Spring Guide 2010 www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
Musicals 路 Concerts 路 Comedy 路 Ballet 路 Opera
Welcome!
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!
Key to the shows
Welcome to the Spring Guide 2010. We have a fantastic line up this year, with some of the country’s biggest touring shows visiting the Empire. In February we play our part in The LEAP Year of Dance with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, the production providing the stunning picture that graces the front cover. This iconic production is perhaps best-known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble, and is an absolute must-see. We are delighted to announce that Phill Jupitus will be reprising his West End role as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray this summer, alongside Liverpool favourite Les Dennis as Wilbur Turnblad! We hope you enjoy reading about these shows and many others in the pages of the Guide.
Early Bird discount
Senior discount
General concession
Signed
LiveCard discount
Audio Described
Groups 10+ discount
Captioned
Education and Community Activities
Restoration Levy applied
Student discount
Venue Credit / Debit Card charge
School discount
Mediums/ Therapists/ Clairvoyants*
Family discount
Don’t forget that our Box Office is now open from 12 noon, but you can book online at liverpoolempire. org.uk 24hrs a day. Why not join our Facebook Fan Page, a great place to keep up to date with news of new shows, cast updates, photos and comments from other Empire Fans? facebook.com/liverpoolempire
Under 2’s welcome** Child discount**
CHARLES SPENCER · DAILY TELEGRAPH
*By attending this event you agree that you have sought the services provided of your own accord and understand that it is a holistic experiment and experience. The medium / therapist / clairvoyant may give you information that could bring about a positive change in your life, but any changes that you make are your personal and legal responsibility. ** Babes in arms (children under 2 years of age) shall be admitted free of charge to those shows they may attend (children’s shows and pantomimes only). Children (ages 2 to 15 inclusive) shall require their own ticket which shall be at full ticket price if no child concessions are available at the time of purchase.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Empire soon.
Your seating guide
Key
= Restricted view
= Wheelchair position
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37
38
52
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67
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22
36
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A DD AA
Following a hugely successful West End season and a smash hit tour of the United States, Bill Kenwright presents his critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s Whistle Down the Wind. Jonathan Ansell, who won the heart of the nation as lead vocalist in X-Factor runners-up G4, stars in his first ever dramatic leading role in a stage musical. His rise to fame comes in the wake of three years of multimillion-selling success with the group, followed by his first
solo album, Tenor At The Movies, which made him the youngest ever tenor to top the classical charts and hit Top 10 in the pop album charts. An extraordinary and uplifting tale about the transforming power of love, Whistle Down the Wind is based on the beloved sixties film starring Hayley Mills, and features numerous multi-award-winning songs, including Boyzone’s international hit No Matter What (which topped the UK charts for 6 weeks).
Whistle Down The Wind 01
18
19
38
39
58
STAGE
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Wednesday 20 – Saturday 30 January Mon – Sat 7:30pm, Thu and Sat mat 2:30pm £10.50 – £34
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
G R RA KID EAT TE S S!
MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS! FEATURING THE CHART-BUSTING HITS ORIGINALLY MADE FAMOUS BY... THE FOUR TOPS • THE TEMPTATIONS SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES STEVIE WONDER • MARVIN GAYE MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS LIONEL RICHIE • GLADYS KNIGHT
Starring
Photography: Hugo Glendinning.
PAUL WALDEN & DEREK NICOL FOR FLYING ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT
LES DENNIS as Mr Fulton
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN
SM
Following the phenomenal sell out success of Disney High School Musical, the East High Wildcats are back for more fun with High School Musical 2 Live On Stage!
Liam Doyle together with all your favourite hit songs from the movie, including ‘What Time Is It’, ‘You Are The Music in Me’ and ‘Fabulous’.
Dancing in the Streets has been wowing audiences all over the U.K. and spent three years in London’s West End and now it’s back!
Together they will have you dancing in the aisles with classic hits such as: ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours’, ‘Please Mr Postman’, ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’, ‘Baby Love’, ‘Dancing in the Streets’, ‘I’ll Be There’, ‘Stop In the Name of Love’ and many more.
The summer before Senior Year is a time that the Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the gang on Wildcats will remember forever - be part of it! their summer break, as they dive into the fabulous world of Lava Springs Country Club. This brand new show features Les Dennis as Mr Fulton and introduces
Experience the energy and excitement of Motown in this hit show. The Dancing in the Streets company will re-create the energy, style and music of the stars of the Motown stable.
Disney’s High School Musical 2
Dancing In The Streets
Monday 1 – Sat 6 February Mon – Thu eve 7:00pm, Fri 4:30pm, Sat 2:30pm and 7:00pm £12.50 – £30
Monday 8 – Saturday 13 February Mon – Fri eve 7.30pm, Wed mat 2.30pm, Sat 4.30pm and 8.00pm £14 – £27.50
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
Circus of Horrors return with a brand new rocking and shocking show set in Mexico during the early 1900’s amid a backdrop of Witch-Doctors, Voodoo Acrobats, Pickled People, Bendy Bodies, Demon Dwarfs, Blood Curdling Stunts and Flying Vampires erupting from a tank of water in chains, plus some of the worlds greatest, grotesque, most daring & bizarre circus acts. The whole evil ensemble is back with a Brand New Show Day of the Dead. Pierrot Bidon, director of the legendary chainsaw slinging Archaos returns to co-direct this strange new musical masterpiece in his own inimitable style with shocks, surprises and the blackest of humour. “Totally unbelievable” Scott Mills, Radio 1 “Barnum would be proud” Time Out “All killer, all thriller, no filler” Gorezone Magazine Not suitable for under 12’s.
