Liverpool Empire Summer Guide 2011 by Liverpool Empire

BEST NEW MUS ICAL PREMIER ES LIVERPO IN OL (OLIVIER

AWARDS

2011)

SUMMER 2011

BOX OFFICE 0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

WELCOME

DIARY

Welcome to the Spring/Summer season for the

APRIL MICKY FLANAGAN THU 7 APR

DAN CLARK SAT 9 APR

MUSIC WITH LAUGHTER SUN 10 APR

THRILLER LIVE MON 11 - SAT 16 APR

DRUMCHASERS TUE 19 APR

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY WED 20 - SAT 23 APR

MATTHEW BOURNE’S CINDERELLA TUE 26 - SAT 30 APR

MAY JANE MCDONALD SUN 1 MAY

SWAN LAKE ON ICE TUE 3 - SAT 7 MAY

OLLY MURS SUN 8 MAY

Liverpool Empire – home to the UK premiere of the touring Legally Blonde - The Musical. We are delighted that this multi award-winning West End show, recently announced winner of Best New Musical in this year’s Olivier Awards, is to make Liverpool its first touring port of call this July, when Elle and Bruiser will bring a mix of glamour and smarts to the Empire stage. I write this note at the end of the first day’s on-sale and tickets are already flying out of the Box Office for this highly anticipated tour, so please book now to avoid disappointment. We are also looking forward to playing host to one of the most stunning and spectacular Christmas shows ever performed, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. And if that isn’t enough, we have an upcoming season packed with famous faces old and new bringing everything from musicals to comedy to Liverpool, including Claire Sweeney in Tell Me on a Sunday, Marti Pellow in Jekyll and Hyde, Ringo Starr, John Edward, Michael Ball and John Cleese. This guide also previews some shows that will be with us in late 2011 and early 2012. Sister Act, Grease, Calendar Girls and Dreamboats & Petticoats are all heading to the Empire, as well as a four night Welsh National Opera repertoire and English National Ballet’s Strictly Gershwin. Finally for fans of the BBC’s sporting output, the Liverpool Empire hosts a recording of Fighting Talk on the morning of the Grand National, Saturday 9 April. For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/5live On behalf of the whole team, thank you for your continued support of the Empire and we all look forward to welcoming you here in the very near future. Best wishes, Stephen Rees General Manager

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WED 11 - SAT 14 MAY 7 JEKYLL AND HYDE MON 16 - SAT 21 MAY

MIKE & THE MECHANICS SUN 22 MAY

BEYOND THE BARRICADE TUE 24 MAY 22 SHAUN THE SHEEP WED 25 - SAT 28 MAY

ED BYRNE SUN 29 MAY

SPELBOUND MON 30 MAY

JOHN CLEESE TUE 31 MAY - WED 1 JUN

JUNE THE JOHNNY CASH STORY THU 2 JUN 23 COLIN FRY FRI 3 JUN

MICHAEL BALL SAT 4 JUN

JOE LONGTHORNE TUE 7 JUN

SHAOLIN WARRIORS WED 8 JUN

SALLY MORGAN THU 9 JUN

ABBA FOREVER FRI 10 JUN

ROARY THE RACING CAR MON 8 AUG 27

DANNY BHOY SAT 11 JUN

JASON MANFORD FRI 12 - SAT 13 AUG

BACK FOR GOOD THU 25 AUG

JONATHAN ANSELL TUE 14 JUN

BILLY FURY WED 15 JUN

SPIRIT OF THE DANCE THU 16 - FRI 17 JUN RINGO STARR SAT 18 JUN EVITA MON 20- SAT 25 JUN JULY LEGALLY BLONDE FRI 8 - SAT 16 JUL

AUGUST WEST SIDE STORY THU 4 - SAT 6 AUG

SEPTEMBER MAGIC OF MOTOWN THU 1 SEP

SARAH MILLICAN SUN 9 OCT

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA WED 12 - SAT 15 OCT 19 17

A QUESTION OF SPORT LIVE SAT 29 OCT 28 NOVEMBER ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET’S STRICTLY GERSHWIN TUE 1 - SAT 5 NOV

GREASE TUE 8 - SAT 19 NOV

CALENDAR GIRLS MON 21 - SAT 26 NOV

SUPERSLAM AMERICAN WRESTLING FRI 2 SEP

WE WILL ROCK YOU TUE 6 - SAT 24 SEP

DECEMBER WHITE CHRISTMAS THU 22 DEC - SAT 7 JAN

DREAMBOATS & PETTICOATS MON 26 SEP - SAT 1 OCT

OCTOBER STEPHEN MERCHANT TUE 4 OCT

ONE NIGHT AT THE PROMS SUN 17 JUL 26 THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR THU 21 JUL

JOHN EDWARD SAT 23 JUL

ON SALE FOR 2012 MAY SISTER ACT TUE 22 MAY - SAT 2 JUN

Susan McFadden and company in Legally Blonde in the West End. Photo Ellie Kurttz

LIVERPOOL’S SWEETHEART CLAIRE SWEENEY CELEBRATES HER 40TH BIRTHDAY IN LIVERPOOL

+ + + + + ‘A GREAT SHOW. ONE OF THE BEST I’VE SEEN’ WHAT’S ON STAGE

‘A TOUR DE FORCE PERFORMANCE. AUDIENCES SHOULD EMBRACE THE CHANCE TO HEAR THIS GORGEOUS SCORE AGAIN’ MARK SHENTON SUNDAY EXPRESS

Following the sell-out 2010 UK tour, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s Tell Me On A Sunday returns for 2011. Remodelled for Claire Sweeney by the masters of musical theatre, with an exclusive new song Dreams Never Run On Time, this is the definitive version of the classic musical, with a wonderful original score, featuring the chart-topping song Take That Look Off Your Face and the title track Tell Me On A Sunday. Tell Me On A Sunday charts the romantic misadventures of a young English girl in New York. Brimming with optimism, she seeks success and love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city and her own anxieties, frustrations and heartaches, she begins to wonder whether she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places. 4

WED 20 - SAT 23 APR Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 G L Details page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

BEST NEW DANCE PRODUCTION OLIVIER AWARD NOMINEE 2011

+ + + + + ‘A SWEEPING WARTIME ROMANCE’ A NEW ADVENTURES PRODUCTION Direct from London’s Sadler’s Wells comes New Adventures’ beautiful and unique interpretation of the best loved fairytale of all, Cinderella. Set in London during the Second World War, Matthew Bourne’s portrayal of Prokofiev’s haunting score has, at its heart, a true wartime romance. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. Bourne’s vivid storytelling has never been more heart-stopping and touching, creating a unique and unforgettable depiction of a familiar and beloved fable. Matthew Bourne has achieved worldwide artistic success with his imaginative new stagings of popular classics such as Swan Lake, The Car Man, Nutcracker!, Dorian Gray and Edward Scissorhands. Matthew’s other Directing and Choreography credits include the West End and Broadway hits Mary Poppins and Oliver!

