Liverpool theatres are back in business in a big way now audiences have returned to enjoy live theatre post-lockdown.
After a long-period of quiet across the country, the Liverpool Empire, Everyman, Royal Court, Playhouse and Unity theatres sold a total of 169,767 tickets from May-October.
The city’s theatre-making talent was celebrated as the Royal Court returned with new comedy Ellen & Rigby and the Playhouse sent a love letter to the city with its production of Love, Liverpool. Unity showcased a range of local talent with its Open Call programme and the Everyman returned to full-capacity with the return of Jonathan Harvey’s comedy Our Lady of Blundellsands.
Theatregoers were able not only to enjoy the work of local artists but also that of national and international talent: the Empire's touring shows returned with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in September, which wowed thousands of theatre-goers. The Playhouse also showcased Matthew Bourne’s new production The Midnight Bell.
In a joint statement, Gordon Millar (artistic director and CEO at Unity), Gillian Miller (chief executive at Liverpool’s Royal Court), Mark Da Vanzo (chief executive at Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust) and Diane Belding (theatre director at Liverpool Empire), said: “We are truly grateful to everyone who visited our theatres following a very tough period for our industry.
"Since opening our doors, we have seen a huge number of people in our venues, in socially-distanced shows and sold-out auditoriums, all celebrating the huge wealth of talent and a varied programme of shows across Liverpool stages over the past six months.
“We are cautiously optimistic for the future, but we know we would not be able to continue without your support. So see you over Christmas!”
Across the season, the Everyman presents its Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto's return with Robin Hood; the Royal Court has the Scouse Sleeping Beauty; Unity presents a selection box of Christmas fun across December; the Empire has hit musical Dreamgirls and the Playhouse has the new Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World.
More info and tickets here and at the individual theatre websites