Liverpool Empire Spring Guide by Liverpool Empire

SUMMER 2012

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) Groups 0844 871 3037 www.atgtickets.com/ liverpool TUE 22 MAY - SAT 2 JUN

PriorityTickets. Great Savings. Buy an ATG Theatre Card today and join the 100 000 theatre lovers across the UK who are already enjoying priority tickets and great savings. ATG Theatre Card gives you: Priority tickets - get the best seats first! Special ticket offers including half price on many productions No booking or postage fees on most shows Priority brochure just for you Fee free ticket exchange Save 10% on pre show and interval drinks

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Tue 22 May

Tue 9 Oct

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THE LIVERPOOL EMPIRE IS A FULLY ACCESSIBLE THEATRE Q The Box Office has a lowered counter to make collecting tickets easier Q Disabled toilets are provided on all floors Q There are wheelchair spaces in the auditorium Q We welcome Guide Dogs Q All bar areas have moveable tables and chairs Q The theatre is fully equipped with lifts to all floors and automatic doors Q We provide signed, audio described and captioned performances across the year Q Our staff our fully trained to help you enjoy your visit Q You can pre-order interval drink, to make the interval more enjoyable Q We have an access officer available to take your bookings and help with any access issues that you might have call 0151 702 7328 between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday

Autograph is the Empire’s Café Bar providing mouth-watering lunches and Pre-theatre meals and a selection of superb coffees, teas, soft drinks and selected wines and beers. Whether you want to meet friends over a hot drink, enjoy a delicious lunch in our pleasant and relaxing surroundings or enjoy a pre-theatre supper, Autograph is the perfect place to enhance your visit to the theatre. From 11 am Autograph’s menu includes toasted paninis, home-made soups, baked potatoes and Liverpool’s finest Scouse served with red cabbage. Pre-theatre menus are available from 5pm and often feature a seasonal theme. Please call for more details. Bookings are advised, call our dedicated team on 0151 702 7354.

3 x

WELCOME

DIARY

Hello and a very warm welcome

APRIL

to another fantastic season at

THE KING AND I PP TUE 3 - SAT 7 APR

I DREAMED A DREAM PP TUE 17 - SAT 21 APR

the Liverpool Empire. This year we are proud to be welcoming many top musicals to Liverpool including the long-awaited Dirty Dancing - the classic

RHOD GILBERT FRI 27 & SAT 28 APR

movie live on stage; the smash hit tour of Sister Act;

MAY

a brand new production of Starlight Express; and the

ELVIS COSTELLO SUN 13 MAY

direct from the West End;

Tony Award-winning comedy Avenue Q to name a few. Liverpool Empire also boasts a stellar comedy line up this season, with some of the UK’s top comedians including; Ross Noble, Frankie Boyle, Jason Byrne and Alan Davies all taking to the stage. Alongside our exciting programme I am also delighted to introduce a new ticketing initiative from Liverpool Empire. As home to the largest productions in touring theatre we are committed to listening to and acting upon customer feedback, making the theatre experience as magical as possible for you our customer; from the moment you book your ticket until you leave the venue after a great performance. Our aim is to make top quality theatre accessible to all at a price to suit every pocket, so with our new Price Promise scheme, many of your favourite shows at Liverpool Empire are now available at prices starting from just £10. With this new Price Promise, we guarantee the best entertainment at the best

DANCING IN THE STREETS PP MON 14 - SAT 19 MAY SISTER ACT PP TUE 22 MAY - SAT 2 JUN

8 10

JUNE TITANIC THE MUSICAL PP TUE 5 - SAT 9 JUN 9 AVENUE Q MON 11 - SAT 16 JUN

HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY PP MON 18 JUN

CIRCUE DE CIEL WED 20 & THU 21 JUN

BACK TO BROADWAY FRI 22 JUN

MIDNIGHT TANGO MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN

prices. For more great savings, look to ATG Theatre Card for special offers, priority booking and exclusive cardholder opportunities. See inside this brochure for more details about the ATG Theatre Card. On behalf of the whole team, thank you for your continued support of Liverpool Empire - we do hope to welcome you to the theatre in the near future. Best wishes, Andrew Rawlinson General Manager

