9 must-see shows in Liverpool this autumn

BREAKING news: it has finally dropped below 15 degrees, which means autumn is here. It is officially time to ditch the beer gardens and spend your evening with family and friends at the theatre instead. This autumn is set to be a jam-packed season for theatres across the Liverpool, but here are the ones we suggest you don’t miss over the next few months.

The Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Beauty & the Beast
Everyman Theatre – Saturday 26th November until Saturday 21st January
Liverpool’s popular panto is returning to the Everyman in November, where double-act Adam Keast and Francis Tucker will be bringing Beauty & the Beast with a twist or two to the stage. There will be dancing, cheering and lots of opportunities to avoid a soaking. There will also be a live band and lots of laughs, shakes and rattles. Find out more here.

The Full Monty
Liverpool Empire Theatre – Monday 7th November until Saturday 12th November
The classic film about six steel workers who find themselves out of work may have come out in 1997, but it is still a story that we all love. The stage adaptation by Oscar award winning writer Simon Beaufoy stars Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Chris Fountain, Anthony Lewis and Kai Owen. The stage version will also include the films hits including songs from Donna Summer and Tom Jones. Find out more here.

The Railway Children
The Epstein Theatre – Tuesday October 25th and Wednesday October 26th
E. Nesbit’s well-loved tale is brought to life in this stage adaptation at The Epstein Theatre. The story follows three children who live in a comfortable house in London until their father is imprisoned. The children move to Yorkshire and become friends with the station manager, which could be key to the release of their father. Find out more here.

The Rivals
Liverpool Playhouse – Wednesday 5th October until Saturday 29th October
In the summer streets of Bath, Mrs Malaprop is determined to make her niece Lydia a fortuitous match. Lydia, however, has other ideas and plans to fall in love with a penniless man. Captain Jack Absolute who, in an attempt to fulfil Lydia’s romantic ambition and capture her heart, disguises himself as a poor soldier – with hilarious consequences! Find out more here.

Stop the World – I Want to Get Off
LIPA – Thursday 10th November until Saturday 12th November
The musical that was a huge hit in the 1960s is reimagined in this show at LIPA for a modern audience. The story follows a working class man whose main goal in life is to be rich. However, after marrying his boss’s daughter, he finds himself making egocentric lifestyle choices and distances away from his family. Will he realise his mistakes? The show features songs such as Gonna Build a Mountain and Once in a Lifetime. Find out more here.

The Rocky Horror Show
Liverpool Empire Theatre – Monday 17th October until Saturday 22nd October
The world’s favourite rock & roll musical is returning to Liverpool for more fun and naughty moments. Starring Liam Tamne, who has previously starred in Phantom of the Opera, the story follows Brad and his fiancée Janet who meet the outrageous Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter after their car breaks down. Be warned, this show can be incredibly rude! Find out more here.

Father O’Flaherty Saves Our Souls
Royal Court Liverpool – Friday 14th October until Saturday 12th November
Father O’Flaherty has been a priest for as long as he can remember, but he doesn’t play by the rules. The Bishop has had reports of his behaviour and wants him out, the show is the good Father’s last chance to prove that he is worthy of his place. Find out more here.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Everyman Theatre – Wednesday 5th October until Saturday 29th October
Led by a joyful ensemble of players, the swinging 1966 version of Shakespeare’s anarchic comedy delights with songs, romance and chaos. Following a national and international tour, the co-production with Shakespeare’s Globe is coming home to the Everyman. It follows the story of Valentine, who loves Silvia and Proteus, who loves Julia – but Proteus is fickle and falls for Silvia too! Find out more here.

Nina – a story about me and Nina Simone
Unity Theatre – Saturday 15th until Saturday 29th October
This show is a theatrical explosion of rage, love, doubt and fear in a world where racism, the charge for civil rights and Nina Simone’s exceptional legacy still passionately resonate. The production is part theatre, part gospel, part concert and will feature the iconic songs of Nina Simone, with music performed by a band of musicians. Find out more here.