THE TIMES

‘A PERFECT, WARMING TREAT’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

TUE 26 - SAT 30 APR DATES Mon--Sat Tue Sateves eves7.30pm 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3723037 7272 C G L S Details F E Details page 30 page 30

0844 871 8473017 2525 (bkg(bkg fee)fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

WORLD CLASS ICE SKATING IN THE INTIMACY OF THE THEATRE

TBC Awaiting copy.

‘SUMPTUOUS. STYLISH’ THE TIMES

The Imperial Ice Stars are back with a dynamic new interpretation of their award-winning masterpiece Swan Lake on Ice. With Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, exhilarating new choreography and dazzling new costumes, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story will take your breath away.

TUE 3 - SAT 7 MAY Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

The 26 World, European and National Championship skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, take contemporary ice dance to a new level with their daring and graceful feats – some of which are so complex they haven’t yet been named – performed in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

SPECIAL OFFER Under 16’s save £10 off top 3 prices (Tue - Thu only)

‘INSPIRING, ORIGINAL AND GREAT THEATRE’

C G L S Details page 30

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 6

GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

A TREAT FOR ALL THE FAMILY FEATURES THE CLASSIC SONGS

TALE AS OLD AS TIME BE OUR GUEST IF I CAN’T LOVE HER HUMAN AGAIN A CHANGE IN ME BEAUTY AND THE BEAST This amateur production is presented by permission of JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD MUSIC BY

ALAN MENKEN LYRICS BY

HOWARD ASHMAN & TIM RICE BOOK BY

LINDA WOOLVERTON ‘Once upon a time there lived a young Prince who had everything his heart desired, but was spoilt and selﬁsh.’ So selﬁsh that he is turned into a Beast and his servants into an array of enchanted household articles when he refuses an old beggar woman shelter in his castle in exchange for a beautiful red rose. We know what the outcome will be, we know the moral of the story, and we know that Beauty is in the soul and always more than skin deep. With a cast of magical characters and memorable music this family favourite is guaranteed to make you smile and is brought to you by Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust.

WED 11 - SAT 14 MAY DATES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed Wedmat Sat & Sat 2.30pm mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details F E Details page 30 page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

7 x

A BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE SMASH HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

MARTI PELLOW IN

GLAMOROUS, SEXY AND DELICIOUSLY WICKED IN EQUAL MEASURES Marti Pellow, the hugely successful solo artist and front man of Wet Wet Wet, makes a hotly-anticipated return to the UK stage in a major new production of the hit Broadway musical, Jekyll And Hyde. Marti Pellow’s successes with Wet Wet Wet include dozens of top ten singles and multi-platinum albums; their hit single, Love Is All Around, spent 15 weeks at the number one spot in the UK charts in 1994 when it featured on the soundtrack to the romantic comedy of the decade, Four Weddings And A Funeral. As well as a criticallyacclaimed solo career, Marti has gone on to star in the West End, on Broadway and on national tour in the smash-hit stage musicals Chicago and The Witches Of Eastwick. Glamorous, sexy and deliciously wicked in equal measures, Jekyll And Hyde is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic novella. Seize your moment and book today. 8

‘WITH SHOWSTOPPING SONGS & STERLING PRODUCTION VALUES, JEKYLL & HYDE IS MONSTROUSLY GOOD FUN!’ METRO

MON 16 - SAT 21 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING MASTERPIECE BILL KENWRIGHT BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFU L GROUP PRESENTS

‘A MONUMENTAL SHOW’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

‘TRULY MAGNIFICENT’ WHATSONSTAGE.COM

‘THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MUSICAL AS DRAMATICALLY EXCITING AS EVITA’ TIME OUT

‘I DEFY ANYBODY WHO SEES THIS PRODUCTION TO SAY THEY HAVE SEEN A BETTER ONE’ Following sell-out performances in 2008, one of the most loved and successful of all musicals makes a welcome return to Liverpool Empire Theatre – the famous West End production of the legendary Evita. Featuring some of musical theatre’s all-time classics including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night Of A Thousand Stars, Oh What A Circus, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase In Another Hall, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical Evita plays for one week only following an international tour. Bringing to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita tells the story of her young and ambitious beginnings to the enormous wealth and power she gained and her ultimate rise to sainthood. With more than 20 major awards to its credit, including the Oscar-winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, and featuring one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, this brand new production of the smash hit show truly promises to be the theatrical event of the year!

+ + + + + SUNDAY EXPRESS Previous cast photos

THE STAGE

MON 20 - SAT 25 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S F Details page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

+ + + +

‘GREAT SONGS, WITTY LINES. SMART, SASSY, SPECTACULAR’ THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘LEGALLY BLONDE SIMPLY BLOWS OTHER MUSICALS OUT OF THE WATER. SENSATIONAL’ THE SUN

+ + + +

‘HYSTERICALLY FUNNY’ THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

OMG YOU GUYS LIVERPOOL GOES BLONDE! THE BROADWAY AND WEST END SMASH HIT

For the first time ever, the West End & Broadway sensation, 2011 Olivier Award winner (Best New Musical) and winner of Best New Musical Whatsonstage.com Awards, Legally Blonde The Musical comes to Liverpool Empire. Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed new musical is created by a top-of-their-class creative team, led by Tony Award-winning director and Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray). College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. Legally Blonde The Musical will take you from the social whirl of California Campus life to Harvard’s Halls of Justice with the brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser). This all singing, all dancing, feel-good musical comedy will be the highlight of your year and the most fashionable ticket intown. The verdict? This much fun shouldn’t be legal!

+ + + + ‘RIDICULOUSLY ENJOYABLE

FROM START TO FINISH. PERFECTION’ THE INDEPENDENT Photos of the original London production by Ellie Kurttz. Original poster concept designed by Aka. Photo Uli Webber.

FRI 8 - SAT AT 16 16 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

11 x

ONE DREAM, ONE VISION, ONE SMASH HIT ROCKS LIVERPOOL!

