Liverpool's Epstein Theatre Announces Upcoming Season

A world premiere, Shakespeare favourites, household comedy names and top musical entertainment will kick-start the new Spring Season in style at Liverpool's Epstein Theatre.

There's a packed programme of top entertainment planned to take audiences through the coming months.

The Epstein will play host to the world premiere of Lennon's Banjo, telling the story behind the most famous missing musical instrument in the world. A strong cast will be joined on stage by ex-Beatle drummer Pete Best, for three special performances during the two-week run. Lennon's Banjo runs from 24 April to 5 May.

Lennon's Banjo, from Pulse Records and Bill Elms and penned by Rob Fennah (Twopence to Cross the Mersey), is a comedy stage play about the disappearance of Lennon's first musical instrument and the hunt to find it. The show features Eric Potts, Mark Moraghan, Jake Abraham, Lynn Francis, Danny O'Brien, Stephanie Dooley, Alan Stocks, and Roy Carruthers.

The theatre welcomes back Liverpool actor Daniel Taylor and his merry band of players for two of Shakespeare's most popular plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo & Juliet. The double Bard bill runs from 11 to 15 April.

Daniel Taylor's immersive Shakespeare production A Midsummer Night's Dream was a big hit in 2017, and the magical play returns for a second run, being performed in repertory with the greatest love story of them all, Romeo & Juliet.

Meanwhile Jimmy Osmond, Jason Donovan, Griff Rhys Jones and Joe Lycett are among the big names making a date at the Hanover Street theatre during Spring.

Comedy kicks off the new season with Not The Nine O'Clock News, Three Men in a Boat and Alas Smith and Jones star Griff Rhys Jones on 3 February, with his Where Was I? tour, promising stories and anecdotes from four decades of his travelling life.

Edinburgh Comedy Award and double Chortle Award winner John Robins presents The Darkness of Robins on 24 February, while an audience favourite Joe Lycett makes a New Year date with his I'm About to Lose Control and I Think Joe Lycett show on 23 and 24 March.

Immersion Theatre brings brings Rudyard Kipling's classic tale The Jungle Book to life for audiences of all ages on 18 February.

The Hound of the Baskervilles - The Hit Farce plays on 22 February, and follows the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr Jane Watson as they unravel a murderous mystery on the Devonshire moors.

Galton and Simpson's scrap merchant father and son Steptoe and Son visit the Epstein for one night only on 14 March, reliving some of their finest misadventures.

Music fans have plenty to look forward to this season, with a strong line-up of talent. Fleetwood Bac bring the classic tracks of Fleetwood Mac to the Epstein on 9 February; while Neighbours actor, pop singer and musicals star Jason Donovan entertains with His Amazing Midlife Crisis show on 14 February.

Liverpool's own China Crisis present their Flaunt The Imperfection full album live and greatest hits tour on 16 February; while Judie Tzuke, one of the UK's finest singer/songwriters, brings her Peace Has Broken Out tour to the city on 23 February.

The irresistible sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is recreated by The New Jersey Boys on 25 February, with a show featuring a host of massive hits including Big Girls Don't Cry and Oh What a Night. Another legendary music icon is celebrated in The Spirit of Elvis In Concert on 10 March, starring Gordon Hendricks as the King himself.

While music legend Jimmy Osmond celebrates the talent of his great friend and mentor, the late Andy Williams, in Moon River & Me on 15 and 16 March.

Los Pacaminos are one of the UK's most popular live bands, and they come to the Epstein on 18 March, and will be joined by 80s legend Paul Young. There's a Rock and Roll Revolution Featuring The Bluejays on 25 March.

The entertainment continues for grown-ups when Klub Kids Presents Alyssa Edwards - The Secret is Out Tour on 3 March. A favourite from RuPaul's Drag Race, expect lots of laughs, secrets and high kicking. While The Dreamboys have a hot date with Liverpool on 22 March as part of a sizzling new UK tour.

The new season also features plenty for younger audiences. The talented LHK Youth Theatre Presents: A Night of Musicals on 11 and 12 March, promising classic tunes from some of the greatest stage shows.

Families are invited to get involved at Crafty's Creepy Castle on 10 February. Come along in your scariest costume and join the adventure to find hidden treasure. There is also a meet and greet for every child.

Finally, a real season highlight for audiences of all ages is Jack And The Beanstalk, the Easter panto from LHK Productions starring Liverpool's very own Ray Quinn. The panto runs from 29 March to 8 April. Since appearing on The X Factor, Ray has gone on to win an army fans through his performances in Dancing On Ice as well as in stage shows including Grease, Dirty Dancing and Legally Blonde.

Check out the website to see what's on this season and book your tickets now!

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