Liverpool Empire Summer 2016 Brochure

SUMMER 2016 TM © 1981 RUG LTD

BOX OFFICE 0844 871 3017 GROUPS 0844 871 3037

COMING TO LIVERPOOL MON 11- SAT 16 JULY

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Bkg fees apply. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

WELCOME

DIARY Welcome to the summer 2016 edition of our season brochure.

You’ll find it stuffed full of exciting productions coming to the Empire over the coming months.

Why not organise a group visit and

take advantage of our fantastic group discounts? As well as making huge savings you can reserve now and pay later and there are no booking fees! Turn to page 14 where there’s

APRIL ILLEGAL EAGLES THU 7 APR A VISION OF ELVIS FRI 8 APR ONE NIGHT OF ROCK SAT 9 APR THRILLER LIVE MON 11 - SAT 16 APR SHOWSTOPPERS 2016 MON 18 - TUE 19 APR

details of how to contact our friendly venue-based sales team.

THE MOUSETRAP THU 21 - SAT 23 APR

Did you know about our accessible performances? If you have

THE BODYGUARD TUE 26 APR - SAT 7 MAY

specific access requirements, we offer audio described and signed performances and there’s a dedicated team ready to help you with your booking. Accessible performances are

MAY

listed on page 21.

FOOTLOOSE MON 9 - SAT 14 MAY

Whilst you’re with us, make sure to visit our stylish Piano Bar.

JUSTE DANCE SUN 15 MAY

Relax, enjoy a drink or two and take in the impressive view through our floor to ceiling windows. Or why not visit Lime St Bistro, situated next to the box office? With a delicious new dining menu and excellent pre-theatre offers, why not check it out yourself and book today? You can find out more on page 30.

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS THE ORBISON STORY TUE 17 MAY MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL WED 18 MAY ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN THU 19 MAY

or just fancy an evening of total luxury, make it a night to

AN EVENING WITH GORDON LIGHTFOOT FRI 20 MAY

remember by booking into our VIP Ambassador Lounge.

SOUL LEGENDS SAT 21 MAY

Ask a member of staff about Ordertorium, our new service allowing you to order refreshments direct to your seat.

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY MON 23 MAY

On behalf of the whole team at the Empire, I thank you

THE DREAMBOYS THU 26 MAY

Whether you’ve got something extra special to celebrate

for your continued support of our venue. We do hope to welcome you back very soon.

DIANE BELDING GENERAL MANAGER

PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE SAT 28 - SUN 29 MAY

JUNE SCOTTISH BALLET SWAN LAKE WED 1 - SAT 4 JUN

@liverpoolempire

Facebook.com/liverpoolempire

liverpool_empire

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME MON 6 - SAT 11 JUN

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT TUE 14 - SAT 18 JUN

SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN WED 26 OCT

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN SAT 26 NOV

AMERICAN IDIOT TUE 21 - SAT 25 JUN

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE WED 26 OCT

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS

JACKIE THE MUSICAL TUE 28 JUN - SAT 2 JUL

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD THU 27 OCT

JULY CATS MON 11 - SAT 16 JUL THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS WED 20 JUL THE ELO EXPERIENCE THU 21 JUL PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS FRI 22 JUL THE DRIFTERS SAT 23 JUL

AUGUST LAZYTOWN THU 11 - SAT 13 AUG CREATIVE LEARNING SUMMER PROJECT

WEST SIDE STORY THU 18 - SAT 20 AUG

SEPTEMBER

THE NUTCRACKER TUE 29 NOV - SAT 3 DEC

DECEMBER

ROY CHUBBY BROWN SAT 29 OCT

SNOW WHITE SAT 10 - SAT 31 DEC

NOVEMBER

JANUARY 2017

KEEP DANCING TUE 1 - SAT 5 NOV THE FULL MONTY MON 7 - SAT 12 NOV FRANKLY SINATRA SUN 13 NOV BIRKENHEAD OPERATIC SOCIETY TRUST

WHITE CHRISTMAS THU 17 - SUN 20 NOV THE SENSATIONAL 60s EXPERIENCE FEATURING CHRIS FARLOWE, HERMAN’S HERMITS AND MORE

THU 24 NOV

LORD OF THE DANCE DANGEROUS GAMES MON 9 - SAT 14 JAN THE COMMITMENTS MON 16 - SAT 21 JAN SUNNY AFTERNOON TUE 7 - SAT 11 FEB

MARCH 2017 ELLEN KENT PRESENTS

LA BOHÉME FRI 24 MAR AïDA SAT 25 MAR

NOVEMBER 2017 WAR HORSE WED 15 NOV - SAT 2 DEC

CHICAGO MON 12 - SAT 17 SEP BLOOD BROTHERS MON 19 SEP - SAT 1 OCT

OCTOBER ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS SUN 2 OCT WELSH NATIONAL OPERA KISS ME, KATE WED 5 - FRI 7 OCT THE CARPENTERS STORY SAT 8 OCT SISTER ACT MON 10 - SAT 15 OCT THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW MON 17 - SAT 22 OCT PSYCHIC SALLY: CALL ME PSYCHIC TUE 25 OCT

AMERICAN IDIOT TUE 21 - SAT 25 JUN

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END PAUL WALDEN & DEREK NICOL FOR FLYING MUSIC IN ASSOCIATION WITH ADRIAN GRANT FOR KEY CONCERTS PRESENT

4

THE LEGEND LIVES ON!

★★★★

‘A TOTAL BLAST. THE STAGING AND CONSTANT BRILLIANCE OF THE MUSICIANS KEEP US RIVETED. A WONDERFUL SHOW’ WHATSONSTAGE.COM

★★★★ ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT IT!’

EVENING STANDARD

‘IMMENSELY ENJOYABLE’ Direct from London’s West End where it is now in its record breaking 8th year, Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer.

Seen by over 3.5 million people in 30 countries, Thriller Live continues to moonwalk around the world, taking you on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael’s 45 year musical history.

THE INDEPENDENT

MON 11 - SAT 16 APR Mon - Fri eves 7.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm C G E B Details page 43

Experience over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco in a show that pays homage to Jackson’s legendary live performances and innovative dance moves executed with flair, precision and passion in a show that you will never forget.

TICKETS FROM £10 £11.90 online/phone

Expect your favourite songs delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and band, including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad, Rock With You, They Don’t Care About Us, Dangerous, Heal The World and Thriller, plus many more!

