Liverpool Theatre Festival – inaugurated during a break in last year’s lockdowns and a big hit with theatregoers – returns this autumn, with the added bonus of a summer event to premiere new works.
The outdoor festival, at the prosaically-named St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, was created last September by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms, who was keen to boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sector after the devastating first six months of the pandemic.
The first festival, last year, had almost 2,500 vistors and featured 19 performances of 12 productions, won an award and was shortlisted for several more.
The festival returns in September for two weeks, with the addition of Little LTF to introduce new talent. The festival hub will again be the historic St Luke’s church and gardens in Liverpool city centre.
Little LTF will run from July 12-18 (in a covered performance space) and will give writers and performers a chance to present new work in front of a live audience. Full details on how to apply will be available on the festival website from April 6. Successful shows will be announced in May.
The main festival, featuring more established acts, artists and productions, will run from September 1-12 and will launch the city’s autumn theatre season. Bill Elms said: “We were so inspired by last year’s event that we are determined to take it to the next level, and the addition of Little LTF will do just that. We are sure the public appetite for live theatre and entertainment will be stronger than ever after a very challenging year for everyone.
“The pandemic continues to have an impact on everyone involved in the industry. A year ago I felt compelled to act, and my passion and commitment to push the event forward is stronger than ever.”