Know your theatre:
The oldest repertory theatre building in England is a structure of two main parts, so highly regarded it is Grade II star listed, with sections dating back to 1844. The main theatre was built in 1866 as the Star Music Hall. Many alterations over the years gave way to the most radical change, in 1968, when a modern extension was added to house new foyers, bars, dressing rooms and a workshop.
The Liverpool Repertory Company was established in 1911– one of the first – and bought the theatre for the equivalent of around £3m to make it the first rep to own the building’s freehold.
Members of the acting company have included Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, John Thaw, Anthony Hopkins, Patricia Routledge, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.
Artistic director David Scase’s reign from 1963 – 67 is viewed as a magical period that featured Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart and Warren Clarke, but most legendary is probably the "Gang of Four" – Alan Bleasdale, Chris Bond, Bill Morrison and Willy Russell – whose dazzling four years from 1981 premiered many hits, including Russell’s ever-present Blood Brothers.
In 2000 the Playhouse joined forces with the Everyman to become Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust, which now runs both. As well as the Playhouse's three-level, 677-seat auditorium there is a small upstairs studio seating 80.
Address:
Playhouse theatre, Williamson Square L1 1EL
Phone:
All inquiries: 0151 709 4776; email inquiries: boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com ​
There is an easy way to find the Playhouse from virtually anywhere in Liverpool: look for the Radio City tower (it's at the back in the picture, left) and the theatre is right under it... Being an old building there isn't much room for eating (the Everyman has a restaurant), but there are the usual theatre bars.
The Playhouse offers relaxed, audio-described, BSL-interpreted and captioned performances at various times (check with box office or see here); some stalls rows have level access (as do two seats in the circle) and there are five wheelchair spaces
Facilities:
Parking:
Navigation: use L1 1EL to find the Playhouse. Williamson Square is a pedestrian zone not directly accessible by car. Theatre-recommended car parks are Queen Square, L1 1RH (£2.90 5pm-9am), and St Johns L1 1LQ (£2.50 after 6pm, closes at midnight). Other transport methods are covered here.
Online box office:
Tickets can be bought online by finding the show here and following the links. The link clovers both theatres​