Liverpool Empire Theatre programme guide by Liverpool Empire

SUMMER / AUTUMN 2012

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) Groups 0844 871 3037 www.atgtickets.com/ liverpool THE PHENOMENON COMES TO LIVERPOOL TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT

WELCOME

DIARY

It’s a great pleasure to present a

JUNE

wonderful season of shows here

HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY PP MON 18 & TUE 19 JUN

CIRQUE DU CIEL WED 20 & THU 21 JUN

MIDNIGHT TANGO MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN

at Liverpool Empire including top musicals direct from the West End, the country’s top comedians, world class Ballet and Opera, and the very best Christmas entertainment with Cinderella. Joining our line up is the Award winning Chicago, which features an all star cast; English National Ballet with their beautiful reawakening of The Sleeping Beauty; Welsh National Opera bring La bohème, Così fan tutte and Jephtha; and in 2013, we welcome the 60th anniversary tour of The Mousetrap. In the coming months we have the brand new production of Starlight Express, later in the year the live theatrical sensation Dirty Dancing and in January the Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5. A very exciting year indeed! As home to the largest productions in touring theatre we are committed to listening to and acting upon

TONY BENNETT WED 27 JUN

THE JOHNNY CASH STORY SAT 30 JUN 29 JULY CHICAGO PP MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL

STARLIGHT EXPRESS TUE 17 - SAT 28 JUL

THE RIPPLE EFFECT TUE 31 JUL

as magical as possible for you our customer; from the

AUGUST

venue after a great performance. Our aim is to make top quality theatre accessible to all at a price to suit every pocket with our new £10 Price Promise initiative. We have been offering these excellent

FRANKIE BOYLE THU 12 - SAT 14 JUL

customer feedback, making the theatre experience moment you book your ticket until you leave the

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE FRI 29 JUN 29

STAGE EXPERIENCE PRESENTS ANNIE THU 16 - SAT 18 AUG

ANGELINA BALLERINA PP TUE 21 - THU 23 AUG 13

prices for two months and your response has been very positive with over 3,500 £10 tickets sold. This has led us to be able to put the Price Promise in place across some of the new shows in our programme including The Phantom of the Opera. So now even more of your favourite shows at Liverpool Empire are available at prices starting from just £10. With this new Price Promise, we guarantee the best entertainment at the best prices. On behalf of the whole team, thank you for your continued support of Liverpool Empire - we do hope to welcome you to the theatre in the near future. Best wishes, Andrew Rawlinson General Manager

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

SEPTEMBER RICKY TOMLINSON'S ROYLE VARIETY SHOW THU 20 SEP ALAN DAVIES SUN 23 SEP

15 29

JACK DEE FRI 28 SEP

ILLEGAL EAGLES SAT 29 SEP

JASON BYRNE SUN 30 SEP

30 30

ROSS NOBLE SAT 6 OCT

DIRTY DANCING PP TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET’S THE SLEEPING BEAUTY PP TUE 30 OCT - SAT 3 NOV 18 NOVEMBER KEVIN BRIDGES SUN 4 NOV SOLD OUT THE SOUND OF MUSIC WED 7 - SAT 10 NOV

42ND STREET PP TUE 13 - SAT 17 NOV

ESSENCE OF IRELAND SUN 18 NOV

TUE 17 - SAT 28 JUL

WNO COSI FAN TUTTE THU 22 NOV

HAIRY BIKERS SUN 25 NOV CHRISTMAS WITH THE RAT PACK MON 26 NOV - SAT 1 DEC

CINDERELLA PP FRI 14 DEC - SUN 6 JAN

JANUARY 2013

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT THU 4 OCT

WNO JEPHTHA TUE 20 NOV

DECEMBER

OCTOBER SENSATIONAL 60'S WED 3 OCT

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

9 TO 5 PP MON 14 - SAT 19 JAN

CIRCUS OF HORRORS PP SUN 20 JAN

TOP OF THE POPS PP MON 21 - SAT 26 JAN

FEBRUARY 2013 LA FILLE MAL GARDEE PP MON 4 FEB 26 COPPÉLIA PP TUE 5 FEB

SWAN LAKE PP WED 6 FEB

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA PP WED 20 FEB - SAT 9 MAR

APRIL 2013 24

THE MOUSETRAP TUE 2 - SAT 6 APR

LAST CHANCE HANCE TO SEE!!

WE’LL BE SAYING A A BIG HELLO TO ALL INTELLIGENT LIFE FORMS EVERYWHERE, AND TO ALL THE OTHERS OUT THERE THE SECRET IS TO BANG THE ROCKS TOGETHER GUYS! BASED ON THE NOVELS BY

DOUGLAS ADAMS STARRING THE ORIGINAL RADIO CAST

SIMON JONES GEOFF McGIVERN SUSAN SHERIDAN MARK WING-DAVEY You may think it’s a long way down the street to the chemist. But that’s just peanuts to space... The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy became an instant classic on its launch as a radio series. Now Douglas Adams’ immortal creation explodes back into life, re-born in this ground-breaking new stage production - a radio show like you never saw before packed with laughter, robots, really wild sound effects and drinks with extremely silly names. Led by Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, Hitchhiker’s favourites from the legendary Radio and TV casts are re-united for these live performances, bringing to life the characters written for them in highlights from the entire Hitchhiker’s Saga. They are joined on stage by Roger McGough as the guest Voice Of The Book and supporting actors from Hitchhiker’s in all its phases.