Circus of Horrors – Day of the Dead Wednesday 17 February 7:30pm £13.00 – £28.00 A high energy, dazzling display of urban acrobatics, Traces combines traditional circus skills with basketball, skateboarding, a mix of street and contemporary dance, traditional theatre, humour and amazing audio visual effects. Set to a soundtrack that includes hip-hop, rock and roll, blues and classical music, this infectious funky pioneering new brand o f circus is a thrill-a-minute that will leave you begging for more. “So thrilling it will surely make an entire generation run away and join the circus” The Guardian “A spectacular delight that will rob you of your breath” Sunday Times “One of the most creative and inspiring pieces of entertainment I’ve ever witnessed” The Sun
When it premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant modern re-interpretation of Swan Lake turned tradition upside down, taking the dance world by storm.
Matthew Bourne blends dance, humour and spectacle with extravagant, award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston, to create a provocative and powerful Swan Lake for our times.
Now firmly crowned as a modern-day classic, this iconic production is perhaps best-known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble.
Collecting over 30 international theatre awards including three Tonys, Swan Lake has been acclaimed as a landmark achievement on the international stage.
Traces Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 February
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Thu & Fri 7.30pm Sat 4.30pm & 8.00pm £12.00 – £26.00
Monday 22 – Saturday 27 February Mon to Sat 7.30pm, Wed and Sat Mat 2.30pm £9.00 - £37.00
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL DIRECT FROM THE WEST END! BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD
IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL
MUSIC PRESENT
®
®
BOOK BY LAURENCE
‘SUBLIME’
MARKS & MAURICE GRAN
‘TREMENDOUS’
THE RECORD BREAKING MUSICAL INSPIRED BY THE MILLION SELLING ALBUMS
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
INCLUDES PREVIOUS CAST PHOTOS
MAIL ON SUNDAY
‘I LOVED EVERY MOMENT. ‘A cracking young company and band who perform some of the greatest pop songs ever.’ DAILY TELEGRAPH
Inspired by the smash hit million selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two and Three, West End sell out sensation Dreamboats and Petticoats The Musical, featuring some of the greatest hit songs of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era, returns to the Empire.
including hits from music’s golden era: Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Three Steps To Heaven, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Let It Be Me, Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, and Let’s Twist Again.
Featuring classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, and many more,
Dreamboats and Petticoats – the songs will live forever!
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
‘A GREAT ‘SUPERB. ROCKIN' A GREAT EVENING’ NIGHT OUT’ DAILY EXPRESS
BBC RADIO
Dreamboats & Petticoats Monday 8 – Saturday 13 March Mon – Sat eve 7:30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2:30pm £11.50 – £31
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
Whistle Down the Wind Tickets £15.00 Audio Described: Wed 27 January, 7.30pm Signed Interpreted: Thu 28 January, 7.30pm
High School Musical 2 Tickets £15.00 Audio Described: Tue 2 February, 7pm Signed Interpreted: Thu 4 February, 7pm
Blood Brothers Tickets £15.00 Audio Described: Fri 23 April, 7.30pm Signed Interpreted: Thu 22 April, 7.30pm
Noddy® Toyland® Noddy In Toyland™ © [2008] Crl.
Access Performances
Stop Messing About - set during a live BBC recording, packed with outrageously funny sketches, parodies and songs, which reunited Kenneth Williams with his Carry On co-star Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick - is a guaranteed laugh a minute evening of nostalgia, when comedy meant being funny, with scarcely a swear word in sight. Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer wrote many television shows such as Man About The House, Father, Dear Father, George and Mildred and Robin’s Nest. Together they wrote shows and series for such comedy legends as Bernard Cribbins, Frankie Howerd, Ronnie Barker, Marty Feldman and Tommy Cooper. Directed by Michael Kingsbury (Ying Tong, Round The Horne... Revisited).
Join Noddy and Tessie Bear’s sing-a-long, dancea-long party, everyone is invited…except those two naughty Goblins, Sly and Gobbo. Noddy will keep an eye on those two and knows exactly how to stay one step ahead of their games. With Mr Plod, Whiz the Robot, Bumpy Dog, Car and of course Big Ears, today promises to be one big fun filled 60th year anniversary adventure.
