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…
Football fans of Liverpool FC and Everton FC will now be able to take advantage of BOXBUS, BOXPARK Liverpool’s new travel service where guests can hop on board for the easiest and most exciting way to get to the next home games. For the ultimate stress-free way to get to the game, this Wednesday 26 February, those heading to Anfield stadium for Liverpool FC v Newcastle can secure a ticket for just £20* which includes…
Liverpool hospitality operators Ma Pub Group have acquired Newington Temple which will become their fourth city-centre site. Newington Temple now joins Nova Scotia (opened 2022), Tempest on Tithebarn (2021) and Ma Boyle’s Alehouse & Eatery (2015) as part of the Ma Pub Group estate across the city. Having traded as a pub for almost two hundred years, recent decades have seen various iterations including Old Rope Walks, Bier and most recently as a dive bar.…
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,…
Ordnance Survey (OS) has been capturing the final details of the nation’s newest football stadium and pitch for the master map of Great Britain. Everton Football Club’s new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool is replacing Goodison Park as the home ground for the Toffees. In build since July 2021, the new ground has just hosted the first of three test events before officially opening at the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season…
Charlotte Donaghue is the co-founder of Say It With, the Liverpool-born jewellery brand known for its meaningful designs and trend-driven collections. From collaborating with well-known celebrities to launching pieces that resonate deeply with customers—like the ever-popular angel numbers—Charlotte has built a brand that blends style with sentiment. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind Say It With’s latest collections, the growing demand for lab-grown diamonds, and the jewellery trends set to define 2025. Liverpool…
You And Me Against The World is the latest single from North West-based five-piece KEEF—a track that feels oddly fitting for the times we’re living in. Straight off the bat, it felt as if I was listening to the Echo and the Bunnymen of the 21st Century. The track itself has this brooding darkness that drips atmosphere. It seamlessly manages to be mysterious without compromising on what it’s trying to say—both lyrically and musically. In…
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…
The first major arena show of 2025 took place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. An eager crowd gathered for the final night of Wage War and Papa Roach’s UK arena tour. With torches flashing in excitement, fans waited in anticipation for an unforgettable night of metalcore and rock anthems. As smoke began to fill the stage, and the lights dimmed to a moody blue, Florida-based metalcore band Wage War took the stage. Their…
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…
Pocket Rocket is an energetic and captivating track that showcases the unique sound of Sam Millne and the Virants. From the moment the song begins, listeners are drawn in by its catchy melody and vibrant instrumentation, creating an uplifting atmosphere that sets the tone for an exciting musical journey. The production is polished, with a blend of various musical elements that work together seamlessly to create a rich listening experience. Lyrically, Pocket Rocket explores themes…
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…
Next month Bongo’s Bingo will reach its 10th anniversary. The biggest, wildest and most outrageous shows ever take place at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March. The double-whammy weekend will be jam-packed with spectacular Bongo’s Bingo surprises, nostalgia and mayhem, with everything amped up to the absolute max including the production, absolutely insane prizes and amazing music to create the ultimate immersive bingo experience. And as part of the incoming…
Astles’ new single, We Could’ve Been Anything, emerges as a deeply personal and poignant piece, carrying the weight of profound themes such as loss, mental health struggles, and the fleeting nature of life itself. Liverpool’s beloved singer-songwriter channels his emotions into a tender song born from an unlikely source: the discovery of his late uncle’s mixtape, found years after his passing. This mixtape, alongside remnants of his uncle’s life – tickets, posters, and records –…
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…
Mersey View Leisure has successfully obtained a premises licence that will allow for the construction of an outdoor structure directly opposite Everton FC’s new home at Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool. Named The Holy Trinity, in tribute to Everton’s legendary midfield trio of Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, and Colin Harvey, the venue is set to become a vibrant hub for fans and event-goers alike. Operating on all Everton FC match days from the 2025-26 season,…
Liverpool-born brand Win Win Water has attracted support and investment from a number of unlikely stars to take the water brand to the next level, making it available worldwide. Rappers Krept & Konan have come on board after being enamoured with the concept and product and the brand have also gained support from Dragon’s Den Austria’s Heinrich Prokop. Win Win Water, created by friends Kurt Wilson, 38, and Josh Daley, 30, is the first of its kind…
Liverpool Makers Bazaar is home to a diverse community of talented creators, each with a unique story and craft. In this feature series, Pauline Neville shines a spotlight on the makers behind the stalls, uncovering the passion and dedication that fuel their work. This time, we meet Ged of Savage Directions, an artist whose journey into cyanotype photography is as captivating as his artwork. Join us as we explore Ged’s artistic evolution, his inspirations, and…
Born and raised on a barge in Amsterdam to a bohemian family of jazz musicians, Bette Schindler is a true tour de force – songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, producer, and young mother. Her music weaves effortlessly between the timeless elegance of classic jazz and the fresh, contemporary sounds of modern soul. With songs that radiate optimism, positivity, and love, she channels echoes of modern jazz greats while crafting a sound that is unmistakably her own. Following the release…
A Cameroonian singer-songwriter deeply rooted in the African continent is set to perform in Liverpool this April. The critically acclaimed Blick Bassy has been described as ‘a force of nature’ and is known for his vibrant live performances. On his latest album Mádibá, released in 2023, Blick has chosen to address the environment, particularly the burning issue of water. Navigating between influences from both Africa and the West, Blick’s music – for which he mainly uses mother tongue Bassa – is distinguished…