The worldwide smash-hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton makes its Liverpool Debut from Tue 6 Sep for 3 weeks only! Since 2002 over 11 million theatregoers in 17 countries have been thrilled to see this aweinspiring production. With 24 of Queen’s biggest hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances, this theatrical phenomenon is not to be missed! When it became news some years back that one of Britain’s most phenomenally successful comedy writers, Ben Elton, was teaming up with legends of rock, Queen, for a musical, we all wondered what such a unique collaboration would turn out. Especially when screen icon Robert de Niro became so impressed after attending the original workshop that his company, Tribeca, came on board. The result was a new chapter in theatre history – We Will Rock You a rock ‘theatrical’ which deﬁed all comparisons and has gone on to become a global smash hit. Starring Jenny Douglas (BBC’s Over the Rainbow finalist), Leon Lopez (Brookside/West End star), Ian Reddington (EastEnders/ Coronation Street), Ashley J Russell (BBC’s I’d Do Anything finalist) and Noel Sullivan (Hear’say/Grease). 12

‘THE SPECTACULAR WEST END MUSICAL’ DAILY MIRROR

MOST POPULAR SHOW (OLIVIER AWARDS 2011)

TUE 6 - SAT 24 SEP Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

‘THE NO.1 GREATEST MUSICAL!!!’ ‘100 GREATEST MUSICALS - CHANNEL 4’

The No.1 Greatest Musical, Grease, comes to Liverpool Empire, from Tue 8 - Sat 19 November for two weeks only! Danny Bayne (winner of ITV’s Grease Is The Word, Hairspray) returns as Danny with Carina Gillespie (Grease, Buddy) as Sandy. Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as ‘bad boy’ Danny and ‘the girl next door’ Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the original High School musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more. So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, ‘A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, A-wop-bam-boom!’

‘IT’S ELECTRIFYING - GO, GO, GO!’ NEIL SEAN, SKY NEWS

‘GREASE IS STILL THE WORD’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH Photographs by Paul Coltas

TUE 8 - SAT 19 NOV DATES Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Mon5.30pm - Sat eves 7.30pm Fri & 8.30pm Wed5pm & Sat 2.30pm Sat & mats 8.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details F E Details page 30 page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

13 x

MICHAEL ROSE LTD, CHRIS MORENO & MAYFLOWER THEATRE, PRESENT

A THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH PRODUCTION

ALED

JONES

‘A FESTIVE TREAT, WITH SUMPTUOUS PRODUCTION VALUES TO DAZZLE YOUR SENSES’ METRO

This is a delightful musical that is as fresh and rare as newly fallen snow. A multi-million pound production with lavish costumes and stunning sets which has won local and national acclaim. The Times called it ‘A Big, Glittery Greeting Card of a Show’. The Stage deemed it to be ‘Exhilarating’ and ‘Dazzling’. Brimming with classic Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean, Happy Holiday, Sisters and of course the unforgettable title song White Christmas, it tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the process.

SOUTHAMPTON

ADAM

COOPER

Above top: Aled Jones Above: Adam Cooper

‘A CRACKING STAGE MUSICAL FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON’ CHARLES SPENCER THE TELEGRAPH

Aled Jones; singer, actor, radio and TV presenter (numerous albums, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, BBC Radio 2, Songs of Praise, Cash In The Attic and Escape to The Country) and Adam Cooper; dancer and actor (Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Billy Elliott The Movie, On Your Toes, Guys and Dolls and a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet) recreate their amazing double act from 2010 in the roles of Bob Wallace (Jones) and Phil Davis (Cooper).

THE MUSICALYOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF

THU 22 DEC 2011 SAT 7 JAN 2012 Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details page 30

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk

CELEBRATING THE UNDISPUTED KING OF POP

GET A FLEECE OF THE ACTION!

FEATURING THE SONGS OF

MICHAEL AND THE

JACKSON 5

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH AARDMAN LTD Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer. Moonwalking its way around the world, award-winning director Gary Lloyd’s Thriller Live brings to life the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of Michael and the Jackson 5. Thriller Live includes over two-hours of non-stop hit songs in a show that pays homage to the world-class spectacle of Jackson’s legendary live performances, including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, They Don’t care About Us and Thriller plus many more!

Come and join Shaun and his friends in their very own live show. All your favourite characters from the hit BBC show will be here including Bitzer, Shirley, Timmy and the rest of the flock in this magical, fully choreographed music and dance extravaganza. Shaun is stage struck and has decided to put on a very special show for all his friends, so get ready for some fabulous madcap mayhem as they dance and prance their way through a series of wonderful adventures under the nose of the short-sighted Farmer. This EMMY and BAFTA award-winning BBC family favourite has been specially adapted for the stage by the ‘National Children’s Dramatist’ David Wood (The BFG, The Witches).

MON 11 - SAT 16 APRIL Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4.30pm & 8pm

WED 25 - SAT 28 MAY Wed eves 7pm Thu 11am & 5pm Fri 2pm & 7pm Sat 11am, 2pm & 7pm

GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037

C G L Details page 30

C G L S F Details page 30

BEATLE LEGEND COMES HOME!

RINGO STARR Ringo Starr hits the road this June for six very special UK dates with his All Starr Band. Since beginning his career with The Beatles in the 1960s, Ringo Starr has been one of the world’s brightest musical luminaries. He has enjoyed a successful and dynamic solo career as a singer, songwriter and drummer, an active musical collaborator and as an actor. Ringo Starr’s music, as a solo artist and as a Beatle, is permeated with his personality. His warmth and humor, and his exceptional musicianship have given us songs we all know and love, including With A Little Help From My Friends, Don’t Pass Me By, Octopus’ Garden, Photograph, It Don’t Come Easy, Back Off Boogaloo, You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine), Don’t Go Where The Road Don’t Go, The No No Song, and Never Without You.

THE BEST OF LOCAL TALENT

A cast of young people from the local area, working with a professional creative team will star in a vibrant production of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, West Side Story. The famous score includes such classics as Tonight, America, Maria, I Feel Pretty and Somewhere. Don’t miss the raw power and emotion of West Side Story, brought to you by the best of local talent. Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins Book by Arthur Laurents Music by Leonard Bernstein Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E Griffith & Harold Prince by arrangement with Roger L Stevens This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited n behalf of Music Theatre International of New York

THU 4 - SAT 6 AUG Thu - Sat eves 7pm Sat mat 2pm

SAT 18 JUN Sat eve 7.30pm

EARLY BOOKING Tickets only £11 if you book and pay by 31 May

GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037

GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 17 x

SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL RETURNS TO LIVERPOOL

MERCHANT RETURNS IN STAND UP

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS

STEPHEN MERCHANT

Re-live the greatest time of your life again as the rockin’ rollin’ smash hit West End musical, inspired by the million-selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two and Three comes to Liverpool as part of a major UK tour.