PRICE PROMISE Your favourite shows at the Liverpool Empire now available at prices starting from £10 with our new Price Promise, we guarantee the best entertainment at the best prices. Shows included are marked PP throughout the brochure

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE FRI 29 JUN 22 JOHNNY CASH SAT 30 JUN

JULY CHICAGO PP MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL FRANKIE BOYLE FRI 13 & SAT 14 JUL STARLIGHT EXPRESS MON 16 - SAT 28 JUL

ALAN DAVIES SUN 23 SEP JASON BYRNE SUN 30 SEP

NOVEMBER 23

42ND STREET PP MON 12 - SAT 17 NOV

WNO JEPTHA TUE 20 NOV

WNO LA BOHEME WED 21, FRI 23 & SAT 24 NOV

WNO COSI FAN TUTTE THU 22 NOV

OCTOBER 16 23 14

AUGUST STAGE EXPERIENCE PRESENT ANNIE THU 16 - SAT 18 AUG

SEPTEMBER

ROSS NOBLE FRI 5 OCT DIRTY DANCING PP TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT

ENB SLEEPING BEAUTY PP MON 29 OCT - SAT 3 NOV 18

ON SALE FOR 2013 MOUSETRAP TUE 2 - SAT 6 APR 2013

ANGELINA BALLERINA PP TUE 21 AUG 23

TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT

‘ELEGANT, SPLENDID AND ADMIRABLE’ THE TIMES

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S

‘A FULL-BLOWN SPECTACLE WITH CLASSY WEST END PRODUCTION VALUES AND A CONSIDERABLE WOW FACTOR’ Music & Lyrics presents Curve Theatre Leicester’s production of The King & I Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the novel entitled Anna and The King of Siam by Margaret Landon Original Orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett New Orchestrations by Julian Kelly Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of R&H Theatricals of New York

Starring Ramon Tikaram and Josefina Gabrielle, The King and I is loved as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Seen by millions of people across the world since it was first performed in 1951, when it was showered with awards and became the blockbuster Hollywood movie, its glorious soundtrack is still a bestseller today. This breathtaking new production from the Curve Theatre, Leicester, directed by Paul Kerryson, is a lavish, grand-scale spectacle. With giant gold Buddhas, sumptuous costumes, a chorus of adorable children, acrobatic dancers and live music, this beautiful production guarantees standing ovations. 6

Photography by Catherine Ashmore

THE GUARDIAN

TUE 3 - SAT 7 APR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £35 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue. £5 off Wed - Thu & Sat mat. C G S Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

SUSAN BOYLE IS COMING TO LIVERPOOL!

SUSAN BOYLE WILL MAKE A GUEST APPEARANCE ON THE LIVERPOOL EMPIRE STAGE IN THIS NEW MUSICAL THAT CHARTS HER EXTRAORDINARY STORY. Starring Elaine C Smith, best known as Mary Doll in BBC TV’s Rab C Nesbitt, the musical follows Susan Boyle’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global icon and features signature songs from her multi-platinum selling albums. Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing production featuring a special performance from Susan herself. This astounding musical will make you laugh and cry but most of all dream. If she can dare to dream so can you.

‘I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS MUSICAL TO HIT THE STAGE’ SUSAN BOYLE

TUE 17 - SAT 21 APR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £34 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 17 Apr. £5 off Wed - Thu & Sat mat C G Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

GUARANTEED TO HAVE YOU DANCING IN THE AISLES! Classic hits include

I Heard It Through The Grapevine Baby Love My Girl Dancing in the Streets Shop Around Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours Please Mr Postman Reach Out I’ll Be There Stop In the Name of Love Up Tight (everything’s alright) Tears of a Clown Tracks of My Tears

WITH A FULL SUPPORTING COMPANY OF SINGERS, DANCERS AND THE ‘DANCING IN THE STREETS’ BAND After wowing audiences all over the UK and spending three years in London’s West End, Dancing in the Streets is back! Experience the energy, the excitement, the emotion and the electricity of Motown in Ivor Novello Award-winning director Keith Strachan’s production of the hit show Dancing in the Streets, the spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City - Detroit! Motown was a prominent force in breaking down barriers around the world and equally as important, was responsible for producing some of the world’s most influential and enduring songs of the 20th century. 24 8

MON 14 - SAT 19 MAY Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £10 - £26.50 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Mon 14 May. £5 off other perfs, except Fri & Sat mat C G Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