SAVE WITH YOUR

Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

E £10 off Mon - Wed (A - C)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard Photo of previous cast member

5

THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE MURDER MYSTERY

STARRING

‘THE CLEVEREST MURDER MYSTERY OF BRITISH THEATRE’ THE TELEGRAPH

‘A TRULY ENTERTAINING CLASSIC THRILLER’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

THU 21 - SAT 23 APR Thu - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm The Mousetrap is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre, with over 26,000 performances. This record-breaking 60th anniversary production is back by popular demand in 2016 starring Louise Jameson (Doctor Who, EastEnders, Doc Martin) as Mrs Boyle.

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, nerveshredding moment the identity and the motive 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.

6

www.MousetrapOnTour.com

C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £10 £11.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off Thu eve & Sat mat (Prem, A & B)

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‘EXCITING, THRILLING, UPLIFTING, MOVING A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL SHOW!’ SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO

PORTSMOUTH NEWS

The Bodyguard, the award-winning musical based on the blockbuster film, is heading to Liverpool starring three-time Brit nominee and X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke* as Rachel Marron. Direct from its smash-hit West End run, the show is coming to the Liverpool Empire for 2 weeks only!

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge - what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

A ‘BRILLIANT!’ (THE TIMES), breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including Queen Of The Night, So Emotional, One Moment In Time, Saving All My Love, Run To You, I Have Nothing, Jesus Loves Me, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time - I Will Always Love You.

*Alexandra Burke is not scheduled to perform at midweek or Saturday matinees including any revised matinee performances. The producers of The Bodyguard cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.

Please check website for full performance schedule.

TUE 26 APR - SAT 7 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Thu 28 Apr mat 2.30pm C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £10 Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off opening night and Wed 27 Apr (Prem, A - C), £5 off Mon - Thu (A & B)

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8

A FRESH, NEW, DYNAMIC PRODUCTION

STARRING

LEE BRENNAN (911) AS WILLARD

AND

MAUREEN NOLAN AS VI MOORE

‘IT’S A BLAST’ METRO

Kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose as the explosive rock ‘n’ roll musical sensation Footloose bursts onto the UK stage in a remastered show sure to get your toes tapping.

Based on the 1980s hit film that took the world by storm, Footloose the Musical sizzles with the same spirit of youth, rebellion and romance.

City boy Ren thinks his life is over when he is forced to move to Bomont, an American rural backwater. But things are far worse than he could have ever imagined, as the town bans dancing. It isn’t long before Ren can’t resist breaking the rules, and he’s not alone.

Enjoy the best in UK musical talent, cutting-edge choreography and classic hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the unforgettable title track, Footloose.

Produced by the award winning team at Sell A Door Theatre Company - producers of Avenue Q and American Idiot.

Footloose is back and it’s better than ever before! #CUTLOOSE

MON 9 - SAT 14 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G F S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £14.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price Mon - Tue, thereafter £5 off weekday perfs

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9

A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF LOCAL TALENT

PEPPA IS BACK IN A BRAND NEW SHOW!

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE CREATIVE LEARNING PRESENTS

The Liverpool Empire Creative Learning team is proud to present its bi-annual showcase - Showstoppers 2016!

This exciting production is packed with talent, involving up to 100 adults and young people from the local community and dance schools including the Liverpool Empire Youth Musical Theatre Company, Junior Youth Theatre, Mini Musical Stars and Mature Movers.

Showstoppers features sections from some of the most popular musicals of all-time, and with the same creative team as Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre Legally Blonde and Sister Act, it’s set to be a sensational production, filled with show-stopping numbers!

MON 18 - TUE 19 APR Eves 7.30pm G B Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £13.25 £15.15 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR

Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back in Liverpool in a brand new live stage show.

It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have a surprise for her and George - can you guess what it is?

Enjoy fun, loads of songs and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show. Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers!

SAT 28 & SUN 29 MAY Sat 1pm & 4pm Sun 10am & 1pm C G F E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £15.25 £17.15 online/phone Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

E £1.50 off

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0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool

WORLD PREMIERE

‘DAWSON SHOWS HIS SOPHISTICATION OF CRAFT, HIS EYE FOR BEAUTY AND HIS ABILITY TO GIVE BALLET A CONTEMPORARY RESONANCE’ NEW YORK TIMES ON DAVID DAWSON

‘A COMPANY OF REMARKABLE VERSATILITY AND INTERNATIONAL STATURE’ THE TIMES ON SCOTTISH BALLET Scottish Ballet’s breathtaking production of Swan Lake is set to enchant a whole new generation with an imaginative re-telling of the timeless tale.

Swan Lake portrays the love story of Siegfried and the beautiful swan queen Odette. As fate has it, Siegfried betrays Odette as he mistakenly declares his love for Odile, the dark seductress.

Eventually Odette forgives Siegfried, but the trust between them has been broken and Siegfried is forced to face life without her forever.

Choreographed by the award-winning British dance maker David Dawson, Swan Lake will demonstrate his visceral and daring work which has made him one of the most innovative dance makers working in classical ballet today.

With ethereal and stylish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, don’t miss the award-winning Company’s first ever performance in Liverpool.

WED 1 - SAT 4 JUN Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm C G F S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night, thereafter £7 off excl. Thu mat & Sat eve (A - C)

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THE GREATEST SUMMER HOLIDAY OF THEIR LIVES!

‘A FEEL-GOOD ‘JUKEBOX’ MUSICAL DELIVERED IN RIP-ROARING STYLE’ 12

THE TELEGRAPH

FROM THE TEAM THAT BROUGHT YOU DREAMBOATS & PETTICOATS

‘A SHOW THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES’ THE ARGUS

‘FULL OF CHARM, NOSTALGIA AND PLENTY OF LAUGHS’ THE HERALD

FEATURING

ANTONY COSTA FROM BLUE

BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD PRESENT

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME FEATURING THE CLASSIC HITS OF DOC POMUS & MORT SHUMAN

A TEENAGER IN LOVE H SWEETS FOR MY SWEET HIS LATEST FLAME H VIVA LAS VEGAS H HERE I GO AGAIN SUSPICION H SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME AND MANY MORE From the team that brought you the huge success that is Dreamboats and Petticoats, Save the Last Dance for Me will take you back through the ‘music and magic’ of the early 60’s, a time when each passing week brought another Rock ‘n’ Roll classic. This nostalgic, feel-good journey will transport you back to music’s golden era as we follow two teenage sisters through the summer of ’63.

