Epstein Theatre Spring Season 2023

WELCOME

I’m so excited to welcome you to our fabulous Winter/Spring Season. We strive to bring you the very best of touring and local entertainment and this season there is sure to be something for everyone!

The Epstein is thrilled to present Regal Entertainment’s Ltd all-star production of the 80s cult classic Rita, Sue and Bob Too! (11-19 Feb), which is bound to have you rolling in the aisles with laughter! We also continue our long tradition of welcoming the very best of UK Stand Up; from Live at the Apollo star Rhys James (25 Feb) to 8 out of 10 cats star Lloyd Griffith (4 March), hilarious Britain’s Got Talent Winner Axel Blake (11 March) and comedy legend Jasper Carrott (1 April)!

Our beautiful theatre is an amazing place to experience live music. Don’t miss the return of Blues legend Walter Trout (16 May), direct from Blackpool; The Jersey Beats: Oh What a Nite! (2-3 March) as well as, We Three Kings: of Rock n Roll (27 Jan) and Billy Fury in Sound and Vision (29 Jan).

Family entertainment is a key cornerstone of our season and we have a real treat for you this Easter with the fantastic Regal Entertainments Ltd pantomime Sleeping Beauty (7 – 16 April).

We also have some fantastic plays and variety performance including Box of Trick’s brilliant Too Much World at Once (23 March), Stone on Stone (24 – 25 March) based on the true story of when

James Larkin met Charlie Chaplin, Looking For Me Friend: the Music of Victoria Wood (20 May), direct from the Liverpool Theatre Festival, plus the return of Liverpool’s legendary Drag star Whitney Wideon (10 March) for one night only!

This is only a small selection of the fantastic shows we have on offer this season. To find out more, check out epsteintheatre.co.uk for our full programme. Discover something new this season from the venue that has been entertaining Liverpool since 1911. We can’t wait to welcome you to the iconic Epstein Theatre.

Best wishes,

Theatre Manager, Anthony Proctor

Directors Jane Joseph, Bill Elms, and Chantelle Nolan

Anthony Proctor

WHATS ON

26th Jan | 7:30pm

NEW PURPLE CELEBRATION

27th Jan | 7:30pm

WE THREE KINGS: OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

29th Jan | 7:30pm

BILLY FURY IN SOUND AND VISION 5 Feb 2:30pm

RICKY’S ROYLE VARIETY SHOW

11 Feb - 19 Feb | Times Vary

RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO!

22nd Feb | 7:30pm

GINNY LEMON AND SISTER SISTER

23rd and 24th Feb - 7:30pm

CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: SPEAKY BLINDER

25 Feb 7:30pm

RHYS JAMES: SPILT MILK

26 Feb | 8:00pm

RAY BRADSHAW: DEAF COM 1

2 and 3rd March | 7:30pm THE JERSEY BEATS

4th March | 7:30pm

LLOYD GRIFITH

6th March - 7:30pm

THE LITTLE MERMAID ADULT PANTO

10th March | 7:30pm

THE WHITNEY WIDEON EXPERIENCE

11th March | 8pm

AXEL BLAKE

16th March | 8pm

BATHTIME FOR BRITAIN

17th March | 8pm

TIM KEY

18th March | 2:30pm and 7:30pm

IRISH ANNIE’S

19th March | 7:30pm

TWISTIN THE NIGHT AWAY

23rd March | 7:30pm

TOO MUCH WORLD AT ONCE

24th and 25th March|- 7:30pm STONE ON STONE

1st - 16th April | Multiple Times SLEEPING BEAUTY

1st April | 7.30pm

JASPER CARROTT

19th April | 7:30pm

SOUL JAM

21st and 22nd April | 8pm

DARKSIDE – THE PINK FLOYD SHOW

28th April | 7pm

MIKE MASSE

29th April | 7:30pm

PATSY CLINE SHOW

12th May | 7:30pm

HOLY MOLY CABARET EUROVISION SPECIAL!

16th May | 7:30pm

WALTER TROUT

19th May | 7:30pm

STEVE HARLEY 20th May | 7:30pm

LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND 21 May 7:30pm

MICA MILLAR

28th May | 8pm TIGER LILLIES

MUSIC

WE THREE KINGS: OF ROCK AND ROLL

Friday 27 January 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes Tickets: Standard: £21.50, Concessions: £20.50

A welcome return to three artists who celebrate the music of three icons of Rock n Roll music, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison & Elvis Presley!

All backed by a fabulous Rock n Roll band. So join us for an after the Festivities Rock n Roll party! Will Rock n Roll in Liverpool ever die? That’ll be the Day!

