Interest area: culture

The Wizard of Oz

Audiences at the historic Hanover Street venue are being invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road as Regal Entertainments presents The Wizard Of Oz. 

The stunning show promises to be packed with fantastic performances, fabulous costumes, and lots of laughs. The panto is directed by Olivia Sloyan.

Join Dorothy and Toto on their epic adventure to the Emerald City and be with them as they meet a cast of incredible characters including Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion along the way.

Will the Wicked Witch succeed in stopping them in their tracks? Or will the good witch Glinda help the friends in their mission to meet the wonderful Wizard himself?

The cast includes Rebecca Bryan who dons the famous ruby red slippers to play Dorothy, Reece Sibbald as the Scarecrow, Chris Edgerley as the Tin Man, Michael Alan-Bailey as the Lion, Hayley Russell as Glinda, Tori Hargreaves as the Wicked Witch, and Adam Melville as the Wizard.

Times vary and include matinee shows, check here for full details.

The Light Before Christmas: The Angels...

Liverpool Cathedral is set to bring some extra sparkle to the city’s Christmas celebrations with an immersive experience, which will take visitors on an incredible journey through the Nativity story.

‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’ invites families to enjoy the most wonderful time of year through son et lumière as the magnificent Gothic interior of the iconic building becomes a canvas for a sequence of dazzling light and sound artworks.

A contemporary twist on the opening scenes of the Nativity, the captivating yuletide experience will see angels guide the way through a special display of twinkling lights, mesmerising projections and beautiful music, inspired by the first Christmas.

As extraordinary sights and sounds fill the vast space inside Liverpool Cathedral, visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in one of the greatest stories ever told in preparation for their own Christmas celebrations.

The awe-inspiring festive experience is the work of the award-wining artistic collaboration, Luxmuralis, the same team who brought the sell-out installation, ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’, to Liverpool Cathedral earlier this year.

Speaking on plans for ‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’, Peter Walker, Artistic Director of Luxmuralis, said: “Following the phenomenal success of ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’, we’re delighted to be returning to Liverpool Cathedral with ‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’, which will give visitors of all ages a chance to enjoy the festive season in a modern and artistic way.”

“It really is going to be an unforgettable experience as stunning light and sound artworks depict the remarkable story of how Christmas began, all in the majestic surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral.”

The Dean of Liverpool, The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, is looking forward to welcoming Luxmuralis back to the city as part of Liverpool Cathedral’s Christmas celebrations. She said: “The artists behind Luxmuralis are renowned for creating the most spectacular immersive experiences, you may remember ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’, which was incredibly well received by visitors to Liverpool Cathedral.

“‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’ looks set to be just as popular as we invite people to lose themselves in the wonderful story of Christmas and the Nativity. The stunning festive light and sound installation forms a key part of the Christmas celebrations at Liverpool Cathedral, providing a perfect opportunity for different generations to join together for reflection. I’m sure visitors will find the experience very moving as we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.”

‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’ is part of a two-year programme of events, exhibitions and artworks leading up to Liverpool Cathedral’s 100th anniversary, which falls in 2024.

Tickets for the Christmas light and sound experience at Liverpool Cathedral, which lasts around 40 minutes, must be booked in advance, either online at Ticket Quarter https://bit.ly/3fEvmfZ.

The Ticket Quarter phone line is open from Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm) and the customer service email address is customerservice@ticketquarter.co.uk.

For more information about ‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’ and the wider events programme at Liverpool Cathedral, visit liverpoolcathedral.org.uk and for further details on Luxmuralis, visit projectionartgallery.com.

Birkenhead International Film Festival...

Step into another world with the Birkenhead International Film Festival.

This October, The Birkenhead International Film Festival is back and they are bringing you an evening of Science Fiction Short Films from across the globe. All of the films included in the festival are short films by independent filmmakers.

With submissions coming in from 14 countries world-wide, with the final selection being made on the 11th October. As always their festival is free to attend but if you can, please donate. BIFF is an unfunded project at Convenience Gallery and any support goes a long way to continue the work we do.

Why Science Fiction?

From their core voluntary BIFF team at Convenience, they saw a lot of love and passion for Sci-Fi, and they wanted to help create a platform for this through the festival. With their previous years festivals presenting animation and horror, they are very excited to present Science Fiction.

It’s a genre steeped in history, thought to date back in literary works as far back as 2000 BCE, before it became much more prevalent in the 17th , 18th and 19th century literature following the scientific revolution.

They now see this as a staple of written and visual works, and see it regularly on our screens on Television to Cinema. Science fiction has massively influenced pop culture through both utopian and dystopian presentation we’re excited to see and share what this batch of filmmakers showcase during the festival.

This years festival will take place at Pilgrim Street Arts Centre in Birkenhead. CH41 5EH. Convenience Gallery will be running a bar subject to licence agreement and will be serving popcorn, sweets, and crisps too. Families are invited to attend this event, and any films where viewer discretion is advised we will giving warning to this. Please can anyone under 14 please be accompanied by an adult.

Running Order:

7pm: Doors Open

7:15pm – 7:30pm: Keynote speech from Festival team.

7:30pm – 8pm: Film Block #1

8:00pm – 8:35pm: Break/ Social

8:35pm – 9:05pm: Film Block #2

9:05pm – 9:20pm: Break/ Social 2

9:20pm – 9:50pm: Film Block #3

9:50pm – 10:00pm: Closing talk/ BIFFTA announcement.