Emmy, BAFTA and Golden Globe award-winning co-creator of BBC’s The Office and Extras, Stephen embarks on his first ever stand-up comedy tour.

Featuring the hit songs Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, In Dreams, Bobby’s Girl, Three Steps To Heaven, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, What A Wonderful World, Let’s Twist Again, Teenager In Love, At The Hop, The Wanderer and many more hits from music’s golden era!

HELLO LADIES

‘MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALISE I WAS A STAND-UP COMEDIAN BEFORE I MET RICKY GERVAIS. THIS TOUR IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ME TO GET OUT THERE AND MEET MY FANS. AND MAKE AT LEAST ONE OF THEM MY WIFE’ STEPHEN MERCHANT

‘SUPERB’ BBC RADIO MON 26 SEP - SAT 1 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details p30 18

TUE 4 OCT Doors 7pm Show 7.30pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037

CLASSIC OPERA FROM WELSH NATIONAL OPERA

A DANCE JOURNEY FROM BALLET TO TAP, TO JAZZ

‘ONE OF WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PRODUCTIONS’ THE STAGE (on The Barber of Seville)

‘SLEEK AND HUGELY ENJOYABLE’ THE TIMES

DON GIOVANNI by Mozart THE BARBER OF SEVILLE by Rossini KATYA KABANOVA by Janác˘ek Join Welsh National Opera for great performances of great operas at Liverpool Empire Theatre. Experience Mozart’s thrilling opera Don Giovanni in a major new production, directed by John Caird. Revel in the sun, wit and warmth of Rossini’s classic comedy The Barber of Seville in this celebrated period-set production. Be captivated by Janác ˘ek’s heart-breaking tragedy Katya Kabanova. Visit wno.org.uk for detailed casting, videos, story summaries and music clips. All performances are surtitled so that you can follow the story. Please inform the Box Office at time of booking if you require a view of the surtitles.

ON SALE APRIL 2011 WED 12 - SAT 15 OCT Don Giovanni Wed 7pm The Barber of Seville Thu & Sat 7.15pm Katya Kabanova Fri 7.15pm GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037

Strictly Gershwin Strictly Gershwin is a dazzling celebration of George Gershwin and the razzmatazz of the big band era and Hollywood musicals. Gershwin’s sassy tunes combine with Derek Deane’s sensational choreography to conjure up the silver screen glamour of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Featuring over 100 superb artists including dancers, singers and a live jazz orchestra playing a host of Gershwin favourites, from An American in Paris to Summertime, Strictly Gershwin is guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your spirits soaring. TUE 1 - SAT 5 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu mat 2pm Sat mat 2.30pm EARLY BOOKING £5 off top 3 prices if you book and pay by 31 July GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037 C G L S Details p30 19

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON IS BACK ONE LAST TIME!

BOOKING NOW FOR 2012!

WHOOPI GOLDBERG STAGE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

Following an award winning West End run and a sell out, record breaking week in Liverpool, Calendar Girls is coming back one last time. But this time starring Lynda Bellingham with Debbie Chazen, Camilla Dallerup, Jennifer Ellison, Jan Harvey, Rula Lenska, June Watson and Ruth Madoc with Bruno Langley as Lawrence the photographer and Joe McGann as John. A group of ordinary women do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Based on a true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious. Last time, Calendar Girls sold out in Liverpool before it even opened, so don’t miss out and book today for the show the Mail on Sunday called ‘marvellous theatre, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and come out singing Jerusalem!’

From producers Whoopi Goldberg & Stage Entertainment (Hairspray) this smash hit musical comedy is coming to Liverpool! When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier 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 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 new-found friends, and the gang that’s chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters which more than a million people saw at the London Palladium! TUE 22 MAY - SAT 2 JUN 2012 Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

MON 21 - SAT 26 NOV Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

EARLY BOOKING £5 off top 3 prices if you book and pay by 30 Sept

GROUP BOOKINGS 0844 871 3037

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C G L S Details page 30

ONE NIGHT SHOWS MICKY FLANAGAN THU 7 APR 7.30pm Since his smash hit Radio 4 series What Chance Change? Micky has guest-starred on Mock The Week, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and performed his own Comedy Central special. Drawing on his East End background he ruthlessly deconstructs the Cockney myth with razor sharp observational wit. ‘THE RISING STAR’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

DAN CLARK SAT 9 APR 8pm Dan Clark, star of BBC2’s How Not To Live Your Life, brings his unique brand of live comedy on a national tour. The show will feature some of Dan’s acclaimed stand-up but will mostly consist of his comedy songs, performed with his band (including regular collaborator and composer of HNTLYL, Ben Parker). ‘UNINTERRUPTED COMIC ECSTASY’ METRO 14+ Parental guidance

MUSIC WITH LAUGHTER SUN 10 APR 7.30pm Merseyside’s finest musicians and comedians come together for one night only! Starring China Crisis, Pauline Daniels, Alternative Radio, Gary Murphy Band, Sean Styles, Phil Jones, Mickey Finn, Jade Gallagher, Billy Myers and Dalya Bernstein. With a special guest appearance by Ricky Tomlinson and hosted by Radio Merseyside’s Billy Butler, Music With Laughter features an eclectic mix of the regions best loved artists and guarantees a night of first class entertainment. It is a show you will not want to miss!

DRUMCHASERS TUE 19 APR 7.30pm DrumChasers is the new percussion spectacular from the creator of international success Noise Ensemble. Ten fantastic percussionists and dancers take to the stage in an explosion of sound and light with a story of rivalry, romance and rhythm. Powerful and energetic, moving and funny, DrumChasers is a show for all ages promising an evening quite unlike anything you’ve seen before.

ONE NIGHT SHOWS JANE McDONALD SUN 1 MAY 7.30pm Britain’s favourite diva brings her fabulous new show to Liverpool following her record breaking tour in 2010. In a limited series of concerts, Jane with her orchestra and singers, will have you dancing in the aisles in this wonderful evening of music, warmth and laughter. Book now for the voice, the power and the magic that is Jane McDonald, live in concert!

MIKE & THE MECHANICS HIT THE ROAD TOUR SUN 22 MAY 8pm Following a 6 year hiatus and a massive reunion with Genesis, Mike Rutherford has joined forces with one of the UK’s most successful R&B acts Andrew Roachford and Canadian born singer and actor Tim Howar for a new generation of Mike & The Mechanics. Hear all the hits including Silent Running, All I Need Is A Miracle, The Living Years and Over My Shoulder.