AND THE VOICE OF

STEPHEN MOORE AS MARVIN THE PARANOID ANDROID ADAPTED, WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY

DIRK MAGGS

MON 18 & TUE 19 JUN Mon & Tue eves 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £25 PP (Premium seats available)

Directed by Dirk Maggs, Douglas Adams’ choice to conclude the narrative in its original medium, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show ... Live! is a comedy adventure which will introduce newcomers of all ages to Vogons, Babel Fish, Marvin the Paranoid Android and allow them to explore the unique and hilarious Whole General Mish Mash According To Douglas Adams. Whatever else you do this year make sure you know where your towel is. 4

ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off per tickets on top price tickets C Details page 35

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

39 VENUES FOR £30 JOIN TODAY! Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard

Free cloakroom Accepted at 39 venues across the UK and in the West End

Call 0844 871 7633 Visit Your nearest ATG venue Box Ofﬁce

The Sleeping Beauty HALF PRICE

HALF PRICE

Mon 2 Jul

Tue 30 Oct

ATG Theatre Card beneﬁts are subject to availability, please check with the venue. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets and drinks with their Card. Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events. ATG reserves the right to withdraw beneﬁts or related offers and without notice. For full Terms and Conditions please visit our website www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard

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

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

++++ ‘A TRIUMPH’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

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

++++ TBC

‘STAR PRESENCE AND POISE DANCED WITH EXUBERANT DELIGHT’

Awaiting copy.

INDEPENDENT Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for seven series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. And now they’re coming to the Liverpool Empire with Midnight Tango - a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life. Vincent and Flavia’s mesmerising choreography and fiery chemistry command the floor with explosive Tango routines, gravity-defying moves and feather-light footwork. Set in a late night bar in downtown Buenos Aires and featuring some of the finest Tango dancers in the world and with live music, Midnight Tango takes you on a journey into the heart of this intoxicating city. As danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion all combine - this is a spectacular and explosive evening not to be missed! www.midnighttango.co.uk 6

Production photography by Manuel Harlan

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

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Mon (top 3 prices) £6 off Tue (top 3 prices) Includes premium. C G Details page 35

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THE SEXY, SASSY WEST END SMASH HIT RETURNS

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

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

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on top 2 prices Mon 2 Jul. Thereafter £5 off top 3 prices. Excl Fri late and Sat, includes premium. SIGNED PERFORMANCE Tue 3 Jul 7.30pm AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Sat 7 Jul 5pm S G C Details page 35

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HAVE A FUN NIGHT OUT AND SAVE MONEY - OUR GROUP SALES TEAM ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU! CALL 0844 871 3037 MON - FRI, 10AM - 6PM Did you realise that if you get a group of people together you could save money on a trip to the theatre? Call our friendly local groups team direct for help with the great offers on this page, and more. CHICAGO MON 2 - SAT 7 JULY £10 - £32.50 GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices SCHOOLS 10+ Best available tickets £15 plus 1 teacher free with TBC every 10 Mon Awaiting copy.- Wed eves and Fri early show. All discounts exclude Fri eve and Sat perfs

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

ANGELINA BALLERINA TUE 21 - THU 23 AUG £10 - £17.50 GROUPS 10+ £3 off top 2 prices DIRTY DANCING TUE 9 - SAT 27 OCT £10 - £48.50 GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices

8 x

GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices No discounts available Fri eve and all Sat perfs. Please note all discounts are capped

SLEEPING BEAUTY TUE 30 OCT - SAT 3 NOV £10 - £35 GROUPS 10+ Book and pay before Tue 31 July and get £7.50 off top 3 prices SCHOOLS Midweek mat £7 plus 1 free ticket in 10. Discounts not applicable on tickets below £10, Sat eve and mid week mat apart from school.

SCHOOLS/DRAMA & DANCE GROUPS 10+ Best available seats £10 plus 1 teacher free with every 10 pupils Tue - Wed 9 TO 5 MON 14 - SAT 19 JAN 2013 £10 - £29.50 GROUPS 10+ 5 off top 2 prices GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 2 prices, plus 2 Free tickets GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 2 prices, plus 3 free tickets No Concessions on Friday/Saturday Eve Performances

