Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Midnight Bell returns to Liverpool

After wowing Liverpool audiences earlier this year with Swan Lake at the Empire, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures is back in the city this September – and this time it’s bringing the haunting world of 1930s Soho to the Playhouse.

The Midnight Bell, inspired by the work of British novelist Patrick Hamilton (Hangover Square, Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky), runs from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 September at Liverpool Playhouse. It’s a dance theatre experience filled with love, loss and longing – told through Bourne’s trademark blend of physical storytelling and powerful choreography.

Set in the smoky pubs and fog-filled streets of Fitzrovia, The Midnight Bell takes you into the lives of a group of lonely hearts – ordinary people chasing connection in a world that never quite gives it back. Expect a bitter-sweet mix of humour and heartbreak as their stories unfold in the corners of a fictional Soho pub.

The cast features 14 of New Adventures’ most celebrated performers, including Cordelia Braithwaite, Michela Meazza, Liam Mower and Ashley Shaw – all veterans of Bourne’s most iconic productions. Between them, they’ve starred in everything from Edward Scissorhands and The Red Shoes to Nutcracker! and Sleeping Beauty.

Matthew Bourne said:
“This is, without doubt, the finest company of actor-dancers ever assembled for a single production. I urge you not to miss this never-to-be-repeated opportunity to join us for an evening at The Midnight Bell and raise a glass to the very best that New Adventures has to offer.”

The show received five nominations at the 2022 National Dance Awards, with Bourne picking up Best Modern Choreography and Michela Meazza awarded Outstanding Female Modern Performance.

Behind the scenes, the show features a wealth of talent. Set and costume design comes from Liverpool-born Lez Brotherston, who began his career at the Playhouse Youth Theatre. Music is by Olivier Award-winner Terry Davies, lighting design by Paule Constable (War Horse, Curious Incident), and sound design by Paul Groothuis.

There will be an audio-described performance on Friday 19 September at 7.30pm, and on opening night (Tuesday 16), a post-show discussion with Matthew Bourne will be hosted by the Playhouse’s Creative Director, Nathan Powell. This talk is free to attend for ticket holders and will be BSL interpreted.

Tickets start from £12 and are available now at everymanplayhouse.com

A brand new musical featuring the hits of Steps is heading to Liverpool too, check it out here.

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