Liverpool Empire Summer Guide 2013 by Liverpool Empire Theatre

SUMMER 2013

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee) Groups 0844 871 3037 www.atgtickets.com/ liverpool

COMING TO LIVERPOOL MON 20 - SAT 25 MAY

WELCOME

DIARY It’s a great pleasure for me to present a wonderful new season of shows for you to enjoy here at the Liverpool Empire including musicals direct from the West End, world class Ballet and Opera and the country’s top comedians.

APRIL BOOGIE NIGHTS MON 1 APR THE MOUSETRAP TUE 2 - SAT 6 APR

26 5

ELLEN KENT OPERA

TOSCA MON 8 APR

ELLEN KENT OPERA

It’s our aim to ensure you have a wonderful experience every time you visit us from the moment you book your ticket until you leave the theatre after a memorable performance. We have four great bars here at the Empire in the atrium, stalls, foyer and circle. Did you know, our Atrium Bar opens half an hour before the main theatre doors open? That’s an hour and a half before the performance starts allowing you to relax, enjoy a drink and take in the great view through our floor to ceiling windows. There are often promotions available and you can even pre-order your interval drinks so that you don’t have to wait at the bar. Just ask one of our friendly bar staff for more information.

CARMEN TUE 9 APR

MICHAEL BALL FRI 19 APR

Why not visit our Little Darlings sweet cart for that extra special sweet treat? It’s located in our circle bar on the first floor and stocks lots of classic favourites. Alternatively we also sell a variety of luxury ice creams in the auditorium during the interval or you can visit our confectionary outlet in the foyer to view the full confectionary range.

SIMPLE MINDS SAT 20 APR

We want to make theatre accessible at a price to suit every pocket. Now even more of your favourite shows at the Empire are available at prices starting from just £10, including Priscilla Queen of the Desert and West Side Story! On behalf of the whole team here at the Empire, I thank you for your continued support of our venue. We do hope to welcome you back very soon. Best wishes, Diane Belding General Manager

@liverpoolempire Facebook.com/liverpoolempire

HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES WED 10 APR 26 BACK IN THE HABIT THU 11 APR

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN FRI 12 APR

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS

FOOTLOOSE WED 17 - THU 18 APR

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL MON 22 - SAT 27 APR 8 MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY TUE 30 APR - SAT 4 MAY

PRICE PROMISE All 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 PP

MAY BIRDS OF A FEATHER TUE 7 - SAT 11 MAY OMD TUE 14 MAY RICKY TOMLINSON’S ROYLE VARIETY SHOW THU 16 MAY

JULY 10 28

JUNE PALOMA FAITH MON 3 & TUE 4 JUN THE JOHNNY CASH STORY FRI 7 JUN 28

THE DREAMBOYS WED 12 JUN HALFWAY TO PARADISE THU 13 JUN BONNIE RAITT SAT 22 JUN EVITA MON 24 - SAT 29 JUN

GISELLE MON 1 JUL

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE FRI 11 OCT

THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR SAT 12 OCT

HA HA HOLMES SUN 13 OCT

SOFIA NATIONAL BALLET

DON QUIXOTE TUE 2 JUL

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL MON 20 - SAT 25 MAY 11

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN TUE 11 JUN

OCTOBER SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE TUE 1 - SAT 5 OCT 22

SOFIA NATIONAL BALLET

SWAN LAKE WED 3 JUL

DORA THE EXPLORER Live! FRI 12 - SUN 14 JUL 15 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL TUE 30 JUL - SAT 3 AUG

AUGUST SOUL SISTER MON 5 - SAT 10 AUG

JOHN EDWARD TUE 27 AUG

SEPTEMBER WEST SIDE STORY TUE 24 - SAT 28 SEP

30 31

MOTOWN'S GREATEST HITS HOW SWEET IT IS SAT 19 OCT WELSH NATIONAL OPERA

TOSCA TUE 22 & SAT 26 OCT

STAGE EXPERIENCE

GREASE THU 22 - SAT 24 AUG

JASON MANFORD WED 16 - THU 17 OCT

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA

ANNA BOLENA WED 23 OCT

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA

MARIA STUARDA THU 24 OCT

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA

ROBERTO DEVEREUX FRI 25 OCT

BLOOD BROTHERS MON 28 OCT - SAT 9 NOV

NOVEMBER ED BYRNE SUN 24 NOV

CATS TUE 26 NOV - SAT 7 DEC

DECEMBER PETER PAN FRI 13 DEC - SUN 5 JAN

MUSIC BY TCHAIKOVSKY TUE 30 APR - SAT 4 MAY

BRING A GROUP AND ENJOY BIG DISCOUNTS Organise a group of 10 or more people and you could make BIG savings on your tickets! Groups of friends, family, colleagues or school trips can access exclusively reduced ticket prices. A book now pay later scheme is available too. Look below for BIG group savings on many of our shows! Also a group of 8 people saves on booking fees.

OUR GROUP SALES TEAM IS WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU! Call 0844 871 3037 (Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm) or visit atgtickets.com/groups

HAIRSPRAY MON 22 - SAT 27 APR GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices (Mon - Fri) GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices, plus 1 in 10 free (Mon - Fri) GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices, plus 1 in 10 free and additional 3 free tickets SCHOOLS 10+ Best available seats £15, plus 1 teacher free with every 10 pupils (Mon - Wed)

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY TUE 30 APR - SAT 4 MAY GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 2 prices (Tue - Thu eve and midweek mat) SCHOOLS 10+ £15 tickets on top 2 prices (Tue - Thu eve and midweek mat limited availability)

BIRDS OF A FEATHER TUE 7 - SAT 11 MAY GROUPS 10+ £4 off top 2 prices (Tue - Thu) 4

GROUPS 20+ £5 off, plus 1 free ticket in 20 (Tue - Thu) GROUPS 10+ SPECIAL Tue 7 May £16 best available seats