‘A WONDERFUL PIECE OF WORK’ PHILIP KEY, LIVERPOOL DAILY POST To commemorate 100 years since the sinking of RMS Titanic WKLOS returns with a brand new production of the multi award-winning Broadway show, Titanic The Musical last performed by the Company in 2005 to great critical acclaim. The sinking of RMS Titanic just days into her maiden voyage remains the quintessential maritime disaster story of the last century. The show sets out to examine the causes, the conditions and the real life characters in this ever fascinating drama. But it is more than just a spectacular stage show it is a living, moving and uplifting memorial to those who perished on that fateful Spring morning. A 100 strong cast, full supporting orchestra, professionally designed staging and specially commissioned costumes to authentically reflect the prevailing fashions combine to make this a unique theatrical experience not to be missed.

TUE 5 - SAT 9 JUN Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £20 PP ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 5 Jun. £2 off all other Excl Sat mat C G S Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

W TW O EE O N K LY S !

WHOOPI GOLDBERG &

STAGE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

‘A BIG, FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSICAL’ NEW YORK OBSERVER

STARRING

DENISE BLACK & MICHAEL STARKE From producers Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment (Hairspray, High School Musical), the smash hit musical Sister Act is coming to the Liverpool Empire! The show, which played to over a million people in the West End stars Coronation Street’s Denise Black as Mother Superior, Brookside and The Royal favourite Michael Starke as Monsignor O’Hara and introduces Cynthia Erivo as Deloris Van Cartier. When disco diva Deloris witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun she quickly makes the wrong impression on the strict Mother Superior. But when she transforms the choir into the most glorious musical act in town, Deloris forms a lasting bond with her newfound friends - and the gang that’s chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters! Based on the movie of the same name, this fabulous, family-friendly, feel-good show is packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco. Now, as the habit hits the road, you too can see why audiences fell in love with the funniest and funkiest nun on the run, and her heavenly sequinned sisters!

TUE 22 MAY - SAT 2 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £42 PP (Premium seats available)

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Wed 23 May 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Wed 30 May 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 31 May 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 22 May £6 off Mon - Thu C G S Details page 27

‘A DIVINE DAZZLING TRIUMPH THAT HAS TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED’

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee)

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Photographs of the UK touring production by Tristram Kenton and Hugo Glendinning.

‘THE BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE’ CHRISTOPHER HART, SUNDAY TIMES

‘Q STANDS FOR QUITE SIMPLY THE BEST SHOW IN TOWN. GO NOW AND GO AGAIN AND AGAIN’ SKY NEWS

‘ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. WE NEARLY DIED LAUGHING’ ABSOLUTE RADIO

+++++ SUNDAY TIMES, NEWS OF THE WORLD, SUNDAY EXPRESS, ABSOLUTE RADIO, SMOOTH FM, MAGIC FM After nearly five years of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness, London’s funniest show by far is hitting the road. The Tony Award winning Avenue Q is the irresistibly charming musical about the lovably hopeless characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues: love, work, relationships and, above all, just how are you supposed to pay the bills with a BA in English? Hilarious and uproariously entertaining, with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of hugely talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is a musical like no other. So don’t let your life suck - book your tickets today! 12

Not suitable for children under 12

MON 11 - SAT 16 JUN Mon - Thu 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £12 - £31.50 (Premium seats available)

SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 14 Jun 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on Opening Night & Fri 5.30pm. £5 off Tue - Thu eve. Includes premium. C S Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

A DAZZLING EVENING OF DANCE NOT TO BE MISSED! PRESENTED BY ARLENE PHILLIPS AND ADAM SPIEGEL

THE STARS OF STRICTLY COME DANCING IN THE THEATRICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

++++ ‘A TRIUMPH’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

++++ ‘A FEEL-GOOD EVENING. HUGELY ENTERTAINING’ DAILY EXPRESS

++++ ‘STAR PRESENCE AND POISE DANCED WITH EXUBERANT DELIGHT’ INDEPENDENT Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for seven series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. And now they’re back by incredible popular demand with Midnight Tango - a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life. Vincent and Flavia’s mesmerising choreography and fiery chemistry command the floor with explosive Tango routines, gravity-defying moves and feather-light footwork. Set in a late night bar in downtown Buenos Aires and featuring some of the finest Tango dancers in the world and live music, Midnight Tango takes you on a journey into the heart of this intoxicating city. As danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion all combine - this is a spectacular and explosive evening not to be missed! www.midnighttango.co.uk Production photography by Manuel Harlan