“INFECTIOUS...a glorious cocktail: the jokes flow at a breathless pace” The Times £2 off top two prices if booked and paid before 29 January
Noddy in Toyland
Stop Messing About
Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 February Mon 1:30pm, Tue 11:00am & 2:00pm, £13.50 children £11.50
Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 March, Thu to Sat Eve 7.30pm Sat Mat 2.30pm £15.00 – £22.00
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Tickets £15.00 Audio Described: Thu 8 July, 7.30pm Signed Interpreted: Wed 7 July, 7.30pm
www.psychicsallyofficial.com
Hairspray Tickets £15.00 Audio Described: Tue 24 August, 7.30pm Signed Interpreted: Wed 25 August, 7.30pm
Aladdin To be announced. Audio Described, Sign Language interpreted and Captioned performances will be available.
CAP
Contact the Disability Liaison Officer on 08443 727272 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm) Please contact access4allempireliverpool@theambassadors.com for more information.
www.thatllbetheday.com Back by over-whelming public demand, Sally Morgan the ‘stars psychic’ returns in 2010. Her reputation has been built from her close relationship with many high profile celebrities and she is now rated as one of the world’s top mediums. Sally now brings her amazing abilities and her tremendous personality to the stage with an entertaining and enlightening theatrical experience!
Experience the heat and passion of a Cuban night in this breathtaking new show taking Europe by storm. Filled with hot rhythms, sensational salsa and fiery Cuban beats Pasión De Buena Vista will take you on a journey to the largest Caribbean Island where the scents of sugarcane, tobacco and rum hang heavy in the air and the nights are hot and steamy.
Often referred to as the hottest show in town, the nation’s most successful touring rock ‘n’ roll production visits for the first time with a Brand New Spring 2010 Show. Bringing on back the good times with a combination of unique comedy routines mixed with back to back classic gold hits from the 1950s through to the 70s, this is definitely a show not to be missed!!
An Audience with Sally Morgan
Pasion de Buena Vista
That’ll be the Day – Brand New Show
Monday 1 March 7:30pm £20.50
Sunday 14 March 7.30pm £18.50 – £27.50
Monday 15 March 7.30pm £17.50 & £19.50
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
PETER FROSDICK AND MARTIN DODD FOR UK PRODUCTIONS LTD
BY ARRANGEMENT WITH JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED ON BEHALF OF R&H THEATRICALS OF NEW YORK PROUDLY PRESENT
STARRING
MARTI WEBB
as AUNT ELLER
FROM BBC TV’s YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU…
MARK EVANS asCURLY Music by RICHARD RODGERS | Book & Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Prepare for a real ‘coup de theatre’ – the first ever professional stage adaptation of the BBC’s hit comedy Porridge. Penned by the original writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais – the same fabulous team who brought Auf Wiedersehen Pet to our screens – this hilarious new play features all your favourite Porridge characters. So prepare for laughs-a-plenty as Fletch, played
by Shaun Williamson (EastEnders and Extras), Godber and the other inmates of Slade Prison take on the system under the nose of the ever suspicious Mr Mackay in what promises to be a sure-fire comic treat for the whole family. Director Gavin McAlinden, Designer Paul Wills
**** “A stirring triumph behind bars” The Daily Telegraph
This brand new production features a sumptuous and rousing score including Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, The Surrey with The Fringe on Top, People Will Say We’re in Love, Many a New Day, I Cain’t Say No, and the final rousing chorus of Oklahoma. The show stars one of Britain’s most popular leading ladies Marti Webb as Aunt Eller (West End credits include Blood Brothers, Tell Me On A Sunday, Song
and Dance, Evita, Cats, Thoroughly Modern Millie and many more), and Mark Evans, runner up in the BBC’s Your Country Needs You, as Curly. Mark has a string of musical theatre credits to his name including Spamalot and Wicked in the West End, he played the global heart-throb Troy Bolton in the London cast of High School Musical and the cult movie heart throb Brad Majors in the Rocky Horror Show.
Porridge
Oklahoma!
Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 March Mon to Wed eve 7.30pm Wed Mat 2.30pm £14.00 – £22.00
Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 3 April Tues to Sat eve 7.30pm Wed and Sat Mat 2.30pm £11.00 – £33.50 Early Booking Offer: Book by Fri 5 Feb and save £5. Restrictions apply.
Senior Special: Best available for £16.00
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD PRESENT
THE SINGER, THE SONGWRITER, THE SURVIVOR ...THE LEGEND! THE NEIL SEDAKA STORY THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY FEATURING ALL HIS CLASSIC HITS HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET SIXTEEN • LAUGHTER IN THE RAIN OH! CAROL • AMARILLO (IS THIS THE WAY TO) • SOLITAIRE LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER • CALENDAR GIRL HEY LITTLE DEVIL • KING OF CLOWNS • STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN I GO APE • BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO AND MANY MORE...
THE MUSICAL BOOK BY
PHILIP NORMAN
From the producers of smash hit rock ‘n’ roll musicals including Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Roy Orbison Story & Elvis The Musical, comes Laughter In The Rain, a brand new show based on the rise, fall and rise again of pop music’s ultimate survivor… Neil Sedaka. From the innocent fifties to the cynical seventies and beyond, Sedaka has written and performed some of the world’s most beloved pop songs including ‘Oh, Carol’, ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’, ‘Happy Birthday
Sweet Sixteen’, ‘Solitaire’, ‘Calendar Girl’, ‘Amarillo’, ‘Laughter in the Rain’ and many more. A teenage idol to rival Elvis, in 1964 his career collapsed as America embraced The Beatles and other bands of the so-called ‘British Invasion’. A decade later, living in Britain, Sedaka remarkably returned to the top of the US charts with ‘Laughter In The Rain’ - remaining a national treasure there as well as in the UK ever since.
