11 big shows coming to Liverpool in 2023

It’s certainly going to be a happy new year when you look at all the shows coming to Liverpool in 2023.

From musicals and comedy, to drama and sheer spectaculars, there’s no shortage of stuff to getting us queuing up at the box office – including one very special event that’ll have the whole world in a frenzy!

Here’s our pick of some of the ones to look out for …

Sister Act at the Empire

Ever since Whoopi Goldberg had us in stitches with the 1992 film version of this comedy classic we’ve lapped up the stage version with its soul and Motown-inspired music. It’s a habit we can continue in May, as this heart-warmer returns to the Empire with Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, telling the story of disco diva Deloris who’s placed in protective custody after witnessing a murder and hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent. 

Book tickets here.

Pet Shop Boys at M&S Bank Arena

It would be a sin to miss pop duo Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, after they’ve added new dates to their critically acclaimed, sell-out tour, ‘Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live’ – including one in Liverpool on June 23. You can catch all those mega hits like West End Girls, Losing My Mind, Left to My Own Devices, Suburbia and more in a show hailed as ‘clever’, ‘stylish’ and ‘joyous’.

Book tickets here.

The Comedy of Errors (More or Less) at Shakespeare North Playhouse

This amazing new theatre continues to come into its own with a range of stunning productions, including the chance to show the bard himself in a new light. March sees their version of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors in the fabulous cockpit theatre. An actor from Lancashire arrives in a Yorkshire coastal town to perform his ‘magnificent’ one man show – the only trouble is, there’s no audience as everyone’s booked for a talent show across town starring the twin brother he’s never met.

Book tickets here.

A Thong for Eurovision at the Royal Court

More comedy gold starring the inimitable Linzi Germain – and a chance to indulge in more things ‘Eurovision’. Germain plays Lulu, the proud owner of Litherland’s largest lingerie manufacturer, and the biggest Eurovision fan you’ll ever meet:  conceived to the beat of ABBA’s tambourine, she sups Bucks Fizz  – and Sonia had to take out a restraining order against her in 2002. When Liverpool won the right to host the competition, she seized her big chance to make her dream come true and be in the audience on the night.

Book tickets here.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Playhouse

TV legends Belinda Lang (2 Point 4 Children, Paul Nicholas (Just Good Friends, EastEnders), and Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools and Horses) star is this delightful comedy about taking risks, finding love and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places. A group of retirees journey to a new life India, only to discover their new home doesn’t offer the life of luxury they’d hoped. It’s on from March 21-25.

Book tickets here.

Annie at the Empire

If only for the chance to see Paul O’Grady on home turf and back on stage, it’s worth booking tickets to see this. More than that though, this is a real heart-warmer. Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, until she’s chosen to spend Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. A happy ever after – but will spiteful Miss Hannigan’s plans to spoil Annie’s search for her true family prevent her from finding happiness?

Book tickets here.

Boys From The Blackstuff at the Royal Court

Forty years after Alan Bleasdale’s ground-breaking television series, starring Bernard Hill, comes a powerful new adaptation by James Graham, writer of BBC’s Sherwood. This is 80s’ Liverpool and Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families, but there is no work and there is no money. They just need a chance… and so the iconic phrase ‘gizza job’ was born. 

Book tickets here.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Empire

It’s not on until November, but it’s worth the wait to see this dazzling and delightful Roald Dahl classic come to life on the stage as it does its first UK tour. Charlie Bucket is one of five young people who win a golden ticket and the chance to see inside the factory of the mysterious confectionery wizard Willy Wonka… and they enter a world of pure imagination, just like we do!

Book here.

Disney On Ice at M&S Bank Arena

March conjures up a bit of Mickey magic when Disney’s favourite mouse arrives with all his fabulous friends for an on-ice adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! ‘Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic’ sees favourites Tinker Bell, Moana, Belle, and Elsa, and others, in a spectacular show filled with song, mystery and enchantment. Prepare to be dazzled.

Book here.

Echo & The Bunnymen & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at M&S Bank Arena

In September 2023, Echo & The Bunnymen will be perform a series of orchestral concerts celebrating their seminal album Ocean Rain – and they couldn’t miss out their home city. Performing Ocean Rain in its entirety, they will be joined on stage by The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, creating hits like Ocean Rain, My Kingdom, Nocturnal Me and, of course, The Killing Moon.

Book tickets here.

And Eurovision 2023!

Last, but by so means not least, Liverpool is set to explode into life in May when the world’s favourite music competition arrives in the city. Liverpool was chosen to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of this year’s winners, Ukraine, beating 19 other cities, and promising a unique and incredible event that will do justice to the best music contest ever and, as importantly – if not more so – honouring and celebrating the country whose ongoing war means it can’t be staged there.