MON 25 - TUE 26 JUN Mon & Tue eves 7.30pm Tue mat 2.30pm TICKETS £16.50 - £29.50 (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Mon (top 3 prices) £6 off Tue (top 3 prices) Includes premium. C G S Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

BILL KENWRIGHT BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP PRESENTS

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S ‘DAZZLING’ MUSICAL THE TIMES

‘A MUSICAL THAT SURPASSES EVERYTHING AROUND IN EVERY DIMENSION’ DAILY EXPRESS

‘YOU HAVE TO SEE IT, AND STILL YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE, SUPERB, IT’S A REAL KNOCK-OUT’ BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

‘A ROCK SOLID ROLLER SKATING MUSICAL SENSATIONAL’

‘EXPLOSIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN EVERY SENSE. UNMISSABLE’ THE JOURNAL

THE HERALD

A NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE PRODUCTION TUE 17 - SAT 28 JUL Eves 7.30pm Wed 18, Thu 19 & Sat 21, Thu 26 & Sat 28 mats 2.30pm TICKETS £19.50 - £39.50 Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved, longest running and most unique musicals in theatrical history. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Rock-On-Roller skating sensation Starlight Express explodes back onto the stage with a new production for 2012, destined to take the UK by electrifying storm. Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime - with two hours of speed, spectacle, energy and turbo charged excitement, combined with an electrifying sound track, dazzling sets and costumes, some of Andrew Lloyd Webbers most memorable musical hits and extraordinary nonstop roller-choreography by TV’s favourite dance show judge Arlene Phillips. Buckle up; the race is truly back on!

(Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off Tue 17 & Mon 23 Jul only AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Wed 25 Jul 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 26 Jul 7.30pm C G S Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

15 x

THE SEXY, SASSY WEST END SMASH HIT RETURNS

‘STILL THE SEXIEST, MOST SENSATIONAL MUSICAL’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

‘MURDER, GREED, CORRUPTION, EXPLOITATION, ADULTERY AND TREACHERY - ALL THOSE THINGS WE HOLD NEAR AND DEAR TO OUR HEARTS’ So begins the international award winning musical, Chicago, which comes to the Liverpool Empire for 1 week only starring Ali Bastian as Roxie Hart, Stefan Booth as Billy Flynn, Tupele Dorgu as Velma Kelly and Bernie Nolan as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. With 6 Tony, 2 Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2 Bafta and 6 Academy Awards, Chicago truly is ‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST SHOW ON THE BLOCK’ THE TIMES A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin: it would be a crime to miss it. 16

MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm & 8.45pm Sat 5pm & 8.30pm TICKETS £10 - £32.50 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on top 2 prices Mon 2 Jul. Thereafter £5 off top 3 prices. Excl Fri late and Sat, includes premium. AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Sat 7 Jul 5pm S G C Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

‘THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME’ OBSERVER

+ + + + ‘SMASH HIT MUSICAL GIVES US ALL THE TIME OF OUR LIVES’ BRISTOL EVENING POST

TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £48.50 PP (Premium seats available)

Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart-stopping I’ve Had The Time Of My Life!

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Tue 16 Oct 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Wed 24 Oct 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 25 Oct 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 9 Oct E C G Details page 27

‘ENERGETIC, BRILLIANTLY STAGED’ THE TIMES

www.dirtydancingontour.com

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

THE CLASSIC BALLET

The Sleeping Beauty English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty reawakens the magic of the world’s favourite fairy tale in an enchanted world of castles, curses, forests and fairies. With wonderful choreography by Sir Kenneth MacMillan, The Sleeping Beauty is the ultimate classical ballet – featuring the most luxurious staging, superb dance and dazzling music including Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Rose Adagio and Once Upon a Dream used in Disney’s version of this popular classic.