BEYOND THE BARRICADE TUE 24 MAY 7.30pm The most successful and popular touring show of its kind Beyond the Barricade comes to the Empire with a brand new production for 2011. Recreating original West End and Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, Beyond the Barricade features a cast of past principal performers from the West End production of Les Miserables, and the recent 25th Anniversary Concert at the 02 Arena.

ED BYRNE

CROWD PLEASER SUN 29 MAY 7.30pm After the massive success of his last show, Different Class, master of observational comedy and star of Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, Ed Byrne is back with his new show Crowd Pleaser. Exploring subjects and situations Ed finds frustratingly maddening, Crowd Pleaser is a hilarious insight into Ed’s life. Recommended age 16+.

SPELBOUND MON 30 MAY 7.30pm Britain’s Got Talent winners Spelbound bring what promises to be a magical Bank Holiday to Liverpool. It will be a rare chance to see the multi Gold medal-winning super troupe back in the UK. Since the public voted them the best hidden talent in the country and after a long residency in Las Vegas they provided the ‘wow factor’ at the recent London Palladium’s Royal Variety Show. This is now your chance to see them up close in your own theatre.

AN EVENING WITH THE LEGENDARY

JOHN CLEESE

TUE 31 MAY & WED 1 JUN 7.30pm For the first time ever, comedy legend and the most senile member of Monty Python will be bringing his An Evening With The Legendary John Cleese tour to Liverpool. Best known for his idiosyncratic turns in Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers, Cleese says, ‘It is an evening of well honed anecdotes, psychoanalytical tit-bits, details of recent surgical procedures, and unprovoked attacks on former colleagues, especially Michael Palin.’

JOHNNY CASH STORY

STARRING ROGER DEAN & THE LAZY BOYS THU 2 JUN 7.30pm If you saw the film Walk the Line then you will not want to miss this fantastic show! Since appearing on BBC television at the age of 14 singing The Tennessee Flat Top Box, Roger Dean has been playing Cash’s music most of his life. Along with his band the Lazy Boys he will keep you spellbound with classic numbers such as Big River, Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line, Sunday Morning Coming Down and Hurt.

COLIN FRY

THE PEOPLE’S MEDIUM FRI 3 JUN 7.30pm Don’t miss one of the most celebrated psychic mediums, Colin Fry, as he delivers messages of love and comfort in his brand-new Free Spirit show. Be stunned by his breathtaking accuracy and compassion in this all new show as he conducts an evening of intimate communication with your loved ones. Evenings of mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for education and entertainment purposes only. Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult.

ONE NIGHT SHOWS MICHAEL BALL HEROES TOUR SAT 4 JUN 8pm Michael Ball is one of Britain’s most loved and respected performers a leading musical theatre star, multi-platinum recording artist, TV and radio presenter and Olivier Award winner. For one night only, Michael will wow Liverpool with his brand new show aptly named Heroes, leading his own tributes to stars past and present performing personal favourites of his heroes of the music world alongside hits from his superb back catalogue.

JOE LONGTHORNE TUE 7 JUN 7.30pm Joe’s repertoire of voices is endless and includes hundreds of the world’s top singers and he is perhaps best known for his impersonation of Shirley Bassey who has commented, ‘JOE CAN DO ME BETTER THAN I CAN DO MYSELF’. During his career, Joe has received gold and platinum discs for his albums, enjoyed sell-out concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as touring Australia several times.

SHAOLIN WARRIORS THE SPIRIT WITHIN WED 8 JUN 7.30pm Returning to the UK with a brand-new show, this fully choreographed spectacular features 22 professionally trained Kung Fu masters. Audiences will be amazed and thrilled by watching so many Kung Fu disciplines such as qigony, animal imitation boxing, drunken boxing, and fighting with 18 kinds of traditional weaponry.

SALLY MORGAN

PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD THU 9 JUN 7.30pm Fresh from her new TV Series - Psychic Sally On The Road on Living TV, Britain’s best loved celebrity psychic returns by popular demand as part of her nationwide tour. Her reputation has been built from her close relationship with many high proﬁle celebrities. Don’t miss this unique theatrical experience. www.sallymorgan.tv

A TRIBUTE TO ABBA - FOREVER FRI 10 JUN 7.30pm The unique Abba look and sound is replicated with an incredible attention to detail as the beautiful lyrics penned by Benny and Bjorn are sung in wonderful harmony. Dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visuals, top-class musicianship and an all live performance ensures that A Tribute to Abba - Forever captivates audiences in this two-hour spectacular.

DANNY BHOY

MESSENGER (PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT) SAT 11 JUN 8pm Scotland’s Danny Bhoy embarks on a tour of the UK following his spectacular British TV debut in Live At The Apollo. He is one of the most popular and well-travelled comedians working today and until now British audiences have only had rare opportunities to see SCOTLAND’S BRIGHTEST HOPE SINCE BILLY CONNOLLY. Recommended age 14+

JONATHAN ANSELL AND FRIENDS

TUE 14 JUN 7.30pm The sensational voice who has sold over 2 million albums, former G4 front man and international recording star Jonathan Ansell is coming to Liverpool in his first ever nationwide solo tour. Accompanied by three superb singers and musicians, Jonathan will be performing G4’s greatest hits, along with some of pop and opera’s most famous songs.

HALFWAY TO PARADISE THE BILLY FURY STORY WED 15 JUN 7.30pm A shy young boy from Liverpool is re-christened Billy Fury and becomes one of Britains’ best loved rock stars. Now in its 14th year and still furiously rockin’, hear his own band re-play his timeless hits live - Last Night Was Made For Love, I Will, Jealousy, Halfway To Paradise & many more. Add the beautiful voice of Colin Gold and you have a night blessed by heaven. ‘A GREAT 60s NIGHT OUT!’ THE STAGE

ONE NIGHT SHOWS SPIRIT OF THE DANCE THU 16 & FRI 17 JUN 7.30pm Irish in origin and bursting with raw energy, this explosive and powerful show combines heart-pounding Irish Dance with the sensual Latino rhythms of Flamenco and Red Hot Salsa in a thrilling production of strength and passion. Winner of nine Global Awards, including Best Choreography and Best International Production, this foot stomping spectacular has up to ten separate dance troupes touring the world, with four permanent shows in America.