PHANTOM WED 20 FEB SAT 9 MAR 2013 £10 - £48 GROUPS 10+ £5 off per ticket (Mon - Thu) TBC 42ND STREET Awaiting copy.SCHOOLS 10+ TUES 13 - SAT 17 NOV Best Available £18.50 Upper £10 - £35 Circle Only (Mon, Tue Eves GROUPS 10+ £5 off per ticket & Thu Mat only) plus 1 free ticket Tue - Thu & FOR CINDERELLA GROUP Sat mat OFFERS SEE PAGE 22 GROUPS 20+ £6 off per ticket plus 1 free ticket Tue - Thu & Sat Mat BOST SOUND OF MUSIC WED 7 - SAT 10 NOV £15 - £24 GROUPS 10+ 1 in 10 tickets free

THE ATG FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Liverpool is one of the most significant cities participating in this ambitious nationwide new writing project, created and performed in six centres from Glasgow in the north to London in the south. Forming part of the London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, playwright Ursula Rani Sarma and young people from across the nation deliver a vibrant piece of new writing inspired by the Olympic theme of truce. Ursula’s ideas, gathered from workshops with local people, have produced an exciting, innovative piece of theatre and what you will see and hear is the voice of Merseyside. Performed on the iconic stage of the Empire, this compelling piece gives us an insight into our culture and how young people see the world in 2012. Don’t miss the opportunity to be the first to see this new play, born from the heart of your own community.

TUE 31 JUL 7pm TICKETS £11

FUNDED BY

Details page 35

THE ATG FOUNDATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH SWD and JOHN GOOD Photos from previous Stage Experience productions by Mike James.

0844 871 3037(bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION FOR 2012 BILL KENWRIGHT BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP PRESENTS

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S ‘DAZZLING’ MUSICAL THE TIMES

14 10

‘A MUSICAL THAT SURPASSES EVERYTHING AROUND IN EVERY DIMENSION’ DAILY EXPRESS ‘YOU HAVE TO SEE IT, AND STILL YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

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

‘A ROCK SOLID ROLLER SKATING MUSICAL SENSATIONAL’

‘EXPLOSIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN EVERY SENSE. UNMISSABLE’ THE JOURNAL

THE HERALD

A NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE PRODUCTION TUE 17 - SAT 28 JUL Eves 7.30pm Wed 18, Thu 19 & Sat 21, Thu 26 & Sat 28 mats 2.30pm TICKETS £19.50 - £39.50 (Premium seats available)

Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved, longest running and most unique musicals in theatrical history. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Rock-On-Roller skating sensation Starlight Express explodes back onto the stage with a new production for 2012, destined to take the UK by electrifying storm. Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime - with two hours of speed, spectacle, energy and turbo charged excitement, combined with an electrifying sound track, dazzling sets and costumes, some of Andrew Lloyd Webbers most memorable musical hits and extraordinary nonstop roller-choreography by TV’s favourite dance show judge Arlene Phillips. Buckle up; the race is truly back on!

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on Tue 17. £5 off Wed - Thu & Sat mat AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Wed 25 Jul 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 26 Jul 7.30pm C G S Details page 35

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LIVERPOOL EMPIRE STAGE EXPERIENCE PRESENTS

A cast of young people from the local area, working with a professional creative team will star in a vibrant, full-scale production of one of the most beloved family musicals of all time. Annie follows the success in previous years of West Side Story, Fame and Bugsy Malone. The endearing tale of little orphan Annie truly is an enchanting experience for the whole family. Annie is a gutsy orphan who, after being left on the doorsteps of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel and crooked Miss Hannigan, is determined to find her real parents. Her fun-filled adventures with her four legged best friend called Sandy see Annie aiming to foil the plans of dastardly Miss Hannigan and her devious brother Rooster. Featuring the unforgettable songs It’s A Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, this musical is an all-time classic rags to riches tale sure to warm the heart.

‘MIGHTILY IMPRESSIVE’ LIVERPOOL ECHO ON WEST SIDE STORY STAGE EXPERIENCE 2011

In association with the Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Limited (reg charity 509458)

THU 16 - SAT 18 AUG Thu - Sat eves 7pm Sat mat 2pm TICKETS £14 EARLY BOOKING OFFER £12 if booked and paid by 5 Aug

Book by Thomas Meehan Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Martin Charnin Original production directed by Martin Charnin. Originally produced by Irwin Meyer, Stephen R. Friedman,Lewis Allen, Alvin Nederlander Associates Inc., The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Icarus Productions. Based on Little Orphan Annie ® by permission of the Tribune Media Services Inc. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

All Stage Experience photos by Mike James

Details page 35

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THE MOST STUPENDOUS MOUSICAL OF THE YEAR BALLET GIRLS AND HIP HOP BOYS ANGELINA, ALICE, GRACIE, VIKI, AJ AND MARCO WILL HAVE YOUR LITTLE STARS DANCING IN THE AISLES! BOOK AND LYRICS BY

MIRANDA LARSON MUSIC BY

BARRIE BIGNOLD

Everyone’s favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, is pirouetting onto the stage in her brand-new Mousical Ballet Girls and Hip Hop Boys, a magical show packed full of singing and dancing. In this new production, Angelina and her friends think their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to dance live on the famous TV show ‘Simply Mouse Dancing’! But things get out of control when the girls and boys have very different ideas about the show! Will dance captain Angelina rise to the challenge and choreograph the most stupendous and absolutely positively best dance ever?! Can the mouslings put their differences aside? Will the show go ahead? x

TUE 21 - THU 23 AUG Tue 6.30pm Wed 2.30pm & 6.30pm Thu 2.30pm & 6.30pm TICKETS £10 - £17.50 PP ATG THEATRE CARD £4.50 discount per ticket, price bands A and B FAMILY TICKET £58 4 people top price only C G F Details page 35

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

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

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

IT’S GOING TO BE A ROYLE NIGHT OUT!