++++ ‘WHAT A TRIUMPH’

TUE 30 OCT - SAT 3 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu 2pm Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £35 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 30 Oct. £5.50 off top 3 prices for all other perfs EARLY BOOKING OFFER Book and pay by Tue 31 Jul and get £5 off top 3 prices C G S Details page 27

SUNDAY EXPRESS

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Photographs: Patrick Baldwin, Michael Garner, Laurent Liotardo.

‘SUPERBLY STAGED AND IMPECCABLY DANCED’ SURREY ADVERTISER

‘ TOP NIGHT OF ‘A ENTERTAINMENT’ THE SCOTSMAN COME AND MEET THOSE DANCING FEET Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical: 42nd Street - the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star. And those songs! Lullaby of Broadway, We’re in the Money, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Keep Young and Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and the spectacular title number, danced down a flight of steps that lights up as brightly as the faces of the cast. Audiences will find out what it’s like to float up to Musical Comedy Heaven. Starring Dave Willetts as Julian Marsh and directed by the show’s author and Broadway director Mark Bramble, the show features the stunning sets and costumes from the US production. x

TUE 13 - SAT 17 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £35 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Tue 13 & mid-week mat half price. £6 off top 3 prices for all other perfs G F S Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

WORLD CLASS OPERA FROM WNO

LA BOHÈME Puccini’s La bohème is one of the greatest love stories ever sung. A major new production by Annabel Arden set in Edwardian Paris. Sung in Italian with surtitles in English

COSÌ FAN TUTTE Benjamin Davis’s warm and funny production is set on the British seaside in the early 1960s. Sung in Italian with surtitles in English

JEPHTHA Katie Mitchell’s electrifying staging of Handel’s searing oratorio is a heart-stopping and poignant experience. Sung in English with surtitles in English

Visit wno.org.uk for detailed casting, videos, story summaries and music clips.

‘AN ADVENTURE OF THE SPIRIT, A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY’ DAVID POUTNEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR (ON WNO'S 2012/2013 SEASON) 20

TUE 20 - SAT 24 NOV Jephtha Tue 7pm La bohème Wed, Fri & Sat 7.15pm Così fan tutte Thu 7pm TICKETS £5 - £25 FREE PRE-PERFORMANCE TALKS Jephtha Tue 6pm Così fan tutte Thu 6pm Paris Café Afternoon La bohème Fri 3.30pm - 5.30pm £12 per person. Call 029 2063 5030 to book AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE La bohème Fri 7.15pm G E C F Details page 27

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

GROUP BOOKINGS CALL OUR GROUP BOOKINGS OFFICE IF YOU ARE BRINGING 8 OR MORE AND IF YOU BRING A GROUP OF 10 OR MORE YOU CAN ACCESS ALL THESE AMAZING TICKET OFFERS Please note: The following concessions apply to certain prices and performances only.

SISTER ACT TUE 22 MAY - SAT 2 JUN £15 - £42 GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices, plus 1 free ticket GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices, plus 3 free tickets No concessions available Friday/ Saturday performances

SCHOOLS Mon - Wed £16 plus 1 free in every 10

GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices SCHOOLS 10+ Best available tickets £15 plus 1 teacher free with every 10 Mon Wed eves and Fri early show.

WHAT IS A GROUP?

STARLIGHT EXPRESS

A group can be a selection of Friends, Family and Colleagues. Get 10 people together and make great savings on your tickets. Get a group of 8 people together and save on booking fees. Exclusively for group we offer a Book Now Pay Later system. You can reserve your seats in advance on our groups Hotline 0844 8713037, we’ll set your seats aside and send you a confirmation invoice. Payment can be made by Visa Debit/Credit, Mastercard and American Express over the phone with no booking fee! If you prefer you can send a cheque or pay at the Box Office counter with cash, cheque or card.

TUE 17 - SAT 28 JUL £19.50 - £39.50 GROUPS 10+ £5 off GROUPS 20+ £6 off plus 1 in 10 free GROUPS 50+ £7 off plus 1 in 10 free and 3 extra free with every 50 SCHOOLS £12 plus 1 in 10 free Tues eve and Wed mat No discounts available Fri and Sat eves

DIRTY DANCING

TUE 5 - SAT 9 JUN £14 - £20 GROUPS 10+ 1 in 10 tickets free

TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT £10 - £48.50 GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices

MON 11 - SAT 16 JUN £12 - £31.50 GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices, Mon - Thu & Fri early

CHICAGO MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL £10 - £32.50 GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices

Discounts not applicable on tickets below £10, Sat eve and mid week mat apart from school.

