to many at Unity (Maria Paul, Leila Chebbi and Cameron McKendrick), the show is directed by Tmesis’ Elinor Randle and designed by Stephanie O’Hara. Conceived and produced by Peter Ward for Nwoko Arts.

Eurovision Print Party

Make your own Eurovision keepsake and experiment with different printing methods at the Bluecoat’s family-friendly print party.

Mon 8 May, 11am-1pm and 1-3pm

Choose from two sessions and get inspired by traditional Ukrainian pysanka eggs and make your own drawings using wax resist techniques, make posters using stencils and screen print Eurovision flags to fly during the festival.

Adult £12.00
Child £8.50

Recommended minimum age 3+

Booking required.

Alevtina Kakhidze Performance – ...

Artist Alevtina Kakhidze brings her trademark wry humour to the Bluecoat in this special performance combining elements of stand-up comedy.

Thu 11 May, 6-8pm.
Tickets £5, booking required.

The Tony Blair Rock Opera

A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. Throw in a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters – Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show! and a musical like no other.

A hilarious musical tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power, and romance; this rip-roaring new musical by Harry Hill and Steve Brown received critical acclaim following a sold-out run at the Park Theatre in London.

The Woman in Black

The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story The Woman In Black returns to Liverpool this Christmas, direct from London’s West End, after an incredible 33 year run at the Fortune Theatre.

The Woman in Black brilliantly delivers atmosphere, illusion and horror! Experience the thrill and excitement of this critically-acclaimed international theatre event that has been seen by over 7 million people worldwide, and continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.

Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.

“Guaranteed to chill the blood.”
Evening Standard

Performance times:

Afternoons at 1:30pm – Thu 7, Thu 14, Thu 21, Thu 28, Fri 29
Afternoons at 2:00pm – Sat 9, Sat 16, Sat 23 Sat 30
Evenings at 7:30pm – Tue 5, Wed 6, Thu 7, Fri 8, Sat 9, Mon 11, Tue 12, Wed 13, Thu 14, Fri 15, Sat 16, Mon 18, Thu 19, Wed 20, Thu 21, Fri 22, Sat 23, Wed 27, Thu 28, Fri 29, Sat 30