Liverpool's Epstein Theatre Announces Spring Season 2022

THE Epstein Theatre in Liverpool has announced its Spring Season 2022 programme following a hugely successful festive run of family pantomime:- 'Beauty And The Beast.'

A new management team took the helm in October, and the reopening of the Hanover Street venue has proved a real hit across the City with audiences giving the Theatre a warm welcome back to the City's thriving cultural offer.

Epstein Entertainments Ltd has now launched a busy Spring programme which includes:- comedy, drama, music, burlesque, adult pantomime, drag queens, as well as fantastic family entertainment including a showstopping Easter ˝ Term pantomime in April.

The Spring Season 2022 and excellent music programme starts with a celebration of one of the biggest bands of all time. Abba Forever is on Friday 4 February at 7.30pm. The unique Abba look and sound is replicated with incredible attention to detail. Two hours of live performance featuring dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visuals, and top class musicianship. Audiences will be captivated throughout.

Darkside: The Pink Floyd Show is on Saturday, 12 February 2022, at 7.30pm. This show makes a return to The Epstein, treating fans to album Dark Side Of The Moon in its entirety. Fans will experience a spectacular and dramatic laser light show, evocative images and animated sequences projected on a circular screen; key features of Pink Floyd's live performances.

Liverpool's largest and longest running variety and burlesque show also returns to The Epstein Theatre after a smash hit Christmas show. The Martini Lounge: Valentine's 15th Anniversary Special is on Friday, 18 February 2022, at 8pm. Millie Dollar welcomes the best names in burlesque to celebrate this milestone year in full style and glamour.

Buddy Holly Lives - The Music Never Died is on Saturday, 19 February 2022, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. This dazzling new production is written by and features musician and performer Asa Murphy. It celebrates 70 years of legendary music and includes visual and audio moments from Buddy's short but historical career. His timeless songs include:- That'll Be The Day, True Love Ways, Peggy Sue, and Rave On.

Family show The Monkey With No Bum - Live On Stage is on Sunday, 20 February 2022, at 1.30pm. Based on the popular children's book by Asa Murphy, this tale introduces:- youngsters to Headmaster Mr Plop, Miss Jolly, and Charlie the Monkey at Jungle School. The interactive show is full of dancing, music, and laughter. Suitable for children up to 8 years old.

Another excellent choice for youngsters is Hurrah! For The Pirate King, on Sunday, 27 February 2022, at 2.30pm. Follow the great Pirate King's swashbuckling adventure as he takes audiences on a magical musical journey to find a treasure beyond gold and jewels. A spellbinding singing adventure and introduction to opera, specially created for children in a fun and inclusive way. Brought to stage by Absolute Children's Opera.

New play Orton: Fallen Angel is on Friday, 4 March 2022, at 8pm. This new play from Grin Theatre Company, written by Wes Williams, reimagines the turbulent relationship between iconic gay writer Joe Orton and his partner Kenneth Halliwell. Based on true events and incidents, it explores their lives together and what eventually tore them apart. Suitable for over 18s only.

Relive the classic sounds of the 1960's and 1970's with The Jersey Beats: Oh What A Nite! on Friday, 11 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Matt Andrews leads the vocal quartet in tribute to Frankie Valli and The 4 Seasons, telling the band's story and their rise to the dizzy heights of television appearances, fame, and fortune.

Laughterhouse Comedy returns to The Epstein Theatre, on Saturday, 12 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Laughterhouse is Liverpool's longest running comedy club, and has been bringing the very best in live comedy to audiences across the UK for 15 years. Audiences can expect an evening of high calibre stand up comedy. The line up will be announced shortly.

A panto is next up in the programme, but it's definitely not for youngsters. Sleeping With Beauty, An Adult Pantomime, is on Sunday, 13 March 2022, at 7pm. A new take on a classic, but with a grown up twist. The show stars Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road Actor Ben Ryan Davies and panto favourite Liam Mellor. Suitable for Theatregoers aged 16 upwards.

This Is Merseybeat is on Friday, 18 March 2022, at 7.30pm. It's 1962 and there's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on in a backstreet beat cellar in Liverpool called the Cavern Club. Victoria Jones appears as Cilla Black, Neil Ainsby as Gerry Marsden, Paul Molloy as Billy J Kramer, and Liverpool actor Paul Codman as Compere / Narrator. Every song in the show was performed by a Liverpool 1960's artist, showcasing the City's world beating musical heritage.

