Liverpool Theatres and Concert Halls: A Guide to the City’s Stages

Liverpool has a dense cluster of theatres and concert venues within walking distance of each other, from large touring houses to producing theatres and a modern university concert hall. This guide sets out what each one is known for and how they fit together.

Liverpool Empire Theatre

On Lime Street, opposite St George’s Hall, the Empire is the city’s main home for touring musicals, ballet and large-scale productions. It is operated by ATG, and you can see the Empire’s programme on the ATG website.

The Everyman and the Playhouse

The Everyman on Hope Street and the Playhouse on Williamson Square operate together as producing theatres. The current Everyman building, which opened in 2014, won the RIBA Stirling Prize that year. Programmes for both are published by Everyman & Playhouse.

Royal Court Liverpool

The art deco Royal Court on Roe Street is known for comedy and Liverpool-made productions, with a lively, informal atmosphere.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the oldest professional orchestras in the UK, the Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street hosts classical concerts alongside rock, folk, world music and comedy. See Liverpool Philharmonic for listings.

The Tung Auditorium

Opened in 2022 inside the University of Liverpool’s Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, the 400-seat Tung Auditorium has quickly become an important venue for chamber music, jazz, folk and new music.

Arenas and live music

For major concerts, the arena on Kings Dock by the waterfront hosts large touring acts, while the Cavern Club on Mathew Street remains the city’s best-known live music room — see our guide to the Cavern Quarter.

Finding what’s on

Programmes change weekly. Old Town Liverpool’s What’s On listings track upcoming shows across these venues, drawn from the venues’ own published programmes, and pair them with places to eat nearby.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest theatre in Liverpool?

The Liverpool Empire Theatre on Lime Street is the city’s main venue for large touring musicals and productions.

Which Liverpool theatre won the Stirling Prize?

The Everyman Theatre on Hope Street won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2014, the year its new building opened.

Where does the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform?

Its home is Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.

More from Liverpool: Beacon Worth Liverpool — eat and drink, shows and nightlife, neighbourhoods, and business across the city.

Disclosure: Old Town Liverpool, referenced in this article, is a partner publication of Beacon Worth. Venue details change, so check opening times and bookings directly with each venue.