ENTERTAINMENT

RICKY’S ROYALE VARIETY SHOW

Sunday 5 February 2023 | 2:30pm

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes Tickets: £18

Ricky Tomlinson and Asa Murphy Productions are proud to bring their ever popular Variety show to the beautiful Epstein Theatre. The show will feature some of the best cabaret entertainers in Merseyside and a Top of the Bill act backed by a live band. Come and enjoy some of the best music and comedy on this iconic stage hosted by the true entertainment legend Ricky Tomlinson, we guarantee you will have a right Royale afternoon.

The play tells the story of Rita and Sue, two working class girls from a rundown council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle. Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. Michelle eventually finds out and leaves lothario Bob.

When Bob later develops a preference for Rita, the two girls fall out but when Sue ends up in an abusive relationship, the trio are reunited.

Breakout stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 (and the two most despised queens), Ginny Lemon & Sister Sister are trying to bring you the most disappointing drag show you’ve ever seen!

They have both performed to sell-out audiences across the UK and made television appearances for BBC, ITV & Channel 4, including shows such as The X Factor, Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, The Commonwealth Games & Celebrity Coach Trip.

MUSIC

THE JERSEY BEATS: OH WHAT A NITE!

Thursday 2 March 2023Friday 3 March 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: Time: 2hrs 30 minutes Tickets: Standard: £25, Concessions: £23

It’s the night out not to be missed, wowing crowds in Blackpool since 2014, and now touring the country.

OH WHAT A NITE! is a different style of tribute show to any other that you will have seen or heard of before. Matt Andrews leads our vocal quartet as our tribute to Frankie Valli, telling the story of the band and how they formed the group which took them to the dizzy heights of television appearances, fame and fortune.

All performed along side an amazing trio of vocal talent–Johnny, Michael and Toby who take the roles of Nick Massi, Bob Guadio and Tommy Devito. Comedy host Leye D Johns can’t be kept away from the stage for too long either, bringing a light hearted flavour to proceedings and ensuring the crowd leave with a big smile on their face.

COMEDY

LLOYD GRIFFITH: ONE TONNE OF FUN

Saturday 4 March 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: £19.50

After Lloyd’s last tour was interrupted by ‘you know what’ and ended up lasting eight years or so, he’s BACK with a brand-new fresh stand-up tour show for 2023. This is Lloyd’s biggest tour to date and he is pumped/really needs you to come. Since school, Lloyd has always been a show off, doing anything he can to make people laugh, and 20 odd years later, nothing’s changed. There’ll be his unique bag of stand up, dubious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing. Lloyd Griffith is: One Tonne of Fun.

AXEL BLAKE: IN STYLE

Saturday 11 March 2023 | 8:00pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: £21

From the wilds of Dunstable, Axel Blake arrived on the country’s living room screen’s in style as Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent. His observational comedy paired with his witty charm captivated the audience propelling him to be crowned 2022 Champion of the hit show. Axel is continuing to chase his dreams and will be appearing on the 2022 edition of the Royal Variety Show and is hitting the road with his first ever national tour – Axel Blake is coming to your town – In Style.

ENTERTAINMENT

THE WHITNEY WIDE-ON EXPERIENCE

Friday 10 March 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes Tickets: £15 Over 18’s only

Join Whitney Wide-on, Liverpool’s self-professed number 1 Queen of busted drag. (Perhaps the only Queen of bad drag?) Best known by the LGBTQ+ community for her work at the ‘GBar’ for over 16 years, this hilarious 20 stone queen dresses like a member of Little Mix and gives the performance energy of Beyoncé at Glastonbury’. Expect high energy performance, live singing and dancing, but mainly COMEDY. Please expect improvisational comedy content on current affairs.

ENTERTAINMENT

BATHTIME FOR BRITAIN

Thursday 16 March 2023

Running time: 1 hour 5 minutes Tickets: £15

Wash away the last of the pandemic blues with this non-stop parade of big hits, belly laughs, booming vocals, and Liberace-level costumery from queer cabaret legend Dr Adam Perchard.

When Covid strikes, nightlife icon Dr Adam Perchard must leave the dazzle and glamour of life as an international superstar and move back to the family farm in Jersey. But it is here, in their childhood bathroom, that they rediscover themselves – one epic pop hit at a time!

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes Tickets: From £14

Sleeping Beauty tells the enchanting tale of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse, tricking her into eternal slumber which can only be broken by a kiss from her true love.

Will the beautiful princess find her true love and be freed from the evil fairy’s curse? What fate awaits the evil fairy? Set your alarms and get down to The Epstein Theatre this Easter to find out!