THE MOST POPULAR FAMILY MUSICAL OF ALL TIME

THE GREENROOM PRESENTS

H & HAMMERSTEIN’S RODGERS

STARRING

JOE LONGTHORNE JIMMY CRICKET MICK MILLER SEAN STYLES ASA MURPHY THE JOHNSON BROTHERS ‘THE KING’ ELVIS CLAYTON STEVE CHARLES PAUL DABEK

BOOK BY

HOWARD LINDSAY AND RUSSEL CROUSE + + + + +

‘BIGGER

SUGGESTED BY

‘THE TRAPP FAMILY SINGERS’ QUOTE’ BY MARIA AUGUSTA TRAPP ATTRIBUTION

THIS AMATEUR PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD ON BEHALF OF R&H THEATRICALS OF NEW YORK

+ + + + +

‘NORMAL QUOTE’ ATTRIBUTION

AND MUCH MORE! BOST are bringing this multi-award winning and timeless family musical back to the Liverpool Empire this November!

TBC Awaiting copy.

FLASH Originally opening on Broadway in 1959, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s final musical tells the story of Maria, who gives up her training as a nun to become governess to Captain von Trapp’s seven children. Featuring such memorable songs as My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Edelweiss, Climb Ev’ry Mountain and of course, The Sound of Music, the show has continued to enthral audiences ever since.

THU 20 SEP 7.30pm

WED 7 - SAT 10 NOV Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm

TICKETS £25

TICKETS £15 - £24

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 discount per ticket

ATG THEATRE CARD £2 discount per ticket

C Details page 35

G C Details page 35 15 x

‘THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME’ OBSERVER

THE WEST END SMASH-HIT COMES TO LIVERPOOL!

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

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

+ + + + ‘I’M DESPERATE TO SEE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN’ EVENING STANDARD

+ + + +

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

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Tue 16 Oct 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Wed 24 Oct 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 25 Oct 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 9 Oct G E Details page 35

‘ENERGETIC, BRILLIANTLY STAGED’ THE TIMES

www.dirtydancingontour.com

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ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

The Sleeping Beauty Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, Princess Aurora lived in an enchanted castle where fairies bestowed her with gifts of beauty, temperament, purity, joy, wit and generosity. The wicked Fairy Carabosse put a curse on Aurora; to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday. Only the touch of true love's kiss could awaken her and undo the evil spell. With wonderful choreography by Kenneth MacMillan, The Sleeping Beauty is the ultimate classical ballet – featuring the most luxurious staging, superb dance and dazzling music including Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Rose Adagio and Once Upon a Dream used in Disney’s version of this popular classic.

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

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 30 Oct. £5.50 off top 3 prices for all other perfs EARLY BOOKING OFFER Book and pay by Tue 31 Jul and get £5 off top 3 prices C G F S Details page 35

++++ 18 x

‘WHAT A TRIUMPH’

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee)

SUNDAY EXPRESS

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Photographs by Michael Garner, Laurent Liotardo and Patrick Baldwin. Make-up provided by M.A.C.

‘A TOP NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT’ THE SCOTSMAN

STARRING

DAVE WILLETTS & MARTI WEBB COME AND MEET THOSE DANCING FEET! Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. 42nd Street, the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star. And those songs! Lullaby of Broadway, We're in the Money, Shuffle Off To Buffalo, Keep Young and Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and the spectacular title number, danced down a flight of steps that lights up as brightly as the faces of the cast.

‘ ‘FULL OF BROADWAY RAZZAMATAZZ’ MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

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

ATG THEATRE CARD Tue 13 & mid-week mat half price. £6 off top 3 prices for all other perfs C G S Details page 35

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

19 x

WORLD CLASS OPERA FROM WNO

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

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

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

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

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

TUE 20 - SAT 24 NOV Jephtha Tue 7pm La bohème Wed, Fri & Sat 7.15pm Così fan tutte Thu 7pm TICKETS £5 - £25 FREE PRE-PERFORMANCE TALKS Jephtha Tue 6pm Così fan tutte Thu 6pm Paris Café Afternoon La bohème Fri 3.30pm - 5.30pm £12 per person. Call 029 2063 5030 to book AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE La bohème Fri 7.15pm Details page 35

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THE COOLEST PARTY IN TOWN!

‘ABSOLUTELY SUPERB - LEFT ME BREATHLESS WITH PLEASURE’

TBC Awaiting copy.