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Laughter in the Rain Monday 5 – Saturday 10 April Mon – Sat eve 7:30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2:30pm £11.50 – £31
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
Superslam Wrestling is now in it’s 11th year of presenting the best of live wrestling action at family friendly prices. See the latest team of World Federation Superstars battle it out in a two hour action packed spectacular against a home team of British Stars. Book 10 or more tickets and come backstage to meet the stars!
Featuring a full evening show paying tribute to the early days of ‘pure hip swivelling’ Rock ‘n’ Roll, the ’68 Come Back Special’ and Elvis’s Las Vegas performances. This brand new show for 2010 features Lee ‘Memphis’ King, the UK’s most successful Elvis impersonator, finalist in ‘The World’s Greatest Elvis’ and in the special edition of ‘The Weakest Link’ both on BBC One. www.leememphisking.com
Be prepared to ‘get up and boogie’ at the Liverpool Empire Concert Party! Legendary acts take to the stage on the same show and the hits just keep on coming! Reggae legends Aswad followed by Alexander O’Neal and after the interval Heatwave take to the stage. Non-stop hits all evening! Pure entertainment not to be missed!
The Comedy & Country Show
American Superslam Wrestling Friday 19 March 7:30pm £10 & £12
Elvis On Tour – Featuring Lee ‘Memphis’ King
Boogie Night Legends of Soul & Reggae
Wednesday 17 March 7:30pm £18.50
Fresh from the Royle Family Christmas Special, Ricky Tomlinson is your host and compere. The evening of music and comedy features Raymond Froggatt, Mick Miller and Michael Starke with many more TV celebrities, plus support from Lennie Anderson, Paul Price, Gary Murphy, Louise Rogan plus Bev Edmunds Dancers.
Family tickets only £33.50
Friday 26 March, 7:30pm £20.50 - £23.50
Saturday 27 March 7.30pm £28.50
www.davegorman.com
In 2009, Dave Gorman set off on a unique national tour. The intention: to cycle over 1500 miles across Britain in 33 days with a gig each night. Demand for the show has been so high that he’s decided to keep performing it… but this time without cycling from venue to venue. “material is mercilessly sharp and original” The Times
Following the success of The Soldiers debut album Coming Home which has phenomenally dominated the charts, the three serving soldiers are coming to the Empire this March. £100,000 has already been raised for the Army Benevolent Fund, Help For Heroes and Royal British Legion, with more donations to come from the tour and sales of the album and Christmas single.
Starring Lesley Joseph (Birds Of A Feather, Night And Day)
Dave Gorman:
The Soldiers
Hot Flush!
Sit Down, Pedal, Pedal, Stop and Stand Up Saturday 20 March, 8:00pm £18.50
Thursday 25 March 7.30pm £27.50 & £30.50
Wednesday 28 April 7.30pm £21.00
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Meet Myra, Sylvia, Helen and Jessica in this outrageous musical that’s the perfect girls’ night out! Share in the friendships, the secrets, the laughs, the tears and the ups and downs of four ordinary women – and one man – living extraordinary lives. Unmissable Entertainment!
The Classic film screened with subtitles of all the songs, so you can join in. The evening begins with a host leading the audience through a vocal warm up and suggesting appropriate heckles and accompanying actions, then its over to the screening and the audience becomes the star of the show. Each show has its own special elements so you may want to check out our website for further details www.singalonga.net
Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show Sunday 25 April, 7:30pm £11
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
‘EXHILARATING...
ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN’ SUNDAY TIMES
BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
‘A POWERFUL AND EMOTIONALLY CHARGED PERFORMANCE... LYN PAUL IS THE DEFINITIVE MRS JOHNSTONE’
‘MARVELLOUS’ STARRING
LYN PAUL AS MRS JOHNSTONE
Returning to the Empire for two weeks only, Liverpool’s own Musical For All Time: Blood Brothers. With book, music and lyrics by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS
MIDWEEK
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers, and Bill Kenwright’s production, having recently celebrated its 21st phenomenal year in London, continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance.
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Blood Brothers Monday 12 – Saturday 24 April Mon – Sat eve 7:30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2:30pm £12 – £33.50 Senior Citizens: £11.00 mid week matinee
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
The unique Abba look and sound is replicated with an incredible attention to detail as the wonderful lyrics penned by Benny and Bjorn are sung in brilliant harmony by all six performers on stage. Dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visuals, top-class musicianship and an all-live performance ensures that the ABBA Forever show captivates audiences from the opening refrain to the final sing-along chorus of this two-hour spectacular.