For the first time without their parents the sisters embark on a holiday to the seaside. Full of freedom and high spirits they meet a handsome young American who invites them to a dance at the local U.S. Air force base. But young love and holiday romance is never as simple as it sounds, and the sisters soon realise that while the world around them is still watching itself in black and white, life and love can be much more colourful.

Photos include previous cast

BY LAURENCE MARKS & MAURICE GRAN MON 6 - SAT 11 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £14.90 online/phone Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night (Prem, A & B), thereafter £5 off Tue - Thu (A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 13

ORGANISE A GROUP AND ENJOY EVEN BIGGER SAVINGS

THERE ARE GROUP SAVINGS ON THE MAJORITY OF SHOWS INCLUDING FOOTLOOSE | SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME AMERICAN IDIOT | JACKIE THE MUSICAL | CATS CHICAGO | BLOOD BROTHERS | SISTER ACT SNOW WHITE AND MANY MORE!

Look out for shows marked with the G symbol throughout this brochure.

WE OFFER OUR GROUP BOOKERS A HUGE RANGE OF FANTASTIC BENEFITS A DEDICATED AND FRIENDLY VENUE BASED GROUP SALES TEAM PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF NEW SHOWS, WITH AN EXCLUSIVE BOOKING PERIOD RESERVE NOW AND PAY LATER NO BOOKING FEES, WITH TICKETS POSTED FREE TO YOUR DOOR RESERVATIONS CAN EASILY BE AMENDED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST PRE-ORDER DISCOUNTED ICE CREAMS AND CONFECTIONARY INVITES TO EXCITING LAUNCHES AND PREVIEWS 14

All offers and prices are subject to terms, conditions, availability and can be withdrawn without prior notice.

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT WITH

A MBA SSA D O R EX P ER I EN CE GROUP DISCOUNTS SEE PAGE 40

RED PACKAGE NORMALLY £15 GROUP RATE £10 PURPLE PACKAGE NORMALLY £45 GROUP RATE £40 VARIETY BOXES BLUE LABEL NORMALLY £15 GROUP RATE £13 YELLOW LABEL £25

TO BOOK CALL 0844 871 3037 (Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm)

OR EMAIL liverpoolgroups@ theambassadors.com

THE GREATEST HITS OF THE 40s AND 50s FROM THE PRODUCERS OF ‘PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ’

THE DAZZLING SONG & DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

WITH SPECIAL GUEST STARS

THE OVERTONES

AN ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING EXTRAVAGANZA From the producers of the sell out smash hit Puttin’ On The Ritz comes a dazzling song and dance extravaganza bringing you a sparkling all singing, all dancing, feel good show featuring the biggest hits of the 40s & 50s - live on stage.

The Overtones are Britain’s number 1 vocal harmony group who have just celebrated their 5th consecutive Top 10 UK album and a sell out UK tour.

With glorious costumes, sumptuous music and a West End cast of singers and dancers, this spectacular show will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands and singing along.

WONDERFUL SONGS, BEAUTIFUL DANCE A BREATHTAKING SHOW

WITH SPECIAL GUEST STARS THE OVERTONES TUE 14 - SAT 18 JUN Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm G F S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night (Prem, A & B), thereafter weekdays £5 off (Prem, A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

15

THE TELEGRAPH

THE TIMES

THE INDEPENDENT

EVENING STANDARD THE TIMES

GREEN DAY LYRICS BY BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG BOOK BY BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG AND MICHAEL MAYER DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY RACKY PLEWS DESIGNED BY SARA PERKS MUSIC BY

Presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York

16

DIRECT FROM A SMASH HIT SEASON IN THE HEART OF LONDON’S WEST END

STARRING X-FACTOR FINALIST

AND

American Idiot is coming to Liverpool with Double Platinum selling artist Newton Faulkner playing the role of Johnny. He will join X Factor finalist Amelia Lily in Green Day’s explosive award-winning Broadway musical alongside Alexis Gerred, Llandyll Gove, Lucas Rush and Steve Rushton who will all be reprising their critically acclaimed roles.

TUE 21 - SAT 25 JUN Tue - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm& 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm

Winner of two Tony Awards® and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. The show features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and book

by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer.

TICKETS FROM £12 £14.90 online/phone

US rock band Green Day released their American Idiot album back in 2004. Inspired by epic rock operas such as Jesus Christ Superstar and The Who’s Tommy, the album soon went multiplatinum, selling over 15m copies to date and winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album.

SAVE WITH YOUR

This thrilling new musical has had Green Day fans in rapture and introduced a generation of theatregoers to their powerful and moving musical style.

FOLLOW THE SHOW @UKAMERICANIDIOT Recommended age 14+. Please note: Newton Faulkner will not be appearing on 25 Jun. Quotes and production images from 2015 London production. Photos by Darren Bell and Johan Persson

C G S E Details page 43

Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

E Half price opening night (Prem, A & B), thereafter weekdays £7.50 off excl.

Fri 7.30pm

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 17

18

LET THE MEMORY LIVE AGAIN

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking 2015 Olivier award nominated musical Cats returns to Liverpool, direct from its sell-out seasons at the London Palladium.

Adapted from TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this ‘GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL’ (DAILY EXPRESS) is set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball and comes together in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse.

With ‘TIMELESS MUSIC, SPECTACULAR SETS AND A SUPERB CAST’ (DAILY MIRROR), breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable Memory, Cats is a magical musical like no other.

Let Cats thrill you once again, but don’t miss out on a seat - act fast and book your tickets today! ‘IT’S THE CAT’S WHISKERS’ (THE TIMES).

MON 11 - SAT 16 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm SENIOR SPECIAL Best available seats for £25 on Wed mat C G E S Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £15 Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off Mon & Tue (Prem, A & B), £5 off Wed & Thu (A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard Cats was originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Limited TM © 1981 RUG LTD

19

THE SENSATIONAL NEW MUSICAL PACKED WITH CLASSIC 70’S HITS Gardyne Theatre and Arden Entertainment in association with DC Thomson & Co Ltd present

STARRIN

G

JANET DIBLE

Y

BOOK BY MIKE JAMES DIRECTOR ANNA LINSTRUM CHOREOGRAPHER

ARLENE PHILLIPS DESIGNER TIM SHORTALL LIGHTING DESIGNER

PHILIP GLADWELL Once there was a time with no mobiles, no online dating and no Facebook, when teenage girls waited with bated breath by the letterbox for their weekly issue of Jackie Magazine.