Toast St Patrick's Day with a celebration of Irish music, culture and comedy. Irish Annie's is on Saturday, 19 March 2022, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. This new musical play stars Ricky Tomlinson as Scouse Jim, Catherine Rice as Irish Annie, Asa Murphy as Seamus Murphy, and 6 piece band The Shenanigans. Join landlady Annie and her regular madcap customers for a fun night. The show features original songs written by Asa Murphy, alongside Irish favourites including:- Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, and Danny Boy.

Experience stunningly beautiful opera this Spring. Music Of The Night is on Friday, 25 March 2022, at 7.30pm. The show features West End and Broadway musical standards from Les Misérables, West Side Story, and The Lion King. Presented by critically acclaimed international tenor Roy Locke, who has played the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom Of The Opera, special guest Leigh Rhianon Coggins, and musical director Tom Chester.

Staying with incredible music, The Definitive Burt Bacharach Songbook is on Saturday, 26 March 2022, at 7.30pm. This show is a sophisticated masterclass to honour the Singer Songwriter, who has written timeless classics for artistes including Dionne Warwick, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Gene Pitney, and The Carpenters. Featuring Liverpool born Atlantic Recording Artist John Reilly, with female vocals performed by Miss Rachel.

Moving to comedy, The Epstein welcomes a razor sharp 1 liner performer often featured on television panel programmes. Gary Delaney In Punderland is on Sunday, 27 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Gary is widely regarded as being the most quotable comic on the circuit, leaving audiences left struggling to remember all the gags. He has appeared on:- Mock The Week, Dave's One Night Stand, Comedy Central's Comedy Blue, and Channel 4's Robert's Web.

The Comeback Special returns to the stage this Spring between Wednesday, 30 March 2022 and Saturday, 2 April 2022, with shows at 7.30pm and a 2pm Saturday matinee. The play follows a sold out run in 2019, at Liverpool Royal Court's Studio. Written by Ian Salmon, who also penned Girls Don't Play Guitars. Expect laughter and music aplenty.

Easter ˝ Term fun comes in the form of a Regal Entertainments' pantomime. Jack And The Beanstalk runs from Wednesday, 13 April 2022 to Sunday, 24 April 2022. The show tells the rags to riches story of a boy who sells the family's cow for a handful of beans, getting him into a lot of trouble with his poor mother. The tale takes a magical twist and takes Jack on adventures to a mystical land high in the sky. Full cast to be announced shortly.

Celebrate the music of Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike And The Mechanics. Genesis Connected is on Friday, 29 April 2022, at 7.30pm. Fronted by vocalist Pete Bultitude, who is also a gifted drummer; so audiences can expect the iconic:- "double drums" element as featured on every Genesis and Phil Collins tour. Hits span the late 1970's onwards and include:- Turn It On Again, Sledgehammer, In The Air Tonight, Against All Odds, Solsbury Hill, You Can't Hurry Love, and The Living Years.

Looking ahead to later in the calendar, highlights already include:- Perfectly Frank, Patrick Kielty, Sam Avery, Sean McLoughlin, Vincent Simone, Helen Forrester's Twopence To Cross The Mersey, and Christmas Crooners.

The new management team at the helm of The Epstein Theatre is Epstein Entertainments Ltd, a joint venture between Liverpool producers Bill Elms, Artistic and Communications Director; Chantelle Nolan, Artistic and Operations Director; andRegal Entertainments Ltd Company Director Jane Joseph.

Epstein Entertainments Ltd Artistic and Communications Director Bill Elms commented:- "After a fabulous festive run of Beauty And The Beast, we're incredibly excited to now announce the Spring Season 2022. The packed programme features a fantastic variety of shows catering for Theatregoers of all ages. We're eager to enter into this new era for The Epstein with anticipation and optimism for a bright future for our much loved venue."

For more details check out:- EpsteinTheatre.Co.UK and join the Theatre's mailing list.
 

St Helens Theatre Royal Announces Spring Season 2022 Programme

HOT on the heels of hugely successful Christmas pantomime Goldilocks And The 3 Bears, St Helens Theatre Royal has unveiled its full Spring season of live shows. The Spring Season 2022 which runs from now until Easter is packed with live music, comedy, and children's entertainment. The new season also includes:- 2 fantastic family pantomimes presented by St Helens Theatre Royal's Regal Entertainments team during February ˝ Term and at Easter.

St Helens Theatre Royal continues to use the Society Of London Theatre and UK Theatre's:- 'See It Safely' mark. This certifies that the venue is complying with Government and industry Covid19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff, performers, and audiences.

