Review
Honest reviews of Liverpool’s gigs, music, theatre, restaurants, bars, exhibitions and more — from trusted local voices.
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River of Light 2025: Full Details, Map, Times, Travel, Parking & Places To Eat
Liverpool’s waterfront is set to shine once again this autumn as River of Light 2025 returns with a brand-new theme — The Science of Light. From Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, the city’s much-loved free festival will transform the waterfront into an open-air gallery featuring ten large-scale illuminated artworks, each inspired by themes of science, technology, and the natural world. The installations will be lit up from 5pm – 9pm each evening. Now…
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Naomi Campbell Unveils Reflective New Single ‘Naturally’ Ahead of UK Tour
Naomi Campbell returns with her beautifully introspective new single Naturally. Taking stock of the simple things in life and reflecting on our past selves, the track gently explores themes of love, loss, and gratitude. Built around two guitars in perfect harmony, Naturally embraces a stripped-back sound that lets Naomi’s heartfelt vocals and honest lyricism shine through. It’s a tender, soulful reminder to pause, appreciate the present, and find comfort in life’s quieter moments — a…
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Dan Napper Returns To Liverpool With Sell-out Show
Dan Napper made a memorable comeback to Liverpool on 2 October at his returning gig supporting Clemente at the Jacaranda alongside Headwired. With tickets sold-out, Dan showcased his ability to captivate an entire room of people with his powerful set on Thursday. The supporting band, Headwired, kicked off the gig with a compelling and energetic show. Proudly from the black country, a defining moment was their cover of War Pigs by Black Sabbath which was…
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Review: Lost Atoms Liverpool Playhouse Theatre
Lost Atoms is a tightly woven, emotionally resonant drama that delves deeply into the complex themes of memory, identity, and the fragile nature of human relationships. The play unravels the intricate ways in which past experiences shape our present selves and profoundly influence the connections we forge with one another. This production masterfully combines intimate storytelling with inventive physicality, resulting in a performance that feels both immediate and subtly unsettling, inviting the audience to engage…
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Live Review: Graham Nash at Liverpool Philharmonic
An evening of songs & stories with Graham Nash at Liverpool Philharmonic. The demand for the music of the golden age along with the rock veterans who are still out there delivering it is as high as ever, and the music is just as magical. In the spirit of the re-release of 1973’s Buckingham/Nicks earlier this year, our yearning for a fast track to the sweet harmonies and youthful energy of the bands of the…
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Review: The Last Laugh at Liverpool Playhouse
Three of Britain’s most prolific comedians are brought to life in this hilarious yet poignant adapted play centered around the lives of Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. Take a trip down memory lane and join the trio on a witty, uproariously sentimental journey through the years. Described as a ‘Love letter to the golden age of comedy’. A guaranteed gleeful and entertaining night out! This is a performance for all, fans old and…
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MARIMARI Wraps Up Her Debut Tour With A Standout Performance
The hyperpop solo artist, MARIMARI, ended her first Make Out City tour on Wednesday 24 September at Kazimier Stockroom in Liverpool after headline shows in London, Manchester and Nottingham. She was supported by two amazing acts Alba (@thisisalba) and Taman (@tamanburns) who both really set the scene perfectly for Mari’s performance. Support act, Alba, had incredible stage presence and crowd engagement as it truly felt we were up on stage with her. Before coming on,…
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Review: Shake It Up Baby at the Epstein Theatre
The Epstein Theatre’s world premiere of Shake It Up Baby revisits one of the most unique chapters in popular music history — The Beatles’ apprenticeship in the clubs of Hamburg — and does so with an infectious vitality that makes the evening as much a gig as it is a play. Rather than attempting to pin down the precise chronology of events, Stephen Fletcher’s production embraces atmosphere and energy, treating the story as a memory,…
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Beth Hubbard Releases Fearless New Single ‘Nothing New’
Beth Hubbard is back with more of her distinct emotive vocals and powerful storytelling in her boldest and most exciting track yet, Nothing New. With the emotionally charged sound fans will recognise from previous singles like Mein Schatz and Not Wanted but with a bolder, more assured edge and fearless songwriting, Nothing New merges the energy and intensity of alternative rock with a sharp pop finish, marking the East Yorkshire-born singer-songwriter as one of indie-pop’s…
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Sliding Into Your Playlists: Oranj Son Release New Single ‘Sliding Doors’
For a town best known for its car plants and oil refineries, Ellesmere Port has assembled a far more romantic proposition in Oranj Son. Their new single Sliding Doors is a reflection on missed opportunities and what might have been, channelling the best of their Northern indie forebears. With the band having played shows around Merseyside for the past decade, you may well have already witnessed them at events like Sound City – or maybe…
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Motel Sundown Release Radiant New Track ‘Colours In The Rain’