In Jackie The Musical we revisit those heady days, and tell the story of a recent divorcée who seeks advice once more from the pages of her old Jackie annuals. The quizzes, the fashion tips, the ‘do’s and don’ts on first date’ and above all the Cathy and Claire problem pages are all eagerly devoured by our plucky heroine as she revisits the dizzy world of the teen bible. With her ex and a handsome new guy in tow, the valuable lessons she learnt as a girl begin to influence her future and Jackie discovers the one person in control of her life is her.

Starring Janet Dibley (The Two of Us, EastEnders, Fat Friends), Olivier Award nominee Graham Bickley (Ragtime, Bread) and Nicholas Bailey (EastEnders, The Archers), Jackie The Musical features classic 70’s hits, played live on stage by a world class band. Thrill once more to the unmistakable sounds of pop idols Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Marc Bolan and many more.

This fun and feisty night out is a must see.

20

Age guidance 12+. Running Time 2 hours, 15 mins including interval.

Jackie ® © DC Thomson & Co. Ltd. 2016. Photography by Eric Richmond

MUSICAL SUPERVISOR / ORCHESTRATOR BEN GODDARD SOUND BOBBY AITKEN TUE 28 JUN - SAT 2 JUL Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G F S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £14.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night, thereafter £5 off midweek perfs

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

AUDIO DESCRIBED THE MOUSETRAP THU 21 APR 7.30pm THE BODYGUARD TUE 3 MAY 7.30pm SCOTTISH BALLET SWAN LAKE ­ SAT 4 JUN 2.30pm CATS WED 13 JUL 7.30pm SISTER ACT THU 13 OCT 7.30pm SNOW WHITE TUE 20 DEC 2pm WAR HORSE TUE 21 NOV 2017 7.30pm

CAPTIONED THE BODYGUARD MON 2 MAY 7.30pm CATS THU 14 JUL 7.30pm SNOW WHITE THU 29 OCT 7.30pm WAR HORSE THU 23 NOV 2017 7.30pm

SIGNED PERFORMANCES THE MOUSETRAP FRI 22 APR 7.30pm THE BODYGUARD WED 4 MAY 7.30pm CATS WED 13 JUL 7.30pm SISTER ACT WED 12 OCT 7.30pm

SPORTACUS, ROBBIE ROTTEN, STEPHANIE AND ZIGGY RETURN IN THEIR ALL-NEW STAGE SHOW FOR 2016 Go, go, go, get up LazyTown - to a brand-new, non-stop, interactive, energetic treat - jam-packed with singing, dancing, acrobatics, music and fun.

Robbie is at his rottenest, Sportacus at his super-active best. LazyTown engages, entertains and motivates children to make healthier choices.

Featuring No One’s Lazy in LazyTown, Bing Bang and Never Say Never. Suitable for ages 3 to 103!

SNOW WHITE WED 21 DEC 7pm

‘BING, BING, BANG GET READY FOR NON-STOP ACTION AND SUPER HERO FUN. LET’S GO’

WAR HORSE WED 22 NOV 2017 7.30PM

SPORTACUS THU 11 - SAT 13 AUG Thu 4pm Fri 1.30pm & 4.30pm Sat 10.30am & 1.30pm

RELAXED PERFORMANCE SNOW WHITE WED 21 DEC 2pm

C E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £14.75 £16.65 online/phone

To book for any of the above performances please contact the Access Officer on 0844 871 3037 (10am - 6pm, Mon - Fri) or e-mail liverpoolgroups@theambassadors.com Please note: A returnable £5 deposit or debit/credit card will be required for hiring Sennheiser headsets and loops

Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

www.lazytownliveuk.com

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool 21

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE CREATIVE LEARNING SUMMER PROJECT BASED ON A CONCEPTION OF

JEROME ROBBINS BOOK BY

ARTHUR LAURENTS MUSIC BY

LEONARD BERNSTEIN LYRICS BY

STEPHEN SONDHEIM ENTIRE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

JEROME ROBBINS Originally produced on Broadway by ROBERT E. GRIFFITH and HAROLD PRINCE by arrangement with ROGER L. STEVENS This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK.

A cast of young people from the local area, working with a professional creative team will star in a vibrant production of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, West Side Story.

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.

The famous score includes such classics as Tonight, America, Maria, I Feel Pretty and Somewhere. Don’t miss the raw power and emotion of West Side Story, brought to you by the best of local talent.

THU 18 - SAT 20 AUG Thu - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm EARLY BOOKING OFFER £5 off book by 1 Aug G B E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £18.25 £21.15 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £6 off (Fri 19 Aug only)

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‘SEXY, SASSY, SULTRY, SEDUCTIVE, SENSUAL,SLINKY, SOPHISTICATED’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

‘THE SEXIEST MOST SENSATIONAL MUSICAL’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

‘MAKES ALL OTHER MUSICALS LOOK TAME’ DAILY EXPRESS The international award-winning Broadway and West End musical, Chicago, comes to the Liverpool Empire for 1 week only starring West End and EastEnders actor and Celebrity Big Brother star John Partridge (Cats, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon, Starlight Express) as Billy Flynn.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920’s, 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 12 - SAT 17 SEP Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S B E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off opening night (Prem, A - B), thereafter £5 off Tue - Thu perfs (A - B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 23

‘EXHILARATING

ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN’ SUNDAY TIMES

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

...THEIR DESTINY JOINED THEM TOGETHER

‘BRINGS THE AUDIENCE CHEERING TO ITS FEET AND ROARING APPROVAL’ DAILY MAIL

24

Photos include previous cast

THEIR LIVES WERE WORLDS APART...

THE MUSICAL FOR ALL TIME

‘A TRIUMPHANT EVENING UNMISSABLE AND UNBEATABLE’ THE SPECTATOR

★★★★★ ‘DAZZLING’

★★★★★ ‘TERRIFIC’

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY EXPRESS

BEST MUSICAL ALL MAJOR AWARDS

‘A PHENOMENON. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED’ DAILY POST

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.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi award-winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production 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’ (THE DAILY MAIL).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

‘GRITTY, GRIPPING, SUPERB’ MAIL ON SUNDAY

MON 19 SEP - SAT 1 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off opening night (Prem, A - B), thereafter £5 off Tue - Thu perfs (Prem, A - C)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

25

ANOTHER OP’NIN’, ANOTHER SHOW

LOUIS SMITH TAKES TO THE FLOOR

COLE PORTER’S

KISS ME, KATE 1940s Baltimore. And it’s op’nin’ night of a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. Rehearsals are over, costumes donned and there’s a 10 minute curtain call. But what you’re about to witness is a whole lot more than Shakespeare’s comic love story.

