Arts and Culture
Writers, performers, and artists with Liverpool connections whose work has shaped global culture and continues to influence creative expression worldwide.
Literature
Felicia Hemans
1793-1835
Born in Liverpool
One of the most widely read poets of the 19th century
Beryl Bainbridge
1932-2010
Born in Liverpool
Five-time Booker Prize nominee, posthumous Booker Special Achievement Award
Roger McGough
1937-present
Born in Litherland
CBE, FRSL, one of Britain's most celebrated poets
Willy Russell
1947-present
Born in Whiston
Playwright: Blood Brothers, Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine
Alan Bleasdale
1946-present
Born in Liverpool
BAFTA-winning writer: Boys from the Blackstuff
Theatre and Screen
Rex Harrison
1908-1990
Liverpool Playhouse
Academy Award winner: My Fair Lady
Michael Gambon
1940-2023
Liverpool Playhouse company
BAFTA, Olivier Award winner
Pete Postlethwaite
1946-2011
Everyman Theatre company
Academy Award nominee, described by Spielberg as 'the best actor in the world'
Julie Walters
1950-present
Everyman Theatre company
BAFTA, Golden Globe winner
Bill Nighy
1949-present
Everyman Theatre company
Academy Award, BAFTA winner
Jonathan Pryce
1947-present
Everyman Theatre company
Tony, Emmy, Olivier Award winner
Music
John Lennon
1940-1980
Born in Liverpool
The Beatles: transformed global popular music
Paul McCartney
1942-present
Born in Liverpool
The Beatles: most successful songwriter in history
George Harrison
1943-2001
Born in Liverpool
The Beatles: pioneered world music influences
Ringo Starr
1940-present
Born in Liverpool
The Beatles: inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice