Olivier and Tony Award-winning Terry Johnson brings his revamped comedy to Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre

Audiences are invited to step into the kitchen for the premiere run of Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright Terry Johnson’s newly reworked comedy, ‘The Sex Party’. 

The production, produced by Northern Comedy Theatre, will make its highly anticipated debut at Liverpool’s renowned Hope Street Theatre from 1st – 11 September 2026 7:30pm.

True to Johnson’s celebrated body of work, The Sex Party delivers sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy that ultimately makes you think. Despite the provocative title, the production relies heavily on the power of suggestion and the audience’s imagination. 

As both writer and director for this newly reworked production, Terry Johnson felt compelled to revisit the play to explore its themes of human connection and absurdity in a much closer, more claustrophobic setting.

He said:

“A play is a living thing, and revisiting this script allowed me to sharpen the comedy and dig deeper into the genuine vulnerability of these characters,” Johnson explained. “Stepping in to direct this run at the Hope Street Theatre felt essential. 

“The intimacy of this venue perfectly mirrors the kitchen-sink realism we need. It allows us to strip back the spectacle and focus entirely on the chaotic, hilarious, and deeply human dynamics unfolding right in front of and just out of sight of the audience.” 

When asked what audiences can expect behind closed doors, Producer Shaun Chambers explained the play’s unique perspective. 

He said:

“Sorry to disappoint, but the audience sees the sex party from the kitchen while all the action takes place out of sight in the living room. So while you will hear things and get clues to what is going on, you will just have to use your imagination!” 

The Hope Street Theatre was specifically selected to host this premiere run due to its unique, intimate atmosphere, which perfectly serves the voyeuristic nature of the script. The staging aims to immerse the audience in the environment without breaking the fourth wall.

Shaun added:

“We want audience members to feel as though they are in the kitchen at the party, watching these crazy events unfold from the safety of their seats, and don’t worry, there will be no audience participation!” 

This newly re-imagined version includes a stunning cast with a wealth of West-End, TV and Film Credits: Suzy Bloom, Lisa Gorgin, Jackie Green, James Lavender, Jack Loy, Pearl Schomberg and Zoe Teverson. 

The Sex Party is written and directed by Terry Johnson and produced by Shaun Chambers for Northern Comedy Theatre.

Find out more about The Sex Party at Hope Street Theatre here.

Get the latest on Liverpool’s theatre scene here.

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