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT MON 20 - SAT 25 MAY GROUPS 6+ £5 off top 3 prices GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices plus 1 free ticket GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices plus 3 free tickets. Group rates available Mon - Fri (Subject to availability)

SOFIA NATIONAL BALLET presents GISELLE MON 1 JUL DON QUIXOTE TUE 2 JUL SWAN LAKE WED 3 JUL GROUPS 10+ £7.50 off top 2 prices, £5 off the 3rd price plus 1 in 10 free SCHOOLS 10+ £12 best available Mon/Tue only, plus 1 teacher free with every 10 pupils

DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE FRI 12 JUL - SUN 14 JUL GROUPS 10+ / SCHOOLS / NURSERY £13 plus 1 in 10 free excludes Explorer Seats

EVITA MON 24 - SAT 29 JUN GROUPS 10+ £3.50 off top 3 prices GROUPS 20+ £4.50 off top 3 prices GROUPS 50+ £5.50 off top 3 prices plus 1 in 10 free

SCHOOLS 10+ Best available £11 plus 1 teacher goes free in 10 (midweek mat)

9 TO 5 MON 29 JUL - SAT 3 AUG 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 SCHOOLS £14 plus 1 in 10 free (concs. available Tue - Thu)

WEST SIDE STORY TUE 24 - SAT 28 SEP GROUPS 10+ £5 off top 3 prices (Tue - Thu) GROUPS 20+ £6 off top 3 prices, plus 2 free tickets (Tue - Thu) GROUPS 50+ £7 off top 3 prices, plus 3 free tickets (Tue - Thu) SCHOOLS £14 plus 1 in 10 free (Tue & Wed) (Subject to availability)

PETER PAN FRI 13 DEC - SUN 5 JAN GROUPS 10+ £15 on top 2 prices, £9.50 2nd and 3rd price (book & pay by Mon 30 Sep) Check for available performances SCHOOLS 10+ £10 for top 3 prices, incl. free ice cream. 1 teacher free with every 10 children (Mon 16 - Thu 19 Dec, Fri 20 Dec mat, Thu 2 & Fri 3 Jan)

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 JUST ADDED DUE TO DEMAND Thu mat 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 over 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 lifetime 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. 20

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

SPANISH HEAT & ITALIAN PASSION ‘HOT-BLOODED, A JOY’ THE INDEPENDENT ON CARMEN

‘IMPASSIONED AND SULTRY’ THE OBSERVER ON CARMEN

‘RED HOT PASSION’ BIRMINGHAM EVENING MAIL ON CARMEN

‘BRILLIANTLY SUNG’ THE TIMES ON TOSCA (ROYAL ALBERT HALL)

DIRECTED BY ELLEN KENT FEATURING THE CELEBRATED CHISINAU NATIONAL OPERA & PHILHARMONIC

PUCCINI TOSCA Starring the international soprano Maria Tonina and baritone Vladimir Dragos as Scarpio. A gothic thriller set against towering marble pillars, rich tapestries, fabulous costumes and an eagle with a seven foot wing span – an explosion of lust, torture, treachery, love and death. Not to be missed.

BIZET CARMEN Starring Nadia Stoianova the international mezzo as Carmen and Sorin Lupu as Don Jose. Unforgettable arias, the march of the Toreadors, a spectacular dance sequence by Caspian the stallion, ridden by Ian Van Temperley. Andalucía comes to life, with fountains, date palms, orange trees and a rescue donkey. The set and costumes richly reflect Goya and Velazquez. Passion and sexual jealousy lead Carmen to her death outside the Seville bullring. A must see. 6

Tosca sung in Italian with English surtitles Carmen sung in French with English surtitles

DATES Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £?? - £?? MON 8 - TUE UE 9 APR APR R (Premium seats available) Tosca Mon 8 Apr 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD 7.30pm Carmen Tue 9 Apr Discounts TICKETS Discounts £10 - £29.50 PP (Premium seats available) VENUE DISCOUNT Discounts ATG THEATRE CARD Discounts £5 off (excl. lowest price level) G C G F S F Details S Details page page XX 35

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

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE YOUTH THEATRE

IT’S GOING TO BE A ROYLE NIGHT OUT! THE GREEN ROOM PRESENTS

The Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre will be performing the electrifying stage show, Footloose the Musical on the Empire stage this April! Footloose the Musical features classic 80s anthems including Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and of course the title track, Footloose. Life in small-town Bomont is peaceful until City boy, Ren, arrives. Breaking every taboo, Ren brings dance back to the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy. Footloose is packed full of stunning dance routines, guaranteed to get you on your feet! Stage adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD Additional music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS and JIM STEINMAN Presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of R & H THEATRICALS of New York. This is an amateur production. In association with the Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd (Reg Charity 509458)

STARRING

TOM O’CONNOR BOBBY DAVRO THE PLATTERS ASA MURPHY STAVROS FLATLEY (BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT)

STEVE HEWLETT WED 17 & THU 18 APR Eves 7.30pm TICKETS £17

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! In support of the Grand Water Rats (Charity Number 292201)

THU 16 MAY 7.30pm

ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off Wed 17 Apr

TICKETS £25

EARLY BOOKING OFFER £2 off if booked by by Mon 8 Apr

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off

Details page 35

C Details page 35 8 7

‘FEEL GOOD FACTOR OFF THE SCALE!’ GLASGOW HERALD

‘THIS HIGH ENERGY SHOW IS ONE THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS AT ANY COST!’ WHATSONSTAGE.COM

‘THE PERFECT PICK ME UP’ WESTERN MAIL

‘DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO TO GET A TICKET UTTERLY UNMISSABLE’ SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO

‘A CUT ABOVE THE REST’ The West End’s favourite musical comedy, Hairspray, is returning to Liverpool for one week only after its sell out visit in 2010! 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. Stage and screen star Mark Benton (Waterloo Road, Early Doors) will play the larger than life Turnblad family matriarch Edna in the show. Mark will be joined by EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin who will play the role of scheming TV executive and archetypal ‘showbiz mom’ Velma Von Tussle, newcomer Freya Sutton as big-hearted, big-haired teen heroine Tracy Turnblad and Liverpool’s own X-Factor finalist, Marcus Collins as Seaweed Stubbs. 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 MOST HAPPY, FUNNY, SUNNY SHOW IN TOWN’ SUNDAY EXPRESS 8