WRITTEN BY LIAM MELLOR • DIRECTED BY CHANTELLE NOLAN CHOREOGRAPHED BY NAZENE LANGFIELD • MUSICAL SUPERVISOR CALLUM CLARKE

ENTERTAINMENT

IRISH ANNIE’S

Starring Ricky Tomlinson

Saturday 18 March 2023

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Running time: 2 hours 20 mins Tickets: £23, Circle: £21

After a sell-out 2022 show, Irish Annies returns. Come along and join in the fun at Irish Annie’s, a musical play celebrating the best of Irish culture, from the music to the comedy. Meet landlady Annie and her regular madcap customers for a fun night of comedy and music in your favourite friendly Irish bar. Featuring original tracks written for the show by Asa Murphy, along with your all-time favourite Irish tunes including Galway Shawl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, Danny Boy and many more. With a 6-piece Irish band The Shenanigans and a great cast live on stage. The evening promises to have the audience laughing, singing and dancing the night away.

MUSIC

TWISTIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY WITH SI CRANSTOUN AND HIS BAND

Sunday 19 March 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours 30 Tickets: £24

The amazing TWISTIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY show is a highly charged toe-tapping journey, driven by retro dance rhythms and spearheaded by Si Cranstoun‘s dynamic stage presence. See the modern day superstar dominate the stage as he showcases the well – known songs, Coupe de Ville, Kiss on the Lips, Dynamo, Caught in the Moonlight, Reet Petite and many more.

Hit song after hit song make this retro, rocking, soul extravaganza a show you will not want to miss and you will be blown away by the pure quality of this wonderful showman who is carrying on the musical tradition laid down by Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and the great black American singers of old.

COMEDY

JASPER CARROTT

Saturday 1 April 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours including interval Tickets: £31

A unique opportunity to see one of the legends of British comedy in the intimate setting of the Epstein, the godfather of observational stand up is still at the top of his game after a career spanning more than five decades. An evening not to be missed!

Special guest

John Watterson sings the inimitable songs of Yorkshire chansonier Jake Thackray, Jasper’s friend from their folk club days. John has toured the UK as Fake Thackray, performing on local and national radio and on Meet the Richardsons TV series. He has co-authored the first ever biography on Jake, Beware of the Bull, released in August 2022.

THEATRE

TOO MUCH WORLD AT ONCE

Thursday 23 March | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: From £18

“We should’ve seen this coming. We did. We did see this coming. The world will not be kind to us because we haven’t given it a reason to be.”

The world turns. Dark clouds gather. Chaos is on the horizon.

On his fifteenth birthday, Noble transforms into a bird. Thousands of miles away, his sister Cleo is stationed on a remote island with the British Antarctic Survey. The birds have disappeared. Noble needs to reach her. Lying low until it’s time to take flight, he finds solace in misfit Ellis while his mum Fiona desperately tries to stop their home from falling apart.

A lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives, Too Much World at Once is an urgent coming-of-age story for our times.

MUSIC

DARKSIDE: THE PINK FLOYD SHOW

Friday 21 April 2023

Saturday 22 April 2023 | 8:00pm

Running Time: 2 hours Tickets: Standard: £25, Concessions: £22

Darkside, The Pink Floyd Show, performing the music of Britain’s greatest progressive rock band, make a welcome return to The Epstein Theatre with two evenings of classic Pink Floyd. After 17 years of touring, playing at theatres across the UK, seven musicians will deliver two shows with empathy and passion playing tracks from Pink Floyd’s massive back-catalogue, from the early magical days of founder Syd Barrett through to later iconic albums, renowned for their complex structures.

Friday | 21.04.23 will include the entire Dark Side of the Moon album

Saturday | 22.04.23 will include the whole of the Wish You Were Here album

MUSIC

MIKE MASSÉ IN CONCERT: EPIC ACOUSTIC CLASSIC ROCK

Friday 28 April 2023 | 7:00pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: £25

Mike Massé returns to the UK for this intimate evening of acoustic music. Mike is an internationally acclaimed artist, whose arrangements are praised for their originality and emotional honesty. Legends of rock, including Toto, Sarah McLachlan, Asia, and others have expressed their love and gratitude for his renditions of their finest works. Toto cites Mike’s cover of “Africa” as their favourite.

MUSIC

PATSY CLINE AND FRIENDS: 60TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Saturday 29 April 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes Tickets: £21.50, Concessions: £20.50

The Velvet Country voice of Patsy Cline caught the imagination of Sue Lowry, who has been a lifelong fan of Patsy Cline and Country Music.

