Royal Court Liverpool announces Eurovision special - A Thong For Europe

The show has been written by Jonathan Harvey, who created the hit TV show Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie.

Liverpool’s Royal Court is delighted to announce their entertainment for May 2023, programmed to coincide with the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Renowned Liverpool playwright Jonathan Harvey (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Beautiful Thing, Our Lady of Blundellsands) has written a brand new show packed with Eurovision hits, A Thong For Europe.

Some of your favourite Royal Court Cast including Emma Bispham, Eithne Browne, Gemma Dobson, Lindzi Germain, and Keddy Sutton star in this fabulous comedy – with the fantastic Stephen Fletcher directing what is bound to be a big hit with all Eurovision fans.

Lulu (Lindzi Germain) lives in Waterloo and 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.

Jonathan Harvey said:

“It’s long been an ambition of mine to get a play on at the Royal Court as whenever I go I have an absolute scream – and get my tea into the bargain. As a massive Eurovision fan I think we’re all ready for larger than life comedy that celebrates our city and the contest. Let’s hope we score a resounding douze points!”

Liverpool’s Royal Court Executive Producer Kevin Fearon said:

“I am delighted that Jonathan has agreed to write this new show, we have all been big fans of his for a long time and I’m looking forward to working with him. Liverpool was made for events like Eurovision and I know that the city will be absolutely buzzing with great events next year. We had a think what we could do to join the party and a big, new comedy packed with music seemed to be the perfect fit.

“We know that the only reason that Liverpool is hosting this year is because of the terrible situation in Ukraine. We will be donating £1 from every ticket sold to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal so this show can help those who need it most.”

So pull on your Gina G strings, get glammed up and get yourself down to The Court for what is going to be a brilliant night out.

A Thong For Europe runs from Friday 21 April to 27 May 2023.