LIVERPOOL POST

MON 22 - SAT 27 APR Mon eve 8pm Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm DATES TICKETS £10 - £43.50 PP Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm (Premium seats available) Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm SIGNED PERFORMANCE TICKETS £?? Thu 25£?? Apr- 7.30pm (Premium seats available)

AUDIO DESCRIBED ATGPERFORMANCE THEATRE CARD Discounts Fri 26 Apr 7.30pm Discounts ATG THEATRE CARD VENUE DISCOUNT Half price Mon 22 Apr. £6 off Discounts top 2 prices only Mon - Fri Discounts C F G S Details E Details page G page XX 35

(bkg fee) fee) 0844 871 3017 (bkg

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RE-IMAGINING A CLASSIC FAIRY TALE A NEW ADVENTURES PRODUCTION

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‘WONDERFUL. BOURNE’S CLEVER GOTHIC RE-WRITE. BEGUILING AND TRUE’ THE GUARDIAN

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‘EXTRAORDINARY. FANTASTIC. DAZZLING. MASTERFUL’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

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‘WITTY, INVENTIVE AND TOUCHING’ MAIL ON SUNDAY

MUSIC BY TCHAIKOVSKY Following a sold-out and critically acclaimed 8 week season at London’s Sadlers Wells, Sleeping Beauty comes to the Liverpool Empire for just 1 week. Sleeping Beauty sees Bourne return to the music of Tchaikovsky to complete the trio of ballet masterworks that started with Nutcracker! and the international smash hit, Swan Lake. Our story begins in 1890 at the christening of Princess Aurora, a time when fairies and vampires fed the gothic imagination, before moving forward in time to the modern day. Featuring designs by Olivier Award-winners Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Paule Constable (Lighting) with Sound Design by Paul Groothuis, which will take the audience into the heart of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score in specially recorded surround sound. Matthew Bourne’s haunting new production is a gothic romance for all ages; a supernatural love story that even the passage of time cannot hinder.

‘THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN’ SUNDAY EXPRESS Photo credit Simon Annand

TUE 30 APR - SAT 4 MAY Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £32.50 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 7.30pm & Thu 2.30pm. £5 off Wed & Thu 7.30pm C G F S Details page 35

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

ORIGINAL CAST STAR IN THE STAGE PRODUCTION OF THE TV FAVOURITE PAULINE QUIRKE LINDA ROBSON LESLEY JOSEPH

‘THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE 3 IS AS STRONG AS EVER, AND THE WISECRACKS, PUNS AND INNUENDOS HAD THE AUDIENCE IN FITS OF LAUGHTER. PERFECT COMIC TIMING, SLICK AND VERY FUNNY’ GUIDE 2/BATH

‘THIS TV FAVOURITE WORKS BRILLIANTLY ON STAGE’ WESTERN DAILY PRESS

‘VERY FUNNY’ THE TELEGRAPH

The girls are back! One of BBC TV’s most popular and fondly-remembered sitcoms comes to the stage with all three of its original leading cast members, Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph. Birds Of A Feather ran on the BBC for nearly ten years throughout the 1990s becoming a massive hit right from the word go and remains not only a classic comedy but also, as a female-centred long-running series, a truly rare gem. Now the three stars of the TV series are re-united on stage to re-create their adored characters, sisters Sharon Theodopolopoudos and Tracy Stubbs and their sex-mad neighbour, Dorien Green, in a brand-new show created especially for the theatre by The Comedy Theatre Company, producers of the highly-successful tour of Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies.

TUE 7 - SAT 11 MAY Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £27 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Tue 7 May. £5 off Wed & Thu only MIDWEEK SENIORS MATINEE Price £12

Don't miss this chance to see Birds Of A Feather live on stage!

C G Details page 35

‘THE WRITING IS SHARP, THE GAGS AS GLEEFULLY INSULTING AS EVER’

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THE STAGE

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‘A ROAD TRIP TO MUSICAL HEAVEN’ LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH

Get re ead dy fo dy forr the e ride ride of your life! Priscilla Queen Of The Th e D Th esert Get ready Desert The Musical, the feel-good international hit sensation is coming to Liverpool starring Jason Donovan! Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a hit parade of dancefloor favourites, this wildly fresh and funny new musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!

MO 20 - SAT 25 MAY MON Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Mo Fri 5pm & 8.15pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £35 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £6 off Tue - Fri, top 2 prices only C G Details page 35

Priscilla is

‘HUGELY ENTERTAINING... INSANELY GLITZY’ THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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

+++++ ‘A MONUMENTAL SHOW’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

‘THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MUSICAL AS DRAMATICALLY EXCITING AS EVITA’ TIME OUT 12

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S MASTERPIECE ‘TRULY MAGNIFICENT’ WHATSONSTAGE STARRING

MARTI PELLOW AS CHE

‘A SHOW WITH PASSION, ENDLESS EMOTION AND STYLE’ DAILY POST

LYRICS BY

TIM RICE

MUSIC BY

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

‘I DEFY ANYBODY WHO SEES THIS PRODUCTION TO SAY THEY HAVE SEEN A BETTER ONE’ THE STAGE

Featuring some of the most famous and inspiring stage music ever written, including the classics Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, Oh What A Circus, You Must Love Me and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical Evita embarks on a spectacular national tour. Bringing to life the dynamic persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita tells the story of Eva’s humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people. With more than 20 major awards to its credit, including the Oscar-winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, and featuring one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, this smash hit show truly promises to be THE THEATRICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR! West End star and multi-platinum selling artist Marti Pellow joins the cast of Evita. The Wet Wet Wet front-man and music legend will take on the role of Che. Marti has starred in the West End, on Broadway, in Japan and on national tours in shows such as the smash hit musical Blood Brothers, the sold-out The Witches of Eastwick, Jekyll & Hyde, Chicago and The War of the Worlds. Includes previous cast photos

MON 24 - SAT 29 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £32 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off opening night. Thereafter, £3 off (premium, top 3 prices) C G S E Details page 35

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

STEEPED IN THE RUSSIAN CLASSICAL TRADITION

SOFIA NATIONAL BALLET

Accompanied by The Orchestra of Sofia National Ballet

Giselle

The most poignant of all classical ballets combines powerful emotions and visual splendour in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness set to a glorious score.

