For 160 years, the Liverpool Playhouse has sparked the city’s imagination.
Since opening as The Star in 1866, it’s been a cultural landmark and is the Northwest’s oldest working theatre. Now, this Grade II* listed icon is ready for its next act. Our vision is to transform this Victorian gem into an accessible, sustainable space that revitalises Williamson Square and welcomes audiences and artists long into the future.
Hear from Nathan Powell, our Creative Director about the plans
A renewed Playhouse will fuel local pride, create jobs, and strengthen Liverpool’s visitor economy, while continuing to be a place where unforgettable stories unfold.
“The next act of the Liverpool Playhouse honours its past while boldly embracing the future ahead, ensuring that this beloved building remains a place where the city gathers, dreams, and creates.”
Nathan Powell, Creative Director
We’re now in a strong position to bring the next act of the Playhouse to life. Building on the success of the Stirling Prize‑winning Everyman redevelopment, we’ve completed detailed designs with architects Haworth Tompkins who have worked in partnership with a multi-disciplinary design team, including Liverpool based architects MGMA, Charcoalblue as Theatre Consultants, Layer Studio as Landscape Architects and Local Engagement by Placed.
One of the ambitions for the project is for it to be a global exemplar of how to improve the environmental performance of ageing Victorian Theatres, and so sustainability is being built in from the start.
We’re working closely with the Liverpool BID Company to align our plans with the wider transformation of Williamson Square, creating a more vibrant civic space for everyone. Positive conversations with Liverpool City Council, the Combined Authority, DCMS, Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund are helping shape the project, while ongoing engagement with community partners, backstage tours and audience research ensure that people across the city can influence the future of their Playhouse.
There are many ways you can help. You can support us by buying tickets, joining a backstage heritage tour, donating to our work, following our socials or writing to your local Councillor or MP about the project’s importance. And if you or your business can offer further support, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can secure a vibrant future for this landmark theatre.
Whatever you can give, thank you.
“The Playhouse has always belonged to the people of Liverpool, and this next act is our moment to secure its future for generations to come. We’ve built a robust, future focused plan—now we’re calling on government and business leaders to join us in realising it, ensuring this landmark continues to drive cultural, economic and social value for decades to come.”
Camilla Mankabady, Chair