2 new family shows will be premiered at the inaugural Little LTF festival taking place in Liverpool next month

THE Little LTF is a new strand and sister event to the hugely successful Liverpool Theatre Festival, which was 1st staged last September in response to an ongoing need for live entertainment during Covid19. It runs for 7 days between Monday, 12 July 2021 and Sunday, 18 July 2021. Audiences are reassured that the festival and programme will continue as planned, despite a delay in the lifting of remaining lockdown restrictions. The festival features 14 new productions specially selected by a panel of industry experts. Genres represented in the diverse and inclusive programme include:- Black arts, cabaret, comedy, disability arts, drama, family entertainment, LGBTQ, mental health, and musical theatre. Organisers say it is vital to include family friendly shows in the line up of the new festival, as a way to introduce young audiences to live entertainment in a unique setting. The outdoor event will be staged within the church walls at St Luke's Bombed Out Church, a new set up different to the September festival, creating a more intimate, unique, covered Covid-secure performance space. The festival will adhere to all Covid19 and Government guidelines required at the time.

1 of the latest shows to be announced is the:- 'Forgotten Forest' that will be preformed on Wednesday, 14 July 2021. The Forgotten Forest is Written and Directed by Becky Brooks, and produced by 3D Interact. Props and litter designed and created by community group Happy Times Activity and Yoga Centre. Becky will play Queen Morticia, joined by Edwina Lea as Rabbit; Adam Leyland as Fox; Roxanne Male as Siobhan; and Adam Nicholls as Trunk. The interactive show is at 5pm on Wednesday 14 July. Suitable for youngsters aged three upwards. Tickets are ₤10, babes in arms go free. Audiences are invited on a feel good adventure through nature to meet furry friends and help them save their home in the Forgotten Forest. Ruined by pollution and litter, Queen Morticia wants to build on the forest. The animals have to look for somewhere else to live or become the Queen's servants, and they need help. But all is not as it seems with a story of magic, talking animals, defeating mean Queens, unusual friendships, and a lesson that some litter isn't as rubbish as everyone thinks. Little ones are invited to meet the animals as they tell their story, while celebrating togetherness, the environment, and the power of community.

Writer and Director Becky Brooks explained:- "Being chosen for Little LTF means so much. Not only do we get to perform our show at this fantastic festival in a spectacular space and have the opportunity to receive feedback so we can develop it further; but the show also platforms subjects and messages that are more current than ever. This fun, feel good interactive show is about looking after the environment and each other, as well as a celebration of community. The characters need the audience to help tell the story and save the forest, just like we need to communicate to bring harmony in society. Together we are stronger. The show is packed full of positivity, talking animals, and magic. The perfect show for all the family."

Just to add, if you do not already know, on top of being both a Writer and a Director, Becky Brooks is also an accomplished Actor, Singer and Producer. Not only that, she also runs creative workshops for children and adults. Plus she runs 3D Interact along with the murder mystery theatre company DBY Interactive, staging shows at various locations including:- The Everyman Bistro and aboard Fred Olsen Cruise Liners.

The other show to be announced will hit the stage on Sunday, 18 July 2021, with 2 performances of:- 'The Monkey With No Bum - The Musical.' This show will be brought to Little LTF by Writer, Director, and Producer Asa Murphy. Lindzi Germain plays Jungle School Teacher Miss Jolly, joined by Charlie the Monkey. Performances on 18 July are at:- 11am and 1.30pm. This show is suitable for youngsters aged 2 upwards. Tickets are ₤10, babes in arms go free.

Little ones can join Miss Jolly for a fun visit to her fabulous School full of dancing, music, and laughter. She'll tell audiences about 1 of her special pupils, Charlie the Monkey, and his journey to learn a very special lesson about himself. Fun loving Charlie hate his bum, but when he receives a special birthday surprise he thinks his bum problems will be over, but he soon learns that having a bigger, better bum may not be as important as he thinks! Little ones will enjoy the fruit picking song, laughter song, and plenty of fun from cheeky Charlie.

The multi talented Lindzi Germain has graced the stages of all major theatres across Merseyside, as a Performer and Writer. A Presenter on The Guide Liverpool, she also keeps children entertained with her Storytime channel on YouTube and social media.