Don Quixote

No ballet can equal this Russian showpiece of thrilling technique, pure panache and explosive balletic fireworks.

Swan Lake

MON 1 - WED 3 JUL Giselle Mon 7.30pm Don Quixote Tue 7.30pm Swan Lake Wed 7.30pm

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.

TICKETS £10 - £34 PP

Formed in 1928 and steeped in the Russian classical tradition for over 80 years, Sofia National Ballet has become a national cultural institution in Bulgaria and is now developing an international reputation for its remarkable and breathtaking performances. The ballets will feature a company of 90 performers including a full orchestra.

C G F S Details page 35

(Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off premium & top 3 prices

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

++++ ‘THE KIDS LOVE IT’ WHATSONSTAGE

IT’S THE ONE THAT YOU WANT LIVERPOOL EMPIRE STAGE EXPERIENCE, BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ROBERT STIGWOOD, PRESENT

Dora the Explorer has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to! Fans will delight in this song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along. FRI 12 - SUN 14 JUL Fri 4pm Sat 10am, 1pm, 4pm Sun 10am & 1pm TICKETS Explorer £19 General £17 Children save £2

FAMILY OF 4 Explorer £65 General £55 MEET DORA Children £10 plus show ticket price. Adults free (strictly limited) G F S E Details page 35

BOOK, MUSIC, AND LYRICS BY JIM JACOBS AND WARREN CASEY

Stage Experience is returning to the Liverpool Empire this summer and it's going to be electrifyin'! Over 100 young people from the local area will work with a professional creative team to stage the full scale musical production of Grease. It's time to dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as 'bad boy' Danny and 'the girl next door' Sandy fall in love all over again. Featuring unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You're The One That I Want, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Greased Lightnin' and many more.

Grease is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10018. www.theatricalrights.com This is a non-professional production. In association with the Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd (Reg Charity 509458).

THU 22 - SAT 24 AUG Thu - Sat eves 7pm Sat mats 2pm TICKETS £10 - £14.50 PP EARLY BOOKING OFFER £12.50 book by Sun 30 Jun G B Details page 35 15

+++++ ‘SASSY STORY, PUNCHY DOLLY PARTON SONGS AND KNOCK OUT PERFORMANCES’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

MUSIC & LYRICS BY

WRITTEN BY

DOLLY PARTON

PATRICIA RESNICK

DIRECTED BY 16

JEFF CALHOUN

A BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW WEEK RETURNS DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND!

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NEW MUSICAL STARRING BEN RICHARDS AND JACKIE CLUNE

ALL TICKETS UNDER £30!

9 to 5 The Musical is the hilarious new musical comedy based on the hit movie that centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist boss. Outrageous, thought provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5 The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business. Featuring original numbers from Dolly Parton’s Oscar, Tony® and Grammy Award nominated score including Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun and the original hit song 9 to 5. Join in the fun - sing along to 9 to 5 with Dolly, from her desk in Dollywood!

‘I COULD WATCH IT EVERY NIGHT. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. 10/10’

TUE 30 JUL - SAT 3 AUG Tue eve 8pm Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £10 off opening night (top price only). Thereafter, £5 off top price Wed, Thu & Sat mat

CLAIRE SIMONSEN, RADIO CITY 96.7 PRESENTER

C G S Details page 35

BASED ON THE 20TH CENTURY FOX PICTURE ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY ROBERT GREENBLATT, APRIL 2009

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee)

This production presented by permission of JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York. Photographs of original cast.

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

‘SIMPLY THE BEST’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

Inspired by the music, life and times of IKE &

DIRECT FROM ITS TRIUMPHANT WEST END RUN AT LONDON’S SAVOY THEATRE

Direct from its smash hit West End season, this new musical hailed as ‘SENSATIONAL’ DAILY TELEGRAPH is inspired by the life and times of Ike and Tina Turner. Critics and audiences alike are raving about the show with ‘A BACK CATALOGUE TO DIE FOR’ EVENING STANDARD. This ‘SLICK’ new musical (THE TIMES) features all the classic Tina Turner hits, including What’s Love Go t To Do With It, Proud Mary, Private Dancer, River Deep Mountain High and of course Simply The Best and many more. The story follows the highs, lows, passions and heartbreak of Ike and Tina as their careers soared whilst their marriage crumbled, ultimately leading to Tina being catapulted to super stardom and heralded as one of the greatest solo artists of all time. Full of heart and soul, electrifying choreography, and stunning musical numbers, Soul Sister is sure to have you on your feet, partying the night away.

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MON 5 - SAT 10 AUG Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on opening night (top 3 prices & premium). Thereafter, £5 off top 3 prices (excl. Fri & Sat eve) C G S E Details page 35

‘SENSATIONAL’

0844 871 3017 (bkg fee)

THE TIMES

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

20 x

THE INTERNATIONAL SELL-OUT HIT

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‘IF YOU BUY ONE THEATRE TICKET, MAKE IT THIS ONE’ OBSERVER

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‘THIS IS A SHOW THAT TRULY HAS IT ALL. BLAZINGLY UNDIMINISHED’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

UK TOUR PREMIERE IN LIVERPOOL Based on a conception by Jerome Robbins Book by Arthur Laurents Music by Leonard Bernstein Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins

With ground-breaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre for ever. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty, this production of West Side Story has been described as ‘ONE OF THE TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS OF MUSICAL THEATRE OF THE LAST CENTURY’ Guardian. Now Joey McKneely’s vibrant stage production of the classic musical, with Jerome Robbins original choreography, returns to the UK after international sell out success.

