Arts and Culture
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Thousands Attend Launch Weekend of Borealis at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
This weekend saw the hugely successful launch of the breathtaking Borealis installation at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, drawing in over 45,000 visitors who were left spellbound by artist Dan Acher’s mesmerising recreation of the Northern Lights. The highly-anticipated spectacle transformed the dock’s historic Hartley Quay into a dreamlike scene using cutting-edge beams of light, atmospheric effects, and a calming ambient soundtrack to recreate the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis right in the heart of the city. The…
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Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre To Re-Open This Summer
Liverpool’s much-loved Epstein Theatre is set to reopen after a deal was agreed to breathe new life into the historic city centre venue. The Grade II listed theatre closed its doors in June 2023 following a decision by the city council, which owns the building’s freehold, to withdraw financial support which had helped to keep the 112-year-old venue running. But now the Hanover Street landmark is due to welcome audiences once again, with new leaseholders…
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The Intrusion: Examining Climate Crisis Through Comedy – Finding Hope In The Bleakness of Extinction
Bric à Brac Theatre and Told by an Idiot present The Intrusion, a dark comedy exploring climate crisis and survival after civilisation’s end. Premiering at Leeds Playhouse (March 1-8) before touring northern venues, the Kafkaesque play uses humour and original music to examine extinction. Developed with experts and community insights, the production features Kitty Devlin (Bridgerton), Alex Hinson, and Siobhan Cha Cha. Directed by Anna Marshall, it offers an “anarchic look” at a desperate situation,…
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In Conversation – Wes Williams (Grin Theatre)
For over a decade, Grin Theatre has been a driving force in LGBTQ+ representation within Merseyside’s theatre scene. Founded in 2011, the company has provided a powerful platform for queer creatives through its dynamic productions, workshops, and mentorships. From the beloved annual Queertet festival to thought-provoking plays that challenge audiences, Grin continues to evolve, collaborating with theatre companies across the North West to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. In this interview, we speak with Wes Williams, the…
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Three New Outdoor Events At Calderstones Park With The Reader & Mersey Forest, Marking 80th Anniversary of VE Day
This spring The Reader is collaborating with Mersey Forest to launch new nature inspired Poetry Walks, school heritage trips and a VE Day Garden Party to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. New spring poetry walks, school heritage trips and a Garden Party have been announced at Calderstones Park to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Mersey Forest, the Cheshire and Merseyside community forest has commissioned The Reader –the…
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Jodie Comer To Bring Prima Facie To Liverpool For Final Tour
Jodie Comer will reprise her award-winning role in Prima Facie for a final tour in 2026, with the production making a highly anticipated stop at Liverpool Playhouse. The Killing Eve star, originally from Liverpool, will return to her hometown for the last leg of the tour, running from 17 to 21 March. Written by Suzie Miller, Prima Facie tells the powerful story of a barrister who defends men accused of rape before experiencing sexual assault…
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Creative Spotlight: In Conversation – Jon Barraclough
“To teach is to learn.” The artistic journey of Jon Barraclough is remarkably diverse – spanning drawing, photography, film, teaching, and research. Born in Bradford, he has lived and worked in numerous cities, including Newcastle, London, New York, Manchester, and now Liverpool and North Yorkshire. He has held significant positions, such as the Director of The Liverpool School of Art, and have been instrumental in initiatives like Drawing Paper UK and the Drawing(Paper)Show. His current…
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‘Goodbye To Goodison’ Photo Display Documents Everton Fans’ Final Season At Iconic Stadium
Goodison Park’s final season as home to Everton Football Club will be documented from a fan’s perspective, through a new photo display opening on 5 April at Museum of Liverpool. Featuring nine photographers from the club’s fanbase, Goodbye to Goodison is a love letter to the home stadium of Everton Football Club in its final season. The display of photos taken during the final season looks at the relationship between this iconic ground and the loyal fans who congregate around the stadium. …
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Manchester Collective Bring SERENITY 2.0 To The Tung Auditorium This March
This Saturday, cutting-edge, experimental ensemble Manchester Collective will enthral audiences on The Tung Auditorium stage with an innovative, boundary-pushing performance… one minute, the sound vibrates through you, your hairs pulled on end. The next: a blissful calm descends. The Collective will perform Ben Nobuto’s SERENITY 2.0 – a glitched-out collage of frenzied strings, percussion and samples. Transcending into the eclectic soundscapes of prolific musician and composer Nabihah Iqbal’s What Psyche Felt – Nabihah’s first commission…
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In Conversation – Professor Stephen Davismoon (Angel Field Festival Director)
At Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus in Everton, the Angel Field Festival brings a vibrant blend of international and local artistry to life. Building on the esteemed Cornerstone Festival, Angel Field offers a rich tapestry of music, theatre, dance, film, and visual art. Beyond the campus, the festival weaves its way through Liverpool, partnering with cultural institutions to share its diverse program. With a warm welcome, Angel Field strives to make exceptional arts accessible to…
