Liverpool Theatre Festival announces new dates and shows

Liverpool Theatre Festival is returning for 2023 – but with new summer dates.

The main festival, which has previously been held in early September at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, will take place from July 20-30 this year, with two world premiere commissions among shows announced so far.

And the Little LTF, which usually showcases new work in the spring, will instead take place over five days in October.

Festival creator, producer and artistic director Bill Elms explains: “Liverpool Theatre Festival was created out of a need to provide a lifeline and support for the creative arts industry during challenging times. We’re delighted that ethos has continued and developed into showcasing emerging talent and unearth the gems we have in our sector.

“This accessible platform is invaluable to empower new writers and performers, while making a return to live entertainment and we encourage audiences to experience the shows first-hand.

“This is now our fourth consecutive year. The festival continues to evolve which keeps it fresh and innovative with each year. We’re now established and have become an important part in Liverpool’s thriving events calendar.

“We’re mixing it up a little this year by moving the dates round so we can include more daytime family shows during the Summer holidays. Plus the change of date also falls pre-Edinburgh, so it’s a great opportunity to catch some brilliant performers for a test run on their way to the Fringe.

“We’re grateful to once again be working with exciting partners, and would like to hear from any companies who may like to become involved in a sponsorship capacity.”

Liverpool Theatre Festival runs in July this year. Top: Jake Norton and Joe McGann are premiering Sober Companion.

The first six shows being staged at the main festival have also been revealed.

They include two special commissions - Sober Companion, written by and starring Joe McGann and Jake Norton and which explores the funny, raw, and sometimes dark places of fame, addiction, and recovery, and Fred the Musical, a new interactive children’s show for youngsters aged eight and under, based on Fay Evans’ best-selling rhyming picture book Fred the Fire Sneezing Dragon.

Other shows announced include Viva Tenori – a Celebration of the Three Tenors; writer Ian Salmon’s new play Whatever Happened to Billy Kenny; a return for David Knopov’s popular Sinatra tribute Perfectly Frank, and – ahead of an Edinburgh Fringe run – Magic Gareth with a new show, Level Up.

The Little LTF, now in its third year, will run from October 3-8 and as usual will be staged in a marquee inside the Bombed Out Church.

Meanwhile this year’s festival partners are Edge Hill University, Morecrofts Solicitors, Bill Elms Associates and TicketQuarter.

Liverpool Theatre Festival runs from July 20-30. Show dates and tickets from the website HERE