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‘QUITE SIMPLY A MASTERPIECE’ EVENING STANDARD

Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens

TUE 24 - SAT 28 SEP Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £45 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Tue £10 off premium & top 3 prices AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE PACKAGES AVAILABLE C G S E Details page 35

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

‘HOTTEST ACT ON ICE’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S THE TUDORS

STARRING OLGA SHARUTENKO FROM ITV’S DANCING ON ICE

One famous dynasty. One composer. Three great operas. Direct from a world tour, including a sell-out season at the Royal Albert Hall, The Imperial Ice Stars return to the UK with their stunning production The Sleeping Beauty on Ice. Set to the magnificent music of Tchaikovsky, this classic fairy tale love story is told through sublime world class skating, breath-taking high speed lifts and throws, awe-inspiring aerial gymnastics, stilt skating and fire effects featuring a 26-strong cast of Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters. The Sleeping Beauty on Ice is a spectacular theatrical experience which will thrill and enchant audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the world’s leading performers of theatrical ice dance.

ANNA BOLENA A deeply touching portrayal of Anne Boleyn’s final days in the scheming court of Henry VIII.

MARIA STUARDA What would have happened had Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots met face to face? Find out in this riveting opera.

ROBERTO DEVEREUX Elizabeth I tries to save her favourite the Earl of Essex but is the Queen’s grip on the throne slipping? Explosive operatic drama. WNO also performs Puccini’s Tosca. The Tudors is supported by a lead gift from Swansong Project Maria Stuarda is also supported by the WNO Friends and the WNO Idloes Owen Society.

TUE 1 - SAT 5 OCT Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu mat 2pm Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on opening night (premium & top 3 prices excl. Fri & Sat)

C G S Details page 35 22

TUE 22 - SAT 26 OCT ON SALE MON 8 APR 10am Anna Bolena Wed 7pm Maria Stuarda Thu 7.15pm Roberto Devereux Fri 7.15pm Tosca Tue & Sat 7.15pm TICKETS £5 - £25 Details page 35

THE MUSICAL FOR ALL TIME COMES HOME TO LIVERPOOL BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

‘EXHILARATING. ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN’ SUNDAY TIMES

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary 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 fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production recently surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the Standing Ovation Musical, as inevitably it; ‘BRINGS THE AUDIENCE CHEERING TO ITS FEET AND ROARING ITS APPROVAL’ JACK TINKER, DAILY MAIL

MON 28 OCT - SAT 9 NOV Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 PP (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £10 off premium, top 2 prices opening night. Thereafter, £5 off (excl. Fri & Sat eve) C G S E Details page 35

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

THE MEMORY RETURNS

Don’t miss Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary record-breaking, smash-hit musical as it returns to the Liverpool Empire for two weeks only! Adapted from TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this wonderful blend of fantasy, drama and romance is set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse. With an amazing musical score that includes the timeless Memory, spectacular set designs, stunning costumes and breathtaking choreography, Cats is a magical musical like no other. One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, Cats has enchanted audiences in over 300 cities around the world - now you too have the chance to experience this legendary musical phenomenon. 24

TUE 26 NOV - SAT 7 DEC Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £37.50 (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price on ﬁrst two evening shows (top 2 prices & premium). Thereafter, £6 off top 2 prices & premium (Mon - Fri) C G S E Details page 35

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

THE CROC IS TICKING SO HOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS YEAR’S FAMILY PANTO ADVENTURE! FRI 13 DEC 2013 SUN 5 JAN 2014

STARRING

RAY QUINN AS PETER PAN

DECEMBER 2013 Fri 13

7pm

Sat 14

2pm

7pm

Sun 15

1pm

5pm

Mon 16

10.30am 7pm

Tue 17

No performances

Wed 18

10.30am 2.30pm

Thu 19

2pm

7pm

Fri 20

2pm

7pm

Sat 21

2pm

7pm

Sun 22

1pm

5pm

Mon 23

1pm

5pm

Tue 24

1pm

5pm

Wed 25

No performances

Thu 26

1pm

5pm

Fri 27

2pm

7pm

Sat 28

2pm

7pm

Sun 29

1pm

5pm

Mon 30

2pm

7pm

Tue 31

1pm

JANUARY 2014 Wed 1 No performances Thu 2

2pm

6pm

AND

Fri 3

2pm

6pm

LOUIS EMERICK

Sat 4

2pm

7pm

AS CAPTAIN HOOK

Sun 5

1pm

Panto returns this Christmas with a line-up of Liverpool favourites in Peter Pan! Ray Quinn (Grease, Dancing on Ice) stars as the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan, alongside Brookside’s Louis Emerick as Captain Hook, Juice FM’s Leanne Campbell as Tiger Lily, Sean Mason (Cinderella’s Buttons) as Smee, Radio City’s Pete Price as Pirate and Emma Stephens as Wendy.

TICKETS £10 £19.50 £27.50 (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Fri 13 & Mon 16 Dec, Thu 2 & Fri 3 Jan eves (on premium and top 2 prices)

Fly away on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement into the magical world of Neverland this festive season. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys in their thrilling adventure to save Tinkerbell from the villainous Captain Hook and his crew of dastardly pirates.

FAMILY TICKET £65

With stunning special effects (including amazing ﬂying!), sumptuous costumes, superb sets and a good helping of fairy dust, Peter Pan is the perfect treat for the whole family and for those who never want to grow up!

