Summer Guide 2015, Liverpool Empire Theatre

SUMMER 2015 BOX OFFICE 0844 871 3017 GROUPS 0844 871 3037 atgtickets.com/liverpool

TUE 7 - SAT 25 APR Bkg fees apply

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES DIRTY DANCING AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 15 APR 7.30pm SIGNED THU 16 APR 7.30pm CAPTIONED TUE 14 APR 7.30pm

BARNUM AUDIO DESCRIBED THU 21 MAY 7.30pm SIGNED WED 20 MAY 7.30pm

THE PRODUCERS AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 3 JUN 7.30pm SIGNED THU 4 JUN 7.30pm

JERSEY BOYS AUDIO DESCRIBED THU 2 JUL 7.30pm SIGNED TUE 30 JUN 7.30pm CAPTIONED MON 29 JUN 7.30pm

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME AUDIO DESCRIBED WED 22 JUL 7.30pm SIGNED THU 23 JUL 7.30pm

WNO SWEENEY TODD AUDIO DESCRIBED SAT 14 NOV 7.15pm

SHREK THE MUSICAL AUDIO DESCRIBED THU 3 DEC 7pm SIGNED WED 2 DEC 7pm CAPTIONED THU 3 DEC 7pm

DICK WHITTINGTON AUDIO DESCRIBED THU 17 DEC 7pm SIGNED FRI 18 DEC 7pm CAPTIONED TUE 29 DEC 7pm

ACCESS BOOKINGS To make a booking with specific access requirements, or to book for any of the performances listed above please call: 0844 871 7677 (9am - 10pm, Mon - Sat, 10am - 8pm, Sun).

Type Talk 18001 0871 2975477

WELCOME We are thrilled to present a wonderful new season of shows here at the Liverpool Empire, including show-stopping musicals, world class dance and the country’s best touring shows.

This season includes ground-breaking drama from the National Theatre with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the hilarious Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, direct from the West End, and a chance to relive Elvis’s greatest hits in new musical Love Me Tender. We’re also delighted to welcome the comic talents of Jason Manford and Ross Noble in The Producers, and a limited run for Inala, the ballet phenomenon that wowed last year’s Edinburgh Festival.

Whilst you’re with us, enjoy a drink in the beautiful Piano Bar, or treat yourself or a loved one to one of our bespoke VIP Ambassador Experiences and turn your visit into a truly memorable occasion.

On behalf of the whole team here at the Empire, I thank you for your continued support of our venue. We do hope to welcome you back very soon.

Best wishes, Diane Belding General Manager @liverpoolempire Facebook.com/liverpoolempire

PRICE PROMISE All your favourite shows at the Liverpool Empire are available at prices starting from £10. With our Price Promise, we guarantee the best entertainment at the best prices. Look for PP

DIARY APRIL

ELLEN KENT PRESENTS LA TRAVIATA FRI 3 APR MADAMA BUTTERFLY SAT 4 APR DIRTY DANCING TUE 7 - SAT 25 APR LORD OF THE DANCE TUE 28 APR - SAT 2 MAY

MAY

DARA O BRIAIN CROWD TICKLER SUN 3 & MON 4 MAY CALAMITY JANE TUE 5 - SAT 9 MAY JUSTE DANCE SUN 10 MAY SPAMALOT MON 11 - SAT 16 MAY BARNUM TUE 19 - SAT 23 MAY

JULY

NOVEMBER

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS TUE 7 - SAT 18 JUL

FREDDIE FLINTOFF 2ND INNINGS SUN 1 NOV

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME TUE 21 - SAT 25 JUL INALA FRI 31 JUL - SAT 1 AUG

AUGUST

BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM TUE 4 - WED 5 AUG THE ELO EXPERIENCE THU 6 AUG WESTCOAST FRI 7 AUG ROY CHUBBY BROWN SAT 8 AUG LOVE ME TENDER MON 10 - SAT 15 AUG

WEST END MEN FRI 29 MAY

EMPIRE YOUTH THEATRE LEGALLY BLONDE FRI 21 - SAT 22 AUG

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN SUN 31 MAY

DREAMBOATS AND MINISKIRTS MON 24 - SAT 29 AUG

JUNE

SEPTEMBER

THE PRODUCERS MON 1 - SAT 6 JUN JUDY - THE SONGBOOK OF JUDY GARLAND MON 8 - WED 10 JUN THE DREAMBOYS THU 11 JUN THE ILLEGAL EAGLES FRI 12 JUN SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN SAT 13 JUN DERREN BROWN MIRACLE MON 15 - SAT 20 JUN JERSEY BOYS TUE 23 JUN - SAT 4 JUL

THE SOUND OF MUSIC MON 14 - SAT 19 SEP

OCTOBER HAIRSPRAY MON 12 - SAT 17 OCT THE CARPENTERS STORY TUE 20 OCT PADDY MCGUINNESS THU 22 OCT AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE FRI 23 OCT THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN SAT 24 OCT

HALFWAY TO PARADISE THE BILLY FURY STORY WED 4 NOV DIVERSITY UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL SAT 7 NOV BEYOND THE BARRICADE MON 9 NOV THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR WED 11 NOV WELSH NATIONAL OPERA PRESENTS SWEENEY TODD FRI 13 - SAT 14 NOV ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS LE CORSAIRE WED 18 - SAT 21 NOV THE WATERBOYS SUN 22 NOV SHREK THE MUSICAL WED 25 NOV - SUN 6 DEC

DECEMBER DICK WHITTINGTON SAT 12 DEC - SUN 3 JAN

2016

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT MON 25 - SAT 30 JAN THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW MON 1 - SAT 6 FEB AVENUE Q MON 22 - SAT 27 FEB ELLEN KENT PRESENTS TOSCA TUE 22 MAR CARMEN WED 23 MAR

ORGANISE A GROUP AND RECEIVE HUGE SAVINGS Reserve now, pay later (no deposit required) Avoid booking and transaction fees on most shows Tickets posted to your door at no extra charge Receive brochures and emails for upcoming shows and events Pre ordering of Discounted Ice Creams & Confectionery Call our dedicated and friendly venue-based sales team on 0844 871 3037 (Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm) or visit atgtickets.com/groups

CALAMITY JANE

TUE 5 - SAT 9 MAY Groups 10+ £22 per ticket on bands A & B Available Tue-Thu perfs

SPAMALOT

MON 11 - SAT 16 MAY Groups 6+ £5 off price bands A & B Groups 10+ £7 off price bands A & B Available Mon - Fri perfs Group 20+ £7 off price bands A & B plus 2 free tickets Groups 50+ £8.50 off price bands A & B plus 3 free tickets Available Mon-Thu perfs

School Groups £9 per ticket Available Tue-Thu performances, excludes top price tickets

BARNUM

TUE 19 - SAT 23 MAY Groups 10+ £5 off price bands A - C Groups 20+ £6 off price bands A - C Groups 50+ £7 off price bands A - C Available Tue - Thu perfs School Groups £17.50 per ticket on price bands B & C. Plus 1

40 4

teacher free with every 10 purchased Wed mat only

THE PRODUCERS

MON 1 - SAT 6 JUN Groups 10+ £5 off price bands A- C plus 1 in 10 free on price bands A & B Excluding Sat eve