Liverpool’s Motel Sundown return with their latest single Colours In The Rain and it’s a showcase of the band at their best. Known for their lush harmonies and timeless Americana sound, the group have crafted a track that blends heartfelt reflection with an irresistible upbeat tempo. Written in the shadow of grief but illuminated by hope, Colours In The Rain is an evocative meditation on staying true to yourself and finding light even in dark…
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Review: Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell at Liverpool Playhouse
Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell tells its story without words. On a small Liverpool Playhouse stage, solitary characters leave cramped rooms and gather in a smoky 1930s Soho pub. Each dancer seeks connection, and the tight space makes every hope and heartbreak feel immediate. The performance unfolds a wordless dance drama set in the underpasses and back streets of 1930s London. Inspired by Patrick Hamilton’s interwar tales, it tracks a cast of solitary figures escaping…
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Adam James Johnson Marks His Arrival with Debut Single Quarter Through Life
“I’m a quarter through life and what have I done with it?” sings Merseyside newcomer Adam James Johnson on his debut single Quarter Through Life. It’s an honest, searching line that sets the tone for a track built on raw self-reflection, driven by alt-pop melodies, dynamic vocals, and crisp, aggressive production. Punchy and urgent, the single races forward before hitting an irresistible, addictive chorus. For Johnson, music has always been about “honesty and clarity.” He…
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Review: Treasure Island At The Hope Street Theatre
Treasure Island, the iconic pirate novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson published in 1883, tells the classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold set in the 18th century. Consistently being reimagined by modern directors, this Off Topic Theatre production at The Hope Street Theatre and directed by Clayton Travis found a fresh take on the humor and dialogue which could easily have come off as dusty as a hidden treasure map. Long John Silver,…
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Live Review: No Play Festival 2025
It is that time of the year again when local independent venues in Steel Street, Liverpool, open their doors to No Play Festival. This year, around 39 artists stacked the lineup with a dominating mix of the hardcore scene alongside a slight taste of shoegaze, with bands like Love is Noise on the bill. A few changes were made to this year’s festival, one of which included the expansion to five venues: the Arts Club,…
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Review: I Am Steven Gerrard, The Epstein Theatre
I Am Steven Gerrard opened at the Epstein Theatre 11 September an ideal venue for not only this highly personal performance but for the wider artistic scene in Liverpool. The story boldly captures the journey of Shane, an unwavering supporter of Liverpool Football Club. His fervent desire to emulate his hero, Steven Gerrard, propels him into an emotionally charged exploration that is both compelling and profound. The play masterfully weaves together humour and honest introspection,…
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Live Review: The Hives At Camp and Furnace
Camp and Furnace in Liverpool has hosted multiple shows over the years but tonight the venue is packed out for one of the most entertaining bands on the rock scene, The Hives. Forming in Sweden back in 1993, the band have grown increasingly more popular due to their catchy riffs and huge choruses. They may not of quite hit superstardom the way other bands have but they have a strong fanbase of diehard followers and…
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Everton Helps Open New Sensory Garden at Centre 56 Specialist Nursery
Everton Ambassador Graham Stuart has formally opened a new sensory garden at Centre 56 in Kirkdale. The green space will provide a welcoming open-air environment at the specialist nursery, which cares for young children and families who have experienced domestic abuse or crisis situations in Kirkdale. And Stuart was proud to cut the ribbon to mark the final transformation of the area, watched by delighted Centre staff and parents of the affected children. He said:…
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Curtis Holder Brings His Unique Insight to the Drawing (Paper) Show 2025 at Independents Biennial
Liverpool’s creative pulse thrives at the Bridewell Studios and Gallery Liverpool’s creative scene is buzzing once again, and we at Liverpool Noise are always thrilled to see initiatives that champion artistic talent, especially when they bring fresh perspectives and opportunities to our vibrant city. That’s why the announcement of renowned artist Curtis Holder as the guest judge for the 2025 ‘Drawing (Paper) Show’ has truly piqued our interest. It’s a move that promises to elevate…
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Everton To Host AS Roma In First Full-Capacity Fixture At Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton Football Club will welcome Italian giants AS Roma to Merseyside for a landmark pre-season friendly at the Club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 9 August (3pm kick-off). The highly anticipated match will be the first to take place at full capacity in Everton’s stunning new 52,888-seater waterfront home. It marks the final test event and the last pre-season fixture ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign — a historic moment in the Club’s…
From intimate gigs and bold new theatre to indie food spots, pop-up events and buzzing new bar openings. At Liverpool Noise, we’re here to capture it all with honest, insightful and independent reviews that celebrate the city’s creative and cultural energy.
