An exciting new co-production, massive visiting shows, comedians and one nighters form part of the Playhouse’s 2021-22 season, as we return to a busy schedule of live performance.

Marking a return to collaborating with some of the UK’s best theatre-makers, we will work with Leicester Curve and English Touring Theatre to present a co-production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (22 Sept – 2 Oct) at the Playhouse. A new revival of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, the production is directed by Anthony Almeida and is a blazing portrayal of what it takes to survive in a society where we’re all desperate to feel free.

Kickass-pirational new musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (8 Dec – 2 Jan) puts women centre stage this Christmas. From the producer of SIX, the production is an adaptation of suffragette descendent Kate Pankhurst’s award-winning picture book and explores the stories of Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few.

Marking his first return to the Playhouse since Early Adventures visited in 2017, Matthew Bourne presents a production based in in the pubs and bars of fog-bound Soho and Fitzrovia, London. The Midnight Bell (19-23 Oct) visits Liverpool on its World Premiere tour.

Also returning to the Playhouse is the bold, innovative theatre company imitating the dog (Heart of Darkness, Night of the Living Dead), to present a chilling new version of a classic gothic vampire tale that you thought you knew so well. Dracula: the Untold Story (12-16 Oct) is told using the latest in digital technologies to engage with the dark landscape of the gothic with a renewed energy and political insight.  

The theatres celebrate live theatre for young children as an adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man (27-28 Oct) comes to the Playhouse and an all singing all dancing production of Fireman Sam (29-30 Oct) welcomes audiences to visit Pontypandy for an adventure.

Some of the UK’s best comedy visits Liverpool over the next year with Al Murray (9 Sept), Bridget Christie (8 Oct), Michael Spicer (9 Oct), Nina Conti (2 Feb), Reginald D Hunter (10 Feb) and Count Arthur Strong (4 May) all visiting the Playhouse in the next 12 months. Local legend Roger McGough also brings his signature wit, humour and humanity back to the Playhouse with his collection of work Safety in Numbers (11 Feb).

One nighters with a touch of sparkle will have audiences’ toes tapping into 2022, as local performer Ray Quinn presents All Singing! All Swinging! (11 Sept) and Craig Revel Horwood’s The All Balls & Glitter Tour (5 May), rounds up a busy season of shows at the Playhouse.

Mark Da Vanzo, chief executive at Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust, said:

“It is fantastic to be in a position to announce such a varied and eclectic mix of live performance at the Playhouse. We are delighted have Playhouse regulars, one nights and huge touring productions back on our stages, coupled with our work alongside Leicester Curve and English Touring Theatre for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

“This season is a statement to say – we are back, we are safe and we are ready to welcome audiences through our doors once again.”

The new selection of shows join our celebration of Merseyside Love, Liverpool, alongside already announced productions The Greatest Play in the History of the World starring Julie Hesmondhalgh, Woke, Under the Mask, Dial M for Murder and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Tickets for newly added shows go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday 19 May. For more information and to book, visit our What's On page.