ONE NIGHT AT THE PROMS SUN 17 JUL 7.30pm Handshake Ltd is very proud to be presenting this unique event. One Night at the Proms, performed by The National Symphony Orchestra and singers, will bring all the ‘pomp and circumstance’ of a totally British occasion to the theatre. The UK’s finest musicians and singers from Covent Garden will perform a very special two-hour concert including the stirring and uplifting musical favourites; The Dambusters March, Nessun Dorma, Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and many more.

RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR THU 21 JUL 7.30pm Fun all the way as the ‘Purveyors Of Cool’ come to town with a sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th century. All your favourites - Under My Skin, Mr Bo Jangles, That’s Amore, Come Fly With Me, Mack The Knife and many more. Add a little hanky panky and endless banter and you can see why their swinging soiree still remains the hottest party around! www.ratpack.biz

JOHN EDWARD SAT 23 JUL 7pm John Edward has captivated audiences worldwide. On his internationally distributed talk shows Crossing Over with John Edward and John Edward Cross Country he uses his unique abilities to connect people with loved ones who have passed on. Deeply compelling, often startling and occasionally humorous, John’s down to earth approach has earned him a vast and loyal following. The John Edward Seminar - messages from the other side!

ROARY THE RACING CAR MON 8 AUG 1pm Roary, the number 1 little race car ‘zooms’ into theatres for the first time in a brand new stage show! It’s the day of the ‘Champion of Champions’ race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle it out with Maxi, Cici, and all the other cars but who will win the race and be crowned the champion?

JASON MANFORD FRI 12 - SAT 13 AUG 7.30pm As seen on Live at the Apollo and Walk on the Wild Side, BBC1; 8 out of 10 Cats, Channel 4; Royal Variety Performance 2009, ITV1 and Jason Manford & Friends, BBC Radio 2. ‘SHARP OBSERVATIONAL COMEDY, INSPIRED ONE-LINERS MANFORD CERTAINLY KNOWS HOW TO GET THE LAUGHS’ METRO

BACK FOR GOOD THU 25 AUG 7.30pm Following their 2010 national tour the boys are back and reunited with ‘Robbie’, finalist in BBC’s The One & Only show! Recreating the magic of Take That live in concert. You will be singing and dancing within minutes and left with little doubt that you are watching ‘THE GREATEST BOY BAND OF ALL TIME’. From Rule The World, The Flood, Greatest Day and Rock DJ to Patience, Angels and Said It All you will be putting your hands together to Pray that the boys are truly Back For Good!

MAGIC OF MOTOWN THU 1 SEP 7.30pm Get ready for the smash hit concert show from the States authentically recreating the harmonies, slick moves and legendary musicianship that were the making of Motown. A super-talented cast, fresh from sell-out shows in London’s O2 perform hits from The Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and many more. www.easytheatres.com

ONE NIGHT SHOWS AMERICAN SUPERSLAM WRESTLING FRI 2 SEP 7.30pm Great action packed Championship line up of top British Title Holders TBC against the rest of the world Challengers. Stars from all four corners DATE time face best of British. of the world Awaiting copy. The best value family entertainment event ever. Two fun ﬁlled hours of top action that’s not to be missed. www.superslamwrestling.com

SARAH MILLICAN

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLICAN SUN 9 OCT 8pm

TBC After a fantastic sold-out show in February, Sarah Millican returns DATE time Star of Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and now with to Liverpool. Awaiting copy. her massive sell-out debut tour Chatterbox under her belt, Sarah is more popular than ever. If you missed out last time, book now to avoid disappointment! Suitable for 16+

A QUESTION OF SPORT - LIVE SAT 29 OCT 7.30pm Following phenomenal ticket sales and rapturous reviews, BBC One’s A Question of Sport hits the road again. The specially staged live show TBC allows time fans to see their favourite rounds in a thrilling and exciting DATE live environment Awaiting copy. from the ‘Picture Board’ to ‘Mystery Guest’ to ‘What Happened Next’. Big name local sports stars with regional connections will be added as panellists and there will be exciting and electrifying live and interactive rounds where team captains and panellists can really engage with the audience.

FIND US ONLINE SEE US ON Check out videos of our forthcoming shows and post your own footage at

youtube.com/ LiverpoolEmpire

VISIT US ON TBC Like time us on DATE

facebook.com/ Awaiting copy. LiverpoolEmpire

twitter.com/ LiverpoolEmpire

NOW OPEN FROM 11AM Entrance is through the Box Office on the corner of London Road and Lime Street.

Autograph is the Empire’s brand new 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 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. Our Pre-Theatre menus are created with a passion for fresh flavours and interesting tastes with an eye on traditional and local favourites and are served from 5pm so there’s plenty of time to eat before the performance begins. Bookings are advised, call our dedicated team on 0151 702 7354.

CREATIVE LEARNING The Education and Community Department is committed to providing high quality events and activities to groups, schools and individuals to enhance the appreciation and understanding of the performing arts. All activities are delivered by our highly trained team of performing arts and industry professionals and can be tailored to meet the needs of your group. Workshops can take place at the theatre or in your school. Here we present a selection of the activities that we have on offer for this coming season. Please contact us to discuss bespoke workshop opportunities.

ACTIVITIES FOR GROUPS BACKSTAGE TOURS & TALKS Does your group want to find out more about the famous Empire Theatre, discover the history of the venue, find out about how we stage some of the worlds biggest musicals and hear about the stars that have graced our stage?

MATTHEW BOURNE’S CINDERELLA Step into the world of London during the Blitz and experience Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella from within RE:BOURNE, the education arm of New Adventures

ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS

MATINEE MORNING MATUREMOVERS SESSION A gentle paced movement session. No experience needed. WED 27 APR 11.30am-12.30pm (£25 incl tea/coffee and a mat perf ticket) Call 0151 702 7337 by Fri 1 Apr to book.

EVITA SAT 25 JUN 12.30pm - 5pm (pre-show workshop, only £15)

TWILIGHT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION Suitable for teachers and dance practitioners. This unique session will offer an insight into the process that Matthew Bourne uses to develop his work and provide a toolkit to support existing skills. FRI 29 APR 4pm (£35 incl refreshments and eve perf ticket). Strictly limited to 20 participants. Call 0151 702 7337 by Sun 10 Apr to book.

For school groups we also include information about how we operate as a commercial theatre and the career opportunities within the performing arts.