Our “Review” section covers everything from live music and album drops to restaurant launches, exhibitions, fringe theatre and cocktails at midnight. If it’s happening in Liverpool and it’s worth talking about, we’re there — notebook (or phone) in hand.
Whether you want to know if a new venue lives up to the hype, what a touring band sounded like live, or whether a fringe play hit the mark, we’ve got you covered with real opinions from trusted local voices.
Music & Gig Reviews
Liverpool’s music scene is world-renowned — and it’s still producing magic every night of the week. Our gig reviews take you right into the crowd, capturing the vibe, the sound, and the stand-out moments from local and touring acts alike.
We cover:
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Intimate grassroots gigs and big headline shows
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Local band launches and EP/album releases
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Music festivals like Sound City and LIMF
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Iconic venues like The Cavern, O2 Academy, Camp and Furnace, Jacaranda and more
Expect honest, passionate write-ups that give you the flavour of each live performance, plus links to discover more from the artists we love.
Theatre Reviews
Liverpool’s theatre scene is as diverse as its music — and our team is there to review it all. From big-name musicals at the Empire to gritty new writing at Unity or fringe shows at Hope Street Theatre, we offer balanced and thoughtful reviews that celebrate creativity while holding space for constructive critique.
Our reviews highlight:
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Standout performances and direction
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Audience atmosphere and venue experience
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What worked, what didn’t, and who should go see it
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Representation, accessibility and relevance
Whether it’s comedy, drama, experimental work or family-friendly fun, our theatre reviews help you decide what’s worth booking.
Restaurant & Bar Reviews
Liverpool’s food and drink scene is thriving — and we’re always on the lookout for the best new spots to eat, drink and hang out.
Our restaurant and bar reviews include:
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New openings and pop-up concepts
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Vegan and vegetarian food spots
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Cocktails, craft beer, wine bars and hidden speakeasies
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Local independents and places doing things differently
We believe in celebrating good hospitality and shining a light on independent, creative businesses doing great things — especially those who bring something new to the table.
Each review shares:
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Atmosphere, design and service
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Dish and drink recommendations
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Price points and value for money
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Who it’s perfect for (date night, group meal, casual lunch, etc.)
Arts, Exhibitions & Events
From immersive installations to heritage exhibitions, Liverpool is home to a thriving visual arts and cultural events scene.
We review:
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Exhibitions at venues like Tate Liverpool, FACT, Open Eye Gallery and the Bluecoat
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Cultural events such as Liverpool Biennial
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Creative experiences including street art tours, installations and festival performances
Our goal is to help you engage more deeply with the city’s cultural offering — and support the artists and curators shaping its future.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
We’re Liverpool-based, independent, and passionate about the city’s creative life. Our team doesn’t chase hype or sugar-coat experiences — we focus on authentic, well-written reviews that give our readers a genuine sense of what to expect.
What you’ll always find in our reviews:
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Firsthand experience
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Clear, honest opinions
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Local insight and context
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A focus on indie, creative and community-led ventures
We believe that great writing helps people connect with the city in a deeper way — whether they’re a local, a student, or a visitor.