Liverpool has a vibrant cultural life, various art performances can be daily enjoyed at theaters and art studios. Empire Theater, Royal Court Theater, Everyman Theater and the Playhouse are the most popular. You will find some tips on where to go and some of the most popular tourist attractions below:
1. Empire Theater
Empire began its history as The Prince of Wales Theater and Opera House. It was opened in October 1866, at Lime Street. One year later, Prince of Wales married Princess Alexandra and the theater was renamed in her honour- Alexandra Theater and Opera House. The very first play performed on the stage was opera Faust. A great number of displays were showed here: musicals, operas, plays featuring such stars as Sarah Bernhardt, Harry Lauder, Ellen Terry, Henry Irving, Marie Lloyd etc. In 1895, the theater bankrupted and was bought by Moss Empires Company. During this year it became the Empire Theater. In 1925, it passed through a large refurbishment. It was enlarged and designed as an American venue. The capacity of the present Empire is 2,381 seats.
Attraction Address: Lime Street, Liverpool, England
2. Royal Court Theater
Royal Court Theater is a historic building, situated at the beginning of Roe Street. It is the first theater to be established in Liverpool. It opened in 1826 as Cookes New Circus. Five years later it was renamed to Cooke’s Amphitheater of Arts. In 1881, it became the Royal Court Theater. During this period of time it was number one cultural and entertainment venue, presenting comedies, operas, plays and ballet. Great personalities performed et the Royal Court, among them are: Dame Judi Dench, Vivien Leigh, Ralph Richardson, Yul Brynner, Margot Fonteyn, John Gielgud, Lawrence Olivie etc. In 1933, it was destroyed by fire and in 1938, a new Art Deco styled theater opened its doors to the public. More than 150,000 people a year visit the Royal Court and it worths it!
Attraction Address: 1 Roe Street, Liverpool, England
3. Liverpool Playhouse
Liverpool Playhouse is situated right in the center of the city, in the touristed Williamson Square. It is a Grade II* listed and dates back to the nineteenth century (1866). But the history states that a concert room, existed here since 1844. Its initial name was Star Theater of Varieties and then Star Theater and only in 1917 it receives the current name. At the end of the 20th century, the Playhouse was closed. Among actors who played here are: Anthony Hopkins, John Thaw, Robert Donat, Edward Mulhare, Michael Redgrave, Alex Atkinso,Ian McKellen and others. In 2000, with the help of Liverpool and Merseyside Theaters Trust, the Playhouse reopened.
Attraction Address: 8 Williamson Square, Liverpool, England
4. Neptune Theater
Neptune Theater was opened in 1913 as Crane's Music Hall and is located at Hanover Street, Liverpool. In 1938, it was renamed into Crane Theater. Threatened with closure for many times it survived. Many changes overcomed it. In 1967, the theater was sold to a Liverpool Corporation. It again changed its name, since then it is known as the Neptune Theater. But hard time have continued. The audience became small, and the management was forced to attract acclaimed artists to performances, such as pantomime Snow White, Dame Judi Dench and other notorious personalities. In 2005, the Neptune was closed to restoration, and it is still closed, but you can enjoy its architecture and design.
Attraction Address: Hanover Street, Liverpool, England
5. Academy of Arts- The Actor’s Studio
The Actor’s Studio is situated inside the Academy of Arts, at Seel Street. It is a hidden gem for those who like to enjoy art in a less crowded atmosphere. Great performances are organized here, some of them are Beatles themed, one of them is a story dedicated to the murder of John Lennon, it is called "One Bad Thing". Many talented actors play here, as for example Danny Taylor, Mark Chapman and Ian Carroll. Besides displays, the Actor's Studio annually hosts The International Liverpool Write Now One Act Play Festival.
Attraction Address: 32 Seel Street, Liverpool, England
6. Unity Theater
Established in 1930 as the Merseyside Left Theater, fourteen years later it became Merseyside Unity Theater. It is situated at the Hope Place, not far from the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Since its opening, there were put all kind of experimental plays, comedies and performances. It was aimed to become a working class venue, accessible to everyone. Wide range of spectacles and exhibitions can be viewed at Unity Theater, so do not miss the chance!
Attraction Address: 8 Hope Place, Liverpool, England
7. Everyman Theater
Everyman is a sister theater with Liverpool Playhouse. It was founded in 1964 and housed by Hope Hall. It became home to young actors, among them were: Alan Bleasdale, Willy Russell, Bernard Hill, Jonathan Pryce, Antony Sher, Julie Walters and many other renowned personalities. Since 2004, Everyman Theater, have put over 20 world premieres. It is a vibrant creative hub that will impress you by its amazing stage shows and interior design.
Attraction Address: 9 Hope Street, Liverpool, England
