The Bodyguard, Baltic Booty and British Gymnastics – 16 things you can do this week in Liverpool

We’re officially into spring, the daffs know it now we just need the sun to catch on, but even though it’s not quite beer garden weather just yet there’s plenty going on.

Here are 16 ideas for things to do this week in Liverpool …

British Gymnastics set to wow at M&S Bank Arena

Top level gymnastics is always exciting to watch, even on TV, but live it can be real edge of the seat stuff. The British Championships are on from Thursday to Sunday, March 23-26, so you can watch Britain’s best – including medallists from the World Championships – competing for titles. Book tickets here.

The Bodyguard is on at the Empire

Anyone who’s a fan of Whitney Houston, and especially the film The Bodyguard, will absolutely love the stage version which is packed with some of her biggest hits. This production has Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan as bodyguard Frank Farmer. From Monday to Saturday at the Empire. Book tickets here.

Eat brunch at Ma Boyle’s

Ma’s, next to St Nick’s Church on the waterfront, is known for its traditional Sunday roasts and Jazz Saturdays with ParrJazz. But Ma knows what makes a top-level brunch too so join her from 10am on Saturday or Sunday and go Bottomless for 90 mins of brunching with unlimited drinks including bellinis and spritzes. 

Cocktail masterclass at Tempest on Tithebarn

If you’re a fan of cocktails and fancy doing more than just drinking them, now’s the time to pick up a few tips from the experts. Tempest on Tithebarn has a fantastic cocktail menu and it’s offering cocktail masterclasses so you can find out exactly what goes into making them all so delicious.

Secret Singles at the Wro, West Kirby 

Here’s a chance to ditch the apps and actually, maybe, possibly, meet the person of your dreams in person! Secret Singles takes over The Wro loft every fortnight for a singles mingling night. It happens on the first and third Thursday of every month so the next one is this Thursday, 7.30pm-11pm. Book here.

Bingo Star continues at the Royal Court

What could be better than a show full of laughs to brighten up your evening? The answer’s a show plus a few games of bingo with cash prizes and a soundtrack of 80s hits. Bingo Star, the latest comedy at the Royal Court, has a full house of all three, on until April 8. Book tickets here.

Visit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Playhouse

A feelgood funny stage version of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens at the Playhouse from this Tuesday to Saturday, telling the story of a group of retirees who head to India in search of later-life adventure. A star cast includes TV favourites Paul Nicholas, Belinda Lang and Tessa Peake-Jones. Get the last of the tickets here.

Sunday Roast at the Penny Lane

If you’re looking for somewhere different that serves a gorgeous Sunday roast then give The Penny Lane a try. Choose from various meats or vegan wellington with crispy roasties, homemade yorkies and seasonal veg, served from 12 noon til they’re all sold out. They also offer free doggie roasts for every paying human!

Classic Double Band – Springsteen, Dylan and Petty at Camp and Furnace

The Classic Double Band is back at Camp and Furnace this Friday with a set full of hits from not just one rock legend, but three – Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Doors at 7pm for non-stop anthems by three of the most influential artists of all time. Book here.

The first Baltic Booty takes place on Sunday

We can’t resist a car boot sale and this Sunday the first ever Baltic Booty is happening on Kings Dock Street, next to Sub Rosa. Have a shufty, give something a new life, and maybe grab a beer from Black Lodge and Canteen pizza – it’s 12-4pm so no crazy early start. Read our interview here.

If you got a ticket, you’ll see Elton at the Arena

Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour has been massive, and if you’re lucky enough to have tickets you’ll get to watch him in Liverpool this week. Due to Eurovision, dates have moved forward from April, so now he’s bringing a 50-year back catalogue to the Arena on Thursday and Friday.

Sam Ryder’s Eurovision outfit goes on display at the BME ahead of him performing at 02 

We’re going to be seeing a lot of Eurovision star Sam Ryder and there’s a double whammy this week. He’s got a gig at the 02 on Saturday night and the jumpsuit he wore to perform Spaceman is on show at the British Music Experience from Wednesday. More info here.

Take the kids to Eureka! on the Wirral

When the weather’s a bit iffy, it’s good to have indoor things planned for the kids. Take them to Eureka! Science and Discovery to get their imaginations fired up. There’s loads of fascinating stuff to see and do, from finding out about how our bodies and homes work to discovering more about nature.

60 years of Please Please Me with The Beatles at LEAF

Celebrating 60 years since the release of the first two Beatles albums, Please Please Me and With The Beatles, Roxanne de Bastion, Thom Morecroft, and house band The Ragamuffins have a special gig at LEAF Bold Street this Wednesday, putting their take on both albums plus singles and B-sides. 

Louise Redknapp performs in memory of James Bulger

It’s been a busy year already for singer Louise Redknapp, marking 30 years in the business with a greatest hits album, now she’s back in Liverpool and supporting the James Bulger Memorial Trust, performing at the charity’s annual Black Tie and Tiara Ball this Saturday. It’s a great night for an incredible cause. More info here.

Watch a film at LCR Tourism Award Hidden Gem winner – Bijou Cinema

It’s the region’s top hidden gem, and Bijou Cinema in Southport is an amazing little place showing classics and indie films you won’t find on a big screen anywhere else for a bargain price.  This week’s include The Big Lebowski, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Roman Holiday.