The new season starts with Celine; The Vegas Years on Sunday, 23 January 2022, at 7.30pm. Celine Dion's Las Vegas show has become legendary. From 2011, she performed more than 1,100 shows to 4.5 million people. Experience the iconic music of this incredible powerhouse through international vocalist Crystal Cimaglia and her band, who exclusively perform the Las Vegas setlist.

Music features heavily in the Spring season, with internationally renowned and award winning tribute shows celebrating the music of iconic female artists:- Lionel Richie, Queen, Buddy Holly, sounds of the 1980's, Dire Straits, The Lancashire Hotpots, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Luther Vandross, and Elvis.

Here Comes The Girls is on Thursday, 27 January  2022, at 7.30pm. The ultimate tribute show featuring 11 of the biggest female artists of all time spanning 5 decades. The high energy show celebrates the music of:- Abba, Adele, Annie Lennox, Bananarama, Blondie, Cher, Gloria Estefan, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Shania Twain.

Lionel - The Music Of Lionel Richie is on Friday, 28 January 2022, at 7.30pm. The show features Malcolm Pitt, who has performed with Lionel himself on ITV's Sunday Night At The London Palladium and BBC's Graham Norton Show. Audiences can look forward to classic hits including Dancing On The Ceiling, Hello, Easy, Three Times A Lady, All Night Long, and Stuck On You.

Relive the magic of Queen with Supreme Queen on Saturday, 5 February 2022, at 7.30pm. Now one of the most recognisable tribute bands in the world, this band take things to a whole different level. Fronted by Scott Maley, Supreme Queen have played to fans across the world including St Tropez's International Queen Convention where they played to 10,000 Queen fans.

Buddy Holly Lives; The Music Never Died is on Monday, 21 February 2022, at 7.30pm. This dazzling new musical production has been written by musician and performer Asa Murphy, who plays the role of Buddy. The show celebrates 70 years of timeless music from the genius boy from Lubbock Texas, and features visual and audio from Buddy's career.

Celebrate the music of the 1980's with a tribute to some of the biggest groups of the decade. Calling Planet Earth is on Friday, 25 February 2022, at 7.30pm. This electrifying moment in time is celebrated through the music of:- ABC, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Japan, OMD, Soft Cell, Spandau Ballet, Tears For Fears, The Human League, and Ultravox. Performed by a live band with symphonic arrangements combined with stunning vocals.

Dire Streets is on Friday, 4 March 2022, at 7.30pm. This group perfectly captures the distinctive, authentic sound of 1 of the guitar bands of all time. Dire Streets cover tracks including:- Sultans Of Swing, Lady Writer, Brothers In Arms, and Walk Of Life.

The Lancashire Hotpots are most definitely a band with a difference. The Lancashire Hotpots perform on Saturday, 5 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Bernard and the boys will entertain audiences with their unmistakable songs I Fear Ikea, Shopmobility Scooter, and Chippy Tea. An evening of music and laughter guaranteed.

Dig out the denim and crank up the volume on for The Bon Jovi Experience on Wednesday, 9 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Lead singer Tony Pearce's striking resemblance to Jon Bon Jovi creates an unrivalled tribute making this an unmissable show. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, performing over 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries for 34 millions fans.

Billy Joel - Piano Man is on Thursday, 10 March 2022, at 7.30pm. The ultimate concert to celebrate the music of one of the best selling artists of all time. This new show features Robert Schmuck and his 7 piece band performing fantastic musical arrangements of multi million selling songs including:- My Life, Uptown Girl, River Of Dreams, Tell Her About It, Just The Way You Are, Piano Man, and We Didn't Start The Fire.

Revisit the timeless and soothing music of superstar Luther Vandross. Luther is on Friday, 11 March 2022, at 7.30pm. The late singer's incredible career culminated in more than 40 million album sales, 8 Grammy Awards, and some of the greatest anthems and love songs including Never Too Much, The Best Things In Life Are Free, Love The 1 You're With, Dance With My Father, and Always And Forever. The show is fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10 piece band.

A Vision Of Elvis is on Friday, 25 March 2022, at 7.30pm. This smash hit show features performer Rob Kingsley, winner of the National Tribute Music Awards gongs for best Official Elvis Show and Number 1 Male Tribute; and is internationally renowned as the best Elvis Presley touring tribute in the world today.

Raising a laugh this season are comedians Ed Byrne and Jim Davidson.

Ed Byrne: If I'm Honest is on Tuesday, 25 January 2022, at 8pm. Irish comedian Ed takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits that are worth passing on to his children. A brand new masterclass in observational comedy, and this new show follows the success of his 2017/2018 tour Spoiler Alert!