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

TUE 7 - SAT 18 JUL Groups 10+ £5 off price bands A- C plus 1 in 10 free Groups 20+ £6 off price bands A- C plus 1 in 10 free Groups 40+ £7 off price bands A- C plus 3 in 40 free Available Mon - Thu perfs

School Groups Youth Groups/Clubs £15 per ticket Available Mon - Wed perfs, bands B - D excludes top price tickets

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

TUE 21 - SAT 25 JUL Groups 10+ £5 off price bands A & B Groups 20+ £5 off price bands A & B plus 1 in 20 free Available Mon - Fri perfs

School Groups/ Youth Groups/Clubs £13 per ticket plus 1 teacher free for every 10 students Available Mon - Thu perfs

LOVE ME TENDER

MON 10 - SAT 15 AUG Groups 10+ £7 off price bands A & B Groups 20+ £8 off price bands

A & B Available Mon-Thu perfs School Groups/ Uniformed Groups £10 per ticket on price bands C & D, Tue -Thu perfs. Plus 1 teacher free with every 10 tickets purchased

DICK WHITTINGTON

SAT 12 DEC - SUN 3 JAN Groups 10+ £12.50 on price bands A & B, £9 on band C circle seats Groups 20+ £12.50 on price bands A & B, £9 on 3rd price circle seats, plus 1 in 20 free Groups 50+ £12.50 price bands A & B, £9 on 3rd price circle seats, plus 3 in 50 free Group discounts available on selected perfs only. Restrictions apply.

School Groups £10 INC FREE ICE CREAM! Plus 1 teacher free with every 10 pupils Available 14-17 Dec & 18 Dec mat only, bands A - C. No perfs Wed 16 Dec. ENHANCE YOUR VISIT WITH

A MBA SSA D O R EX P ER I EN CE GROUP DISCOUNTS SEE PAGE 38

RED PACKAGE NORMALLY £15 GROUP RATE £10 PURPLE PACKAGE NORMALLY £45 GROUP RATE £40 VARIETY BOXES BLUE LABEL NORMALLY £15 GROUP RATE £13 YELLOW LABEL NORMALLY £30 GROUP RATE £27

OPERA AND BALLET INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS ELLEN KENT’S OPERA FESTIVAL WITH INTERNATIONAL SOLOISTS, A HIGHLY PRAISED CHORUS AND FULL ORCHESTRA

PUCCINI MADAMA BUTTERFLY WITH KOREAN SOPRANO ELENA DEE AND JAPANESE SOPRANO MIKI MORI

Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning Opera returns with exquisite sets and with a spectacular Japanese garden, fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan and the unforgettable arias One Fine Day and Love Duet.

WINNER OF THE ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST THEATRE AWARDS VERDI LA TRAVIATA

STARRING ELENA DEE AND ALYONA KISTENYOVA The love story that gripped Paris.

A beautiful and fully staged production of a tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias.

Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta.

‘FIRST-RATE SINGING’ THE STAGE All operas sung in Italian with English surtitles Cast subject to change

FRI 3 - SAT 4 APR La Traviata Fri 7.30pm Madama Butterfly Sat 7.30pm ALSO ON SALE TUE 22 - WED 23 MAR 2016 Tosca Tue 7.30pm Carmen Wed 7.30pm EARLY BOOKING OFFER £5 off Carmen or Tosca if booked and paid by 31 May 2015, quote CARMEN16 (Prem, A & B) C G S PP Details page 42

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‘THE STAGE VERSION OF THE HIT FILM IS ELECTRIC’ BIRMINGHAM MAIL

‘THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME’ THE OBSERVER

HHHHH

‘A FABULOUS FEAST FOR ALL THE SENSES’ BRISTOL POST

Following its phenomenal run in 2012, the record-breaking sensation returns to the Liverpool Empire for three weeks only.

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing.

Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

Featuring hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart-stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, don’t miss your chance to see the fastest selling show in West End history. www.dirtydancingontour.com

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TUE 7 - SAT 25 APR Mon - Thu 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Extra mat Wed 8 Apr 2.30pm G E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price on Tue 7 Apr (Available on premium seats only)

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MICHAEL’S MOST INCREDIBLE DANCE PHENOMENON YET

‘I’M BLOWN AWAY BY THE REMARKABLE TALENT AND ABILITIES OF THE GREAT CAST WE’VE GATHERED’ MICHAEL FLATLEY

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games a spectacular new staging of the traditional masterpiece will return to Liverpool as part of the nationwide tour.

With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography. With 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley, and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.

TUE 28 APR - SAT 2 MAY Tue - Sat eves 8pm Sat mat 2.30pm C G S E Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night (Band A). Thereafter, £7.50 off Wed & Thu eve

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EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

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A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION OF THE CLASSIC MUSICAL

Following numerous highly acclaimed productions that include Sweeney Todd and Sunset Boulevard, The Watermill Theatre returns with a new production of the classic musical Calamity Jane.

Starring Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, Spamalot and One Man, Two Guvnors) alongside Tom Lister (The Water Babies, Emmerdale) and a cast of multi-talented actor/musicians, this brand new production gets to the heart and soul of the musical.

Calamity Jane can outrun and outshoot any man in Deadwood.

Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, she travels to Chicago on the Deadwood Stage to recruit a star, Adelaid Adams. But things don’t go too smoothly for Calamity, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check.

It takes her long standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise her Secret Love.

With an Oscar nominated score that includes The Black Hills of Dakota, The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), Just Blew in from the Windy City and the award-winning song Secret Love, don’t miss this new production which blows into Liverpool for one week only.

HHHHH WHATSONSTAGE.COM

‘WELCOME TO THE WILD WEST AND A WHIP-CRACKING HOT-SHOT OF A SHOW’ PLYMOUTH HERALD

TUE 5 - SAT 9 MAY Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm C G E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off on opening night (Prem, A & B). Thereafter, £5 off Tue - Thu perfs (Prem, A- C)

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10

Direct From Three Years In The West End

Monty Python’s Spamalot

gallops back out on tour to bring the West End production to theatres across the land (to the sound of banging coconut shells). Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a kind-of-new musical with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score for the new production (well, almost), created by Eric Idle and John du Prez.

The latest tour, which is directed by Christopher Luscombe, follows hot on the heels of the can’t–believe-how-successful-it-was Monty Python Reunion at The O2 and Eric Idle’s acclaimed performance of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life at the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony - the world sang along, and Spamalot audiences get the opportunity to do so too!

During the run, there have been 21 onstage moustache incidents, three suspected cases of swine flu (French pigs!), three outbreaks of nits and 92 pairs of coconuts.

MON 11 - SAT 16 MAY Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm BUY 3 TICKETS GET 4TH FREE Tue - Thu on Band A only C G S E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off Mon - Wed (Prem, A - B)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard *in 2D, we can’t afford them to appear in person!

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‘BARNUM’S THE NAME, P T BARNUM, AND I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT TONIGHT, ON THIS STAGE, YOU ARE GOING TO SEE - BAR NONE - EVERY SIGHT, WONDER AND MIRACLE THAT NAME STANDS FOR!’ This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman. The story of his life and his marriage to Chairy reveals a couple who looked at the world from opposite sides of the spectrum, and also reveals that she was the practical one who made his dreams come true. We follow the legendary showman’s life as he lit up the world with colour, warmth and the excitement of his imagination and finally teamed up with J A Bailey to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus - the Greatest Show on Earth.