All discounts exclude Fri eve and Sat perfs

TITANIC THE MUSICAL

AVENUE Q

GROUPS 10+ Book and pay before Tue 31 July and get £7.50 off top 3 prices SCHOOLS Midweek mat £7 plus 1 free ticket in 10

No discounts available Friday eve and all Saturday performances. Please note all discounts are capped

SLEEPING BEAUTY TUE 30 OCT - SAT 3 NOV £10 - £35

If you would like to receive our monthly Newsletter via Email please send your email address to liverpoolgroups@ theambassadors.com.

MORE TOP COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCE

RHOD GILBERT

ELVIS COSTELLO

THE MAN WITH THE FLAMING BATTENBERG TATTOO

THE REVOLVER TOUR SUN 13 MAY 8pm TICKETS £37.50 & £43.50

FRI 27 & SAT 28 APR 8pm TICKETS £26 Following several sell-out UK tours and best-selling stand-up DVDs, multi -award winning Welsh wonder Rhod Gilbert is back on the road with a brand new live show. Recommended age 16+.

Elvis Costello brings the Spectacular Spinning Songbook to the Liverpool Empire. An overture of five uninterrupted rock and roll tunes announces Elvis Costello and The Imposters to the stage, after which members of the audience are invited to select the next song.

www.rhodgilbertcomedian.com

CIRQUE DU CIEL’S

SHANGHI

TICKETS £10 - £25 PP MON 18 & TUE 19 JUN 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off per ticket C The Original Cast - Reunited Live On Stage - starring Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, Geoff McGiven as Ford Perfect, Susan Sheridan as Trillian, Mark Wing-Davey as Zaphod Beeblebrox

BACK TO BROADWAY

WED 20 - THU 21 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £19.50 - £24.50 ATG THEATRE CARD

FRI 29 JUN 7.30pm

FRI 22 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £19.50

TICKETS £16 G C

ATG THEATRE CARD

£5 off top price G F

A brand new screening of the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John from the producers of Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music. Now is your chance to don those pink jackets, grease up those quiffs and let your inhibitions go for an evening where you are the stars!

With over 30 amazingly multitalented and skilled performers, this 2 hour extravaganza, combines acrobatics, modern dance, martial arts, original music and many other traditional and modern Chinese elements in an amazing fantasy adventure.

22 x

SING-A-LONGA-GREASE

HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY

£3 discount per ticket G F S Back to Broadway brings you the very best of musical theatre, brought together by an enchanting story about a young girl’s dream to become a star. www.backtobroadwaymusical.co.uk

JOHNNY CASH STORY

FRANKIE BOYLE

SAT 30 JUN 7.30pm

FRI 13 & SAT 14 JUL 8pm

TICKETS £22

TICKETS £26

Clive John and The Spirit Band present the only Johnny Cash show that matters. Delivering all the hits including The Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, Man In Black, One Piece at a Time, Sunday Morning Coming down, Hurt and many of the duets Johnny and June were famous for.

Frankie Boyle has been pilloried, misrepresented and demonised. And for what? For Telling It Like It Is. Now he will attempt a final tour, to heal Britain’s fools. To support its rioters. To offer the inchoate laughter of despair to a culture in freefall. Recommended age 16+

Everyone’s favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, is pirouetting onto the stage in her brand new Mousical Ballet Girls and Hip Hop Boys, a magical show packed full of singing and dancing.

ALAN DAVIES

JASON BYRNE

ROSS NOBLE

LIFE IS PAIN

PEOPLE’S PUPPETEER

MINDBLENDER

SUN 23 SEP 8pm TICKETS £25

SUN 30 SEP 8pm TICKETS £18.50

SAT 6 OCT 8pm TICKETS £25

Over a decade since his last stand-up show, and following a huge tour of Australia in 2011, Alan Davies, the much-loved star of iconic television series such as Jonathan Creek and QI, makes a long-awaited return to live stand-up this autumn.

After the phenomenal success of his Cirque Du Byrne Tour, Jason Byrne is bringing a brand new show back to the cities of Britain. People’s Puppeteer, will have new stories, new props, and more of his trademark high octane lunacy.

