Liverpool Empire Archives - Page 4 of 8

5Jul

By Andrew LeeNo Comments

North West

Heathers the Musical – Liverpool Empire

If you have never seen the movie of Heathers, it’s unlikely this musical will be what you are expecting. Heathers is a unique musical, both musically and narratively speaking. Veronica Sawyer finds herself finally as a somebody, joining the popular clique of the three Heathers, before deciding it is time to get her old self back and get away from the Heathers. The plot that ensues is dark, funny, and emotionally charged in equal measure. The music for the show is unique, rooted in pop and modern musical theatre singing. There is so much syncopation in the ensemble singing that it is truly jarring, which is befitting of the constant feeling that something is not quite right. The musical numbers are many, and each is as good as the last, it is impossible to mention them all, but the perfo...

14Jun

By Jenn McKeanNo Comments

North West

Dirty Dancing – Liverpool Empire

You are bound to have the time of your life with this current production of Dirty Dancing. Telling the story of Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman and Johnny Castle, in the summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing is a classic and a film that pretty much every person on the planet has seen at some point in their lives. Which, in a way, makes it harder to transfer it onto the stage as authentically as possible. However, the current touring production of the show manages to do just that. Whilst some of the audience decided to treat it like a pantomime, where they pleased, the cast remained professional and the behaviour couldn’t detract from the performances on the stage. Michael O’Reilly’s Johnny Castle, was definitely the hit of the night, with the ladies in the audience. From the Patrick Swayze-style hai...

7Jun

By Emma LambeNo Comments

North West

Annie – Liverpool Empire

This timeless classic is about Annie who’s a confident, fiery 11 girl waiting for her parents to come rescue her from Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Set in the 1930’s during the Great Depression Annie’s optimism shines through when she’s chosen to spend Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Of course, Annie is delighted to spend time away from scrubbing the floors and sets out to search for her real family. Knowing there’s a $50,000 reward to find Annie’s real parents, Miss Hannigan hatches a plan with her crony brother to reap the benefits. Any musical that you recognise the songs from without having seen it before shows that it’s iconic. My foot was tapping along with the orphan girls polished rendition of ‘It’s the hard knock life’, if you’ll pardon the pun. This w...

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Liverpool Empire

3May

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Liverpool Empire

A celebration of the worlds possible to create onstage. Katy Rudd and Joel Horwood, along with their creative teams have transformed Neil Gaiman’s story into a masterclass of theatre making. The attention to detail and appreciation for the magical realism of the world in and around the Hempstock’s farm, did not go unnoticed. The slick choreography and complicated set changes proved part of the magic and kept the audience gasping and giggling at just how they did it. Photo: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg Standout aspects were Ian Dickinson’s sound design and Samuel Wyer’s puppets. With delicate power, these aspects of the performance brought more life and atmosphere to the stage than any other. A perfect accompaniment to the actor’s performances, that kept us believing in the world onstage a...

David Walliams’ Demon Dentist – Liverpool Empire

28Apr

By Anne PritchardNo Comments

North West

David Walliams’ Demon Dentist – Liverpool Empire

David Walliams is now a well-known author and his children’s books have become infamous for their comedy and down-to-earth themes; he is probably classed as one of the most contemporary influential writers of children’s books at the present time, his characters are both endearing and outrageous whilst he also touches on the plights of unhappy and unloved children and their escapades. Demon Dentist is a stage adaptation of his latest book following on from Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy. This production is directed and adapted by Neal Foster of the Birmingham Stage Company. This story centres on Alfie (Sam Varley), a boy who has cared for his disabled dad since his mum passed away. After an unpleasant experience at the dentist six years prior to where this story ...

The Bodyguard – Liverpool Empire Theatre

21Mar

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

The Bodyguard – Liverpool Empire Theatre

This performance definitely packed a punch. Serving all the glitz and glamour required in the set, costumes, lighting (and even fire!), to paint Rachel Marron’s celebrity status, the Empire lived up to expectations once again. Melody Thornton as lead, and Ayden Callaghan as her bodyguard looked the part but played comfortably, at times overshadowed by the intense production effects around them. That said, bringing their extensive performing knowledge to the stage, they allowed the other cast members to shine, and who will be the main focus of this article. Iesa Miller, as Fletcher, was a bright spark. His smile shone right to the back row and his voice was not out of place next to the pop stars. Emily-Mae, as Nicki Marron, stole the stage every time. She sang to a brilliant...

15Mar

By Luke StephensonNo Comments

North West

An Inspector Calls – Liverpool Empire

Upon writing this review I’m still trying to process what I saw upon the empire stage last. I can’t put into words (ironically) how good it was, but I will certainly give it a go. It also comes with a bit of sadness because usually when I write reviews, I hope that it encourages people to watch however, this run has already completely sold out so if you like what you are reading do check out where it is performing if it’s in your area or an area near you be quick and snap up tickets. I studied ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J B Priestley in school I would say it’s one of the first plays that gripped me and drew me in and got me in to theatre so when given the chance to see it live I was very excited. This production was directed by Stephen Daldry. It was a dark rainy night; children were pl...

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty – Liverpool Empire

8Mar

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty – Liverpool Empire

Thanks to years of experience in dance and choreography (and with an MBE to boot), you know any production with an affiliation to Matthew Bourne will pack a punch. And Sleeping Beauty is no exception. This show was expertly performed by New Adventures, a multi-award-winning UK dance-theatre group, who have become synonymous in the world of dance for storytelling with a unique theatrical twist. Sleeping Beauty – now in its 10th year – was the fastest-selling production in New Adventures’ history, and it’s easy to see why. Described as “a gothic love story”, Sleeping Beauty clearly has many an inspiration across film, TV and literature. The main inspiration for the story is less Disney and much more original folklore, as the story weaves narrative strands from different iterations of t...

2Mar

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

Mother Goose – Liverpool Empire

A special show. For obvious celebrity reasons, this panto was a sell-out, and it met all expectations. This show really does allow you to leave all your troubles at the door because it is laugh-a-minute, and the vivaciousness of the cast and crew fills the room. There was a bright energy from all performers which was felt and proved by a standing ovation. Some wacky highlights to give you a flavour, were a conservative cake-loving pig, a gin-loving Queen Consort, water guns and a golden egg-laying goose, to name a few. Aside from the dramatic royalty that stars in the show (tough they do so with professional aplomb), I want to take time to mention other standout elements. Oscar Conlon-Morrey, playing Jack Goose, brought abounding energy with him when he came onstage. One...

20Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Follow the yellow brick road on tour!

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that The Wizard of Oz, the musical based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, will embark on a UK Tour, following this summer’s forthcoming season at the world-famous London Palladium. The Wizard of Oz will open its tour with a Christmas season at the Liverpool Empire, beginning performances on Wednesday 13th December, with subsequent tour dates announced today through to Spring 2024. Michael Harrison, the producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which thrilled audiences on its UK Tour in 2022, now presents Curve’s brand-new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.wizardofozmusical.com Join Dorothy, Toto and friend...