Starring Brian Conley (Oliver!, Hairspray, Jolson) and Linzi Hateley (Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Les Misérables), Cy Coleman’s wonderfully exuberant score includes the hits; Come Follow The Band, The Colours Of My Life and There Is A Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute.

‘ADRENALINE-FUELLED EXCITEMENT!’ THE BRISTOL POST

‘BLOCKBUSTER BARNUM!’ DAILY EXPRESS

TUE 19 - SAT 23 MAY Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off Tue & Wed eves (Prem & Band A)

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Based on Mel Brooks’ much loved Academy Award-winning movie, The Producers is a hilarious musical comedy that has taken Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and 3 Olivier Awards.

Impoverished by a string of flops, New York producer Max Bialystock recruits timid accountant Leo Bloom to help him pull off Broadway’s greatest scam.

Together they aim to produce the worst show ever and run away to Rio with millions, but they soon learn that showbusiness can always find a way to kick you in the teeth.

From the producer of sell-out successes Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, and the director of Top Hat, The Producers is filled with fabulous costumes, glamorous dancing girls, hysterical show tunes including the all-time classic Springtime For Hitler - and an incredible live band.

Starring award-winning comedian Jason Manford, legendary funny man Ross Noble and star of The Rocky Horror Show David Bedella, The Producers is the biggest, funniest Broadway musical of all time.

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THE SMASH HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL COMEDY

‘PUTS THE COMEDY BACK INTO MUSICAL COMEDY’ THE GUARDIAN

‘A COMBINATION OF UNSTOPPABLE LAUGHTER AND SHEER HAPPINESS’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

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PERFORMANCES ONLY!

MON 1 - SAT 6 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price on opening night thereafter, £6 off all perfs (Prem, A - C excl. Sat eve).

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DIRECT FROM THE USA THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF A LEGEND

DERREN BROWN’S BRAND NEW SHOW 2015

DIRECTED BY ANDY NYMAN & ANDREW O’CONNOR

HHHHH A breathtaking show highlighting the legendary life and career of Miss Judy Garland, with special guest, Judy’s daughter, Lorna Luft. Created by arrangement with the Judy Garland Estate, this is the only officially recognised Judy Garland show in the world today. A magical musical journey through the songs that made Judy a legend in show business history, including never-before-seen film highlights and interviews, this remarkable show brings Judy’s dazzling songbook to life on stage with an award-winning West End cast.

MON 8 - WED 10 JUN Mon - Wed eves 7.30pm Wed mat 2.30pm SPECIAL GUEST

LORNA LUFT

JUDY GARLAND’S DAUGHTER Named artists may not appear in all performances.

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C G PP Details page 42

SAVE WITH YOUR

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back on tour in 2015 with a brand new one-man show, Derren Brown: Miracle. Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is, once again, looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control.

This will be Derren’s seventh show since 2003.

Since then he has toured every year and been watched by an estimated audience of over one and a half million people. He has won two prestigious Olivier Awards, for Something Wicked This Way Comes (2006) and Svengali (2012). His last show, Infamous, was universally acclaimed by critics and audience alike. www.derrenbrown.co.uk

E Half price on opening night, £5 off all other performances (Prem, A- C)

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This production is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Set design by Simon Higlett.

MON 15 - SAT 20 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm

THE BROADWAY AND WEST END PHENOMENON

TUE 23 JUN - SAT 4 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm The Broadway and West End phenomenon Jersey Boys is coming to Liverpool! This smash hit musical has won 55 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and continues to play at the Piccadilly Theatre, London.

Jersey Boys tells the true life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 175 million records worldwide. Featuring hit after legendary hit including Beggin’, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, December 1963 (Oh What A Night), Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don’t Cry and many more, Jersey Boys is a story full of heart, humour and ‘SHEER MUSICAL RAZZMATAZZ’ (THE SUNDAY EXPRESS) you simply will never forget.

C G S E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off opening night, 2nd night and Thu 25 Jun 2.30pm (Prem, A - C)

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STAR CASTING ANNOUNCED

MICHAEL PRAED

NOEL SULLIVAN

CARLEY STENSON

and MARK BENTON

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CALL BOX OFFICE FOR MORE INFO. BOOK BY SUN 31 MAY

One of the biggest new West End musicals, already seen by over half a million people, comes straight to the Liverpool Empire from The Savoy Theatre, London.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike and this major new production is a rare chance to return to ‘AN ALL BUT LOST ERA OF MUSICAL COMEDY’ (THE GUARDIAN) and relive the golden age of the classic musical.

Based on the classic comedy film starring Sir Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will transport you to the French Riviera and its decadent underworld, as two seasoned swindlers attempt to hoodwink a millionaire heiress. As the pair compete in the true art of the con, they discover there is only room for one of them.

Multi award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots) leads one of the finest creative teams ever assembled including the comedy duo who gave us TV’s Mad About You (Jeffrey Lane) and West End hit musical The Full Monty (David Yazbek).

Sophisticated and suave with a good dash of mischief, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is set to be the finest night out of 2015 - secure your tickets today.

ORIGINAL LONDON CAST PHOTOS

CHAMPAGNE OFFER

BBC

SUNDAY TIMES

TUE 7 - SAT 18 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E PP Details page 42

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price Tue & Wed eve (1st week). Half price Mon & Tue (2nd week), Premium A- C

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‘EXTRAORDINARY AND UNMISSABLE’ TIME MAGAZINE

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‘A PHENOMENAL COMBINATION OF STORYTELLING AND SPECTACLE’ THE TIMES

Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highly-acclaimed National Theatre production embarks on its first ever nationwide tour.

Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted

by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre.

‘A BEAUTIFUL, ELOQUENT, DAZZLINGLY INVENTIVE SHOW ABOUT THE WONDERS OF LIFE’ EVENING STANDARD

HHHHH

EVENING STANDARD | MAIL ON SUNDAY | SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY EXPRESS | INDEPENDENT | DAILY MAIL | THE TIMES Suitable for ages 11+

‘MAGICAL AND MOVING’ DAILY MAIL TUE 21 - SAT 25 JUL Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E PP Details page 42

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SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price tickets on opening night, thereafter £5 off (Prem, A & B, Excl Sat)

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FEATURING WORLD CLASS CURRENT AND FORMER DANCERS FROM THE ROYAL BALLET AND RAMBERT

HHHH

‘WARM HEARTED AND ENTERTAINING. THE SINGING IS IRRESISTIBLE’ EVENING STANDARD

HHHH GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SOUTH AFRICAN CHORAL LEGENDS ®

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO IN

‘A DYNAMIC MARRIAGE OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE AND CHORAL MUSIC’ THE GUARDIAN

CHOREOGRAPHY BY MARK BALDWIN MUSIC CO-WRITTEN BY JOSEPH SHABALALA & LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO & ELLA SPIRA SOUND DESIGN ADRIAN RHODES COSTUME DESIGN GEORG MEYER-WIEL LIGHTING DESIGN BEN CRACKNELL

Following a phenomenal 2014 tour and sell-out run at the Edinburgh International Festival, four time Grammy® Award-winning South African choral legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo join multi-award-winning choreographer Mark Baldwin in this unique artistic collaboration. Featuring world class current and former dancers from The Royal Ballet and Rambert, this critically acclaimed production embraces an exhilarating fusion of South African and Western cultures live on stage.