With all the wonderful recordings she left behind this will be an evening to celebrate the power of her music!

2023 will have been 60 years since Patsy left us so please lets honour her by celebrating the music in a good old fashioned way, Country Music, Western Wear, and a good old sing song, let the Good Times Roll!

MUSIC

WALTER TROUT

Tuesday 16 May 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes Tickets: £30

Walter Trout’s backstory is a page-turner you won’t want to put down. Five decades in the making; it is equal parts thriller, romance, suspense and horror. There are musical fireworks, critical acclaim and fists-aloft triumph, offset by wilderness years and brushes with the jaws of narcotic oblivion. There are feted early stints as gunslinger in bands from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to Canned Heat, and the solo career that’s still blazing a quarter-century later. The veteran bluesman has seen and done it all – plays earth shattering blues rock music.

Support act

Alastair Greene has never followed the norm when it comes to his music. Hailing from Southern California and a part of their music scene, he’s been playing and touring for close to 3 decades. Whether it’s Blues, Southern Rock, or other genres, he’s been constantly playing all over the world.

COMEDY

LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND

Starring Paulus

Saturday 20th May | 7:30pm

Running time: 1 hour Tickets: Start at £15

Celebrate Victoria Wood’s unforgettable characters, songs and sketches. Celebrate her unforgettable characters, songs and sketches and the power of friendships forged through laughter. From Mrs. Overall to Barry & Freda, everyone is there. The only thing that’s missing is you. Directed by Sarah-Louise Young (An Evening Without Kate Bush) and with Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aida) on the piano.

‘If you are a fan of Wood, or simply feel the need for some uplifting, live entertainment, then this is a must see (4 Stars)’ Musical Theatre Review.

‘Paulus is incredible. His voice and diction are amazing’ That Stagey Blog?

MUSIC

MICA MILLAR

Sunday 21 May | 7:30pm

Running time: 2hours 30 minutes with an interval Tickets: From £22

Releasing her debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ to critical review earlier this year, Mica Millar has quickly become the UK’s brightest new Soul star, picking up Jazz FM’s prestigious ‘Soul Act of The Year 2022’ award alongside a nomination for ‘Breakthrough Act of The Year’ and featuring on the front covers of iconic magazines like Blues & Soul and Echoes, amidst an array of five star album and live reviews, plus champions at national radio including the likes of BBC Radio 2’s Trevor Nelson and 6 Music’s Craig Charles.

MUSIC

STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND

Friday 19 May 2023 | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: £31

Widely considered one of the most charismatic performers on stage, Steve Harley continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe. The Acoustic Band for 2022/2023 will find Steve supported by long-standing bandmate, violinist/ guitarist Barry Wickens, with Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Dave Delarre on lead guitar. Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 50 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all.

MUSIC

THE TIGER LILLIES: FROM THE CIRCUS TO THE CEMETERY

Sunday 28 May 2023 | 8:00pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: £24

The Grammy nominated Godfathers of alternative cabaret return with a career spanning concert. Expect dark and deviant theatrics as they delve into their back catalogue presenting their most famous songs alongside new surprises. With an international reputation for being one of the foremost avant-garde bands in the world, Olivier award winners The Tiger Lillies never cease to surprise, shock and entertain with their inimitable musical style, conjuring up the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin and fusing it with the savage edge of punk.

THEATRE

THE BEST OF TOMMY COOPER

Friday 9th June | 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours Tickets: £20

Recapturing his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic. The show includes many of Cooper’s beloved one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon.

Produced and performed by Daniel Taylor.

The Production has the blessing of the Tommy Cooper Estate.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Gift someone a special experience to look forward to whilst supporting your local theatre.

Epstein gift vouchers can be used to book tickets for any of our shows across the year and we have a wonderful array of productions to choose from - everything from hilarious comedy, magnificent drama, wonderful family productions, breath-taking dance, heart-warming music, unbelievable variety and the very best entertainment from all around the country. All you need to do is choose the voucher amount, add a personal message and we’ll do the rest! Minimum voucher amount is £15.*

Buy gift vouchers at epsteintheatre.co.uk

*Terms and Conditions apply. Please note that we currently do not accept SOLT Theatre Vouchers.

SMART BAR ORDER DRINKS

TO YOUR SEATS

Beat the queues and order refreshments straight to your seat using our smart bar! We offer delivery to your seat for maximum comfort. Choose from a delicious range of drinks, ice-cream, snacks and sweet treats from our exciting menu.

Simply scan the QR code displayed on the seat in front of you, place your order on your mobile device, sit back and relax and someone will deliver your order to you!