The stories unfold on and off-stage, comically intertwined in Cole Porter’s classic musical.

Full of wit, dance, show business and hit songs including Another Op’nin’, Another Show, Brush Up Your Shakespeare and Always True to You in My Fashion, Kiss Me, Kate will leave any Tom, Dick or Harry grinning from ear to ear.

The brand new dance show celebrating the world of Ballroom and Latin dance. Also featuring Robin Windsor and other professionals from Strictly Come Dancing alongside world-champion Ballroom and Latin Dancers Keep Dancing features all of your favourite styles of dance in one fast paced, high intensity production.

With dazzling costumes and breathtaking choreography, Keep Dancing is guaranteed to have you dancing into the night and having a fab-u-louis time.

TUE 1 - SAT 5 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

wno.org.uk/kissmekate

WED 5 - FRI 7 OCT Wed - Fri eves 7.30pm

C G S B Details page 43

ON SALE MON 4 APR

TICKETS FROM £12 £13 online/phone

C G S E Details page 43

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack Critical Edition by David Charles Abell and Seann Alderking A co-production with Opera North

26

Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

TICKETS FROM £6 £7 online/phone Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool

WITH SPECIAL GUEST STAR OLYMPIAN AND STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNER 2012

LOUIS SMITH

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price Tue (Prem, A & B), £5 off Wed - Fri (Prem, A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

MON 10 - SAT 15 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm An all new production of the Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy comes to the Liverpool Empire starring Alexandra Burke (X Factor, The Bodyguard).

Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, Sister Act is the feel-amazing musical comedy based on the smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith.

Featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Enchanted), dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, Sister Act is the funniest and funkiest musical around.

Come and see the habits hit the road again and why this fabulous family friendly show has been seen by more than 6 million people worldwide.

Alexandra Burke will not be performing as 'Deloris Van Cartier' on any matinée performances

C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £10 £12.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off opening night, thereafter £5 off Tue and Wed perfs (Prem, A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 27

& T S E I X E S E H T L L I T S H HH

T S E I N N FU HH

SHOW IN

T OWN

E V ENING S TA NDA RD

IT’S TIME TO RE-START THE PARTY!

28

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

RICHARD O’BRIEN’S

★★★★★ ‘FRESH, SUBVERSIVE, ESSENTIAL’ DAILY TELEGRAPH SEP 2015

★★★★

‘SHARP, SAUCY LOTS OF FUN’ LIVERPOOL ECHO

DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER LUSCOMBE Following a record breaking run in February this year Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show returns to the Liverpool Empire for one week only this October.

Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is a non-stop party!

You have one more chance to see the world’s favourite rock ‘n‘ roll musical so book now before it’s too late.

Be warned, this show has rude parts!

DON’T DREAM IT BE IT!

MON 17 - SAT 22 OCT Mon - Thu eves 8pm Fri & Sat 5.30pm & 8.30pm C G E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups direct from venue)

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price Mon eve, £5 off Fri 5.30pm (Prem, A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard Photos include previous cast

29

BOOK NOW FOR PRE-THEATRE OFFERS 2 COURSES FOR £12.95* SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR ONE OFF SHOW SPECIALS

limestbistro@theambassadors.com 0151 702 7354 atgtickets.com/limestbistro EMPIRE THEATRE LIME STREET LIVERPOOL L1 1JE 30

*Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability, see website for info.

‘CHUFFING BRILLIANT’ DAILY MAIL

WINNER! UK THEATRE

AWARD BEST TOURING

PRODUCTION

THE FULL MONTY A British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose took the world by storm!

Based on his smash hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production starring Gary Lucy, Louis Emerick, Chris Fountain, Kai Owen and a fantastic cast of fourteen has not only been getting standing ovations every night, but was also voted best touring production by the UK Theatre Awards.

Featuring great songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, you really should drop absolutely everything and book today!

‘TERRIFIC’ SUNDAY TIMES ‘CHUFFING CHAMPION’ MAIL ON SUNDAY ‘EVERY INCH A WHOPPING HIT’DAILY TELEGRAPH

MON 7 - SAT 12 NOV Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night (A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 31

A CHRISTMAS TREAT

Make Christmas 2016 one that your whole family will remember - book a visit to White Christmas The Musical and start the festive season in Broadway style!

It’s a must-see classic, now as a lavish new musical that the NEW YORK TIMES says to ‘PUT ON YOUR WISH LIST’. Based on the much-loved movie starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, White Christmas The Musical tells the story of two ex-army pals who team up with a singing sister-act to put on a show to save a remote ski lodge in Vermont, which has fallen on hard times.

Come and enjoy this enduring tale of joy, love and goodwill, filled with timeless Irving Berlin songs, dancing and even snow!

THU 17 - SUN 20 NOV Thu - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat - Sun mats 2.30pm

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live. Expect enchanted toys, mischievous mice and sparkling snowflakes in a colourful ballet that’s ‘CHRISTMAS-CARD PERFECT’ (THE GUARDIAN).

From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final cheers and bows, a trip to Nutcracker, in the splendour of the Liverpool Empire, is an unforgettable holiday treat.

HHHHH THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

HHHHH FINANCIAL TIMES

This is a non-professional production staged by the renowned BOST Musicals Written for the screen

by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank

G F E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £10 £11.90 online/phone

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Book by David Ives and Paul Blake

SAVE WITH YOUR E £2 off evening perfs

32

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

C G F S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13.90 online/phone Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

Online & phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups).

Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

Original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie

TUE 29 NOV - SAT 3 DEC Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

Photo: Dancer Shiori Kase © Jason Bell.

Art Direction & Design

by Charlotte Wilkinson Studio

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night, thereafter £7 off (A - C) excludes Thu mat & Sat eve

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHICH IS THE FAIREST PANTO OF THEM ALL? SAT 10 - SAT 31 DEC 2016

STARRING

LEANNE CAMPBELL

AS THE WICKED QUEEN

JORGIE PORTER

AS SNOW WHITE

LIAM MELLOR

AS MUDDLES

Join us for a festive family adventure into an enchanted fairytale forest and meet all of your favourite characters along the way with this year’s spectacular pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Snow White stars TV favourite Jorgie Porter in the title role, Radio City’s Leanne Campbell as the evil Wicked Queen and Liam Mellor, back by popular demand as the lovable comic, Muddles.