Inala’s original score is composed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala and Ella Spira, blending the intricate rhythms and infectious harmonies of their native musical roots with live percussion, piano and strings. Mark Baldwin’s choreography unites Zulu traditions with classical ballet and contemporary dance, performed by an exceptional company of 18 dancers and singers.

Inala delivers a spiritually uplifting live experience, powered by a cultural explosion of music, song and dance.

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Photographer credit: Giulietta Verdon-Roe

SOLD OUT AT SADLER’S WELLS 2014

FRI 31 JUL - SAT 1 AUG Fri & Sat eves 7.30pm S E PP Details page 42

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MAGICAL FAMILY FUN FROM THE MAKERS OF PEPPA PIG

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY

LAURENCE O’KEEFE AND NELL BENJAMIN BOOK BY

HEATHER HACH BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live on stage!

Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure.

AMANDA BROWN AND THE METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER MOTION PICTURE OMIGOD you guys! After the success of Sister Act and Footloose, the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre present the North West’s premiere amateur production of Legally Blonde the Musical.

The all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy, Legally Blonde the Musical is about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got, as Sorority star Elle Woods takes on Harvard Law in her own style!

FRI 21 - SAT 22 AUG Fri - Sat eves 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm

Join Ben and Holly and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter.

TUE 4 - WED 5 AUG Tue 4pm Wed 10am, 1pm & 4pm

EARLY BOOKING OFFER £5 off if booked and paid for by Wed 1 Jul 2015, £2 off if booked and paid for by Mon 17 Aug 2015

C F Details page 42

G Details page 42

SAVE WITH YOUR E £3 off (A only) benandhollylive.com

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SAVE WITH YOUR This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

E £2 off on opening night

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GETALL SHOOK UP WITH THE HITS OF ELVIS PRESLEY

From the producers of Hairspray, Midnight Tango, West Side Story and The Rocky Horror Show comes a hilarious, feel-good musical featuring Elvis Presley’s greatest hits.

In a small town in 1950’s America, a guitar-playing, hip-swivelling stranger rides his motorbike into town.

Is he The Devil In Disguise or a Hound Dog in his Blue Suede Shoes? The townsfolk are about to be All Shook Up and could be headed for Heartbreak Hotel, but for Natalie, the love-struck, tomboy mechanic, it really is Now or Never.

Packed with 25 of the best-loved songs by The King himself, Love Me Tender, by the writer of the award-winning West End and Broadway smash hit Memphis, is a funny and moving tale of hope, second chances and the healing qualities of Rock ’n’ Roll.

‘FALLING IN LOVE HAS RARELY BEEN AS MUCH FUN’ STAR NEWS ONLINE

MON 10 - SAT 15 AUG Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E PP Details page 42

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‘SUPERB ENTERTAINMENT’

SAVE WITH YOUR E

‘IF ELVIS WERE ALIVE HE’D BE IN THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDING’

Half price Mon & Tue (Prem, A & B), £5 off Wed & Thu (A & B)

BROADWAYWORLD.COM

CURTAIN UP www.LoveMeTenderMusical.com

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THE SEQUEL TO DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

BOOK BY

LAURENCE & MAURICE MARKS GRAN

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THE NEW ROCK’N’ROLL MUSICAL

‘IF YOU WANT NOSTALGIA, GOOD MUSIC AND A WHOLE FE

FROM THE ‘IF YOU TEAM LOVE THATGREAT BROUGHT POP YOU SONGS, YOU’RE SURE DREAMBOATS TO LOVE AND DREAMBOATS PETTICOATSAND MINISKIRTS’WHATSON INSPIRED BY THE 7 SMASH HIT MULTI-MILLION SELLING ALBUMS OF DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS It’s 1963 and the world is changing. Bobby and Laura’s first single Dreamboats and Petticoats went to the top of the charts but they haven’t been able to repeat that success with any further records.

Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss and a baby!

But Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy.

The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational.

But will it inspire Bobby and Laura to have one more shot at stardom, Norman to ‘get off the drains’ and find that singing voice he has longed for, and Ray to realise his ambition and manage a really top pop act!?

All will be revealed in a follow up with the same wit, charm,and great songs as Dreamboats and Petticoats. Many of the songs are from the next period in pop history.

‘EXHILARATING’ THE SCOTSMAN

‘DAZZLING’ THE COURIER

‘BURSTING WITH HITS’ THE MAIL

‘THE AUDIENCE WENT WILD’ THE EXPRESS

‘GO AND SEE THIS SHOW’

INCLUDING TH E SMASH HITS ...

THE CHRONICLE

A PICTURE OF YO U ALL I HAVE TO DO IS D R EAM DO YOU LOVE ME H H AN DY MAN IT’S IN HIS KISS H IT’S MY PARTY WHEN WILL I BE LOVE HIPPY HIPPY SHAK D E AND MANY M

HHHH

DIRECTED BY

BILL KENWRIGHT

AND

KEITH STRACHAN

CHOREOGRAPHED BY

CAROLE TODD

ORE. ..

MON 24 - SAT 29 AUG Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E PP Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off on opening night (Prem, A & B). Thereafter, £6 off (Prem, A- C. Excl Fri & Sat eves)

EEL-GOOD EXPERIENCE. GO AND SEE IT’ WHATSON

atgtickets.com/theatrecard

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‘I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS FIVE STAR PRODUCTION... PERFECTION’ THE GAZETTE

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

MUSIC BY

LYRICS BY

RICHARD OSCAR RODGERS HAMMERSTEIN II BOOK BY

HOWARD LINDSAY

AND

RUSSEL CROUSE

‘A NIGHT OF HEAVENLY ENTERTAINMENT’ PORTSMOUTH NEWS

Suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe www.rnh.com Photos include previous cast members

‘A STUNNING PRODUCTION. FABULOUS FROM BEGINNING TO END. DESERVES 28

DAILY ECHO

A MAGNIFICENT NEW PRODUCTION OF THE CLASSIC MUSICAL One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart.

Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this wonderfully lavish new staging of The Sound Of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII. The Sound of Music features some of the world’s most memorable songs, including Edelweiss, My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, So Long, Farewell and of course, the title song, The Sound of Music.

‘GORGEOUS COSTUMES. BEAUTIFUL SETS. AN UNMISSABLE SHOW’ THE GAZETTE

MON 14 - SAT 19 SEP Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm SENIORS SPECIAL £14 Wed mat only (B -D) C G S E Details page 42

HALF PRICE CHILDREN’S TICKETS

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL PERFORMANCES Subject to availability, speak to the Box Office for terms and conditions.

TO BE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS FOR 2015’

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night (Prem, A & B), thereafter £5 off (A & B, Tue - Thu)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 29

30 x

The smash hit musical comedy Hairspray is back on tour, with a brand new production that is guaranteed to have you dancing the night away!

It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!