Writer, Director and Producer Asa Murphy added:- "I am so pleased that the children's musical version of my book, The Monkey With No Bum, has been selected as one of the featured shows for this year's Little LTF. The show is filled with great songs children will enjoy singing and dancing along to; it's so much fun. The show's message is very positive and will teach children that they are all perfect in every way. Families can enjoy a wonderful afternoon together making fantastic memories."

Little LFT will be followed by the return of Liverpool Theatre Festival, from Wednesday, 1 September to Sunday, 12 September 2021. The festival features more mainstream and established acts, artists, and productions. The line up will be announced shortly. For tickets and more information, please visit:- LiverpoolTheatreFestival.Com for the latest news updates. Liverpool Theatre Festival is sponsored by:- Falconer Chester Hall and supported by both the:- Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres.
 

Anthony James Estate Agents in Southport is delighted to be the main sponsor for the Southport Comedy Festival 2021

ANTHONY James Estate Agents, who are based on Hoghton Street, Southport, will also provide a free event at the Festival specifically for NHS and care staff in the Town, as a way of saying:-"thank you" for everything they have done during the Covid Pandemic. Details will be announced soon.

Some of the biggest names in comedy have already been announced for this year's spectacle, which will be held in a giant marquee, at Victoria Park, in Southport, between 1 October and 17 October 2021.

The stellar line-up includes:- Jason Byrne, Reginald D Hunter, Jo Caulfield, Tom Stade, Ed Byrne, Mark Thomas, Tez Ilyas, Luisa Omielan, Hal Cruttenden, Geoff Norcott and Helen Bauer with more star names due to join them. Tickets are now on sale.

Anthony James Estate Agents has been a big supporter of Southport Comedy Festival over the past 10 years and is pleased to be able to continue to back an event that attracts hundreds of visitors into Southport each year.

Anthony James Estate Agents Director Mark Cunningham said:- "We are delighted to throw some money in the kitty and once again support this year's Southport Comedy Festival. This is a superb event for Southport, and we want to help ensure it is still here this year and for years to come. Southport is a tourist town and superb events like this play such an important role in attracting people here, which supports our local shops, restaurants, hotels and other businesses. We want to organise a special show at Southport Comedy Festival which will be free to NHS and other care staff. We are speaking with the organisers about the details. It has been an horrendous couple of years for everyone in the health service. We want to arrange a night to say thank you to people who have been working so selflessly through this Pandemic. We absolutely want to recognise them for what they have done and what they continue to do. We haven't forgotten them."

After months of the Covid Pandemic and its various lockdowns, Mark Cunningham is excited to see this year's event. He said:- "Southport Comedy Festival is something to really look forward to between the Summer Holidays and Christmas. Over the years, the acts have just got better and better every year. The Festival usually draws people into venues around Southport, but this year they are holding it in a specially constructed elite marquee at Victoria Park. Holding all the shows in 1 venue will allow the organisers to concentrate on Covid safety. It is also a great way to showcase Victoria Park. There are some really good events being planned there this year with Southport Comedy Festival, Classic Southport and Speed, Spectacular Light Trail and other things happening. We organised the Jedi Festival and the Southport Rocks events at Victoria Park a few years ago, to help raise funds for the Vital Sounds Foundation (VSF) charity. It is a fantastic arena in its own right. I don't think many people realise how much the Southport Flower Show charity, which operates the park, has been investing in the place."

Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:- "We are really excited about this year's event. We are building towards a proper festival. From the people, comedians and agents we have spoken to, there is a real appetite to get back out there and enjoy some top class live comedy again. Everyone is really pulling together to get tours back on the road. We are all bouncing back after a year of doom and it is great that local businesses are backing us again. We are organising this as a Covid safe Festival and are restricting audience numbers to ensure social distancing, at this stage. We are staging the festival in a large marquee, provided by Elite Marquees, at Victoria Park in Southport. We would like to thank Elite Marquees, Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events, Sefton Council's Tourism Team, Anthony James Estate Agents and all our other sponsors for all their continued support."

If you would like more details about sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the Southport Comedy Festival 2021, please visit:- SouthportComedyFestival.Com.