Recreating the magic of Take That, if you like Take That, you will LOVE Back For Good! Featuring a feast of your infectious feel-good favourites such as ‘Relight My Fire’, ‘It Only Takes A Minute Girl’, ‘Everything Changes’, ‘Could It Be Magic’ to the heart-warming ‘Babe’, ‘Love Ain’t Here Anymore’ and ‘A Million Love Songs’ you will be putting your hands together to Pray that boys are truly Back For Good!
Abba Forever Live In Concert
Back For Good
Thursday 29 April 7:30pm £15 – £19
Friday 30 April 7:30pm £21
If you only see one comedy show this year… what’s the matter with you? Get out more. A ‘rapier’ is the long sword of a gentleman. ‘Rapier wit’ is defined as clever, quick, intelligent humour. Please note, Jimmy Carr doesn’t have the long sword of a gentleman and even if you like him, clever, quick and intelligent is a bit of a stretch. Age restriction 16+
Jake & Elwood invite you to spend an evening in Chicago as they explode on stage for their soul, rhythm and blues musical extravaganza.
Jimmy Carr – Rapier Wit
Jake & Elwood
The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas!
Sunday 9 May & Saturday 5 June 8:00pm £23.50
Sunday 30 May 7:30pm £21.50 Under 16 only £15.00
Monday 3 – Saturday 8 May Mon – Fri eve 7:30pm, Wed Mat 2:30pm, Sat 4.00pm and 8.00pm £16.50 – £28.50 Early Booking Offer: Book by Tue 12 Jan and save £5. Restrictions apply.
With their fabulous Black Rhino Band, stunning performances from the legendary Godfather of soul ‘James Brown’ and the sensational ‘Charvelles’, you will be dancing in the aisles.
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!
Hit follows hit, including: The Lady is a Tramp, Mr Bojangles, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, That’s Take a trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, New of Las Vegas in the late 1950s and early 60s where, York, New York, My Kinda Town, Fly Me to the Moon, in the company of three of the world’s most popular Sway, Volare, Me And My Shadow, My Way, Memories entertainers, the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Are Made Of This and many more. Pack Big Band, you will experience Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr & Dean Martin performing at the famous Sands hotel.
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
After another successful season with 42nd Street, renowned amateur operatic society BOST return with Crazy For You. A stage-struck New York playboy, Bobby Child, is sent to a poor small town in Nevada to close down the local theatre. Soon Bobby falls in love with the theatre owners’ daughter, Polly. In order to save the theatre he dreams up the idea to put on a show to raise money for the theatre.
In the end the town is reinvigorated, the theatre is saved and Bobby finds love and all this is linked with the wonderful music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin. With a hilarious script, memorable music and songs plus supurb dancing this is a welcome addition to the BOST repertoire.
The fastest selling Liverpool play of all time returns to the Liverpool Empire with an all new production. Tommy Kelly and Gerry Edwards are in Istanbul hoping their heroes are going to bring “ol Big Ears” back home. After a twenty-one year wait, a fifth win means Liverpool FC will keep the trophy for good. Their two sons, Jamie and Joseph tag along, wanting to witness their own little piece of footballing history.
Crazy for You
One Night in Istanbul
Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 May Wed – Sat eve 7:30pm, Sat mat 2:30pm £15 – £22
Monday 17 – Saturday 29 May Mon – Sun eve 7:30pm, Sat mat 2:30pm £14.50 – £28.50
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
A bag of money unexpectedly reaches Liverpudlian hands, alerting two Turkish thieves and a sexy cleaner. Four Scousers, Hitlers Cufflinks and 90 minutes of fireworks is bound to cause trouble at the Mamara Hotel..... One Night in Istanbul.....oh no, it’s “Them Scousers Again!” Contains strong language!
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
Vanessa Ford’s production of
JRR Tolkien’s
THE HOBBIT
TM
produced by permission of and under licence from the Saul Zaentz dba Tolkien Enterprises
Adapted by Glyn Robbins Directed by Roy Marsden
The perfect feel-good show for our times is back! Girls’ Night Out. A story of love, laughter and men in thongs, together with a great pop soundtrack that will have you dancing in the aisles. Jane is preparing for the biggest day of her life and that wouldn’t be complete without a traditional hen night with the girls. Meanwhile Tony and the boys are putting together the final touches of their make or
break ladies only show. Both funny and touching, we follow the boys from rehearsals to performance, as they prepare for the forthcoming ‘Feast of Flesh’ contest, which could turn them from has-beens to heroes overnight. SHEER ENJOYMENT No batteries required!
Bilbo Baggins, a quiet and contented Hobbit, has his life turned upside down when he’s chosen by Gandalf the Sorcerer to join Thorin Oakenshield, exiled king of the Dwarves, on his quest to reclaim their kingdom and treasure. The adventurers battle through the Misty Mountains, wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms, narrowly escaping Trolls, Goblins, Wolves and Giant Spiders.
Finally Bilbo must face the guardian of the treasure, the most feared dragon of all, Smaug. Enjoy the sights, sounds and magic of the best selling fantasy novel ever written, in this thrilling adaptation, perfect for Hobbit fans young and old. Some scenes may be frightening to children under 8 years.