Starring Tony Maudsley (ITV1’s Benidorm) as Edna Turnblad, Claire Sweeney (Educating Rita, Chicago) as Velma Von Tussle, Peter Duncan (BBC1 Tumble) as Wilbur Turnblad, and Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, X Factor) as Motormouth Maybelle. Freya Sutton will reprise the role of Tracy Turnblad alongside Jon Tsouras as Corny Collins, Dex Lee as Seaweed, Ashley Gilmour as Link Larkin and Layton Williams (Bad Education, Billy Elliot) as Duane.

Don’t miss this all-star cast in an irresistible feel-good show that will have you smiling for days - let your hair down and book now!

MON 12 - SAT 17 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm C G S E PP Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price opening night (Prem, A & B), thereafter £5 off (Prem, A & B. Excl Sat)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 29 31

THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET MUSIC AND LYRICS BY

STEPHEN SONDHEIM BOOK BY CO-PRODUCTION WITH WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE AND WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE IN ASSOCIATION WITH ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

HUGH WHEELER FROM AN ADAPTATION BY

CHRISTOPHER BOND

ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY

HAROLD PRINCE ORIGINAL ORCHESTRATIONS BY

JONATHAN TUNICK

‘THIS IS QUITE SIMPLY OUTSTANDING’ Sweeney Todd fills a void with a bloody and blind quest for vengeance. Those who enter his shop get more than a close shave. The unlucky ones ending up in Mrs Lovett’s rather unsavoury pies, proving you are what you eat.

Sondheim’s masterpiece is by turns hugely funny, terrifying and deeply sad. It works on a number of different levels, is complex but always engaging. James Brining’s thrilling production is set in the late 1970s/early 1980s. It emphasises Sondheim’s message that it’s not just Sweeney who is insane. Through its corruption and inequality, society is totally mad. See Sweeney Todd and you’ll find that it buries itself in your consciousness and refuses to leave.

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richard, in association with Dean and Judy Manos Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York

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MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

FRI 13 & SAT 14 NOV Fri & Sat eves 7.15pm C G S E Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E £7.50 off (A & B)

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AN EPIC BALLET ADVENTURE

HHHHH ‘A ROARING SUCCESS’ FINANCIAL TIMES

LE CORSAIRE Le Corsaire (The Pirate) follows the escapades of a dashing pirate, Conrad, who journeys across the high seas to save his beautiful harem girl, Medora. It is a swashbuckling fantasy tale of captive maidens and cutthroats, love and betrayal, culminating in a shipwreck which is one of the most breath-taking spectacles in ballet.

Full of action, passion and romance, this classic story ballet has been reinvented by English National Ballet, the only UK company to perform the complete work.

This extravagant and exhilarating production enthralled audiences and received rave reviews when it premiered in 2013. Staged by Anna-Marie Holmes, with the breath-taking sets by Hollywood designer Bob Ringwood (Batman) and English National Ballet Philharmonic performing the sweeping, romantic score, Le Corsaire is an unmissable, entertaining adventure.

WED 18 - SAT 21 NOV Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm C G F S E PP Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price on opening night, thereafter £7 off (A-C, Excl.

Thu mat & Sat eve)

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DIRECT FROM THE WEST END AND LARGER THAN LIFE!

HHHHH ‘A BIG BRILLIANT HIT SHOW. TREMENDOUS’ DAILY EXPRESS

Based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek The Musical is the must-see show for all the family.

Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got the biggest, brightest musical comedy around!

Featuring all new songs as well as cult Shrek anthem I’m a Believer, Shrek The Musical brings all the much-loved DreamWorks characters to life, live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Join the adventure.

HHHHH

‘SHREKTACULAR’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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WED 25 NOV - SUN 6 DEC Wed - Sat eves 7pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Sun 29 Nov 1pm & 5pm Sun 6 Dec 11am & 3pm C G F S PP Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off opening night and Wed 2 Dec (Prem, A & B)

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THE PURR-FECT TREAT FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

‘THE MOST LAVISH-LOOKING ANNUAL PANTO’ LIVERPOOL ECHO (ALADDIN 2014/15)

ALL STAR CAST TO BE ANNOUNCED! This year’s spectacular pantomime is the rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington.

Join Dick and his feline friend Tommy on his fun-filled quest for fame and fortune! Will the streets really be paved with gold? Will he win the hand of the lovely Alice - and will he defeat the dastardly King Rat? There’s only one way to find out - join us for Panto this Christmas!

From the producers of Peter Pan and Aladdin, the Liverpool Empire pantomime is a must-see Christmas tradition featuring all of your favourite pantomime ingredients - sensational songs, a live band, dazzling dance routines, slapstick comedy, and plenty of audience participation.

With tickets from just £10, book now for the best value panto in town!

‘AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE THAT ALL THE PEOPLE IN OUR PARTY ENJOYED FROM THE 2 YEAR OLD TO THE 75 YEAR OLD!’ ATG AUDIENCE SURVEY (ALADDIN 2014/15)

SAT 12 DEC 2015 SUN 3 JAN 2016 DECEMBER 2015 Sat 12

2pm

7pm

Sun 13

1pm

5pm

Mon 14 11am

7pm

Tue 15

7pm

11am

Wed 16 -

-

Thu 17

11am

7pm

Fri 18

2pm

7pm

Sat 19

2pm

7pm

Sun 20 1pm

5pm

Mon 21 1pm

5pm

Tue 22 1pm

5pm

Wed 23 1pm

5pm

Thu 24 2pm

-

Fri 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sat 26

1pm

5pm

Sun 27 1pm

5pm

Mon 28 1pm

5pm

Tue 29 2pm

7pm

Wed 30 2pm

7pm

Thu 31

-

1pm

JANUARY 2016 Fri 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sat 2

1pm

5pm

Sun 3

1pm

-

G F S E PP Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

FAMILY TICKET £55/45*

SENIORS HALF PRICE

£55/45* in person at the Box Office, £62.60/£52.60* plus £2.85 transaction fee online and phone (4 tickets, incl. at least one child, on A & B/C* only, selected perfs)

(Mon 14 Dec morn, Tue 15 Dec morn, Thu 17, Fri 18, Tue 29, Thu 31 Dec mats)

SAVE WITH YOUR E Half price (Prem, A & B. Excl. Sat - Sun 27 Dec) 0844 87119 3017

atgtickets.com/liverpool atgtickets.com/theatrecard Bkg fees apply

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THE MAGIC OF THEATRE DOESN’T END WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS!

The Liverpool Empire Theatre offers more than what appears on the stage. It has an active and forward thinking Creative Learning Department that strives to generate educational opportunities for adults and young people to engage creatively with the theatre and the performing arts.

Here are just some of the activities we can offer: Show-related workshops Theatrical workshops Theatre Tours Theatre Talks Work Related Learning

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME PAGE TO STAGE WED 22 JUL 2015 Facilitated by members of the ‘Curious’ Company and NT Learning this event will provide audiences with greater insight into how a novel whose extraordinary central character sees the world in his own unique way can be brought to life on stage.

FROM REHEARSAL ROOM TO ENGLISH CLASSROOM Available from April 2015 onwards A practical workshop using the BBC Online Curious Incident resources which give first-hand insight into the National Theatre’s creative team process: This workshop is provided in collaboration with NT Learning and will consider aspects such as; non-verbal communication, developing plot, tension and comedy, dialogue versus narrative. This will be particularly suitable for KS3/KS4 English students.

