Liverpool’s Capstone Theatre springs into 2017 with classical and contemporary music, the crème de la crème of jazz and work from Liverpool’s best and newest playwrights.
The new season includes more than 20 free performances and the return of two of the city’s most popular arts festivals – The Liverpool International Jazz Festival (23rd-26th February) and the Cornerstone Festival, which has moved from November to March.
Neil Campbell, Capstone Theatre Manager said, “2017 sees our most packed programme yet. Our reputation as a venue means that we are attracting more international artists and world premieres. We are especially delighted to welcome Ian Salmon’s new play, which was shortlisted for the 2015 Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize. Our Jazz Festival and the Cornerstone Festival are now firmly established in the City’s calendar, and we look forward to welcoming the public to more than 20 free performances throughout the season. Encouraging as many people as possible to enjoy the arts is at the heart of what we do.”
The season kicks off on Wednesday 25th January with Mandala Theatre’s stirring play Night Light (7.30pm), which tells the story of two teenage asylum seekers, alone and trying to find their place in the world and continues on Saturday 28th January as Indian arts organisation Milapfest presents the first in its free Saturday lunchtime concert series, Music For the Mind and Soul, with Prabhat Rao (1pm). The series continues with Balkan Jazz meets Indian Music on Saturday 25th February, Roopa Panesar on Saturday 25th March, and Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya on 29th April.
Liverpool International Jazz Festival celebrates its fifth year in the city with another stellar line up of international headliners, free shows and workshops. The 2017 festival opens on Thursday 23rd February at 7pm, with a set from MOBO award-winners Sons of Kemet (7pm, £11.50). Other top names include Manchester-based quartet Mammal Hands (Friday 24th February, 7pm, £11.50), The David Helbock Trio (Saturday 25th February, 7.30pm, £11.50) and The Neil Cowley Trio (Sunday 26th February, 7.30pm, £11.50). Neil contributed to Adele’s global chart toppers, 19 and 21. Saxophonist and composer Iain Bellamy will deliver a free saxophone workshop on 26th February (11am), followed by a performance with pianist Huw Warren (1pm, £11.50).
On Thursday 18th May, Writing on the Wall (WoW) presents a new interpretation of Estuary, originally performed in 2015, based on Seán Street’s poetry of tides, rivers and harbours, with musical settings by Neil Campbell and featuring vocalist Perri Alleyne-Hughes. This new version is produced in collaboration with acclaimed choreographer and dancer, Rachel Sweeney, and visual realisations by photographer/filmmaker/fine artist Peter Dover, creating a totally unique fusion of words, music, movement and stunning imagery.
It promises to be a great season at The Capstone.
Check Full Listings at The Capstone Theatre for times and prices of all shows.