Snow White is a dazzling fairytale of a pantomime guaranteed to melt everyone’s hearts; watch as the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends attempt to defeat the Wicked Queen. Will Snow White meet her handsome Prince and save the day?

Come along to the Liverpool Empire this Christmas to find out.

Spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, side splitting comedy and lots and lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy.

With tickets from just £11, book now for the best value panto in town! * NEW Relaxed Performance. Specifically designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders or a learning disability. There will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement with some small changes made to the light and sound effects of the performance

Sat 10

2pm

7pm

Sun 11

1pm

5.30pm

Mon 12

No performances

Tue 13

11am

7pm

Wed 14

2pm

7pm

Thu 15

11am

7pm

Fri 16

11am

7pm

Sat 17

2pm

7pm

Sun 18

1pm

5.30pm

Mon 19

No performances

Tue 20

2pm

7pm

Wed 21

2pm*

7pm

Thu 22

1pm

5.30pm

Fri 23

1pm

5.30pm

Sat 24

12.30pm 5pm

Sun 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Mon 26

1pm

5.30pm

Tue 27

2pm

7pm

Wed 28

2pm

7pm

Thu 29

2pm

7pm

Fri 30

2pm

7pm

Sat 31

2pm

-

FAMILY TICKET £55/£45 In person at the Box Office, transaction fee applies to telephone and online bookings.

Selected perfs. (4 tickets, incl. at least 1 child).

SENIORS HALF PRICE Bands A - B only. Selected perfs.

C G F S B E Details p43 TICKETS FROM £11 Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price (Prem, A & B) Excluding Sun 11 Dec mat and all perfs Sat 17 - Thu 29 Dec

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 33

DIRECT FROM A RECORD BREAKING WEST END RUN

★★★★★

‘THE MUSICAL WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. A SWEET-SOUL SOLID-GOLD, FIVE-STAR BLAST. SO GOOD I ALMOST WEPT’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

RODDY DOYLE’S OVER 20 SOUL E IV CL A S SIC S GLE !

O N S TA

THE HIT WEST END MUSICAL The Commitments is a fantastically feel good celebration of soul.

Direct from a phenomenally successful, record breaking run in London’s West End, The Commitments is based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic.

The Commitments received universal critical acclaim following its London World Premiere and was quickly hailed as a smash hit musical sensation. With over 20 soul classics performed live on stage including Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Save Me, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Reach Out, Uptight, Knock On Wood, I Can’t Turn You Loose and more!

A guaranteed fabulously-fun night out you will simply never forget.

★★★★‘A RIP-ROARING CONCERT. GETS THE AUDIENCE UP ON ITS FEET’

LONDON EVENING STANDARD

★★★★

‘SUBLIME! WONDERFULLY FUNNY’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

34

Photos of previous cast

FREE DRINK OFFER

MON 16 & TUE 17 JAN BOOK BY 18 APR T&C’s apply

MON 16 - SAT 21 JAN 2017 Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night.

Thereafter, £5 off Tue - Thu perfs incl mat (Prem, A- C)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

34

‘A BLAZING TRIUMPH. I SWEAR YOU’LL GET GOOSEBUMPS’ THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

HHHHH

WIN

DAILY MAIL THE DAILY TELEGRAPH FINANCIAL TIMES MAIL ON SUNDAY SUNDAY EXPRESS

BEST NNEERW MU OLIVIERSA ICAL WARD 2015

Music and Lyrics

Book

RAY DAVIES JOE PENHALL

SUNNY AFTERNOON

Original Story by

RAY DAVIES

S

Director

EDWARD HALL

WATERLOO SUNSET

DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION LOLA YOU REALLY GOT ME AND MANY, MANY MORE...

Sunny Afternoon tells the captivating tale of how one of Britain’s greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to stardom. Step into swinging 60s Britain and discover how The Kinks found their definitive sound that rocked a nation and influenced generations.

Featuring the iconic hits You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, All Day and All of the Night, Lola, Sunny Afternoon and many more, this producton fizzes with energy, and is a fresh new ‘GREAT BRITISH MUSICAL’ (THE TIMES) that will make your spirits soar.

With music and lyrics by Ray Davies (Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music), a new book by Joe Penhall and direction

by Edward Hall, Sunny Afternoon’s faultless musicianship and brilliant songs come together for a moving portrayal of The Kinks’ amazing journey during the youthful, rebellious 1960s.

‘A COLOURFUL AND CONTAGIOUS ROCK MUSICAL - THE BEST OF ITS SORT SINCE JERSEY BOYS’ THE TIMES

TWO MIDWEEK MATS BOOK EARLY & SAVE! TUE 7 - SAT 11 FEB 2017 Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night, thereafter £5 off Wed & Thu perfs (Prem, A & B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 35

‘AN ENTERTAINMENT PHENOMENON’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

War Horse tells the powerful and uplifting story of young Albert, his beloved horse Joey, and the unimaginable obstacles they overcome both individually and together. At the heart of the show are life-sized puppets which bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. Filled with stirring music and some of the most innovative stagecraft of our time, War Horse is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, and an unforgettable theatrical experience. warhorseonstage.com

★★★★★

‘A TRIUMPH OF THEATRICALITY. A HEART-STOPPING STAGING OF MICHAEL MORPURGO’S FIRST WORLD WAR STORY. ONE OF THE NATIONAL’S BIGGEST EVER EVENTS’ THE OBSERVER

WED 15 NOV - SAT 2 DEC 2017 Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu 16, Wed 22 & Wed 29 Nov 2.30pm Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E Details page 43 TICKETS FROM £12 £13.90 online/phone Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups). Per ticket booking fees may also apply.

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

36

Photos of original West End cast by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

SPECIAL EVENTS ONE NIGHT OF ROCK

ILLEGAL EAGLES THU 7 APR 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £23 £25.90 online/phone*

SAT 9 APR 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £25.75 £28.65 online/phone*

The World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute continue to amaze crowds everywhere. The Illegal Eagles’ ability to capture the band’s definitive sound has won mass audience acclaim. Featuring classics - Hotel California, Take It Easy, Take it to the Limit, and many more including a special tribute to the late Glenn Frey!

48 air punching rock anthems over two hours, backed by an all-female rock group and superb laser show. Featuring music from Bon Jovi, Queen, AC/DC, The Who, Dire Straits, Whitesnake and many more.