The National Theatre’s Learning programme on tour is generously supported by The Dorset Foundation

Career Days School Holiday Projects

www.curiousonstage.com/education

Arts Weeks After School Clubs

CONTACT US Natalie Flynn Creative Learning Manager natalieflynn@ theambassadors.com 0151 702 7337

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Lauren Taylor Creative Learning Officer laurentaylor@ theambassadors.com 0151 702 7339 The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd. Reg Charity No: 509458 (England)

http://creativelearning.atg. co.uk/eventsworkshops /liverpool-events/

Photograph of Stage Experience Sister Act by Brian Slater Photograph on right by Ian Watson, Studio Scotland

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MON 25 - SAT 30 JAN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Get ready for the ride of your life as the ultimate party, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical returns to the Liverpool Empire in 2016 due to overwhelming popular demand!

Based on the smash-hit movie, the feel-good international hit sensation Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a hit parade of dance floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife, rush to get your tickets today for this wildly fresh and funny hit musical that will take you on a journey to the heart of fabulous!

Priscilla is

‘HUGELY ENTERTAINING. INSANELY GLITZY’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

EARLY BOOKING OFFER £5 off individuals, £7.50 off groups if booked and paid by Fri 1 May (A-D. Excl Fri & Sat) C G B PP Details page 42

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/liverpool Bkg fees apply

SAVE WITH YOUR E £10 off on opening night (Prem, A & B), thereafter £5 off (Prem, A & B, Tue - Thu)

atgtickets.com/theatrecard 37

SPECIAL EVENTS DARA O BRIAIN

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN GARY MULLEN AND THE WORKS

CROWD TICKLER

SUN 3 & MON 4 MAY 8pm Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, The Apprentice You’re Fired and Star Gazing Live. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers working today.

SUN 31 MAY 7.30pm C G ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off

THE WEST END MEN FRI 29 MAY 7.30pm ATG THEATRE CARD £4 off C G

With songs from the biggest musicals in the world plus rock and pop classics, this show features X-Factor finalist Marcus Collins alongside some of the finest performers of this generation. An electric journey to the heart of the West End and its leading Men.

One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time. This show will ROCK you!

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES FRI 12 JUN 7.30pm C G ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off

THE DREAMBOYS

FEATURING JAKE QUICKENDEN THU 11 JUN 7.30pm G ATG THEATRE CARD £2.50 off Featuring live vocal performance by Jake Quickenden (X-Factor, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here). The Dreamboys are back and hotter than ever with a brand new Show and UK Tour for 2015.

The Dreamboys are without a shadow of a doubt the UK’s top male strip show, perfect for a girls’ night out with all your friends. These incredible stripping hunks guarantee an action packed show from start to finish. These boys will literally have you begging for more!

It’s two hours of music, muscle, magic and mayhem that will leave you breathless - you simply cannot afford to miss it, so book your tickets now before it’s too late! Age 18+

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Now established as the World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute, The Illegal Eagles continue to amaze crowds everywhere. Their ability to capture the emotion of Henley’s vocal deliveries have won mass audience acclaim.

Featuring classics - Hotel California, Take It Easy, Take it to the Limit, and many more!

SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN ©Disney SAT 13 JUN 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm C G F A full interactive screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen and a free prop bag.

Dress your little ones up as their favourite character and our live host will warm up your singing voices and teach you some dance moves with the help of a couple of special princesses.

Age recommendation 5+. www.singalonga.net

ROY CHUBBY BROWN SAT 8 AUG 7.30pm C ATG THEATRE CARD £1.50 off

THE ELO EXPERIENCE THU 6 AUG 7.30pm With a stunning light show and large screen projection, the world’s foremost tribute to the great Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra takes you on a musical journey through the legacy of hits, including Evil Woman, Living Thing, Don’t Bring Me Down and of course Mr Blue Sky.

As politically incorrect as ever, ‘The World’s Most Outrageous Comedian’ is still rude and still crude, sailing so close to the mark, even the most seasoned of fans will be left gob-smacked!

Far too rude for TV, this live performance is the only place to catch him - if easily offended please stay away!

PADDY MCGUINNESS THU 22 OCT 7.30pm

WESTCOAST CELEBRATING THE GOOD VIBRATIONS OF THE BEACH BOYS FRI 7 AUG 7.30pm G Come and join the fun, fun, fun in the Californian sun - Beach Boys box office smash-hit Westcoast is coming to town. Based on the Good Vibrations of The Beach Boys, it’s time to catch a wave with millionsellers Surfin’ USA, California Girls, Help Me Rhonda, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and scores more unforgettable hits. Those delicious five-part harmonies are brought to the stage by an all-star cast in a feel-good stage show that rides on a wave of superb musicianship. Wouldn’t it be nice to relive the summertime sounds of a simpler, more wholesome time when music was literally full of sunshine? Surf’s up, the sun’s out, come and catch a wave to the Westcoast. www.easytheatres.com

BOOK NOW www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

(Bkg fee)

The star of ITV’s Take Me Out returns to his performing roots with his hotly anticipated show, Daddy McGuinness. Paddy is raring to get back to where he belongs - on stage, making people laugh: ‘Amongst many things, I’ll be sharing several stories about becoming a first time Dad and parenthood.

Roll on September!’ Age 15+

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HEADER GOES HERE THE A MBA SSA DO R E XPE RIE N C E T H E A M B A S S A D O R T H E AT R E G R O U P I S P R O U D T O O F F E R A N E XC I T I N G R A N G E O F B E S P O K E PAC K AG E S T O YO U , O U R T H E AT R E G O E R .

T H E A M B A S S A D O R E X P E R I E N C E G I V E S YO U T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y T O M A K E YO U R E V E N I N G AT T H E T H E AT R E E V E N M O R E S P E C I A L A N D R E L A X I N G B Y O R D E R I N G I N A DVA N C E .

L U X U R Y, S T Y L E A N D S E R V I C E. B O O K N O W AT T H E B OX O F F I C E

0844 871 3017

W W W. AT G T I C K E T S .C O M / AMBASSADOREXPERIENCE

E N H A N C E YO U R V I S I T W I T H A D R I N K I N O U R S P E C TAC U L A R N E W P I A N O BAR, A REL A XING ENVIRONMENT W I T H FA N TA S T I C V I E W S O F THE CIT Y

GREEN L ABEL A DRINK AT THE BAR*

BE S T VA L UE

£5

BLUE L ABEL

BE S T VA L UE

£15

A DRINK AT THE BAR* TBC

VARIETY BOX which includes: Awaiting copy.

BOTTLE OF WINE (187ml) or WATER (330ml) CORKERS CRISPS CADBURY BUTTONS BEECHDEAN ICE-CREAM†

A HOUSE PROGRAMME (or theatre gift if not available) YELLOW L ABEL A HALF BOTTLE OF CHILLED PREMIUM CHAMPAGNE

BE S T VA L UE

£30

A DELICIOUS BOX OF CHOCOLATES

RED L ABEL ENTRY TO THE AMBASSADOR LOUNGE

£15

WELCOME DRINK SAVOURY SNACKS DATES CLOAKROOM

Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

PURPLE L ABEL £45 ATG THEATRE ENTRY TO THE AMBASSADOR LOUNGECARD HALF A BOTTLE OF Discounts CHILLED PREMIUM CHAMPAGNE Discounts

A DELICIOUS BOX OF CHOCOLATES VENUE DISCOUNT A HOUSE PROGRAMME Discounts (or theatre gift if not available) SAVOURY SNACKS CLOAKROOM Photography by Ben Fisher

Discounts G F S Details page XX

*Glass of house wine (175ml) House spirit and mixer † Only in Variety Boxes with water

D O YO U WA N T T O B E A S TA R F O R T H E N I G H T ?