Girls Night Out
The Hobbit
Monday 31 May – Thursday 3 June 8:00pm £13.50 – £23.50
Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 June Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Wed and Thu Mat 1.30pm, Sat Mat 2.30pm £14.50 – £23.50
Groups 6+: Best Available for only £16.50
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
www.thehobbittour.co.uk
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
BBC & Logo TM & C 1996
Don’t miss two of the most celebrated Psychic Mediums Colin Fry and TJ Higgs as they deliver messages of love and comfort in their brand new Free Spirit Tour. Psychic phenomenon Colin Fry of Televisions 6th Sense, and Colin Fry Live! Has previously appeared alongside his gifted spiritual female counterpart TJ Higgs in The Three Mediums and Psychic Private Eyes. Under 16’s must be accompanied.
Joe’s repertoire of voices includes hundreds of the world’s top singers, however, he is best known for his impersonation of Shirley Bassey who has commented, “Joe can do me better than I can do myself”. Now, Joe is looking forward to new challenges, new songs to sing and new audiences to thrill.
Colin Fry and TJ Higgs – Free Spirit Tour
Joe Longthorne
Friday 4 June 7:30pm £25.00
Monday 14 June 7:30pm £21.00 & £23.50
Forty years on, and the music of The Beatles remains as fresh and uplifting as it was back in the “swinging sixties”. The classic songs that have now inspired and influenced generations are performed with passion and reverence by The Cavern Beatles. “Like a scene from A Hard Days Night - Amazing.” The Sunday Times www.cavernbeatles.com
A magical evening of music and laughter, starring Britain’s best loved diva, international recording artiste and television star Jane McDonald. Featuring many of the best loved songs from Jane’s fabulous repertoire, together with her brilliant musicians and backing singers, this show brings the audience to their feet night after night.
The Cavern Beatles
Jane McDonald in Concert
Strictly Come Dancing
Friday 18 June 7:30pm £22.50 & £27.50
Monday 21 – Saturday 26 June Mon – Sat eve 7:30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2:30pm £17.50 – £42.50
Thursday 17 June, 7:30pm £17.00 Book by Thu 1 Apr and save £3. Restrictions apply.
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals features the world champion dancers from the smash hit BBC TV series as they take to the stage for the first time in the ultimate dance extravaganza! Starring Flavia Cacace, Matthew Cutler, Brian Fortuna, James Jordan, Ola Jordan, Kristina Rihanoff, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite, along with this season’s new faces Natalie Lowe and Aliona Vilani. This brand new show
presents the beauty and elegance of Strictly’s dancing professionals within the intimate environment of the Empire Theatre. The stage show will include the breathtaking show dances for which the Professionals have become famous in each of the BBC1 Strictly Come Dancing TV series, together with never before seen content, leaving audiences stunned and spellbound.
Education & Community
Liverpool’s finest take to the Empire stage in this One Night Only extravaganza. This variety performance is a high-energy, feel good show which will see your favourite stars and a full merseyside ensemble performing numbers from the world of musical theatre from Chicago to Hairspray. One Night Only is a must see new stage production which has “all that jazz” and enough “razzle dazzle” to leave you wanting more.
The sweet sound of motown is back by popular demand! With first class music, the slickest choreography and an amazing band, over 50 Golden Years of motown music are remembered featuring songs from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, many more. The UK’s No’ 1 motown production is guaranteed to have you dancing ‘All Night Long’.
One Night Only
Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is
Sunday 20 June 7:30pm £20.50 & £25.50
Sunday 25 July 7:30pm £20.50
You can now hear about the comings and goings at Liverpool via our various online channels.
Check out
The Armstrong and Miller Show Sunday 26 September 8.00pm £21
• Dance & Drama Workshops • Backstage Tours • Arts in Business Talks • Work Experience • Half term activities • Information Service The Education & Community Department is proudly supported by Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd. Reg Charity Number 1437514.
Get Involved: Have Your Say!
Following the resounding success of BBC One’s BAFTA-nominated Armstrong & Miller Show, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper) and Alexander Armstrong (Mutual Friends) will be hitting the road in Autumn 2010 and touring a brand new live show around all the UK’s major venues.
The Education & Community Department offer a wonderful range of show and non-show related activities and events to enhance your visit to the Empire – activities can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your group and are suitable for schools, community groups, adults and children. Education and Community activities are provided wherever you see this symbol
www.facebook.com/liverpoolempire www.twitter.com/liverpoolempire
www.youtube.com/liverpoolempire
to find out more!
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Stage Experience 2010 – Fame! We are looking for 130 actors, singers and dancers aged 11–21 to take part in FAME The Musical at the Empire during summer 2010. Stage Experience is our annual summer school project which runs from 26 July to 6 August during which time the lucky cast rehearses with a professional creative team to stage the show. Auditions will be held on 20 March. To attend the audition you must complete and return an application form. Application forms can be downloaded from LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk along with further information about the project. Places are limited so return your form no later than 8 March to ensure that you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to perform on stage at the Empire Theatre.
