Literature, Acting, and Performance
From the Liverpool Poets who revolutionised British verse to the theatrical legends who graced stages worldwide, Liverpool's contribution to literature and performance is profound and enduring.
Writers and Playwrights
Liverpool has produced writers whose works have shaped British literature and theatre.
Felicia Hemans
1793-1835
One of the most widely read poets of the 19th century. Her poem 'Casabianca' became one of the most quoted in English literature.
Beryl Bainbridge
1932-2010
Five-time Booker Prize nominee, awarded the Booker Prize Special Achievement Award posthumously. Her darkly comic novels often drew on her Liverpool childhood.
Willy Russell
1947-present
Created some of British theatre's most enduring works, all rooted in working-class Liverpool life.
Alan Bleasdale
1946-present
Created 'Boys from the Blackstuff', one of the most acclaimed British TV dramas, capturing 1980s Liverpool with unflinching honesty.
The Liverpool Poets
A poetry movement that emerged alongside the Merseybeat music scene. They brought poetry to the people, performing in pubs, clubs, and the Cavern Club.
Roger McGough
Brian Patten
Adrian Henri
The Mersey Sound (1967) became one of the best-selling poetry anthologies of all time.
Historic Venues
Liverpool's theatres have launched careers and hosted productions that have shaped British drama.
Liverpool Empire Theatre
Est. 1925
The largest two-tier auditorium in Britain. Hosts major West End touring productions, concerts, and comedy shows.
Liverpool Playhouse
Est. 1866
The oldest continuously working repertory theatre in Britain. Has nurtured generations of talent including Michael Gambon, Rex Harrison, and Patricia Routledge.
Everyman Theatre
Est. 1964
RIBA Stirling Prize-winning building. Launched careers of Julie Walters, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite, and Jonathan Pryce.
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Est. 2022
A new Elizabethan-style cockpit theatre in Prescot, celebrating the town's historic connection to the Earls of Derby and Shakespeare.
Acting Excellence
Actors who began their careers on Liverpool stages and went on to international acclaim.
Rex Harrison
Liverpool Playhouse
Academy Award winner
Michael Gambon
Liverpool Playhouse
BAFTA and Olivier Award winner
Pete Postlethwaite
Everyman Theatre
Academy Award nominee
Julie Walters
Everyman Theatre
BAFTA and Golden Globe winner
Bill Nighy
Everyman Theatre
Academy Award and BAFTA winner
Jonathan Pryce
Everyman Theatre
Tony, Emmy, and Olivier Award winner
Liverpool on Screen
The city's architectural diversity has made it one of the UK's most filmed locations.
Peaky Blinders
Stanley Dock, Tobacco Warehouse, St George's Hall
Iconic Garrison Lane scenes filmed in Liverpool's historic dockyards.
The Crown
St George's Hall, Town Hall
Liverpool doubled for London and other locations in this royal drama.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
St George's Hall
The neoclassical hall served as the German Ministry of Magic.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Stanley Dock, City Centre
Liverpool's historic docks portrayed 1940s New York.
The Batman
St George's Hall, Anfield Cemetery
Liverpool locations featured in Matt Reeves' dark reimagining.
Liverpool-Set Dramas
Connect Through Culture
Liverpool International welcomes those with connections to Liverpool's rich cultural heritage.
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