After a two year break Ross Noble, the demonic scarecrow himself, is back doing what he does best. Famed for his fiery and fluid freewheeling style, Noble creates comedy gold from tiny particles of random nonsense.

Recommended age 16+

Recommended age 14+

Recommended age 15+

LAST DAYS OF SODOM

ANGELINA BALLERINA TUE 21 AUG 6.30pm WED 22 & THU 23 2.30pm & 6.30pm TICKETS £10 - £7.50 PP ATG THEATRE CARD £4.50 discount per ticket G F

BOOK NOW www.atgtickets.com/liverpool (bkg fee)

CREATIVE LEARNING

Stage Experience, Billy Elliot

The Ambassador Theatre Group is proud to support an extensive programme of Creative Learning activities across its many theatres. We have busy Creative Learning Departments across the UK delivering regular and varied programmes of events and classes.

SHOW-BASED WORKSHOPS

All programmes include activities related to the shows being presented in the theatres as well as opportunities to explore theatre-making more generally and to build personal skills.

THE KING AND I

In addition, we offer regular events exploring the options available to young people interested in a career in theatre. ATG is proud to offer a wide range of participatory classes, workshops and courses across its theatres. Most of these regular classes and youth theatre groups are booked on a termly basis. Contact us to find out more.

AVENUE Q

Schools and Community groups of all ages can book practical musical theatre workshop packages for the following shows to gain a great insight into our shows: CHICAGO

All Stage Experience photos by Mike James

High energy week of dance, drama and singing linked to Starlight Express. MON 23 - FRI 27 JUL Cost £55 includes a ticket to see Starlight Express at the Empire on Thu 19 Jul 7.30pm.

STARLIGHT EXPRESS MIDNIGHT TANGO 42ND STREET SISTER ACT DIRTY DANCING Prices start at £4.50 plus VAT per head.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Half Term and Holiday activities for young people aged 7 - 16 years. Three days of skills-based workshops to develop confidence, audition technique, dance, drama, singing and much more!

WED 6 - FRI 8 JUN Cost £10 per day or £25 for all three!

BACKSTAGE TOURS AND TALKS Find out more about your favourite theatre with an exclusive backstage tour! Learn about the theatre’s history, find out more about how it is managed and see the auditorium as the stars do - from the stage! Tours last 1.5 hours and take place Tue - Fri at 11am for groups of 10 - 30 people, cost £4.50 per head (refreshments on request) and must be booked in advance. Alternatively you can book a member of our tour team to visit your group. £30 fee applies. Tours and Talks can be tailored

Stage Experience, West Side Story

Stage Experience, Fame

to suit community groups, primary and secondary pupils, GCSE, A-level, BTEC and undergraduate students.

MINI MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP STARS For ages 7 - 11. The group meets weekly at the theatre on a Thursday 6 - 7.30pm. Open to everyone regardless of experience no audition necessary. We will enable you to develop performance skills in dance, drama and singing in a fun and safe environment. Each term culminates in a short informal presentation to family and friends.

STAGE EXPERIENCE

DIRTY DANCING WORKSHOPS

A talented cast of 120 young people perform the full scale musical Annie.

Get closer to Kellermans than ever before with the official Dirty Dancing National Tour Workshops.

THU 16 - SAT 18 AUG Thu - Sat eves 7pm Sat 2pm TICKETS £14 EARLY BOOKING OFFER £11

For just £60 you and your friends can enjoy a 4-hour workshop of choreography, songs and scene work from Dirty Dancing and see the show afterwards. For further information visit atgtickets.com/Liverpool

NEW TERM THU 19 APR - THU 12 JUL Cost £72

CONTACT US Natalie Flynn, Head of Education & Community natalieflynn@theambassadors.com or 0151 702 7337 creativelearning.atg.co.uk Proudly supported by The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd Reg Charity Number1437514 (England)