THE TELEGRAPH

Tis the season to be merry!’ Beat the winter blues with the special Christmas version of the hit show for the festive season. Take a trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas in the late 50s and early 60s where, in the company of three of the world’s most popular entertainers, the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band, you will experience Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr & Dean Martin performing at the famous Sands hotel. Hit follows hit, including: Mr Bojangles, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, New York, New York, Fly Me to the Moon, My Way and many more. Seasonal classics include: Baby it’s Cold Outside, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, White Christmas & Winter Wonderland.

MON 26 NOV - SAT 1 DEC Mon - Fri eves 7.30pm Wed mat 2.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS From £10

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

Photos from previous performances.

‘EVERYTHING YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM A BIG BUDGET PANTO IS HERE IN SPADES’ MADEUP: ONSTAGE IN LIVERPOOL WEBSITE, ALADDIN 2010/11

x 22

BOOK NOW FOR FAMILY FRIENDLY PANTO FUN AT THE EMPIRE Panto returns to the Liverpool Empire this year with Cinderella, featuring all your favourite panto characters, including the infamous Ugly Sisters, a handsome Prince, and of course, a beautiful Princess.

FRI 14 DEC - SUN 6 JAN

Sat 15

2pm

7pm FG

Poor Cinderella has been forced to become a servant for her Ugly Sisters. With the help of her loyal best friend Buttons and her magical Fairy Godmother can Cinderella get to the ball and meet the handsome Prince? Accept your invitation to find out!

Sun 16

1pm F G

5pm FG

Mon 17

2pm F GL SSE 7pm FGL S

Tue 18

No Performances

Featuring all the traditional panto fun - oh yes it will - and a carriage load of laughs and magic for all ages. So get practicing those boos, hisses and behind yous, and get your tickets booked for the number one panto at the Liverpool Empire.

‘COLOURFUL, ENERGETIC, FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT’ LIVERPOOL ECHO (PETER PAN 2009/10)

‘PLENTY TO KEEP AUDIENCES HOOKED’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST (PETER PAN 2009/10)

DECEMBER Fri 14

Wed 19

2pm F GL S SE 7pm F G L S

Thu 20

2pm F GL S SE 7pm F GL S

Fri 21

2pm F GL S

7pm F G S

Sat 22

2pm

7pm

Sun 23

1pm

5pm

Mon 24

1pm

5pm

Tue 25

No Performances

Wed 26 1pm

5pm

Thu 27

2pm

7pm

Fri 28

2pm

7pm FG

Sat 29

2pm

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Sun 30

1pm F G

5pm FG

Mon 31

1pm FGL

JANUARY Tue 1

‘NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST (ALADDIN 2010/11)

SUPERB EMPIRE QUALITY, PRICES FROM JUST £10 AND GROUPS TICKETS FROM ONLY £8.50 - THIS IS THE BEST VALUE PANTO IN TOWN F FAMILY TICKET £15 top two price, 3+ tickets (must include at least one child) G GROUPS 10+ £15 top two prices ATG THEATRECARD (Price bands A - C) Half Price Tickets Fri 14 Dec 7pm Wed 2 Jan 2pm

Wed 2 Jan 7pm L GROUPS 50+ £8.50 on price bands C and D in the circle. SE SENIOR SPECIALS Half price tickets (A - C) S SCHOOL GROUPS All Seats £10 with 1 teacher free with every 10 children

7pm F G L S

No Performances

Wed 2

2pm FGL SE

7pm F G L

Thu 3

2pm FGL SE

7pm F G L

Fri 4

2pm FGL SE

7pm F GL

Sat 5

2pm FG

7pm FG

Sun 6

1pm FG

TICKETS £10 - £25 AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Wed 19 Dec 7pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 20 Dec 7pm CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Fri 4 Jan 7pm ATG THEATRE CARD Half Price Fri 14 Dec 7pm Wed 2 Jan 2pm & 7pm C G S Details page 35

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

23 x

WRITTEN BY Y

PATRICIA RESNICK DOLLY PARTON

RICS IC BY Y MUSIC & LYRICS

DIRECTED BY Y JEFF

CALHOUN

BASED ON THE 20TH CENTURY FOX PICTURE ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY ROBERT GREENBLATT, APRIL 2009 FEATURING DOLLY PARTON FROM HER DESK IN DOLLYWOOD

24 x

MON 14 - SAT 19 JAN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 PP 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious new musical comedy, based on the hit movie and centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. They conspire to take control of the company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do - even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of business. FEISTY, FUN AND OH SO FABULOUS! This show features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song, 9 to 5, which won her an Oscar nomination and 4 Grammy Award nominations along with her new Tony® and Grammy nominated score. With 18 original numbers, including Backwoods Barbie and Shine Like the Sun, that mix Broadway and pop with Dolly’s signature witty lyrics it will have you kicking up your heels. Leave your daily grind behind and join in on the fun.