Jim Davidson Unlocked is on Tuesday, 22 February 2022, at 7.30pm. Fans will be thrilled that Jim Davidson is back on tour; and he promises to be more outrageous than ever. After months of being in Lockdown, the comic is ready and raring to go in 2022.

Family entertainment is always a big hit at St Helens Theatre Royal; this Spring youngsters can enjoy 2 Pantomimes, an engaging introduction to make science fun, tea with a tiger, a trip to the zoo, and American wrestling.

Exciting Science is on Sunday, 6 February 2022, at 2.30pm. This is a fun and engaging introduction to the world of science. A new, exciting and educational show which will entertain youngsters aged 4 upwards.

Regal Entertainments' The Wizard Of Oz runs between Friday, 11 February 2022 and Sunday, 20 February 2022. Join Dorothy and Toto on their epic adventure along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Along the way they meet all those incredible characters including Scarecrow, Tim Man and Lion. A real favourite. Full cast to be announced shortly.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea comes to St Helens from Tuesday, 1 March 2022 to Thursday, 3 March 2022, various times across the three days. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mum are sitting Town to tea; and it's a guest with a real difference. The show is directed by David Wood OBE, and is based on the book by Judith Kerr.

Dear Zoo comes to Town on Monday, 21 March 2022 (4pm show) and Tuesday, 22 March 2022 (shows at 10.30am and 1.30pm). Rod Campbell's much-loved lift the flap book has been a firm favourite with children and parents alike for almost 40 years. The story of Ben and Sally searching for the perfect pet has now been adapted for stage. This colourful show is packed with puppetry, songs and, of course, plenty of animals. Suitable for aged two upwards.

Families are invited to enjoy an evening with a difference. American Wrestling is on Saturday, 26 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Audiences will be ready to rumble as they enjoy a worldwide championship spectacular featuring a Tag Team Challenge. Tickets also include a free meet and greet.

The 2nd Spring panto from Regal Entertainments is a swashbuckling Easter extravaganza. Peter Pan runs between:- Saturday, 2 April 2022 and Monday, 18 April 2022. Based on J.M. Barrie's timeless classic about the boy who never grew up, audiences are invited to join Peter, Wendy and friends on their incredible adventure through Neverland. Cast to be announced shortly.

The Spring Season 2022 programme is complete with new musical play Irish Annie's celebrating the culture of the Emerald Isle, and a new dance show from Strictly winner Giovanni Pernice.

Irish Annie's is on Monday, 14 March 2022, at 7.30pm. This new celebration of Irish music and culture comes to St Helens shortly before St Patrick's Day. Join landlady Annie and her madcap customers for a fun night in an Irish bar. The show features original tracks written for the show by Asa Murphy, along with all time favourites:- Galway Shawl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, and Danny Boy, all performed live by 6 piece Irish band The Shenanigans. Full cast to be announced soon.

Strictly star Giovanni Pernice recently wowed viewers when he won the glitter ball trophy with celebrity dancer, actress Rose Ayling Ellis. Fans can see the professional dancer live in St Helens, with his new show. Giovanni Pernice; This Is Me is on Thursday, 24 March 2022, at 7.30pm. Joined by a cast of professional dancers, the showman pays homage to the music and dances that have inspired and influenced his sparkling career.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2022, shows include:- Jason Manford, Roy Chubby Brown, Russell Brand, Jimmy Carr, Peppa Pig, Some Mother's Do 'Ave 'Em starring Joe Pasquale and Susie Blake, Dom Joly, and Ray Quinn.

Regal Entertainments' also presents 2 more Pantomimes:- Sleeping Beauty during the October ˝ Term, and Cinderella for Christmas 2022.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented:- "When we reopened in Autumn last year we promised our loyal patrons that we would be back safer and stronger; and I am proud to say that's exactly what our team have done. It's been a very special few months at St Helens Theatre Royal. Seeing the faces of our audiences once again enjoying live Theatre is just like coming home. The Spring Season 2022 is packed with variety and real talent and we always look forward to welcoming top class touring productions to our Theatre and Town, programmed alongside our very own much loved pantomimes. This season we have The Wizard Of Oz and Peter Pan to keep the fun and magic of panto alive in St Helens. We look forward to welcoming audiences to a welcoming Covid Secure and safe space."

St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid Secure measures in place. They include:- increased cleaning, hand sanitiser Stations at points throughout the building, and a QR code phone app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats.

Customers are asked to continue to wear face coverings (unless exempt) as a courtesy to others, and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the Theatre if they have Covid symptoms. Meanwhile Theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests.

St Helens Theatre Royal's Spring Season 2022 brochure can be found online by visiting:- StHelensTheatreRoyal.Com.