LIFESTYLES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

HOSPITALITY First class entertaining facilities for all occasions with a dedicated hospitality team who will ensure you receive the highest level of service We can provide hospitality packages for small parties with a range of private rooms throughout the theatre to suit any occasion, and with the option to add catering and many other individual touches. WEDDINGS & CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS Both the stage and the entertaining suites in the Atrium are licensed for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, and if you choose to get married in the auditorium you will literally be centre stage! The Empire Theatre is a unique choice for a perfect day that will never be forgotten by your guests. GOLD & PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP As well as receiving up to 10 complimentary tickets per month and access to our Private Members Suite with personal host, you will also receive incredible advertising opportunities. Limited spaces are available for this exclusive membership club, with costs starting at ÂŁ1250 (plus VAT) per year. For further information on any of the above services, please contact our Sales and Events Executive, Jayne Lloyd on 0151 702 7333 or email her via jaynelloyd@theambassadors.com

BOOKING INFORMATION BOOK IN PERSON Call into our Box Ofﬁce at the Empire on the corner of London Road and Lime Street, Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 6pm (8pm on performance nights and opens 2 hours prior to performances on Sunday). Payment Methods: Cash, Cheque, Credit Card/ Debit Cards* and Gift Vouchers. BY POST Postal bookings are accepted and should be sent to the following address: The Box Ofﬁce, Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool,L1 1JE. Payment Methods: Cheque, Postal Order, Credit Card/Debit Cards and Gift Vouchers. Cheques should be made payable to Ambassador Theatre Group Venues. BY PHONE All telephone calls are received through ATG Tickets on 0844 871 3017 Open Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm, Sun 10am - 8pm. All bookings are subject to fees. Payment methods: Credit card/Debit cards. All calls are charged at national rate. ONLINE Book all shows 24hrs a day at our website www.atgtickets.com/liverpool (secure online bookings). All bookings are subject to fees. Payment Methods: Credit Card/ Debit Cards

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good

GROUPS OF 10+ Call our Groups Hotline on 0844 871 3037 Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm for more information. Please note we operate a book now, pay later facility. Visit our website speciﬁcally designed for the groups market www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk/ groups THEATRE TOKENS We sell and accept national Theatre Tokens. They are unique theatre vouchers and can be used to see shows at over 230 theatres nationwide. Available in values of £5, £10 & £20 with no expiry date. Tokens can also be purchased at most Tourist Information Centres and branches of WHSmith, or by calling Tokenline on 0870 164 8800. www.theatretokens.com

CONCESSIONS We offer discounts for senior citizens, people with disabilities, students, children, the unemployed, and people with hearing, visual and mobility impairments for the majority of shows, on production of relevant ID. Always ask the Box Ofﬁce at the time of booking as we cannot discount on tickets already purchased. Shows with these symbols have the following concessions available C General concessions G Group discounts F Family discounts S Schools discounts B Early booking offers

EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST The Empire Theatre is managed by The Ambassador Theatre Group (Venues) Limited on behalf of The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd The Trustees are Sir Phillip Carter CBE (Chairman) Terry Smith Prof. John Last CBE Tony Ensor Tony Thompson David Morgan (Secretary) The Trust is a registered Charity. No. 509458 This brochure is printed on responsibly sourced FSC paper. Please continue to help the environment by recycling it.

E Workshops and creative activity

Only one concession is applicable at any one time, please check for restrictions on special offers. All concessions are subject to availability and conditions and can be withdrawn at any time. Phone and online bookings made through ATG Tickets for most shows are subject to a per ticket booking fee at a maximum of £4.75. Certain concerts are subject to a per ticket booking fee at a maximum of £8. In all cases there is a transaction fee at a maxi mum of £4. *An additional credit/ debit card surcharge may apply for certain events when booking in person at the box ofﬁce. ATG THEATRE CARD ATG Theatre Card offers are subject to availability on selected seat prices and for a max. 4 tickets per Card. Please book early to avoid disappointment. RESTORATION FUND The ticket price for certain shows may include a £1 contribution to the theatre’s restoration fund. We are very grateful to our patrons for the ﬁnancial help we receive through our restoration levy. In the previous 6 months we have invested in new followspots, a lighting desk and drapes and borders for our backstage department, as well new handrails in the Front Circle Rows A - F. We are currently looking at proposals to replace the external billboard signage.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes historic buildings such as the Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning 6 screen cinema complex, Ambassador Cinemas; Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Grimsby Auditorium; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio; Grand Opera House, York. ATG has been behind some of the most successful and innovative productions in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include Ghost The Musical, South Paciﬁc, All New People, Monkee Business, Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker!, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Company, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show.

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