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE TBC SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 17 Jan 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD £10 off Mon 14 Jan top price only. Thereafter, £5 off top price only, Tue - Thu & Sat mat C G Details page 35

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

25 x

THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA ‘DAZZLING COSTUMES WERE COMPLEMENTED BY A SPECTACLE OF WONDERFULLY CHOREOGRAPHED GROUP ROUTINES AND AWE INSPIRING SOLO PERFORMANCES’ DAILY ECHO, SOUTHAMPTON, FEBRUARY 2012

‘DANCING WAS SHARP, PRECISE AND LIGHT OF FOOT THROUGHOUT’ OXFORD TIMES, JANUARY 2012

RAYMOND GUBBAY PRESENTS

LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE Recreated by Alexander Gorsky, this remains one of the oldest ballets still regularly performed. With virtuoso pas de deux, may pole and clog dances, this classic ballet will send you home happy, delighting those enjoying it for the very first time as well as those who want to see it again and again.

COPPÉLIA Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors. This light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers is brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

SWAN LAKE The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

MON 4 - WED 6 FEB La Fille mal Gardée Mon 4 Feb 7.30pm Coppélia Tue 5 Feb 7.30pm Swan Lake Wed 6 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £34 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on Mon, thereafter, £5 off (top 3 prices & premium) EARLY BOOKING OFFER £5 off if booked and paid for before 30 Nov 2012 (excludes premiums)

C G S Details page 35

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

+++++ ‘THIS NEW PHANTOM SOARS TO INCREDIBLE HEIGHTS’MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS CAMERON

MACKINTOSH’S

SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION OF

ANDREW

LLOYD WEBBER’S

WED 20 FEB - SAT 9 MAR Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Except Thu 21 Feb TICKETS £10 - £48 PP AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Tue 26 Feb 7.30pm

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success The Phantom Of The Opera was unveiled at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in February to rave reviews and makes its debut at the Liverpool Empire as part of a national tour in 2013. With a brilliant new design by Paul Brown, costumes by the much missed Maria Björnson, a new staging by Laurence Connor, director of the recent acclaimed 25th anniversary celebration at the Royal Albert Hall and with new choreography by Scott Ambler. Lighting design is by Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh.

SIGNED PERFORMANCE Wed 27 Feb 7.30pm CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Thu 28 Feb 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD £10 off premium seats Wed 20 & Thu 21 only. G C S Details page 35

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

27 x

THE LEGENDARY, SMASH HIT THRILLER CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY ‘THE CLEVEREST MURDER MYSTERY OF BRITISH THEATRE’ THE TELEGRAPH

‘A TRULY ENTERTAINING CLASSIC THRILLER’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘DESERVEDLY A CLASSIC AMONG MURDER THRILLERS’ THE OBSERVER

TUE 2 - SAT 6 APR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm A classic. l i A llandmark. d k A llegend. d The Mousetrap is famous around the world as being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre - with almost 25,000 performances it’s a play to be proud of. And to celebrate 60 incredible years on stage, it’s going on tour for the first time, with a star cast to give you a once in a life-time opportunity to see this masterpiece here at the Liverpool Empire. The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motives are finally revealed. In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner. 28

www.MousetrapOnTour.com

TICKETS £12 - £27.50 (Premium seats available)

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE Wed 3 Apr 7.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE Thu 4 Apr 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 2 Apr. £5 off top 3 prices Wed & Thu C G S Details page 35

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

MORE TOP COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCE

CIRQUE DU CIEL’S

SHANGHI WED 20 - THU 21 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £19.50 - £24.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off top price C G F With over 30 amazingly multitalented and skilled performers, this 2 hour extravaganza, combines acrobatics, modern dance, martial arts, original music and many other traditional and modern Chinese elements in an amazing fantasy adventure.

THE JOHNNY CASH STORY SAT 30 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £22 C ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off 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 his knowledge of the country music legend.

TONY BENNETT WITH SPECIAL GUEST ANTONIA BENNETT WED 27 JUN 8pm TICKETS £46 - £66

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE FRI 29 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £16 G

Kennedy Street & Live Nation proudly present Tony Bennett, the Grammy Award-winning musician whose music spans over six decades. With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his credit.

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

FRANKIE BOYLE

ALAN DAVIES

LAST DAYS OF SODOM THU 12 - SAT 14 JUL 8pm TICKETS £26

LIFE IS PAIN SUN 23 SEP 8pm TICKETS £25

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

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

Recommended age 16+

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

MORE TOP COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCE

JACK DEE

ILLEGAL EAGLES

JASON BYRNE

FRI 28 SEP 8pm TICKETS £22

HEAVEN HEATS UP TOUR SAT 29 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £21.50 - £23.50 C G ATG THEATRE CARD £1.50 off

PEOPLE’S PUPPETEER SUN 30 SEP 8pm TICKETS £18.50

The star of Lead Balloon and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue returns after a six year absence from Stand-Up, agonizing over the slightest of annoyances and misdemeanors. Why is he touring? ‘I want to spend less time with my family.’ ‘TURNS GRUMPINESS INTO AN ART FORM’ EVENING STANDARD