T O T H E A M B A S S A D O R L O U N G E O N A R R I VA L .

T H E L I V E R P O O L E M P I R E T H E AT R E I S

YO U W I L L H AV E G UA R A N T E E D TA B L E

DELIGHTED TO OFFER A SPECIAL RANGE OF

SERVICE BY A HOST WHO WILL BE ON

B E S P O K E PAC K AG E S F O R O U R C U S T O M E R S

H A N D T O C AT E R T O YO U R E V E R Y N E E D.

I N T H E N E W LY D E S I G N E D A M B A S S A D O R LOUNGE .

PA M P E R YO U R S E L F W I T H A L L T H E L U X U R Y AND GL AMOUR OF THE RED L ABEL AND P U R P L E L A B E L PAC K AG E S . YO U W I L L B E O N

G O O N S P O I L YO U R S E L F !

I F YO U W O U L D L I K E T O B O O K A N Y O F T H E A M B A S S A D O R PAC K AG E S P L E A S E C A L L 08 4 4 87 1 3017.

T H E E XC LU S I V E G U E S T L I S T A N D E S C O R T E D

Photography by Brian Slater

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BOOKING INFORMATION ONLINE Book all shows 24hrs a day at www.atgtickets.com/liverpool (secure online bookings).

All bookings are subject to fees.

Payment Methods: Credit Card/ Debit Cards

BY PHONE All telephone calls are received through ATG Tickets on 0844 871 3017 Open Mon - Sat 9am- 10pm, Sun 10am - 8pm. All bookings are subject to fees. Payment methods: Credit card/Debit cards. All calls are charged at national rate.

BOOK IN PERSON Call into our Box Office at the Empire on the corner of London Road and Lime Street, Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (closes 15mins after performance starts on show nights, and opens 2 hours prior to performances on Sunday). Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card/Debit Cards* and Gift Vouchers. (Fees may apply).

BY POST Postal bookings are accepted and should be sent to the following address: The Box Office, Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool,L1 1JE. Payment Methods: Cheque, Postal Order, Credit Card/Debit Cards and Gift Vouchers. Cheques should be made payable to ATG London Ltd. Cheques must be received 3 weeks prior to the performance date.

GROUPS OF 10+ Call our Groups Hotline on 0844 871 3037 Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm for more information. Please note we operate a book now, pay later facility.

Visit our website specifically designed for the groups market www.atgtickets.com/groups THEATRE TOKENS We sell and accept national Theatre Tokens. They are unique theatre vouchers and can be used to see shows at over 230 theatres nationwide.

Available in values of £5, £10 & £20 with no expiry date.

Tokens can also be purchased at most Tourist Information Centres and branches of WHSmith, or by calling Tokenline on 0870 164 8800. www.theatretokens.com

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CONCESSIONS We offer discounts for senior citizens, people with special access requirements, students, children, the unemployed, and people with hearing, visual and mobility impairments for the majority of shows, on production of relevant ID. Always ask the Box Office at the time of booking as we cannot discount on tickets already purchased.

Shows with these symbols have the following concessions available C General concessions G Group discounts F Family discounts

nature of the shows and sets we cannot guarantee an unrestricted view from all seats at all times.

MEDIUM/THERAPIST/ CLAIRVOYANT By attending this event you agree that you have sought the services provided of your own accord and understand that it is a holistic experiment and experience. The medium/therapist/ clairvoyant may give you information that could bring about a positive change in your life, but any changes that you make are your personal and legal responsibility.

S Schools discounts B Early booking offers E Workshops and creative activity

Only one concession is applicable at any one time, please check for restrictions on special offers. All concessions are subject to availability and conditions and can be withdrawn at any time.

ATG THEATRE CARD ATG Theatre Card offers are subject to availability on selected seat prices and for a max. 4 tickets per Card. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

RESTORATION FUND The ticket price for certain shows may include a contribution of up to £1.50 to the theatre’s restoration fund. We are very grateful to our patrons for the financial help we receive through our restoration levy. This year it has enabled the replacement of the carpet and seats in the stalls, as well as the creation of the new Piano Bar and Ambassador Lounge spaces.

EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST The Empire Theatre is managed by The Ambassador Theatre Group (Venues) Limited on behalf of The Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd The Trustees are Sir Phillip Carter CBE (Chairman) Terry Smith Prof. John Last CBE Tony Ensor Tony Thompson David Morgan (Secretary) The Trust is a registered Charity.

No. 509458 All information in this brochure is correct at time of printing, and is subject to change. Due to the varying

This brochure is printed on responsibly sourced FSC® paper. Please continue to help the environment by recycling it.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Co-founded by Sir Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire OBE in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the world’s number one live-theatre company with a total of 39 venues in Britain and on Broadway and an internationally recognised award-winning theatre producer. ATG is the market leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets, LOVETheatre and Group Line. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy and Trafalgar Studios 1 & 2. In New York, ATG owns The Lyric Theatre, the largest theatre on Broadway. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre and Convention Centre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio and Grand Opera House, York.

Current and recent ATG co-productions include The Ruling Class, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, East is East, Richard III, Arcadia, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Macbeth, The Hothouse, The Pride, Passion Play, Posh, Jumpy and Constellations (Royal Court at the Duke of York’s), 9 To 5 The Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, Goodnight Mister Tom, The Mystery of Charles Dickens, South Pacific, All New People, Dandy Dick, Blue/Orange, Ghost The Musical, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!, Exit the King, The Mountaintop, Being Shakespeare, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling and Guys and Dolls.

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good Ltd

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FOR GREAT SAVINGS AND PRIORITY BOOKING!

PRICES IN PERSON AT THE BOX OFFICE

PRICES FOR ONLINE & PHONE BOOKINGS**

PRICE BAND

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B

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D

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F

S

A

B

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D

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F

S

La Traviata*

£35

£27.50

£20

£10

-

-

£39.50

£38.90

£31.40

£23.90

£10

-

-

£43.40

£35

£27.50

£20

£10

-

-

£39.50

£38.90

£31.40

£23.90

£10

-

-

£43.40

£45 £49.50

£35 £45

£30 £39.50

£19.50 £25

£10 £10

-

£75 £75

£48.90 £38.90 £33.90 £23.40 £53.40 £48.90 £43.40 £28.90

£10 £10

-

£79.90 £79.90

£21 £34

£21

-

-

-

£37.90 £24.90 £48.40 £44.90 £24.90 £44.90 £42.40 £37.90 £24.90

-

-

-

£26.90

Madama Butterfly* Dirty Dancing Mon - Thu, Fri 5pm Fri 8.30pm & Sat perfs

Lord of the Dance* Opening Night £34 £21 Sat eve £44.50 £41 Wed - Fri & Sat Mat £41 £38.50 Dara O Briain: Crowd Tickler*