G F S E Details page 35

(4 tickets, on top 2 prices, excl. Sat 14, Sat 21 – Tue 24, Fri 27 & Sat 28 Dec mats)

GREAT GROUP RATES AVAILABLE (SEE PAGE 4)

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

MORE TOP COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCE BOOGIE NIGHTS MON 1 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £32.50

(premium seats available)

The ﬁrst and most popular West End seventies musical, is back in a remixed hit-fest concert version. All the characters from the original musical story brought back to life with a massive 8 star cast featuring the Osmond Brothers, Merrill, Jimmy and Jay direct from the USA in their ﬁrst musical and starring Gareth Gates, Louisa Lytton from EastEnders and The Bill plus X Factor stars Andy Abraham and Chico and introducing Shane Richie Junior as Roddy O’Neil with a cast of 15 singers, dancers and musicians. 70 hits from the 70’s including: Boogie Wonderland, I Will Survive, Le Freak, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Love Train, Play That Funky Music, Disco Inferno, We Are Family, Y.M.C.A. Street Life, If You Leave Me Now and all the hits of The Osmonds.

HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES STARRING TOYAH WILLCOX & JULIE COOMBE WED 10 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £20.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C G Is your man more James May than Christian Grey? Then this is the show for you! Following on from their hugely successful 2012 tour, the Hormonal Housewives are back with hilarious all-new sketches, as well as all the very best bits from last time round, covering everything that makes today’s woman tick (or ticked off) - from the joys of teenagers, to the challenge of IKEA, the madness of holiday reps and the insanity of DIY. A hilariously funny evening - what they can’t teach you about modern womanhood isn’t worth knowing!

TBC BACK IN THE HABIT THU 11 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £18.50 - £22.50 (premium seats available) SUB HEADING ATG THEATRE CARD S £3 off C G DATE Time G F Prepare for nuns and tons of fun as you join the biggest sisterhood Awaiting copy in town for the ultimate Sister Act tribute show! This toe-tapping, sing-along spectacular will take you on a fast paced musical journey that will entertain, excite and inspire. Paying tribute to the iconic movies, the 50 strong cast will storm through hit after hit at lightening fast pace. You are guaranteed to be up on your feet dancing along to songs such as Oh Happy Day, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Shout and Joyful Joyful. So get your habits on and your party boots ready, as dancing spaces in front of seats are on sale now! Fancy dress encouraged.

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN I’LL BE THERE - THE 2013 TOUR FRI 12 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £24 C G Let it ﬁll your heart with joy and laughter, togetherness is what it’s after, just call its name, The Magic of Motown will be there. An all-new show for 2013, packed with 36 back-to-back massive Motown hits. Five-star performances authentically reviving the style andsophistication of all the Detroit legends - The Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more. Dazzling dance moves, glittering costumes galore and the incredible Magic of Motown band. Don’t miss the show of the year. Just call its name and you’ll be there. www.easytheatres.com

MICHAEL BALL FRI 19 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £38.50 Michael Ball, Britain’s leading musical theatre star is to perform at the Liverpool Empire in support of his new studio album also titled Both Sides Now. Both the tour and the album will comprise of 2 halves, encompassing Michael’s biggest hits from both his recorded and stage careers. Michael Ball has won critical and public acclaim over the last 25 years with his dynamic, award-winning lead roles in the West End and on Broadway. And, with his concurrent career as a multi-platinum recording artist, top selling live concert performer and radio and television broadcaster, the Olivier-Award winning Ball has been, for many years, in the enviable position of combining these individual aspects of showbusiness with continuing success.

SIMPLE MINDS SAT 20 APR Doors 7pm TICKETS £37.50 & £49.50 Following a summer of festival appearances and their hugely acclaimed 5x5 tour, Simple Minds bring their Greatest Hits live to the Empire during their 28 date tour. Having topped America’s Billboard chart, the Glasgow band have achieved six No.1 albums in the UK as well hitting the top spot in countless other territories including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Expect to hear songs from their extensive back catalogue including Alive and Kicking, Don’t You (Forget About Me), Waterfront and more. A whole evening of Simple Minds, to coincide with the release of their greatest hits collection Celebrate in March.

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

MORE TOP COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCE OMD PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS TUE 14 MAY 8pm TICKETS £33.50 Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are back on the road in support of their much-anticipated new album English Electric. The sound is more electro than ever, yet still unmistakably OMD with the huge soaring melodies and irrestistible lyrical hooks than fans have come to expect over the years. The new songs will undoubtedly blend seamlessly with the classics such as Enola Gay, Souvenir, Joan of Arc and Sailing on the Seven Seas which remain the mainstay of the band’s exciting and vibrant live show.

TBC THE JOHNNY CASH STORY FRI 7 HEADING JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £23 SUB ATG THEATRE F S £2 off C DATE Time G CARD If you sawcopy the film Walk the Line then you will not want to miss this Awaiting fantastic show! Roger Dean has been playing Cash most of his life, since appearing on BBC television at the ages of 14 singing the Tennessee Black Flat Top Box. With The Lazy Boys he perfectly captures the spirit of Johnny Cash. The legend’s music is in safe hands. www.roger-dean.com

GARY MULLEN AND THE WORKS TBC ONEHEADING NIGHT OF QUEEN SUB TUE 11Time JUN G 7.30pm F S TICKETS £18.50 DATE ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C G Awaiting copy If you are feeling Under Pressure to choose a show that you and the Love Of Your Life or Your Best Friend will enjoy then this is a A Kind Of Magic! Over the past 9 years One Night Of Queen has rocked sold out audiences all over the World including UK, Germany, Holland, France, New Zealand. Fresh from their second tour of the USA Gary Mullen and The Works return with a stunning live concert featuring fantastic staging and lighting effects. Tear It Up and Keep Yourself Alive. Have One Vision before Another One Bites The Dust, pick up the phone to book a ticket now, it’ll only take a Flash. Break Free and We Will Rock You!

THE DREAMBOYS FIT & FAMOUS TOUR WED 12 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £23.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £2.50 off G The Dreamboys are back with a brand new show and tour for 2013 The Dreamboys Fit and Famous 2013 Tour. The Dreamboys are unquestionably the most famous male stripper act the UK has ever produced. With special guest appearances on massive TV shows such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Celebrity Big Brother, Pineapple Dance Studios, Loose Women, This Morning and The Only Way is Essex, The Dreamboys have earned themselves the only male strip group in history to have celebrity status. An action packed 2 hour show from start to ﬁnish, these boys will literally have you begging for more!