After the phenomenal success of his Cirque Du Byrne Tour, Jason Byrne is bringing a brand new show back to the cities of Britain. People’s Puppeteer, will have new stories, new props, and more of his trademark high octane lunacy. Recommended age 14+

THE SENSATIONAL 60’S EXPERIENCE

TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT

ROSS NOBLE

WED 3 OCT 7.30pm TICKETS £21 & £23 ATG THEATRE CARD £1.50 off

THU 4 OCT 7.30pm TICKETS £24 C

SAT 6 OCT 8pm TICKETS £25

TV’s I’m a Celebrity and Benidorm star Crissy Rock hosts the region’s No.1 variety show Tonight’s The Night. With Special Guest Star Pete Price. This spectacular one night show will see the stars of the future and today perform at the Empire with show-stopping acts from the region’s finest artists.

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

Original classics performed by 4 of the most popular bands of the 60’s - The Tremeloes, Hermans Hermits, The Union Gap UK and The Ivy League, all hosted by Jon Brennan from The Ivy League. Step back in time in an evening true to the 60’s when pop music was at its very best.

In 1980 The Eagles took a 14 year vacation and returned with the now classic album Hell Freezes Over. The Illegal Eagles having no intention of taking any time off are back this year with their Heaven Heats Up Tour. Featuring all the classic songs from Hotel California to Life in the Fast Lane.

MINDBLENDER

Recommended age 15+

MORE TOP COMEDY AND MUSIC - AND STOP PRESS!

ESSENCE OF IRELAND SUN 18 NOV 7.30pm TICKETS £23 - £25 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C Now with their biggest and most talented cast of dancers, singers, and musicians, Essence of Ireland combines breathtaking dance routines with the very best of Irish music, a touch of Irish craic, all cleverly woven into a heartwarming tale.

HAIRY BIKERS

CIRCUS OF HORRORS

LARGER THAN LIVE SUN 25 NOV 7.30pm TICKETS £25 S ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off

SUN 20 JAN 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £26 PP ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off C B

Over two years since we did our last stage tour, a complete sell-out and one of the best times of our lives, we can’t wait to do it all over again. Only this time it’s going to be bigger, bolder, funnier, and packed with more food and laughs than ever before. Not just a show, a real night out!

The new phantasmagoria twists and turns, sending a shiver down your spine as a demonic dummy seems to take on a life of its own featuring dare devil & bizarre circus acts from all four corners of the world that will have you on the edge of your seat when not falling off it with laughter!

TOP OF THE POPS MON 21 - SAT 26 JAN Mon - Thu 7.30, Fri 5pm & 8pm, Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £10 - £30 PP ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on Mon 21, £4 off top three, £3 off bottom two prices Mon - Thu only G S C

! D ST CE JU UN O N N A

Capturing the spirit of the iconic TV show, Top of the Pops LIVE is a nostalgic interactive jukebox celebrating the greatest hits by the biggest stars in the world of pop from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Paying homage to the DJs who introduced the TV show and to the resident dance troupes Pan’s People and Legs & Co, TOTP LIVE will offer a feast of musical nostalgia.

BOOK NOW O844 871 3017 (bkg fee)

CREATIVE LEARNING

Stage Experience, West Side Story

From Grease to Fame, Guys and Dolls to South Pacific, Joseph to Cats, Blood Brothers to The Sound of Music; our musical theatre masterclasses are available around a whole host of productions, and can be held either on school or college premises, or subject to availability, at The Empire Theatre. Covering vocal work, choreography and script work these high-energy workshops include music, dance and drama and will give pupils an insight into the rehearsal process behind a large scale musical theatre production.

Workshops are available linked to the following shows in the programme: Midnight Tango, Chicago, Starlight Express, Dirty Dancing, 42nd Street, Phantom of the Opera. WELSH NATIONAL OPERA FREE PRE-PERFORMANCE TALKS Jephtha Tue 6pm Così fan tutte Thu 6pm Paris Cafe Afternoon La bohème Fri 3.30pm - 5.30pm £12 per person. Call 029 2063 5030 to book.

Workshops can be tailored to suit the experience and needs of your group. Also available for community groups. Minimum and maximum group size applies.

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET Thu 1 Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm, Ages 16+ Join members of English National Ballet’s orchestra and wardrobe departments for an event which brings you closer to all aspects of the production. Watch as English National Ballet’s dancers take their daily class and gain an insight into the music and design of this magical production in a lively presentation.

Cost: From £100 + VAT (plus practitioners travel expenses if outside the Merseyside area)

£35 per person including a ticket to the matinee performance of The Sleeping Beauty on Thu 1 Nov.

OPEN TO ALL AGES Suitable for Primary schools, or more intensively, secondary school students with an interest in music/drama/dance.

