27 Judy and Liza on tour and what’s on at

The Phil’s still alive, with the sound of music

COMPLIED BY REECE PAPE

After months of Government-mandated radio-silence (or should that be ‘concert-hall-silence’?), the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is getting ready for its comeback this summer.

Concerts will begin again virtually on Tuesday April 6, with audiences being welcomed back into Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for the first time on Thursday May 20 and Sunday May 23.

The orchestra promises “music to lift the spirits” with evocations of the British countryside by Frederick Delius, Liverpool’s own Paul Lewis performing Beethoven’s first piano concerto and Vasily Petrenko conducting the music of his homeland with Prokofiev’s youthful Sinfonietta. The Hall will be enforcing regular COVID regulations, meaning that limited seats will be available for sale and, of course, social distancing will also be in place for both the audience and performers.

Attendees will also be required to wear a face covering (unless exempt) for the entirety of the visit, but you can presumably slide them up for a cheeky sip, as you’ll be able to enjoy drinks at your seat in the auditorium pre-ordering them with the tickets. Additionally, the Grand Foyer Bar will be open 30 minutes prior to the concert, so you can grab some drinks and snacks from there.

If you’re unable to physically join in with the events, you’ll also be able to watch some of the concerts online via ‘Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on Demand’ from April 6. Six of these will available to watch exclusively online, including Vasily Petrenko conducting an all-Stravinsky programme, April 6, and Beethoven’s Symphony No 2, April 20.

Tickets are available on Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s website.

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LL ARTS Show-stopper as live theatre stages a return

By HEIDI HEWLINGS

The stunning stage show ‘Judy and Liza’ is coming to New Brighton and will be one of the first UK tours to be staged out of lockdown.

After almost a year of theatres being closed as a result of the pandemic, many people are desperate to get back to a live performance and enjoy the thrills that a stage production has to offer.

On Song Productions are gearing up to make an explosive return to the dazzling world of musical theatre with their opening at the Floral Pavillion.

After a decade of captivating audiences, the production will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a national tour throughout May and June this year.

The stage shows will also visit Worcester, Leeds, Chesterfield, Lytham St Annes, Coventry, Mold, and Lichfield, with a London date to be confirmed.

The musical features West End starts Emma Dears and Helen Sheals, who pay tribute to the Hollywood mother and daughter Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli, in a stunning showcase of their acclaimed careers.

Liverpool-born actress Emma Dears, who appears as Liza, is also the writer and creator of the show.

Emma performs alongside the talented Helen Sheals.

Emma said: “It is with pure excitement that we can take Judy and Liza’s emotional and iconic story on the road. As performers, we crave being in front of a live audience – seeing, hearing, and feeling their reactions, it gets no better than that.

“Whether you’re a fan of Judy or Liza, or both, their story is unique. The show is full of love, heartache and passion and Helen and I have worked tirelessly to make sure we get every tiny detail just right. Join us for an evening with the mother and daughter who really did put the ‘show’ into showbiz.”

Critics have praised the stage production, with ‘Musical Theatre,’ rating the show five stars and summing it up as: “Classy, emotional, tasteful, and heartfelt.”

Producer of the musical, Bill Elms, commented: “We are thrilled to finally announce the 10th Anniversary UK tour of Judy and Liza. It’s a production very close to my heart as I worked on the very first show. It is going to be a very special tour, as for many of the theatres, this will be their first show of the year, as we come out of lockdown. We can promise audiences a safe and very memorable experience as they rediscover the joy of live entertainment through this captivating show.”

Well-known songs will be featured, including ‘Cabaret’, ‘Maybe This Time’, ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘The Man That Got Away’, ‘The Trolley Song and ‘Together Wherever We Go’. • To find out more visit: www.judyandliza.co.uk

PRODUCTION NUMBERS: Emma Dears as Liza and Helen Shields as Judy Photos: Andrew AB

Post-lockdown shows coming to waterfront venue

Shone Productions have announced three new summer shows for Liverpool’s waterfront venue the M&S Bank Arena.

The productions, including ‘X-treme Magic’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and ‘Circus Spectacular,’ are heading to the city this summer to mark the venue’s post-lockdown re-opening.

The line-up includes Gareth Gates, Richard Cadell, Pete Firman and Bippo, who will appear in the first live programme at the waterfront venue when Covid-19 restrictions are eased in the coming months.

‘X-treme Magic’ will be staged on Saturday May 22; ‘Sleeping Beauty’ will run from Saturday May 29 until Saturday June 5 and audiences can look forward to ‘Circus Spectacular’ on Saturday June 12.

All the shows will be staged in The Auditorium at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, and tickets are on sale now.

Producer James Shone commented: “We are thrilled to announce these new shows for summer 2021. Audiences have missed out on so many live experiences over the last 12 months, so it’s a real privilege that we will be presenting some of the very first shows once lockdown restrictions are eased.

“The three spectacular shows promise fun, laughter and magic – something we all really need right now.

“We want to reassure theatre goers that social distancing and safety measures will be in place to ensure Covid-secure performances – audience, cast and crew safety is paramount.” By HEIDI HEWLINGS