A VISION OF ELVIS FRI 8 APR 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £21.25 £24.15 online/phone* The award winning, Rob Kingsley and his spectacular live 10 piece band leave the audience in no doubt that they are witnessing a truly authentic Elvis show. So if you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by some of the best music ever, A Vision Of Elvis is definitely for you!

www.easytheatres.com

BARRY STEELE AND FRIENDS

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

THE ORBISON STORY

PERFORMED BY GARY MULLEN & THE WORKS

TUE 17 MAY 7.30pm TICKETS FROM £22.50 £25.40 online/phone* Recognised as one of the world’s leading tributes to legend Roy Orbison, Barry Steele stuns audiences with his uncanny ability to recreate the exquisite sounds of this musical giant, as he and his guests celebrate the Big O’s 80th Birthday.

THU 19 MAY 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £20.50 £23.40 online/phone* In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received. Since May 2002, Gary Mullen & The Works have performed throughout the world to sell-out audiences.

This show will rock you!

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

WED 18 MAY 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £24 £27.90 online/phone Starring Linda Nolan (The Nolans), Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) and Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty). Four women with seemingly nothing in common, meet by chance and make fun of their woeful lives experiencing ‘The Change’ and their problems with forgetfulness.

atgtickets.com/liverpool (Bkg/trns fees apply) Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 or £4; events with an * carry a 1% per tickets booking charge when booking by credit or debit card in person.

37

SPECIAL EVENTS AN EVENING WITH GORDON LIGHTFOOT

FRI 20 MAY 8pm TICKETS FROM £43.50 £46.40 online/phone* In his first UK concerts for 30 years, featuring his well known hits as well as some deep album cuts for the die-hard fanatics, all of which are woven together with some of Lightfoot’s own behind the scenes stories and personal anecdotes about his 50 year career.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AND DON BLACK’S WEST END & BROADWAY HIT STARRING JODIE PRENGER

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY

MON 23 MAY 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £23.50 £27.40 online/phone* Following her acclaimed performance in the Watermill Theatre’s 2014 production of Calamity Jane, Jodie Prenger now steps into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical, Tell Me on a Sunday.

Charting the romantic misadventures of an English girl in New York during the heady days of the 1980s, this iconic musical features a wonderful original score including the chart-topping Take That Look Off Your Face.

38

THE DREAMBOYS

SOUL LEGENDS SAT 21 MAY 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £26.75 £29.65 online/phone* Jump on board the soul train, with Soul Legends and special guest George McCrae performing his No.1 hits Rock Your Baby and I Can’t Leave You Alone. Enjoy the music of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie and many more. For one night only!

THU 26 MAY 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £18.75 £21.65 online/phone* If you’re looking for the very best girls night out in the UK, look no further than these incredible stripping hunks. An action packed 2 hour show, these boys will literally have you begging for more! A night full of music, muscle, magic and mayhem that will leave you breathless which you simply cannot afford to miss!

Ages 18+

CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS

WED 20 JUL 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £22.50 £25.40 online/phone* Featuring the best in Blues, Soul, Motown and Comedy from The Blues Brothers movies, including classics from James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and many more. This new stage production includes a 9 piece band - not to be missed!

THE ELO EXPERIENCE

THU 21 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS FROM £23 £25.90 online/phone* Celebrating their 10th year of bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra to the stage. Come along and enjoy this incredible show which accurately reproduces the songs and sounds and takes you on a magical musical journey through time.

THE DRIFTERS SAT 23 JUL 7.30pm C TICKETS FROM 27.25 £30.15 online/phone*

PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS FRI 22 JUL 7.30pm C G TICKETS FROM £21.50 £24.40 online/phone*

The Drifters 2016 tour sees the legacy of this phenomenal brand continue with the current line-up through their music.

This impactful and hi-tech show that’s full of surprises brings many of the greatest hits Under The Boardwalk, Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On The Roof, Kissin In The Back Row.

Two near naked men (they wear shoes) manipulate their nether regions using the Ancient Art of Genital Origami, providing the audience with a hilarious array of shapes and impersonations.

Ages 18+

E N H A N C E YO U R V I S I T WI T H A D R I N K I N O U R S P E C TACU L A R P I A N O B A R , A R E L A XI N G E N V I R O N M E N T WI T H FA N TA S T I C V I E W S O F T H E C I T Y Photography by Ben Fisher

atgtickets.com/liverpool (Bkg/trns fees apply) Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 or £4; events with an * carry a 1% per tickets booking charge when booking by credit or debit card in person.

39

THE AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE THE AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

GREEN

IS PROUD TO OFFER AN EXCITING

Buy a drink voucher in advance and save up to 20%

RANGE OF BESPOKE PACKAGES TO YOU, OUR THEATREGOER. THE AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE YOUR VISIT TO THE THEATRE EVEN MORE SPECIAL AND RELAXING

BY ORDERING IN ADVANCE AND SAVING MONEY.

£5

A DRINK AT THE BAR (175ml Glass of Chenin Blanc or Pinotage)

BLUE Treat yourself to the package that has it all in one tidy bundle.

£15 BE S T VA L UE

A DRINK AT THE BAR VARIETY BOX including: 187ml bottle of house wine Corkers Crisps, Dormen Coated Raisins OR Bottle of Water, Corkers Crisps, Dormen Coated Raisins, Beechdean Ice Cream A HOUSE PROGRAMME (or theatre gift if not available)

YELLOW

BOOK NOW AT THE BOX OFFICE

0844 871 3017

£25

Make your visit to the theatre even more special by treating yourself to a celebratory glass of bubbly.

A HALF BOTTLE OF PERRIER JOUËT CHAMPAGNE A BOX OF HANDMADE BELGIAN CHOCOLATES

WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM/

AMBASSADOREXPERIENCE

RED

£15

Discover our exclusive Ambassador Lounge where you can enjoy exceptional luxury and dedicated host service.

ENTRY TO THE AMBASSADOR LOUNGE WELCOME GLASS OF PROSECCO SAVOURY SNACKS OR Treat your child to ENTRY TO THE AMBASSADOR LOUNGE AN ACTIVITY PACK INNOCENT BUBBLES SWEET TREATS

PURPLE

£45

Pamper yourself with the full VIP treatment in our Ambassador Lounge. Luxury and glamour for a very special occasion.

ENTRY TO THE AMBASSADOR LOUNGE HALF BOTTLE OF PERRIER JOUËT CHAMPAGNE A BOX OF HANDMADE BELGIAN CHOCOLATES A HOUSE PROGRAMME (or theatre gift if not available)

40

D O YO U WA N T T O B E A S TA R F O R T H E N I G H T ?