Stage Experience, FAME

All Stage Experience photos by Mike James

FRI 2 NOV 6.15pm - 6.45pm A free introduction to the performance and a chance to meet dancers, orchestra members and staff from English National Ballet. Admittance with a ticket for the evening performance only. To reserve a place please enquire at the box office. SAT 3 NOV 9.30am - 12pm, Age 11 - 14 Join English National Ballet for a creative dance workshop on stage at The Empire Theatre. Explore the magical world of Sleeping Beauty and the story of good versus evil, followed by the opportunity to watch company dancers in their morning class. £30 per person including a ticket to the matinee performance of The Sleeping Beauty on Sat 3 Nov SAT 3 NOV 11.30am - 12.30pm, Age 5 + A unique opportunity to watch the dancers of English National Ballet in their daily class £12 per person Book on 0844 871 3037 or in person at the Box Office.

DIRTY DANCING WORKSHOPS Get closer to Kellermans than ever before with the official Dirty Dancing National Tour Workshops. For just £60 you and your friends can enjoy a 4 hour workshop of choreography, songs and scene work from Dirty Dancing and see the show afterwards. For further information visit creative learning www.atgtickets.com/liverpool 42ND STREET Suitable for ages 18+ regardless of experience. Have you ever wanted to tap dance or are your skills a little rusty? Join us for 4 weeks of tap dancing fun at The Empire Theatre. 30 OCT - 27 NOV 8pm - 9pm Cost: £35 includes a ticket to see 42nd Street on Tue 13 Nov at 7.30pm. STARLIGHT EXPRESS High energy week of dance, drama and singing linked to Starlight Express. MON 23 JUL - FRI 27 JUL Cost: £55 includes a ticket to see Starlight Express at the Empire on Thu 19 Jul 7.30pm.

ANGELINA BALLERINA FUNKY MOVER DANCE SESSIONS Put on your dancing shoes! TUE 21 AUG 4 - 5pm Suitable for ages 8 - 12 WED 22 AUG 12.15 - 1.15pm Suitable for ages 5 - 8 THU 23 AUG 12.45 - 1.15pm Suitable for ages 3 - 5. Boys and girls welcome. No experience necessary.

AUTUMN 2012 THE LIVERPOOL EMPIRE PERFORMING ARTS CLUBS Our groups meet weekly at the Empire Theatre and involve young people working towards a number of performances under the guidance of our practitioners. This year our groups have taken part in 2012 Dance Festival in Stoke, Show Stoppers and Silver Screen Dance Festival at the Empire, created a short film for schools education package for Families Fighting for Justice and Les Misérables School Edition at The Epstein. We are now recruiting for new members aged 11 - 19 years for our youth theatres and youth dance company. Auditions will be held on Sat 13 Oct.

Check out the creative learning tab on our website for more details and to download an application form. www.atgtickets.com/Liverpool You must register before Tue 11 Sep 2012.

MINI MUSICAL THEATRE STARS For ages 7- 11 The group meets weekly at the theatre on a Thursday 6 - 7.30pm. Open to everyone no audition necessary. Fun action packed sessions to develop dance, drama and singing skills. Each term culminates in a short informal performance for family and friends. 11 OCT - 13 DEC (no session during half term) Cost: £54

MATURE MOVERS Come and take part in relaxation, warm ups, learn new steps and develop dance routines together. We dance to all types of music and regularly perform together. 9 OCT - 11 DEC (no session during half term) Cost: £30

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

LIFESTYLES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

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

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

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good

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

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

EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST The Empire Theatre is managed by The Ambassador Theatre Group (Venues) Limited on behalf of The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd The Trustees are Sir Phillip Carter CBE (Chairman) Terry Smith Prof. John Last CBE Tony Ensor Tony Thompson David Morgan (Secretary) The Trust is a registered Charity. No. 509458 All information in this brochure is correct at time of printing, and is subject to change.

E Workshops and creative activity

Only one concession is applicable at any one time, please check for restrictions on special offers. All concessions are subject to availability and conditions and can be withdrawn at any time. Phone and online bookings made through ATG Tickets for most shows are subject to a per ticket booking fee at a maximum of £4.90. In all cases there is a transaction fee at a maximum of £4. *An additional credit/ debit card surcharge may apply for certain events when booking in person at the box ofﬁce. ATG THEATRE CARD ATG Theatre Card offers are subject to availability on selected seat prices and for a max. 4 tickets per Card. Please book early to avoid disappointment. RESTORATION FUND The ticket price for certain shows may include a £1 contribution to the theatre’s restoration fund. We are very grateful to our patrons for the ﬁnancial help we receive through our restoration levy. In the previous 6 months we have invested in new followspots, a lighting desk and drapes and borders for our backstage department, as well new handrails in the Front Circle Rows A - F. We are currently looking at proposals to replace the external billboard signage.

This brochure is printed on responsibly sourced FSC paper. Please continue to help the environment by recycling it.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Grimsby Auditorium; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio; Grand Opera House, York. ATG has been behind some of the most successful and innovative productions in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include South Paciﬁc, All New People, Ghost The Musical, Posh/Jumpy (Royal Court at the Duke of York’s), 9 to 5 The Musical, Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker!, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Dandy Dick, Guys and Dolls, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show.