10pm – 11pm: The Del Roswell’s live music and social.

shado x Convenience Gallery presents: ...

Join in for a screening of the short documentary Comfort Angels followed by a panel with Jacqui McAssey (girls Fan Zine) Allison Whorton (Aggregate FC) and Kate and Ellie from Comfort Angels.

Panelists will talk about the role that football has had in all of their lives; the importance of grassroots football in fostering community; how each of the panellists are creating change in their communities and breaking down barriers and stigmas facing women in football.

Date and time: 20th October, 6.30pm

Location: Bloom Building, Birkenhead, CH41 5FQ

Horror Night: Hellraiser Film Screenin...

Ready to be gripping on to the edges of your seats, hiding under your blankets in an eerie church setting?

An unfaithful wife encounters the zombie of her dead lover; the demonic cenobites are pursuing him after he escaped their sadomasochistic underworld.

Starring: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence. Directed By: Clive Barker

Bombed Out Church brings you ‘HORROR NIGHT’, late night open-air film screenings featuring the five-star rated, disturbing and surreal film ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019), and the horrifying classic ‘Hellraiser’ (1987).

Bring your film buddies and layers to get cosy in! Accompanying the films will be their fully stocked bar, with hot chocolates, boozy hot drinks, beers, spirits, prosecco and more along with snacks, snacks and more snacks!

Horror Night: The Lighthouse Film Scre...

Ready to be gripping on to the edges of your seats, hiding under your blankets in an eerie church setting?

There is enchantment in the light. From Robert Eggers, acclaimed director of ‘The Witch,’ and starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. THE LIGHTHOUSE, 2019. DIRECTOR: Robert Eggers CAST: Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson

Bombed Out Church brings you ‘HORROR NIGHT’, open-air late night film screenings featuring the five-star rated, disturbing and surreal film ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019), and the horrifying classic ‘Hellraiser’ (1987).

Bring your film buddies and layers to get cosy in! Accompanying the films will be their fully stocked bar, with hot chocolates, boozy hot drinks, beers, spirits, prosecco and more along with snacks, snacks and more snacks!

Routes Jukebox Revisited

The award-winning music documentary returns for a special, free screening at FACT.

Routes Jukebox is a music lover’s dream documentary, exploring Country, Punk, Reggae and House to name a few of the genres that Liverpool excels at. Routes Jukebox threads the themes and links it all through a compelling journey.

In addition to the screening, there will also be a stellar panel discussion unpacking the making of the documentary with producer Jernice Easthope and music industry stalwart Les Spaine, hosted by musician Jennifer John.

Ahead of the screening, there will also be a warm-up conversation with leading creatives from Liverpool who will discuss the importance of support and platforms for Black creatives.

TOUCHY + ANTHOLOGY

A double bill of live music, hip hop, film, and poetry, from Liverpool’s finest and 20 Stories High.

TOUCHY is a collection of award-winning short films on the theme of touch. Unique stories told through a mash up of eye-popping animation, heartfelt music video, and gripping drama.

ANTHOLOGY is a raw piece of gig theatre that promises to raise the roof! A collection of uncompromising, emotive, and funny, personal testimonies about the highs and lows of transitioning, PDA for same sex couples and uplifting tales of Black empowerment.

This event is part of Take Over 2022.

Event

Tickets and access information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/touchy-anthology-by-20storieshigh-tickets-427477606027

FEAST: PEAR by Xhi Ndubisi and Sarah H...

A pear dinner in six courses, with food inspired by different countries and cultures, accompanied by stories.

From West China, across ancient gardens of Afghanistan and Iran, over Roman and French orchards into the British landscape, the pear is the product of many cultures and countries.

In following its journey, they enter a discussion about who we think we are, how we have come to be, the boundaries we draw to create place and the complex relationship between place and personhood.

It could have been any food, any fruit, but here and now we choose the pear.

FEAST:PEAR is a pear dinner in six courses, with food inspired by different countries and cultures. This meal is part of a greater project, The Pear Project, which will see a long-term, North-West wide collaboration with artists, communities and organisations to plant pear orchards in this region.

Through care and cultivation, these orchards will become a focal point of storytelling and performance as well as addressing the importance of growing food locally and the climate crisis.

Free, booking required

This event is part of Take Over 2022.

Event

Tickets and access information: https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/project-and-events/events/take-over-feast-pear

Astrology Bingo by Figs in Wigs

The world’s first ever cosmic game show for astrology lovers, bingo wingers and their sceptic friends!

Instead of numbers you’ll be counting your lucky stars, with this bingo game based on your own astrological chart.

Each player has a bespoke astrology bingo card which shows which sign every planet was in when you were born. It’s like a snapshot of the sky the moment you entered the universe. All you need to know is your birth date, time and location.

Figs in Wigs call out different combinations of planets and signs (like ‘Sun in Aquarius’ or ‘Moon in Virgo’) and you must dab it out on your card when you hear a match. The first player to dab out all of their signs and shout BINGO… wins!

Circling the bingo games is an interstellar programme of performance inspired by astrology, the cosmos and space featuring cosmic performances by Figs in Wigs and their special guests, including an astrologer who will give a short reading of the sky on the night.

This event is part of Take Over 2022.

Event

Tickets and access information: https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/project-and-events/events/take-over-astrology-bingo