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Steve Randall’s Most Ambitious Project Yet Opens At The Royal Liver Building
Steve Randall has been a part of several big exhibitions but nothing gets close to his latest venture. The Transitions exhibition not only features over 36 previously unseen works but also, a soundtrack specifically written by composer W E S T H E A R T, a specially produced projection by DP Digital Media, live painting and fundraising for local charities, The Walton Centre and Claire House. Steve came to art late in life after…
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Liverpool ONE Launches Book Corners To Boost Literacy In Partnership With The Reader
Liverpool ONE has unveiled a collection of ‘reading corners’ in a bid to help boost literacy levels among local people. Launched on Thursday 6 March, the initiative is part of a collaboration with local charity The Reader and is designed to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for all. The collaboration recognises the love for books and the importance for families to access and enjoy books while supporting some literacy challenges across parts of the…
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A Play Within A Play, Within A Dying Moment: ‘Dead Mom Play’ at Unity Theatre
Dead Mom Play, at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre, dared to confront the raw, uncomfortable edges of grief and artistic creation, and did so with a surprising blend of dark humour and theatrical self-awareness. What initially seemed a straightforward narrative of a young playwright facing his mother’s impending death quickly unfurled into a meta- theatrical exploration of the very act of storytelling and creative performance. The premise, a young playwright grappling with his dying mother and the…
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Spectacular ‘Borealis’ Installation To Illuminate Royal Albert Dock This Spring
Liverpool’s iconic Royal Albert Dock is set to host a breathtaking spectacle this March as the world-renowned art installation Borealis arrives in the city for the first time. Running from 20 – 30 March 2025, the immersive experience will transform the dock’s historic Hartley Quay into a mesmerizing recreation of the Northern Lights, offering a free must-see attraction for visitors. Created by acclaimed Swiss artist Dan Acher, Borealis blends technology and natural elements, using beams…
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In Conversation – Lisa Allen, CEO & Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse
When Lisa Allen took the reins as CEO & Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse in September 2024, she stepped into a venue with a strong foundation and a passionate community behind it. With a deep appreciation for the theatre’s role in both artistic excellence and local engagement, Lisa is leading the Playhouse into an exciting new chapter. In this interview, we discuss her first impressions of the venue and the town’s rich history of…
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Review: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake At The Empire Theatre
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, a groundbreaking reimagining of the classic ballet, continues to resonate decades after its debut as we saw tonight at the Liverpool Empire. This 30th-anniversary production of Swan Lake, while perhaps less shocking than its 1995 premiere, retains its anarchic spirit and emotional core, offering a potent exploration of family dynamics, repressed desire, and the search for identity. Bourne’s genius lies in his ability to blend the familiar narrative with a fresh,…
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Discover Creativity at Clever Hands – A Hub for Local Artists & Makers
Step into Clever Hands on Aigburth Road, a bright and inspiring space where creativity thrives! Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, unwind with a hands-on activity, or connect with a like-minded community, the workshops offer something for everyone. Join me, Clare, in March for a special illustration workshop, where we’ll explore the beauty of winged creatures through intricate line work. During the workshop, I will share my expertise in the art of fine…
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In Conversation – Ben Blais And Griffin Bellah, Dead Mom Play
Have you ever experienced a play that made you laugh and cry in equal measure? Dead Mom Play, a dark comedy about a young man confronting his mother’s death, has resonated with audiences and critics alike. With reviews highlighting its “funny and moving” nature (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) it’s a play that promises to stay in the mind for a long time. You are highly recommended to catch a performance at the Unity Theatre on Saturday…
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DaDaFest Reveals Exciting 2025 Programme
Award-winning DaDa has revealed its exciting 2025 festival programme which marks the Liverpool-based disability and Deaf arts-led organisation’s 40th anniversary. A busy line-up of film, including large-scale projection, performances, visual arts, workshops and talks are promised at this year’s DaDaFest International 40 (DDFI40) which runs from 8-31 March. With 90% of events open to the public for FREE the organisation is encouraging supporters to help it to keep it that way through donations. Events include a significant new photographic exhibition at the…
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Creative Spotlight: In Conversation – Ruth Dillon
Ruth Dillon is a multi-disciplinary artist working across photography, film, stop motion animation, and 3D installation. Her concept-driven work explores collective and living community memories, often addressing social issues. Beginning her career in photography and videography, including documenting the first National Aids Day event on Merseyside, she quickly became involved in socially engaged projects. She honed her film and darkroom skills, even contributing to the UK’s first Mobile studio for communities. A short film she…
