The music shows you can enjoy at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre this year

Music fans are being promised a packed programme of fantastic live performance at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre this season.

Epstein Theatre welcomes a host of talented singer-songwriters and stellar musicians between now and Christmas as part of its new summer and autumn schedule.

They include top tributes to icons like Tina Turner, Elton John, Marc Bolan and Buddy Holly, brilliant original artists and the world premiere of a thrilling new musical about The Beatles’ Hamburg years.

There will be Dancing in the Aisles when the popular monthly Sunday matinee show returns to the theatre on 27 July. The full line-up for this summer show is yet to be revealed, but audiences are promised a bumper afternoon of fantastic entertainment.

Then Are You Ready for Love? on Thursday, 31 July when Charles Michael Duke presents his Elton John Tribute show on the Epstein’s main stage.

Duke, who brings an uncanny resemblance to the legendary singer-songwriter along with attention to detail, has performed across the globe, and now Liverpool audiences have a chance to enjoy all those Sir Elton John classics including Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer and Your Song.

Epstein Live on Saturday, 2 August brings together a quartet of talented performers in one unmissable evening’s entertainment. Join Rafaela Dias, Naomi Campbell, Helen Maw and Jennifer Vaudrey for some soulful storytelling and melodic magic.

And on Sunday, 24 August Tina vs Whitney celebrates the stunning catalogue of two superstar singing sensations in one afternoon’s entertainment.

Joe Speare returns to the Epstein to present Jina Barrows in the spectacular musical tribute to two true icons. The afternoon also features special guest Linzdi Germain.

All or Nothing – the Mod Musical, arriving at the theatre on Thursday, 4 September, features the music of iconic 60s Mod band The Small Faces, four charismatic young men from East London who were at the forefront of a cultural revolution.

Before he was world famous, did you know Victorian lyricist WS Gilbert was a barrister who appeared before the bench in the courtroom at St George’s Hall?

Law’s loss was poplar culture’s gain, and there’s a chance to enjoy an afternoon of the best of G&S in Uniquely Gilbert & Sullivan at the Epstein Theatre on Sunday, 21 September.

Meanwhile the Epstein is proud to host the world premiere of a very special new musical this autumn.

Written by Ian Salmon and directed by Stephen Fletcher, Shake it up Baby! is the story of The Beatles’ formative years in Hamburg and how playing in the clubs of the German port city transformed an ordinary Liverpool group into the best live band in the world.

Andrew Schofield stars as The Beatles’ first manager Allan Williams in the musical which runs from Friday, 26 September to Saturday, 11 October.

There will be plenty of solid gold easy action celebrating that 20^th Century boy Marc Bolan when T-Rexstasy brings The Greatest Hits Tour to Hanover Street on Wednesday, 15 October. The top T-Rex tribute, endorsed by Marc Bolan’s family estate and ex-band members of T.Rex presents all the band’s biggest hits. 

Then a powerhouse quartet of singers will deliver an unmissable night’s entertainment in Gaelic Gold on Friday, 7 November. A thrilling new theatre production celebrating the very best of Irish and Scottish culture, the show features songs made famous by artists like Boyzone, Westlife, Rod Stewart, the Bay City Rollers and Liverpool’s own Nathan Carter.

Join stage and screen star Ray Quinn for A Swinging Christmas on Wednesday, 12 November. The smooth-singing, platinum-selling artist will be backed by a brilliant big band as he performs timeless Christmas classics and swinging seasonal hits.

Attention to detail is at the heart of ABBA Forever which brings the best of Benny, Bjorn, Anni-Frid and Agnetha to the Epstein on Thursday, 13 November. Expect dynamic choreography, stunning visuals and top-class musicianship in what is promised to be a two-hour spectacular.

Buddy Holly Lives on Saturday, 15 November with not one but two performances of The Music Never Died – a live show packed with classic tunes from the late great American musical genius from Lubbock, Texas, who was a huge influence on so many bands, including the Beatles. Rave on at matinee and evening shows on the day.

Then on Thursday, 27 November, Gary Murphy and his multi-talented band bring the music of Gerry and the Pacemakers and other 60s stars thrillingly to life on stage in I Like It. Expect some smash hits along with Murphy’s own personal recollections of working with Gerry Marsden and other Liverpool and Merseybeat legends.

And get ready for a festive hooley when Irish Annie’s Christmas Party takes over the auditorium on Saturday, 29 November.

Join landlady Annie and the regulars in her Irish bar – including TV star Ricky Tomlinson – for some seasonal cheer with toe-tapping live music from Asa Murphy and his band the Shenanigans. There will be matinee and evening performances on the day.

The Epstein’s music programme is part of a full autumn schedule which will be launched with a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday –featuring local acts and celebrities.

The Grade II listed landmark has new leaseholders and a new management team which is promising a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.

Epstein Theatre General Manager Anthony Proctor said:

“The Epstein Theatre has always had a reputation as a home for brilliant music, and our auditorium is the perfect setting for fans who want to enjoy the thrill of live performance.

“I’m really proud of the programme we’ve got planned for our opening summer and autumn season – there really is something to appeal to everyone, from tributes to superstar singers and music icons to talented young singer-songwriters.

“I’m also delighted we’re hosting the world premiere of Ian Salmon’s fantastic new Beatles’ musical Shake it up Baby which I know is going to be a smash hit. Catch it here first before it goes global!

“And as we head towards Christmas, what better way to get the festive party started than with a visit to Irish Annie’s? Whatever is music to your ears, I can guarantee you’re in for a real treat this season.”

Find out more details about the shows coming up at the Epstein Theatre here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

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