E N J OY G UA R A N T E E D TA B L E S E R V I C E

T H E L I V E R P O O L E M P I R E T H E AT R E I S

BY A HOST WHO WILL BE ON HAND

DELIGHTED TO OFFER A SPECIAL RANGE

T O C AT E R T O YO U R E V E R Y N E E D.

O F PAC K AG E S F O R O U R C U S T O M E R S I N THE A MBASSADOR LOUNGE .

PA M P E R YO U R S E L F W I T H A L L T H E L U X U R Y AND GL AMOUR OF THE RED L ABEL AND P U R P L E L A B E L PAC K AG E S . YO U W I L L B E O N

G O O N S P O I L YO U R S E L F !

I F YO U W O U L D L I K E T O B O O K A N Y O F T H E A M B A S S A D O R PAC K AG E S P L E A S E C A L L 08 4 4 87 1 3017.

T H E E XC L U S I V E G U E S T L I S T A N D E S C O R T E D T O T H E A M B A S S A D O R L O U N G E O N A R R I VA L .

Photography by Brian Slater

41

THE MAGIC OF THEATRE DOESN’T END WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS!

GET INVOLVED! Liverpool Empire Theatre can

Here are just some of the activities we can offer:

do more than just what appears on the stage; we have an active

Show-related workshops

and forward thinking Creative

Theatrical workshops

Learning Department who

Theatre Tours

proactively strive to generate

Theatre Talks

educational opportunities for

Work Related Learning

local people to engage creatively

Career Days

with the theatre and the

School Holiday Projects

performing arts. We regularly

Arts Weeks

work with schools, colleges and

After School Clubs

universities from Liverpool and

Youth Dance

surrounding areas, educating and inspiring the local community

Youth Theatre Mature Movers

through theatre.

Dawn Chorus Choir

CONTACT US Natalie Flynn Creative Learning Manager natalieflynn@ theambassadors.com 0151 702 7337

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http://creativelearning.atg. co.uk/eventsworkshops /liverpool-events/

Top picture Jo Forrest Pictures to left Brian Slater

The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd. Reg Charity No: 509458 (England)

37

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 (bkg fee) Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

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 10am to 6pm (closes 15mins after performance starts on show nights, and opens 2 hours prior to performances on Sunday). Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card/Debit Cards and Gift Vouchers. Booking/Transaction fees may apply

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 ATG London Ltd. Cheques must be received 3 weeks prior to the performance date.

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 Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good Ltd

calling Tokenline on 0870 164 8800. www.theatretokens.com

cannot guarantee an unrestricted view from all seats at all times.

CONCESSIONS We offer discounts for senior citizens, people with special access requirements, 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.

MEDIUM/THERAPIST/ CLAIRVOYANT By attending this event you agree that you have sought the services provided of your own accord and understand that it is a holistic experiment and experience. The medium/therapist/ clairvoyant may give you information that could bring about a positive change in your life, but any changes that you make are your personal and legal responsibility.

Shows with these symbols have the following concessions available C General concessions G Group discounts F Family discounts

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

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.

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.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP LTD Co-founded by Sir Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire OBE in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the world’s number one live-theatre company with 45 venues in Britain, the US and Australia. ATG is among the most prolific and internationally recognised award-winning theatre producers in the world with co-productions in the UK, New York, across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. ATG is the market leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets, LOVETheatre and Group Line. ATG’s portfolio of West End theatres includes the Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy and Trafalgar Studios 1 and 2.

In the US, ATG owns The Lyric Theatre and the Hudson Theatre on Broadway and ACE Theatrical Group (ACE),

RESTORATION FUND The ticket price for certain shows may include a contribution of up to £1.50 to the theatre’s restoration fund. We are very grateful to our patrons for the financial help we receive through our restoration levy.

and in Australia ATG is leaseholder of and manages the

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 End of Longing, The Maids, The Ruling Class, Oresteia,

The Trustees are Terry Smith (Chairman) Lesley Marshall Prof. John Last CBE Tony Ensor Tony Thompson David Morgan (Secretary) The Trust is a registered Charity.

No. 509458

People, Ghost the Musical, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!,

All information in this brochure is correct at time of printing, and is subject to change. Due to the varying nature of the shows and sets we

Broadway in recent years. ATG is the majority shareholder

Theatre Royal, Sydney, ATG’s first theatre in the Asia Pacific region. ATG has regional theatres in Aylesbury, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh, Folkestone, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Richmond, Southport, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Torquay, Wimbledon, Woking and York. ATG currently has offices in London, New York, Sydney, Mannheim and Cologne. Current and recent ATG co-productions include Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, East is East, Richard III, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Jersey Boys, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Inala, Love Me Tender, Macbeth, The Hothouse, Passion Play, Posh, Jumpy and Constellations (Royal Court at the Duke of York’s), Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical, Legally Blonde the Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, South Pacific, All New Being Shakespeare, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling and Guys and Dolls. ATG has various production company initiatives/partnerships including Jerry Mitchell Productions, Theatre Royal Brighton Productions and Jamie Lloyd Productions. ATG also owns family entertainment and pantomime company, First Family Entertainment (FFE). ATG has a group partner company Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP), a West End and Broadway production company responsible for some of the most successful theatre productions in London and on of BB Group, a leading producer and promoter of premium live entertainment in Europe with a particular strength in touring musicals and dance productions throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

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21 15 100,000 £35

THEATRES ACROSS THE UK

Your ATG Theatre Card gives you a whole year of: Opening night offers

WEST END AND LONDON THEATRES

MEMBERS WORLDWIDE

FOR 12 MONTHS WHEN YOU JOIN BY

JOIN TODAY

Priority booking Ticket deals No extra fees to pay Free ticket exchange 10% off in all our bars Theatre talks and tours

www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard 0844 871 7633 (Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge)

Your nearest ATG Box Office

HALF PRICE OPENING NIGHT MON 9 & TUE 10 MAY. £5 OFF MIDWEEK PERFS

Restaurant and visitor attraction offers Complimentary cloakroom

HALF PRICE

OPENING NIGHT (PREM, A - B) £7.50 OFF MIDWEEK PERFS (EXCL. FRI 7.30PM)

*ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue or call 0844 871 7633. Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets at the Theatre Card price per performance and up to 4 drinks at UK venues in the Ambassador Theatre Group. Offers are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers. Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events and on tickets to events at non ATG and ATG international venues. ATG reserve the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice.

ATG Theatre Card current price is valid until 31/12/2016. For full Terms and Conditions please visit atgtickets.com