The Building

A fantastic venue to see some of the best Liverpool talent.

Beginnings

The site of the Royal Court Theatre has been at the heart of Liverpool culture for nearly 200 years. It was first opened in 1826 as Cooke’s New Circus and renamed in 1831 as Cooke’s Amphitheatre of Arts, presenting a programme of opera, music, theatre and ballet.

It was renamed the Royal Court Theatre in 1881 and was the number one touring venue in Liverpool for popular theatre until the 1970s when it was taken over by Merseyside County Council.

Vivien Leigh, Fred Astaire, John Gielgud, Lawrence Olivier, Yul Brynner, Margot Fonteyn, Ken Dodd and Ralph Richardson are just some of the names that appeared on stage during this period. Dame Judi Dench made her acting debut at the Royal Court in 1957 and has agreed to be a Patron of the Trust, supporting its campaign to renovate the theatre.

Regeneration

The theatre was destroyed by fire in 1933 and rebuilt in 1938 in the current Art Deco style of the era. The theatre has exemplary acoustics and sight-lines and boasts the biggest revolve stage outside of the West End. After 1976 the theatre was let on a series of short-term licences to commercial operators and was primarily used as a rock venue in the latter part of the 20th century, hosting big names such as R.E.M, David Bowie and Oasis, and then as a comedy venue.

The theatre has undergone something of a renaissance in the last few years. The current operating company have developed a unique style of theatre for Liverpool audiences (and increasingly audiences from outside of the region

The future

Theatre that is produced in Liverpool, starring Liverpool actors, written by Liverpool writers is proving a huge success. Hundreds of thousands of people have visited the theatre and experienced the unique cabaret-style stalls seating, dinner offer and drinks before the show.

The combination of a robust operating company, a busy theatre attracting new, supportive local audiences, the formation of the Royal Court Liverpool Trust and support from local agencies (including North West Development Agency, Arts Council North West, English Heritage and Heritage Lottery Fund) is unprecedented in the last 80 years of the theatre. We look forward to working together to secure its future.

Whats's on?

The Legend Of Rooney’s Ring 18 Jul 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Liverpool, there lived a mighty warrior. Ever since he was a boy he was fast and

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Making It 01 May 2025 - 17 May 2025

After forty years as a singer, actress and cabaret diva, Bev has seen it all and had nothing. She is backstage at t

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Variety Lunch Club 22 Jan 2025 - 06 Aug 2025

The Royal Court Variety Lunch Club runs throughout the year on Wednesday afternoons in the main theatre and is open

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Red Or Dead 21 Mar 2025 - 19 Apr 2025

Liverpool’s Royal Court are proud to present Red Or Dead A Liverpool PassionPeter Mullan (Ozark, We

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Jonny & The Baptists: The Happiness Index 01 Mar 2025

A double bill of two shows in one night, from cult multi-award winning musical-comedians Jonny & The Baptists.

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Speedo Mick – The Scouse Stomper 30 May 2025 - 05 Jul 2025

Over its illustrious 150-year history Everton Football Club has had many heroes but perhaps none of them have been

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Simon Munnery – On Tour 08 Mar 2025

Simon Munnery – ‘one of the all-time great British stand-ups’ (Stewart Lee) – is back on to

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Royal Court Stocking Fillers 14 Dec 2024 - 29 Dec 2024

A show that is fast becoming a Christmas tradition, we are delighted to welcome Stocking Fillers back to the Studio

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The Peaceful Hour 14 Feb 2025 - 08 Mar 2025

Kirkby, 1985. When it comes to relationships, Julie has had more misses than hits. She just wants someone to love a

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Royal Court Heritage Tour 16 Dec 2024 - 16 Dec 2024

The Royal Court is a Grade II listed building, a magnificent example of one of the best theatres built in the Art D

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Rachel Fairburn – Side Eye 22 Feb 2025

Rachel star of Live at the Apollo and co-host of All Killa No Filla, is a renowned stand up and (“rock’

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The Scouse Red Riding Hood 14 Dec 2024 - 25 Jan 2025

Little Red is off her head. Her nan’s in bed and the wolf’s not fed. With a pan of scouse and a loaf of

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Variety Film Club – It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) 19 Dec 2024

Variety Film ClubThe team behind Variety Lunch Club have hatched a new plan so that you can come and have an aftern

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Pass The Parcel 23 Jan 2025 - 08 Feb 2025

Lilly Gray has passed away. She leaves behind three (mostly) loving daughters, a nice little hairdresser&rsquo

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Andrew Bird – A Ticklish Mind 15 Feb 2025

After his TV appearance on "The Russell Howard Hour" Andrew supported Russell Howard on his massive natio

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