Backstage Tours Available Tuesday to Friday mornings and should be booked at least a month in advance. The tour lasts 11/2 hours and is packed with information about the history of the theatre, careers within the performing arts and gives an insight into how we operate as a commercial receiving house. Cost: £4.50 per participant.
Telephone 0151 708 3202, Email NatalieFlynn@theambassadors.com or visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk for more information.
“AN AMAZING SPECTACLE… A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF STAGE MAGIC.” Liverpool Daily Post
“Magical eye popping entertainment”
Radio Merseyside
The award winning, record breaking Chitty Chitty Bang Bang returns to the Liverpool Empire as part of its brand new high-flying tour for a strictly limited season. This box office smash hit has been re-vamped, updated and technologically advanced. Re-directed by Adrian Noble this feel good family favourite will be a sure fire way to beat the blues next year.
With a cast and crew of 100 (including ten dogs), sensational sets, stunning special effects and full orchestra, this action packed musical is the story of love and adventure, of good and evil and of a family in search of something missing – all brought together by a fantasmagorical car! There has never been a better show and better time to cheer up your family!
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
*subject to booking / transaction fee
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Tuesday 29 June – Saturday 17 July Mon – Sat eve 7:30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2:30pm £14 – £38.50
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk
STARRING
PHILL JUPITUS AS EDNA TURNBLAD AND
LES DENNIS AS WILBUR TURNBLAD ‘THE ULTIMATE FEEL-GOOD SHOW’
Why not make your visit to the theatre an even better one by getting it together with a group and making the most of our fabulous Group Bookings service? Did you know, when booking 10 or more tickets you can receive: • Generous savings per ticket • Confirmation invoices to help you keep track • Up to eight weeks to pay and all this, without a deposit. This service is completely free, all you need to do is pick a show, pick up the phone and get booking! What’s more, for as little as £10 per person, you can also enjoy a private bar, drinks on arrival and during the interval, house programmes, cloakroom facilities and a hostess service. If you would like to also add in one of our delicious buffets or Champagne receptions, then just say the word. For advice on booking as a group, or just to get those tickets reserved, call the Group Sales team on 0844 372 7272 (Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm).
Put your group on the VIP list with
GUARDIAN
Starring Phill Jupitus as you’ve never seen him before and Les Dennis as the loveable Wilbur Turnblad, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.
Hairspray is the musical with everything – the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses in London, on Broadway and theatres around the globe. Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit – Book Now! ‘The musical with everything, a triumph.’ The Observer
Hairspray Tuesday 17 August – Saturday 4 September Mon – Sat eve 7:30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2:30pm, £18.50 – £43.50
Benefits Include: • Further discounts on selected shows (look for groupcard logo in 10+ News) • Regular updates; Programme Vouchers*; • Exclusive Event Invites • Discounted Hospitality Packages; • Subscription to Groups Newsletter & Theatre Brochures All for an annual subscription of just £80.00. For further information on groupcard please Call us on 0844 372 72 72 (Mon- Fri 10am - 6pm)
Book before 28 Feb and save £5 off top three prices (Mon–Thu only)
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525* • Groups (10+) 0844 372 7272
Groups of 10+ can receive added benefits, enhancing their experience at the Empire, by joining groupcard.
*Restrictions apply
*subject to booking / transaction fee
You’re never fully dressed without your LiveCard LiveCard membership costs only £30 per year and entitles members to great ticket discounts and many other exclusive benefits: • • • • • • • •
Discounts on shows at our regional theatres Reduced booking fees for LiveCard holders Dedicated LiveCard customer service line enabling members to book tickets Priority brochure mailings from local theatres ensuring LiveCard members are the first to know about forthcoming shows Fantastic monthly emails with priority alerts and last minute offers Exciting quarterly newsletters keeping members up to date with all the latest theatre news Regular prize draws for LiveCard members Additional savings and benefits from other local partners
Want to know more? Visit www.LiveCard.co.uk and check out all the great discounts and offers available at your theatre or ask your local Box Office. Don’t delay – start saving today! It’s really easy to become a member. Simply call us on 0844 499 6677, join on-line at www.LiveCard.co.uk or visit our box office and speak to a member of the team who will be happy to help you.
0844 499 6677 www.LiveCard.co.uk Terms & conditions apply – see website for details
How to book 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 £7.50. 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.
