Liverpool Empire Theatre

Creative Tourist

Just on the corner of Lime Street and London Road, The Liverpool Empire Theatre is the largest two-tier theatre in the country with a capacity of 2350. It’s the perfect location for visitors travelling to Liverpool, with the walk between Lime Street Station and the theatre taking no more than two minutes.

Firstly built as the  ‘The Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House’ and opened in 1866, the original site was demolished in 1924, to reopen a year later where it has stayed ever since. In 1999, the Empire underwent a major refurbishment which increased the size of the stage, while in 2002 an extension was added to the building, and it has stayed the same to this day.

In the last century, the theatre saw legends like Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland perform on its stage, as well as the Beatles, Kate Bush and Queen. Fans on stage productions will find a busy programme of traditional theatre, touring performances alongside musicals, pantomime, pop concerts and even wrestling. Grab a drink at the theatre bar and enjoy the magic of the show in a theatre with a long history. Speaking of history, you may even come across one of the theatre ghosts who are said to regularly make appearances around the place…

If you’re after more Liverpool attractions before or after the show, Liverpool Empire Theatre is right next to the beautiful St George’s Hall, as well as the World Museum, Central Library and the Walker Art Gallery.

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Telephone: 0844 847 2525 Visit Now

What's on near Liverpool Empire Theatre

DaDaFest International 40 at Bluecoat
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
DaDaFest International 40

Celebrating 40 years of groundbreaking disability and Deaf arts, DaDaFest returns for 2025 with a bold and unapologetic programme.

free entry
Two people sitting playing a video game.
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
Art Plays Games at FACT

Art Plays Games is a new show at FACT, celebrating games created by digital artists and independent video game developers.

free entry
Eleanor Rees
LiteratureLiverpool
Eleanor Rees at Open Eye Gallery Liverpool

Launching her shiny new volume of selected poems in Liverpool, where much of it was dreamed up, Eleanor Rees will be reading live and also chatting about the production.

free entry

Where to go near Liverpool Empire Theatre

City Centre
Theatre
Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.

hotel 2
City Centre
Hotel
The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel offers accommodation in style, with comfort, luxury and a seasonal menu in a central Liverpool location.

library
Liverpool
Shop
Henry Bohn Books

Prepare to do some browsing and digging – this second hand bookshop is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered

Liverpool Central Library
City Centre
Library
Liverpool Central Library

The final building in the World Heritage Site of William Brown Street to be revamped, the wonderfully restored Central Library takes pride of place in Liverpool’s architecturally stunning Cultural Quarter.

City Centre
Gallery
Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery is a small but perfectly formed traditional gallery. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from 13th century to present day. 

O2 Academy music venue in Liverpool.
City Centre
Music venue
O2 Academy Liverpool

O2 Academy Liverpool (formerly the L2 and Carling Academy Liverpool) boasts two performance areas that host live music and clubnights.

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Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
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Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
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