18 iconic musicals coming to Liverpool in 2023

It is escapism at its absolute best, we all love a good musical don’t we? Liverpool has certainly outdone itself for musicals in 2023, with a fantastic programme set to entertain us all year long! 

We have everything from giant touring shows to, comedy musicals at the Royal Court, and even local talent curating their own art. Take a look at some of these iconic musicals you can book for this year. 

Liverpool Empire

Mother Goose: Tue 28 Feb – Sat 4 Mar 2023

Who puts a panto on in February? Ian McKellen and John Bishop do! The whole nation is flocking to see Ian McKellen and John Bishop as they join forces to bring you a hilarious family-friendly panto. Mother Goose is the ultimate theatrical feast – full of fun, farce and surprises that will make you honk out loud.

To book click here. 

The Bodyguard: Mon 20 Mar – Sat 25 Mar 2023

The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back! Starring Pussycat Doll, and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer.

To book click here. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Presented by BOST: Thu 11 May – Sat 13 May 2023 

With a fantastical flying car, a heart-warming love story, and whole bunch of teamwork, this timeless story will be brought to life in a spectacular musical adaptation of the iconic family film. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a fun-filled musical adventure that audiences find “Truly Scrumptious”.

To book click here. 

Sister Act: Mon 15 May – Sat 20 May 2023 

Brace yourselves Sisters! The eagerly anticipated Broadway and UK smash-hit musical Sister Act is coming to Liverpool in 2023! 

Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

To book click here. 

Annie: Mon 5 Jun – Sat 10 Jun 2023 

The smash-hit West End production of Annie, the world’s favourite family musical, returns to Liverpool for one week only, starring Paul O’Grady as Miss Hannigan. 

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…

To book click here. 

Dirty Dancing: Tue 13 Jun – Sat 17 Jun 2023

Nobody puts baby in the corner! Dirty Dancing returns to Liverpool Empire following a season at London’s Dominion Theatre. Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.

To book click here. 

Heathers The Musical: Tue 4 Jul – Sat 8 Jul 2023 

Following two smash hit West End seasons, a record-breaking run at The Other Palace and winning the WhatsOnStage award for BEST NEW MUSICAL,Heathers The Musical, the black comedy rock musical based on the eponymous 1988 film, embarks on a new national tour.

To book click here. 

42nd Street: Mon 4 Sep – Sat 9 Sep 2023 

It’s big… it’s bright… it’s a brand-spanking new production of the original showbiz musical, 42nd Street! 

Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show… and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.

To book click here. 

Jesus Christ Super Star: Mon 23 Oct – Sat 28 Oct 2023 

An album that inspired a revolution. A revelation that changed the world. A reinvention for this millennium. 

Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Wed 8 Nov – Sun 26 Nov 2023 

Escape to a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical. 

The devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka, features memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as a host of new numbers, this sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses.

To book click here. 

The Wizard of Oz: Wed 13 Dec 2023 – Sun 7 Jan 2024 

We’re off to see the Wizard! Direct from The London Palladium, the sensational new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals comes to Liverpool. Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz. 

There’s no place like the Empire this Christmas!

To book click here.

Royal Court Liverpool

Bingo Star: 10 Mar 2023 – 8 Apr 2023

Eyes down and look in for a Royal Court comedy with a big difference. Not only is it packed with 80s’ hits but there are three play-along bingo games with the chance for the audience to win £150 at every performance!! 

Arthur has been running Bingo Star for the last fifty years. People might talk about change but he likes things just as they are thank you very much. They perfected bingo in the fifties and music in the eighties so there is nothing more to be done.

Arthur’s family and friends know that the club is in trouble but, as if in answer to their prayers, a man from the council arrives with plans for a brand new shopping centre to be built right outside. The future is looking bright, what could possibly go wrong?

Dampen your dabbers, keep an eye on your balls and get ready for a brilliant night out. Book soon it’s going to be a full house! 

To book click here. 

A Thong for Europe: 21 Apr 2023 – 27 May 2023

The Royal Court is famous for its comedy musicals, and here’s one for you taking place this May.

Lulu, proud owner of Litherland’s largest lingerie fabricator, is the biggest Eurovision nut that you will ever meet. Conceived to the beat of ABBA’s tambourine, she only drinks 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 knew that this was her big chance to make her dream come true and be there on the night itself. In order to help the Eurovision community, she offered up her house to anybody who needed a place to stay (for a small fee) and has been rewarded with a visit from Beryl (Emma Bispham), the singing star of the newly discovered nation of Balkania. 

What Beryl lacks in grace and talent, she makes up for in wildly misplaced confidence but can Lulu help her defeat the odds and get to the final at the Arena? With a little help from Lulu’s son Terry, her late mother Steph (Eithne Browne) and a choreographer who would rather be anywhere else but here, she is going to give it her best shot. 

Packed with all of your favourite Eurovision hit songs, Jonathan Harvey (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Beautiful Thing, Our Lady of Blundellsands) has written a brand new comedy that will boom bang your bang and ding your dong. 

So pull on your Gina G strings, get glammed up and get yourself down to The Court!

£1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

To book click here. 

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse 

Rush: A Joyous Jamaican Journey – 18 May 2023 

Rush tells the story of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation and how their music took the world by storm.

Narrated by comedian John Simmit and featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band.

Get ready to dance to the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Lord Kitchener, Millie Small and many more.

To book click here. 

Zog: 30 May 2023 – 3 Jun 2023

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 

Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know.  Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three.  Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet…a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great!

The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors and Stick Man) is back in Liverpool and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! 

With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

To book click here. 

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: 4 Jul – 22 Jul 2023, The Playhouse

A funked-up remix of Lewis Carroll’s classic, where musical streams and digital dreams collide in a riotous adventure for all the family!

When tech-savvy teen Alice tries to repair her dear Dad’s much-loved old stereo, a slip of the screwdriver hurtles her into a strange new world. As the tape unravels, she meets a host of unlikely new friends and meets her musical match against the infamous Queen of Charts.

Spinning together a familiar story with a company of awesomely talented actor-musicians, this new remix, lovingly created with Theatre Royal Plymouth and Stockroom Productions, is bursting with brilliant original music inspired by the best of British pop.

Let’s fall down the rabbit hole, through the looking glass and into a Wonderland like you’ve never seen before!

To book click here. 

Tales from Acorn Wood: 31 Oct to 4 Nov 2023

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.

Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends. 

Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages. 

To book click here. 

Shakespeare North Playhouse

Be Gay, Do Crime: Fri 17 Mar 3.30pm & 7.30pm

Scallys meet musical theatre in this hip-hop, drug-fuelled extravaganza. The play follows a gay drug dealer from Garston and how our criminal justice system lets us down, this fun, moving, energetic show, with music co-written by Seiriol Davies (How To Win Against History, EDINBURGH FRINGE, UK WIDE TOUR). 

Transcend are ambitious about the future of this production – they hope to ask some important questions about institutionalised homophobia and racism in the UKs criminal justice system, and understand why so many communities are being left behind.

Featuring an all LGBTQIA and over 50% global majority cast, authenticity, lived experience and access are embedded in vital in the creation of Be Gay Do Crime, delivered by Creative Access Associate Rhiannon May (Silent Witness, BBC), and supported by Nickie Miles-Wildin.

This will be rehearsed reading performance with limited set. Audience feedback is greatly encouraged.

Tickets start from £3.00 – To book click here.