In Person The theatre box office is open from Monday to Saturday 12.00 noon to 6.00pm (8.00pm on performance nights and opens 2 hours prior to performances on Sunday). Payment Methods: Cash, Cheque, Credit Card/Debit Cards* and Gift Vouchers. No booking fee applies
By Post
Choose one of the beautiful new suites or the Empire’s magnificent stage for your ceremony. The professional events team, top quality catering and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect choice for your perfect day! For further information call Jayne Lloyd on 0151 708 3211 during office hours or email jayne.lloyd@theambassadors.com
Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE
Book all shows 24hrs a day on our new website www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk (secure online bookings). All bookings are subject to Ticketmaster fees. Payment Methods: Credit Card/Debit Cards
Parking Car parking near the Empire couldn’t be easier, with 3 car parks within 2 minutes walking distance. 1. NCP Lord Nelson Street 2. St John’s Shopping Centre 3. Queens Square Car Park
Ticket Centres Various Ticket Centres are located around the UK. Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk for a full list. A booking fee will apply. Payment Methods: Cash, Cheque, Credit Card/Debit Cards
S ST LEED
Call the National Groups Hotline free on ILL WAY CHURCH 0844 372 72 72 Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm for more information. Please note we operate a book now, pay 3 later facility. Visit our website specifically designed for ST LE the groups market: www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk/groups DA
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We offer discounts for senior citizens, registered IA OR disabled, students, children & the unemployed forVICT 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. Only one concession is applicable at any one time, please check for restrictions on special offers. All concessions are subject to availability /conditions and can be withdrawn at any time.
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With limited spaces now available for this exclusive membership please call Jayne Lloyd on 0151 708 3211
Liverpool Empire
Online
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Did you know?... we are also licensed for marriage and civil partnership.
Where we are
LIM E
• 10 Complimentary Tickets per month • Access to Private Members Suite • Personal host to look after you • Complimentary programmes • Personal and direct booking service for tickets, hospitality and catering requirements. • Advertising space within the venue, promote your business to sell out audiences – potentially 25,000+. • Acknowledgement of your company in every theatre programme published by the Empire, which reaches an audience in excess of 500,000 per year. • Invitations to special Theatre events including Opening Night Parties, Press Launches etc.
You can find us on the above sites for up-to-date news, announcements and even footage of the latest shows.
BYRON ST
Conferences - Corporate Hospitality Exhibitions – Anniversaries - Meetings Weddings - Private Parties - Dinners - Birthdays
By Phone All telephone calls are received through the national ticket agency Ticketmaster and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0844 847 2525* to book your tickets. All bookings are subject to Ticketmaster fees. Payment Methods: Credit Card/Debit Cards. All calls are charged at national rate *subject to booking / transaction fee
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The Empire Theatre offers first class entertaining facilities, with imaginative catering and a dedicated hospitality team you can be sure of the highest level of service. This annual membership guarantees your clients, colleagues, employees and friends a unique opportunity to benefit from a truly memorable theatre experience.
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An unforgettable Theatre Experience at one of the country’s premier venues. Put yourself centre stage in 2009 and book a full hospitality package pre-show and during the interval. We have a range of private suites throughout the theatre to cater for all your needs no matter what the occasion, giving you an evening you will remember forever.
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Platinum entertainment
Restoration Fund The ticket price for certain shows may include a £1 contribution to the theatre’s restoration fund.
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Hospitality
Postal bookings are accepted and should be sent to the following address: The Box Office, Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE. Cheques should be made payable to Live Nation (Venues) UK Ltd. Payment Methods: Cheque, Postal Order, Credit Card/ Debit Cards* and Gift Vouchers.
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Diary at a glance February 1 – 6 Disney’s High School Musical 2 8 – 13 Dancing in the Streets 14 JLS 15 & 16 Noddy in Toyland 17 Circus of Horrors 18 – 20 Traces 22 – 27 Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 28 Ronan Keating
March 1 Sally Morgan 2 & 3 Derren Brown 4 – 6 Stop Messing About 8 – 13 Dreamboats and Petticoats 14 Pasion de Buena Vista 15 That’ll be The Day 17 Country and Comedy show 18 Lee Mack 19 All Star Superslam Wrestling 20 Dave Gorman 22 – 24 Porridge 25 The Soldiers 26 Elvis on Tour 27 Boogie Night 28 Diversity 30 & 31 Oklahoma
April 1 – 3 Oklahoma 5 – 10 Laughter in the Rain 12 – 24 Blood Brothers 25 Sing-a-Long-a Rocky Horror
May 2 Derren Brown 3 – 8 Frank, Sammy & Dean – The Rat Pack 9 Jimmy Carr 12 – 15 BOST Crazy For You 17 – 29 One Night In Istanbul 30 Jake and Elwood – The Best Blues Brothers Show
June 4 Colin Fry and TJ Higgs 5 Jimmy Carr – Rapier Wit 8 – 12 The Hobbit 14 Joe Longthorne 17 The Cavern Beatles 18 Jane McDonald 20 One Night Only 21 – 26 Strictly Come Dancing, The Professionals 29 & 30 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
July 1 – 17 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 25 How Sweet It Is - The Motown Show
August
This brochure is also available in large print and audio formats. Email Access4all empireliverpool@ theambassadors.com to order your free copy.
17 – 31 Hairspray
September 1 – 4 Hairspray 26 The Armstrong & Miller Show
Above from top: Porridge Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals
Ticketmaster
0844 847 2525*
Groups 10+ / Access for All
0844 372 7272
Design@TouringDesign.co.uk. All details correct at time of going to press. Prices correct subject to changes in VAT. TD0725
20 – 30 Whistle Down The Wind
27 Dara O’Briain 28 Hot Flush The Musical 29 Abba Forever Live In Concert 30 Back For Good
www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk*
*subject to booking / transaction fee
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January