As the people of Merseyside welcome in 2014, it is also time to welcome the exciting new schedule from The Epstein Theatre, as they reveal their Spring Season line up. After celebrating the theatre’s landmark 100th anniversary in 2013, this year continues to deliver an exciting and diverse range of shows, keeping up the high standards in entertainment that the venue has come to be known for.
Dance is well represented this year and on Saturday 1st February, the season kicks off with The Tony Awards; an evening of film and musical interpretation through the art of pole dance, starring professional champions and finalists of U.K. national competitions. This event raises funds for Tony’s Big Bottle Society, a charity set up to raise awareness for oesophageal and gastric cancer in men young and old.
On Saturday 1st March there’s a magical evening with Liverpool’s MD Productions as they present a brand new dance theatre production The Discovery. The dance continues on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th March with Transitions Dance, performing a mixed bill of new, progressive dance work specially commissioned from both established and upcoming choreographers including Stefanie Batten Bland, Ikky Maas and Dog Kennel Hill Project. There will also be an exciting opportunity to attend dance workshops held by the choreographers of the show.
Rock and roll music fans are in for not one but two treats at the Epstein this Spring. Saturday 8th February brings Buddy Holly and The Cricketers, a breathtaking show which has rocked audiences across the globe for 21 years. Starring some of the finest actor-musicians and West End performers in the U.K., it is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.
The theme continues on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April with Be Be Bop A Lula – the biggest rock ‘n’ roll party in town. With a live band, this show celebrates the music of Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury and Roy Orbison. Singers Gavin Stanley and Lars Young recreate these legends with passion and a very real ‘feel’ of the artists and their music.
Eccentric folk-jazz ensemble Penguin Café, whose music has infiltrated daily life from films like Napoleon Dynamite to countless theme tunes, bring their beguiling and feisty charm to the stage on Monday 24th February, performing classic tracks as well as music from their anticipated upcoming new album The Red Book.
Hilarious world-class comedy comes to The Epstein on Thursday 20th February with Jimeoin – one of live comedy’s internationally acclaimed masters! Don’t miss his comical signature observations, with hawk eye dissection of the absurdities of life and how we live it.
On Saturday 22nd February join Mitch Benn as he mixes comedy and music in a show that combines his Scouse upbringing with his love of music and a lifelong obsession with Liverpool’s four most famous sons. Then enjoy an evening with Mike ‘McGear’ McCartney on Saturday 26th April as he takes you through his family album, sharing stories of Liverpool life with the sharpest of Liverpool wit, from childhood and right through his extensive showbiz career
On Wed 19th February prepare for a fantastic evening’s entertainment with the Lord Mayor’s Charity Variety Show. With a wonderful array of music, dance and comedy this really is a variety show fit for royalty!
The musical theatre continues Friday 14th – Sunday 16th March with One Dream: The Beryl Marsden Story; a groundbreaking musical and a celebration of the life and career of Liverpool born singer Beryl Marsden, featuring her most popular records together with new songs which Beryl has co- written specially for the show. Escorts The Musical comes to the Epstein on Thursday 24th – Fri 25th April. The show takes you on a hilarious adventure in to the wacky world of The Liverbirds Escort Agency, with original songs and hysterical antics this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is one not to be missed.
After the huge success of Snow White, the Epstein is delighted to present not one, but two spectacular panto extravaganzas over Easter. From Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th April it’s time to click your heels, clap your hands and let Shone Productions take you Over the Rainbow in their fantastic production of The Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy and friends in this spectacular show which promises dazzling dance routines, brilliant songs and plenty of laughter. Then all your wishes are set to come true from Tuesday 15th – Monday 21st April when producers of the Christmas pantomimes at the Epstein LHK Productions fly in with the most exotic panto of all time, Aladdin. Be whisked off to a land of sun, sea and magic as you join Aladdin, the Genie and all your other favourite characters in this magical adventure.
Theatre Manager Rebekah Pichilingi said, “After a very exciting Christmas, we are now looking forward to our new season of strong and varied content across a real mix of genres. We can’t wait to welcome back our many loyal customers from 2013 and meet some new faces as well.”
For further listings, ticket prices for events and availability visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk.