Liverpool Stage
Home to Britain's oldest repertory theatre, award-winning venues, and a tradition of theatrical excellence that has shaped British drama.
Major Venues
Liverpool Empire Theatre
Est. 1925 | 2,350 seats
The largest two-tier auditorium in Britain. Hosts major West End touring productions, concerts, and comedy shows. The Beatles performed here 13 times.
Liverpool Playhouse
Est. 1866 | 680 seats
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 | 400 seats
RIBA Stirling Prize-winning building. Famous for launching careers of Julie Walters, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite, and Jonathan Pryce.
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Est. 2022 | 450 seats
A new Elizabethan-style cockpit theatre in Prescot, celebrating the town's historic connection to the Earls of Derby and Shakespeare.
Stars Who Started Here
Liverpool's theatres have launched some of Britain's greatest acting careers.
Rex Harrison
Began career at Liverpool Playhouse
Oscar winner: My Fair Lady
Michael Gambon
Liverpool Playhouse company member
BAFTA, Olivier Award winner
Pete Postlethwaite
Everyman Theatre company
Oscar nominated
Julie Walters
Everyman Theatre company
BAFTA, Golden Globe winner
Bill Nighy
Everyman Theatre company
Oscar, BAFTA winner
Jonathan Pryce
Everyman Theatre company
Tony, Emmy, Olivier winner
Born in Liverpool
Plays and musicals that started on Liverpool stages.
Blood Brothers
By Willy Russell
Liverpool Playhouse, 1983
One of the longest-running musicals in West End history, born in Liverpool.
Educating Rita
By Willy Russell
RSC, then Liverpool
Set in Liverpool, capturing the city's character and wit.
Shirley Valentine
By Willy Russell
Everyman Theatre, 1986
World premiere at the Everyman before West End and film success.
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