WE WILL ROCK YOU SAT 24 SEP times tbc HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Join us for 5 days of high energy dance workshops designed to build confidence and coordination. Learn a variety of dance skills in Urban Street Dance and Hip Hop, World Dance, Contemporary, Jazz and Musical Theatre. Each day will focus on a different dance style including an exclusive opportunity to take part in a dance workshop run by two of the Thriller Live dancers (MON 11 – FRI 15 APR 10.30am – 4pm, £65 incl Thriller Live ticket TUE 12 APR 7.30pm) MAY HALF TERM 4 days of high energy musical theatre workshops, each day will focus on a different West End musical giving you the chance to learn and perform songs and dances from that show. The week will culminate in a special performance for family and friends on the final day! TUE 31 MAY - FRI 3 JUN 10.30am - 4pm, £40.

Backstage tours can take place Tue to Fri at 11am (duration 1.5 hrs, £4.50 per head, refreshments on request). Or book a member of our team to visit your group to give an informative presentation about the above (£30 per hr). Open day tours will be available for individual members of the public in 2011. Contact us for dates, times and costs.

I LOVE MUSICALS WORKSHOPS Through this fun series of musical theatre workshops you’ll learn and stage a song from the week’s musical (8 - 16yrs, no experience required.)

Photo from Billy Youth Theatre

COMMUNITY GROUPS Whatever your age or ability we have spaces available in a number of our community performing arts clubs, the clubs are open to everyone to join no auditions and no experience necessary!

GET MORE FROM THESE WEST END SHOWS WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE EDUCATION PACKAGES, CALL US TO FIND OUT MORE.

COMMUNITY CHOIR Mon 11am - 1pm COMMUNITY DANCE Tue 10.45am – 11.45am COMMUNITY DRAMA Tue 11.45am – 1.15pm MINI MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP Thu 6.15 – 7.45pm Weekly session for children aged 7 – 11 designed to help them develop skills in dance, drama and song in safe and fun environment. New term for all groups starts week commencing 9 MAY – 18 JUL 2011 (No sessions week commencing 30 May 2011.) For further information, cost and how to join please contact us.

CONTACT US Natalie Flynn, Head of Education & Community natalieflynn@ theambassadors.com 0151 702 7337 www.liverpoolempire.org.uk The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd Reg Charity No: 1437514 (England)

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AUDIO DESCRIBED, SIGNED & CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES To book call 0151 702 7328 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm) Email Access4AllEmpireLiverpool@ TheAmbassadors.com Bt typetalk on 0844 277 9856 (24 hours) JEKYLL & HYDE AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 18 MAY 7.30pm SIGNED INTERPRETED TUE 17 MAY 7.30pm EVITA AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 22 JUN 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE TUE 21 JUN 7.30pm LEGALLY BLONDE AUDIO DESCRIBED THU 14 JUL 7.30pm SIGNED INTERPRETED TUE 12 JUL 7.30pm WE WILL ROCK YOU AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 21 SEP 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE THU 22 SEP 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE TUE 20 SEP 7.30pm GREASE AUDIO DESCRIBED THU 17 NOV 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE TUE 15 NOV 7.30pm CALENDAR GIRLS AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 23 NOV 7.30pm SIGNED INTERPRETED THU 24 NOV 7.30pm Tickets £15 WHITE CHRISTMAS AUDIO DESCRIBED FRI 6 JAN 2012 7.30pm SIGNED INTERPRETED Dates TBC SISTER ACT AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 23 MAY 2012 7.30pm SIGNED INTERPRETED Dates TBC 32

GROUPS WHY NOT MAKE YOUR VISIT TO THE THEATRE EVEN BETTER BY GETTING TOGETHER AS A GROUP & MAKING THE MOST OF OUR FABULOUS GROUP BOOKINGS SERVICE? Did you know, when booking 10 or more tickets you can receive the following benefits: • Reserve now, pay later • No booking fees • Huge savings on the majority of shows • Reservations can be easily changed • Reserve more than one show at a time • No deposits required • Reservations are invoiced, and are easy for you to review and check before paying • Tickets posted free to your door So, just call our dedicated and friendly Group Sales team on:

0844 871 3037 Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm

AMAZING SAVINGS FOR GROUPS! Just look at the fantastic per ticket savings you can make when booking a group of 10+ SWAN LAKE ON ICE up to £5 off top 3 prices JEKYLL & HYDE up to £4 off EVITA up to £5.50 off GREASE up to £7 off top p 3 prices p cess price LEGALLY BLONDE ND DE up to £7 off top 2 prices WE WILL ROCK K YOU Y up to £7 off DREAMBOATS S & PETTICOATS S up to £6 off top 2 prices

Discounts shown are the maximum saving available and exclusions may apply on some performances.

DINING, EVENTS AND HOSPITALITY AT THE EMPIRE THEATRE The Empire Theatre offers first class entertaining facilities for all occasions and we have a dedicated hospitality team who will ensure you receive the highest level of service. Parties of all sizes from both corporate and individual bookers are welcome and we endeavour to do our utmost to tailor a package to your exact requirements BRAND NEW THEATRE CAFE IS NOW OPEN Our NEW theatre cafe, accessible through the Box Office entrance on Lime Street, is open from 11am to 7pm serving a range of sandwiches, paninis and hot meals as well as tea, coffee and cake. The perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat when you are booking a ticket, coming to a show, or both! (Please note, box office opens at 12 midday). HOSPITALITY PACKAGES Make a night of it. Our hospitality packages for small parties cater for our guests before the show and during the interval. We have a range of private rooms throughout the theatre to suit any occasion, and with the option to add catering and many other individual touches, we aim to create an evening you will remember forever.

The Empire Theatre is a unique choice for a perfect day that will never be forgotten by your guests. GOLD & PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP Our annual corporate membership guarantees your clients, colleagues, employees and friends a unique opportunity to benefit from a truly memorable theatre experience. 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 in our show programmes and forthcoming attraction guides. 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

BRINGING MORE THAN 10? Now you can enjoy more of your theatre experience by hiring your own private suite with bar and washroom facilities, providing an intimate setting where you and your group can relax away from the crowds. Available for groups of 10-50, cost of room hire can be as little as ÂŁ2 per person. Catering and full dining options are also available upon request. WEDDINGS & CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS Both the stage and the entertaining suites in the Atrium are licensed for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. Our professional events team and top quality caterers will make you feel centre stage throughout the planning process, and if you choose to get married in the auditorium - you will literally be centre stage!