Alternatively, you can place an interval order at our bar prior to the performance.

Ice creams are sold at the confectionary stand or in the auditorium during the interval.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Are you a friendly, hardworking, team player with a passion for theatre? Then why not apply to join our Front of House Team?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a venue which has been a cornerstone of culture in the Liverpool City Region since 1911. You will help to ensure that events run smoothly and safely, and that all visitors enjoy their experience at the Epstein Theatre.

We accept C.V.s all year round and keep candidates on file for three months.

To Apply please see epsteintheatre.co.uk

VOLUNTEERS

We are always on the look-out for friendly, passionate and motivated people with a love of theatre to join our team of volunteers. Volunteers are a very important part of the Epstein experience and we love to offer opportunities to all those who would like to contribute to the wonderful atmosphere of the Epstein Theatre.

To apply and for more information please see epsteintheatre.co.uk/about-us

Life is a cabaret old chum, so come to the cabaret… Following its huge success at Liverpool Theatre Festival, the Epstein Theatre hosts a sensational night of the finest and quirkiest cabaret acts from across the region, as part of its Eurovision programme, including comedy, burlesque, music, drag and circus. Hosted by the super talented Nana Funk and starring award-winning comedy musicians, Jollyboat, Black Liver and top Liverpool drag act Filla Crack, and all presented in the stunning surroundings of the Epstein. This is just a taster of the acts performing so look out for more announcements coming soon. Come join the Eurovision celebrations.

Bill Elms Productions

SPONSOR A

Following the reopening of the Epstein Theatre, we are offering a unique opportunity to sponsor one of our 388 auditorium seats.

Sponsoring the seat is a special gift for someone as a way to mark a significant anniversary, birthday or a way to remember someone who loves theatre. For a one-off donation we will include your name on the plaque in the auditorium. This will remain on the seat indefinitely. This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of the history and the vibrant future of the Epstein Theatre. To reserve a seat please email info@epsteintheatre.co.uk

The Epstein Theatre has recently celebrated its ONE YEAR reopening anniversary, and what a fantastic year it has been!

In 12 short months, we have had 79 different productions, including 4 spectacular pantomimes brought to us by Regal Entertainments, we have welcomed 67,000 audience members through our doors, created 40 jobs, sold a whopping 15,000 ice creams and poured over 17,500 pints!

From sourcing locally produced confectionary to welcoming you all to take a backstage tour of the venue, this year has been filled from start to finish with new beginnings!

We’d like to take the time to thank every single one of you for supporting us over the last year, and we look forward to spending more time with you in 2023!

ROESTREET

HAWKESTREET

PARRSTREET

HOW TO FIND US

The Epstein Theatre is located at 85 Hanover Street, five minutes from shops and restaurants in Liverpool One and the Albert Dock. It’s also a two-minute walk from the Liverpool One bus station and Liverpool Central Station.

ACCESSIBILITY

For wheelchair access, customers may use Hanover House lift situated on School Lane which will give access to the Theatre, Bar, and Foyer. Ramps are also in place for access to theatre seats.

Guide Dogs are permitted and the theatre also has an infrared T loop system. Please contact info@epsteintheatre.co.uk if you require a guide dog space or use of the T loop system.

Registered Carers are welcome at the discounted rate of £5 per ticket. If you require any information or would like to book with assistance, please call 0344 736 0151

PARKING ParkBee

Convenient and affordable parking is a short walking distance from our venue.

CALEDONIASTREET

FALKNERSTREET

Located on Heathfield Street ParkBee offers a multitude of parking spaces for our customers. Simply scan the QR code upon arrival and follow the instructions on your mile device. For discounted parking enter the code 9BNM7A. More iinformation at parkbee.com

CORINTOSTREET

Albert Dock

Queens Dock

Metropolitan Cathedral Liverpool Cathedral

Walker Art Gallery National Museums Liverpool

The Beatles Story

Merseyside Maritime Museum

RIBA North

Bluecoat Arts Centre

St George’s Hall

Ch Chavasse C Park

Adult Panto is back! Now in its 5th year, and returns to the Epstein Theatre after a smash hit 2022 show.

Starring Adult Pantomime legends, the #cracking Liam Mellor as Billy Goose, and the fabulously filthy Jimmy Burton-Iles in the title role of Mother Goose.

Will Mother Goose get glamour, fame, and fortune? Will Demon Vanity rule the world? And will Billy finally get to shag the Princess!

Find out in our fun and filthy Adult Panto for all you BIG boys & girls, so leave the kids at home and grab your tickets for this filthy night out!

Due to selling out EVERY year, advance booking is strongly advised.