HALFWAY TO PARADISE THE BILLY FURY STORY THU 13 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £21 ATG THEATRE CARD £1 off C G A shy young boy from Liverpool is re-christened Billy Fury and becomes one of Britain’s best loved rock stars. Now in its 16th year and still furiously rockin’, his own band, Fury’s Tornados, re-live his timeless hits - Last Night Was Made For Love, I Will, Jealousy, Halfway to Paradise and many, many more. With the stunning Colin Gold as Billy Fury. ‘A VOICE BLESSED BY HEAVEN’ NOTTINGHAM EVENING POST Set to a giant nostalgic moving backdrop of this wonderful era and including personal movie footage of Billy. ‘A PRECISE AND ACCURATE TIME MACHINE GREAT 60S NIGHT OUT!’ THE STAGE

TBC BONNIE RAITT SAT 22 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £29.50 & £34.50 SUB HEADING DATE Time G F S After such triumphs as her 2005 release and tour for Souls Alike, and 2009 national Awaiting copy tour with fellow blues legend Taj Mahal alongside the tragedy of losing her parents, her brother, and her best friend, Raitt took a step back from touring and recording ‘to get back in touch with the other part of my life’. Now re-energized Raitt brings her daring bluesy sound, steeped with inimitable slide guitar and soulful vocals, to the Empire during her UK tour. ‘EVOKES THE WARM AMBER AND LIGHT GRAIN OF CRYSTALLIZED HONEY. GRIPPING’ NEW YORK TIMES ‘TIGHT AND POLISHED’ ROLLING STONE

BOOK NOW 0844 871 3017 (bkg fee)

MORE TOP COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCE JOHN EDWARD TUE 27 AUG 7.30pm TICKETS £31 - £51 John Edward is an internationally acclaimed Psychic Medium, lecturer and author! Popularly known for his two internationally syndicated television shows: Crossing Over With John Edward and John Edward Cross County, now you can see him live on stage at the Liverpool Empire! A John Edward event lasts for two hours with no interval and consists of question & answer sessions, lecture and exciting opportunities to experience messages from the other side. Is someone waiting to talk to you?

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE BRITAIN'S BIGGEST BURLESQUE SPECTACULAR DIRECT FROM THE WEST END FRI 11 OCT 8pm TICKETS £26 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C Unveiling an all-star cast, join a riotous romp into the bizarre world of burlesque and cutting-edge variety. Royal Academy-trained burlesque bombshells slip into exotic character as smoothly as they slip out of the ultimate exotic couture costumes. It’s the slickest, wickedly wittiest, most delightfully choreographed spectacular of the year. Dress up, come to the cabaret. ‘A REAL VARIETY EXPERIENCE, WITH COMEDY SKETCHES AND A GREAT KNIFE THROWING ACT’ THE STAGE Over 18s www.easytheatres.com

HA HA HOLMES! STARRING JOE PASQUALE SUN 13 OCT 7.30pm TICKETS £17 & £19 (premium seats available) C There’s a beast on the moors, a crime to be solved, and with the Ha Ha team on the case what can go right?! You’d be absolutely barking to miss this pipe-smoking new show from theatre’s funniest parodists as Holmes and Watson embark on their most dangerous adventure yet; hunting down The Hound of the Baskervilles! It’s elementary! It’s also downright hilarious as comedy national treasure Joe Pasquale takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes. As one of the UK’s top stand ups Joe brings mirthful merriness to proceedings, but will he be skating on thin ice?! With Ben Langley as Doctor Watson and Andrew Fettes as everyone else, this sure-fire wonderfully ridiculous show is well worth an investigation.

JASON MANFORD FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS WED 16 & THU 17 OCT 8pm TICKETS £23.50 Jason Manford, brings his brand new tour for 2013 to Liverpool, featuring a wealth of comedy anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and audience banter delivered with Jason’s likeable charm and teasingly intelligent wit. Jason has had a busy time since he was last on the road. After his opera singing turn saw him emerge the winner on Born To Shine (ITV1) Jason put his new found talent into practice joining Alﬁe Boe on tour prior to a well-received run in the West End hit musical Sweeney Todd. Jason said: ‘Some of you might think I’ve had a career change what with all the opera and musical theatre I’ve been doing lately. Not a chance, I’m excited to be getting back to what I really love the most - stand up!’ Age 16+

ED BYRNE ROARING FORTIES SUN 24 NOV 8pm TICKETS £23.50 A self-confessed miserable old git since the age of 23, Ed Byrne is now in his forties. While for others this might result in a crisis that prompts the purchase of a sports car, Ed embraces middle age with open arms. Come join him, as he truly comes of age and gives out his clarion cry, ‘I AM IN MY FORTIES. HEAR ME ROAR!’ Age 12+

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES Shows with signed, audio described, or captioned performances have the relevant dates listed on their brochure page. Tickets for those performances are £15 (unless otherwise stated). To book for any of those performances, or for more information please contact the Access Officer on 0151 702 7328 (Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm) or email liverpoolgroups@theambassadors.com

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

CREATIVE LEARNING

The Creative Learning Department offers a variety of events and classes to children, young people and adults. From Sep 2011 - Aug 2012 we engaged with over 3400 people from the local community. Over 200 creative learning activities take place each year with the purpose of engaging with our local community and increasing access to the theatre. Events include pre and post show talks, tours and practical workshops either delivered by our in house team or in partnership with the visiting company.

MASTERCLASSES GAIN MORE FROM YOUR THEATRE EXPERIENCE From Hairspray to 9 to 5, from Evita to West Side Story, our Creative Learning Masterclasses are available linked to a whole host of productions. Covering vocal work, choreography and script work these high-energy workshops will give participants an insight into the rehearsal process behind a large scale musical theatre production. Masterclass Workshops are 32

open to all ages. Cost from £100 + VAT led by the Empire Theatre Creative Team unless otherwise advertised. Activities are not just for schools and groups. We have lots of exciting activities for adults and children to get involved in too!