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 12.00 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 the national ticket agency Ticketmaster which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0844 871 3017 to book your tickets. All bookings are subject to Ticketmaster 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.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk (secure online bookings). All bookings are subject to Ticketmaster fees. Payment Methods: Credit Card/Debit Cards 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

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good

Ticketmaster groups 0844 844 2121 (24 Hours) Ticketmaster.co.uk

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 L LiveCard holders F Family discounts S Schools discounts B Early booking offers 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 ticket agents for most shows are subject to a per ticket booking fee at a maximum of £3.50. Certain concerts are subject to a per ticket booking fee at a maximum of £5.50. In all cases there is a Ticketmaster handling fee at a maximum of £3.50. An additional credit/ debit card surcharge may apply for certain events when booking in person at the box ofﬁce. We regret that we cannot refund or exchange tickets. We make every effort to ensure that all information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Data Protection: when making a booking your name will be added to the ATG database and you may from time to time receive information about forthcoming events. We may also pass on your details to other arts related organisations. Please state at the time of booking if you do not wish to receive such information. 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 and an air conditioning unit in our Box Office. We are currently looking at proposals to replace the external billboard signage. EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST The Empire Theatre is owned by 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.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Liverpool Empire is operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), who have a total of 39 venues across the UK, including 12 in the West End, and 27 regionally. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Comedy, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, 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 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; New Victoria Theatre, Working; 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 is also one of the country’s foremost theatre producers, in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include The Misanthrope starring Damian Lewis and Keira Knightley; Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, Spamalot and South Paciﬁc.

PRICE BAND

Micky Flanagan

PRICE BAND

All tickets £18.50

All tickets £16

Last Night of The Proms*

Dan Clark Music & Laughter Thriller Live Mon eve & Fri early Tue - Thu eves & Sat early Fri & Sat eves

£26

£20

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Tue - Thu eve & Sat mat Wed mat Fri & Sat eve

£17

John Edward

£56

£46

£17

All tickets £29.50

All tickets £13.50

£19.50

£15.50

£31.50

Roary the Racing Car

All tickets £15

£18.50 £22.50

£35.50 £39.50

Jason Manford

All tickets £21

Back For Good

All tickets £20

Magic Of Motown

All tickets £23

Wrestling

All tickets £15

All tickets £17

£24.50 £26.50

£20.50 £21.50

£15 £15

£31 £28 £37

£27 £23 £34

£23 £18 £30

£17 £14 £22

£13 £11 £16

£36 £33 £42

All tickets £27.50

£19.50 £15.50

£14.50 £12.50

£34.50 £29.50

Beauty & The Beast

£22

£18

£15

We Will Rock You Mon - Thu eves Midweek mat Fri & Sat

£37.50 £35 £39.50

£35 £30 £38

£29.50 £25 £34

£22 £20 £29.50

£17.50 £15 £17.50

Dreamboats & Petticoats Mon - Thu eve & Sat mat Wed mat Fri & Sat eves

£25 £22 £28.50

£22 £19 £25.50

£19 £16 £23.50

£16 £14 £20.50

£14 £12 £19.50

£28 £25 £31.50

Stephen Merchant

£28.50

£26.50

Sarah Millican

£35.50 £29.50 £37.50 £40

Beyond The Barricade

£31 £23.50 £34 £35

£26 £21 £29

£22 £19.50 £25

£20 £16 £22 -

All tickets £19.50 £16.50

£14.50

£11.50

£38.50 £32.50 £40.50 -

Ed Byrne

All tickets £21

Spelbound*

All tickets £26

£33.50

£30.50

Johnny Cash Story*

£21

£21.50

£19.50

Colin Fry

£18.50

£17.50

Michael Ball

£36

£32.50

Joe Longthorne

£23

£20

Shaolin Warriors

£23

£21

Sally Morgan

All tickets £22.50

Welsh National Opera

All tickets £21 TBC

Question of Sport Live

TBC

All tickets £38.50

ENB Strictly Gershwin Thu mat Tue - Sat

£20 £35

£15 £30

£10 £25

£15

£10

£25 £40

Grease* Mon - Thu eves Fri early Fri eves & Sat

£33.50 £30.50 £36

£30.50 £27.50 £33

£27.50 £24.50 £30

£24.50 £21.50 £27

£24.50 £18.50 £24

£36.50 £33.50 £39

Calendar Girls

£27.50

£20

£12.50

White Christmas Thu 22 Dec - Mon 2 Jan & Sat 7 Jan Tue 3 - Fri 6

£39.50 £35

£37.50 £32.50

£35 £29

£27.50 £22.50

£19.50 £17.50

£45 £40

£39 £42

£35 £37

£25 £29

£22 £25

£15 £17

£45 £47

Sister Act Mon - Thu Fri & Sat

Prices are correct at the time of going to press, however we reserve the right to change or vary prices at any time. Price band S related to Superior seats.

SEATING PLAN £20

£16

Danny Bhoy Jonathan Ansell*

£19

£22.50 £27.50

£21.50 £17.50

A Tribute to Abba - Forever*

£21

£27.50 £31.50

£26.50 £20.50

John Cleese

Rat Pack*

£22.50

£29.50 £24.50

Shaun The Sheep

£26.50

Swan Lake On Ice Tue - Sat eve & Sat mats Midweek mats

Mike & The Mechanics

£30.50 £34.50

Jane McDonald

Jekyll & Hyde Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Wed mat Fri & Sat

West Side Story

DrumChasers Tell Me On A Sunday Wed - Thu eves & Sat mat Fri & Sat eves

All tickets £16 £31.50

Billy Fury

£28.50

£25.50

All tickets £19.50

£39.50 -

Spirit Of The Dance*

£24.50

£21.50

£19.50

Ringo Starr

£60

£55

Evita Mon - Thu eves & Sat mat Wed mat Fri & Sat eves

£32.50 £25.50 £35.50

£27.50 £22.50 £30.50

£22.50 £19.50 £25.50

£19.50 £16.50 £22.50

£15.50 £13.50 £18.50

£36.50 £29.50 £39.50

Legally Blonde Mon - Thu eves Fri & Sat eves Midweek mat

£39.50 £45 £29.50

£29.50 £35 £18.50

£18.50 £22.50 -

£59.50 £59.50 £49.50

CIRCLE

STALLS STAGE

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TICKET OFFERS IN UP TO 39 VENUES ACROSS THE UK

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OFFERS FOR WEST END SHOWS

VISIT Empire Theatre Box Ofﬁce Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE

2 for 1 Mon 11 Jul £6 off Top 2 prices Mon - Thu only

£20 6, 7 & 8 Sep eves From 9 Sep

£5 off Top 3 prices £3 off bottom 2 prices

2 for 1 Tue 8 Nov £6 off Top 2 prices Mon -Thu & Fri early