£24

-

-

-

-

-

-

Calamity Jane

£39

£32.50

£28

£23.50

£10

-

£43.50

-

£42.90 £36.40 £18.90

-

-

-

-

-

-

£31.90

£27.40

£10

-

£47.40

Juste Dance*

£16

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Spamalot Tue - Thu perfs Mon, Fri & Sat perfs

£30 £33

£20 £23

£10 £10

-

-

-

£38 £41

£33.90 £23.90 £36.90 £26.90

£10 £10

-

-

-

£41.90 £44.90

Barnum Tue - Thu perfs Fri - Sat perfs

£39.50 £42.50

£35 £37.50

£25 £27.50

£15 £17.50

£10 £12.50

-

£45 £47.50

£39.50 £35 £42.50 £37.50

£25 £27.50

£15 £17.50

£10 £12.50

-

£45 £47.50 -

The West End Men

£30.25

£23.25

-

-

-

-

£33.15

£26.15

-

-

-

-

One Night of Queen*

£18.50

-

-

-

-

-

-

£21.40

-

-

-

-

-

-

The Producers

£37.50

£29.50

£25

£15

£10

-

£45

£41.40

£17.90

£10

-

£48.90

Judy - The Songbook of Judy Garland

£29.50

£25

£19.50

£10

-

-

£35

The Dreamboys*

£25.50

-

-

-

-

-

-

£28.40

The Illegal Eagles*

£23.50

£21.50

-

-

-

-

-

Sing-a-long-a Frozen*

£15

-

-

-

-

-

-

Derren Brown* Mon - Thu perfs Fri - Sat perfs

£36 £40

£25 £30

-

-

-

-

£45 £47.50

Jersey Boys Mon - Thu perfs Fri - Sat perfs

£41 £45

£36 £39.50

£29.50 £30.50

£19.50 £21

£10 £10

-

£47 £50

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

£38

£33

£26

£20

£10

-

£45.50

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Tue - Thu perfs, Fri - Sat perfs

£29.50 £30.50

£25 £25

£19.50 £19.50

£15 £15

£10 £10

-

£35 £36

Inala

£33.40 £28.90

£33.40 £28.90 £23.40

£10

-

-

£38.90

-

-

-

-

-

£26.40 £24.40

-

-

-

-

-

£16.90

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

£48.90 £51.40

£44.90 £39.90 £33.40 £23.40 £48.90 £43.40 £34.40 £24.90

£10 £10

-

£50.90 £53.90

£41.90

£10

-

£49.40

£10 £10

-

£37.90 £38.90

-

£39.90 £27.90 £43.90 £32.90

£36.90 £29.90 £23.90

£32.40 £27.90 £22.40 £33.40 £27.90 £22.40

£16.90 £16.90

£29

£24.50

£20

£10

-

-

£39.50

£31.90

£27.40 £22.90

£10

-

-

£42.40

£16.50

£14.50

-

-

-

-

-

£18.40

£16.40

-

-

-

-

-

The ELO Experience*

£21

-

-

-

-

-

-

£23.90

-

-

-

-

-

-

Westcoast*

£23

£21

-

-

-

-

-

£25.90 £23.90

-

-

-

-

-

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom

Roy Chubby Brown

£21

-

-

-

-

-

-

£23.90

-

-

-

-

-

-

Love Me Tender

£32

£24

£18

£10

-

-

£40

£35.90

£27.90

£21.90

£10

-

-

£43.90

£19.90

-

-

Legally Blonde (Empire Youth Theatre)

£17

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dreamboats & Miniskirts

£29.50

£25

£19.50

£15

£10

-

£35

The Sound of Music

£37.25

£33.25

£25.25

£19.75

£10.25

-

£45.25

Hairspray the Musical Mon - Thu perfs Fri & Sat perfs

£39.50 £45

£35 £37.50

£25 £27.50

£19.50 £19.50

£10 £10

-

£47.50 £50

Paddy McGuinness*

£26

£18.50

-

-

-

-

£36

WNO Sweeney Todd

£36

£26

£16

£6

-

-

-

ENB Le Corsaire Mon - Sat eves & Sat mat Thu mat

£36 £21

£31 £16

£26 £10

£16 -

£10 -

-

£41 £26

Shrek the Musical Tue - Thu perfs Fri - Sun perfs

£39.50 £45

£35 £39.50

£29.50 £35

£19.50 £19.50

£10 £10

-

£45 £49.50

Dick Whittington

£27

£19.50

£15

£10

-

-

£30

£37.50 £37.50

£32.50 £32.50

£24.50 £24.50

£20 £20

£10 £10

-

£42.50 £45

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Mon - Thu perfs Fri & Sat perfs

£33.40 £28.90 £23.40 £41.15

£37.15

£29.15

-

-

-

-

£17.90

£10

-

£38.90

£23.65

£10.25

-

£49.15

£43.40 £38.90 £28.90 £23.40 £48.90 £41.40 £31.40 £23.40

£10 £10

-

£51.40 £53.90

-

-

-

-

£39.90

£19.90

£6

-

-

-

£38.90 £33.90 £28.90 £23.90 £18.90 £10

£18.90 -

£10 -

-

£43.90 £28.90

£39.50 £35 £29.50 £45 £39.50 £35

£19.50 £19.50

£10 £10

-

£45 £49.50

£16.90

£10

-

-

£32.90

£37.50 £32.50 £24.50 £37.50 £32.50 £24.50

£20 £20

£10 £10

-

£42.50 £45

£28.90

£21.40

£39.90 £29.90

£29.90 £22.40

All prices are subject to change. Theatre card members do not pay booking fees on most shows. **A £2.85 transaction fee applies to online & telephone bookings (excluding Theatre Card holders & Group Bookings). *A 1% per ticket booking fee applies to all credit & debit card bookings made at the box office.

The information in this brochure was correct at time of going to print. We reserve the right to make alterations to the published programme of events, their prices, concessions & fees. Due to the varying nature of our shows, we cannot guarantee an unrestricted view from all seats at all times.

43

Priority Tickets.

Great Savings.

If you love theatre and live entertainment as much as we do, you’ll love ATG Theatre Card.

Imagine a whole year of: Priority - book your favourite seats, first!

Offers - with savings of up to £10 off and even some half price!

No fees* - no extras to pay on most productions Exchanging your tickets - it’s free*

£35 for 12 months or £30 when you join by Direct Debit.

Make your visit a night to remember with 10% off at our bars and free cloakroom

JOIN TODAY

38 theatres UK wide - use your Card at any Ambassador Theatre Group theatre

Call 0844 871 7633

£10 OFF

TUE & WED EVES (PREM, A)

Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard Visit Your nearest ATG Box Office

HALF PRICE TUE & WED EVES 1ST WEEK HALF PRICE MON & TUE 2ND WEEK (PREM, A-C)

*ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue or call 0844 871 7633. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets at the Theatre Card price per performance and up to 4 drinks at UK venues in the Ambassador Theatre Group. Offers are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers. Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events and on tickets to events at non ATG and ATG international venues. ATG reserve the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice. ATG Theatre Card price is valid until 30/09/2015. For full Terms and Conditions please visit atgtickets.com