HAIRSPRAY HOLIDAY ACTIVITY Join us for a high energy week of dance, drama and singing linked to Hairspray. Explore the themes and characters and perform your work at the end of the week to family and friends. Activity dates: TUE 28 - FRI 31 MAY 2013 10am - 4pm each day. Cost £55 for the four days of activities plus this includes a ticket to see Hairspray on Mon 22 Apr at the Liverpool Empire as part of a supervised group. MATTHEW BOURNE’S

SLEEPING BEAUTY WORKSHOPS & EVENTS Individuals can get involved with a number of events that will take place at the Empire from Tue 30

Pictures: Left page Annie Stage Experience Mike James Right page Brian Slater Photography Limited

Apr - Sat 4 May including a post show talk for ticket holders on opening night.

DORA THE EXPLORER EARLY YEARS PROJECT If you are bringing a class to see the show why not also take part in our special early years workshop activities? We are offering creative play workshops aimed at nursery and reception classes inspired by Dora the Explorer to take place in your school or nursery prior to your theatre visit. Join us to explore the great outdoors and seasons through movement, song, play and art based activities.

MATURE MOVERS OVER 50’S GROUP Come and take part in general exercise, learn new steps and develop dance routines together. This fun class for the over 50's is a great opportunity to keep active and meet new people in a welcoming environment. TUE 23 APR TUE 2 JUL 2013 Age 50+, Tue 11am - 12.30pm Cost £30 for the term.

MINI MUSICAL THEATRE STARS Open to everyone no audition necessary. Fun action packed sessions to develop dance, drama and singing skills. THU 25 APR – THU 11 JUL 2013 (no session during half term) Ages 7 - 11. Thu 6 - 7.30pm. Cost £54 for the term.

THE CHANCE TO DANCE ON THE WORLD FAMOUS LIVERPOOL EMPIRE STAGE!

PERFORMING ARTS CLUBS The Liverpool Empire offers a number of weekly sessions where children, young people and adults are nurtured and supported by our qualified dance and drama teachers, so each individual can achieve their potential.

BACKSTAGE TOURS & TALKS Find out more about your favourite theatre with an exclusive backstage tour! Available for groups of 10 - 30 people on Tue - Fri mornings at 11am. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and cost £4.50 per head which includes refreshments in our Autograph Cafe Bar at the end of the tour. Tours must be booked in advance.

CONTACT US Natalie Flynn Creative Learning Manager natalieflynn@ theambassadors.com or 0151 702 7337 creativelearning.atg.co.uk Proudly supported by The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd. Reg Charity Number 509458 (England)

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE YOUTH BALLET 2013 PETER PAN If you are aged between 11 & 21 you can audition to take part in this exciting new venture. Liverpool Empire Youth Ballet is a community project which offers up to 120 young people the opportunity to work with a professional creative and technical team, to produce a full scale dance production of Peter Pan to be performed at the Liverpool Empire! Auditions will take place on Sun 5 May with recalls on Sun 12 May 2013. To find out more and to apply for an audition please visit atgtickets.com/liverpool and click on Creative Learning where you can download

an application form or email laurentaylor@ theambassadors.com Closing date for applications is 6pm Fri 26 April.

DETAILS Rehearsals will take place on the Mon 27 - Fri 31 May half term, Sun 9 & 23 Jun and Sun 7 & 14 July; the 8, 15, 22 & 29 Sep, and Sun 6 Oct, 10am - 5.30pm. Dress rehearsal Mon 7 & Tue 8 Oct eves. You must be available for all the rehearsals and performances.

PERFORMANCES WED 9 & THU 10 OCT 2013 Project fee £200 payable by Fri 17 May. Auditions are free to anyone who completes and returns an application form by Fri 26 April.

HOSPITALITY AND EVENTS FIRST CLASS ENTERTAINING FACILITIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS WITH A DEDICATED HOSPITALITY TEAM ENSURING YOU RECEIVE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE CORPORATE HIRE Whether the need is for a board meeting, a presentation, a seminar or exhibition, we can offer the perfect surroundings to meet your requirements. Not to mention our first class catering service and highly dedicated team who will provide you with everything you need to make your event a success. Focus your attention on business and leave the rest to us.

PRIVATE HIRE The Empire Theatre is an ideal setting to celebrate that special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or retirement party, we will ensure it’s an event to remember. With imaginative catering options prepared by our executive chef and friendly staff on hand committed to providing the highest quality service, you can be sure you are in the safest hands.

WEDDINGS AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS There are few locations that can provide the elegance and romance of the Empire Theatre and because we believe that every wedding should be unique we pride ourselves on helping you achieve this, in this very special venue. All parts of the theatre are licensed for civil ceremonies; choose from one of our elegant suites, or for the more adventurous, hold your ceremony on our world famous stage. We offer top class catering, and will provide you with a highly dedicated events team every step of the way, who will share in your ideas and help you create your perfect day, one you will cherish forever. 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 34

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 ask staff for more details. Bookings are advised, call our dedicated team on 0151 702 7354.

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.atgtickets.com/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 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. We have recently used this fund to replace over half of the stalls seats and we are planning to replace the stalls carpet in the new year.

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. 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 Macbeth, Passion Play, Posh, Jumpy and Constellations (Royal Court at the Duke of York’s), 9 To 5 The Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, Maurice’s Jubilee, Goodnight Mister Tom, The Mystery of Charles Dickens, South Paciﬁc, All New People, Dandy Dick, Blue/Orange, Ghost The Musical, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!, Exit the King, The Mountaintop, Being Shakespeare, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling and Guys and Dolls.

Priority Tickets. 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 BY DIRECT DEBIT! It’s quick and easy. Just give us your details once and we’ll do the rest.

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

Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard Call 0844 871 7633

HALF PRICE

HALF PRICE C

MON 22 APR

TUE 30 APR EVE & THU 2 MAY MAT

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