Plenty of leg room and friendly enough, though slightly snarky at times, staff. Not really a bad seat in the place either.
Paula W.
Place rating: 5 Chadderton, United Kingdom
Couldn’t get tickets for this show in Manchester so we got them for Liverpool . Came to watch The Impossible for my Sons birthday as he loves all magic & Dare devil stunts. The show was amazing from start to finish with illusions, magic & tricks… The Theatre reminds me of the Palace in Manchester which I love… Lovely bar area for refreshments during interval, but a little pricey bought my son a small tub of ice cream which cost £4. Definitely will return to this theatre though.
Lainy S.
Place rating: 4 Glasgow, United Kingdom
When I went to see Rocky Horror Show last week in the Liverpool Empire I was front row centre, which gave me the perfect opportunity to take in my surroundings. This theatre is huge for this kind of stage show boasting a massive array of floor and balcony seating. Traditionally decorated, it looks like a supersize version of the ones in my home town and even before the show started it created a fantastic atmosphere. The Rocky Horror fans are not wallflowers and the mass of costumes people erupted as Roxy came out to sing the opening number. I’ve been to see Rocky Horror a few times and am going back again in August but the size of this venue and it’s marvellously mischievous crowd made this the best time yet. The only snag was poorly stocked bar and the fact that we were not offered an intermission round but this was quickly forgotten about when the show began. I’d love to come back to this theatre to feel this atmosphere again. What a night.
Hex P.
Place rating: 5 Liverpool, United Kingdom
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is situated on Lime Street, next to Lime Street train station. It is a large, impressive & stunning building. The range of events at the Liverpool Empire is very varied. The Empire has played host to musicals, comedies, dramas, Shakespearean plays, operas, ballets, stand up comedian, pantos, rock concerts, pop concerts, orchestral concerts, sing a long film events and much much more. The foyer of the Empire is impressive with gorgeous wall fittings and a regal and expensive looking carpet. The ushers check your tickets, scan the bar codes with a hand held device, and direct you to the correct area for your seats. There are ushers in each area who then direct you to your exact seats if needs be. The staff are very polite and helpful. They make you feel very welcome. The seats in the empire are quite close together and this can be a bit uncomfortable if you have long legs like me. But if the performance you are watching is good enough then you don’t really notice. There is always a range of ticket prices available, obviously the most expensive tickets are closest to the stage with the best views. There is a seat price to suit every budget. The theatre is stunning inside. The décor is very elaborate and grand and has obviously been well maintained, apart from the odd bit of peeling paint, but this adds to its antique feel. As with all theatres the refreshments and drinks at the bar are expensive but that is to be expected. This is a great venue and I hope it remains for many years to come.
Anthony S.
Place rating: 4 Liverpool, United Kingdom
The Liverpool Empire is the place you will find the more mainstream and popular performances in Liverpool’s theatrical scene. The wonderful, grand façade is matched by a grand old auditorium. Yes getting on a bit but still comfortable and atmospheric nonetheless. It is a place that I rarely visit as it tends to show only musicals but it does attract big shows once they have finished their West End Run and is capable of performing them with as much technical skill and aplomb as they deserve.
Tina W.
Place rating: 5 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Now this is my kind of theatre! The Empire is in a great location, it’s beautiful, it has great history, it’s a perfect size, in my opinion: large enough for a busy bustling atmosphere but you’re always able to see the stage! I’ve been coming to the Empire since I was very little and have seen countless memorable performances over the years: Les Miserabes, Fame, Grease, Chicago, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Blood Brothers, Swan Lake, the list goes on and on and every show, every night has been electric and unforgettable(okay, maybe not Fosse, that was rubbish). I love the atmosphere of this theatre, the excitement and that element of tradition that has been maintained through the preservation of the squeaky chairs, the glamorous boxes and the girs selling refreshments during the interval. It could do with a lick of paint and some better, more complimentary, lighting, but I love it. There are some great shows coming up: The Sound of Music with Connie Fisher, Hairspray, Swan Lake, 60s night and 80’s mania, John Cleese and Jason Manford are appearing, and Pamela Anderson is starring as the genie in this year’s panto, Aladdin… Once again I’m disappointed not to see one show on the line up: The Hot Shoe Shuffle! It hasn’t been on for years. Bring it Back!
Dave L.
Place rating: 4 Liverpool, United Kingdom
A solidly old-fashioned kind of theatre, the Liverpool Empire stands with faded grandeur on Lime Street, surrounded by buildings just as revered and historical as itself. From Frank Sinatra, Les Dawson and Bing Crosby through to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, name a band or performer and the chances are good they’ve trod the boards here. Being the primary venue for decades has lent it a fine veneration in the eyes of history but the long and short of it is that its seen its heyday. I’m not sure if the actual building is to blame or if it’s just down to the fact that nowt but musicals and winners of reality shows are touring at the moment but it’s been a while since I looked forward to an event at the Empire.
Liam M.
Place rating: 4 Liverpool, United Kingdom
The Empire is a great structure in Liverpools’ skyline and looks fabulously elegant situated opposite the equally beautiful St Georges Hall on Lime Street. The theatre is also right next to Lime Street train station and really is at the heart of the city and deservedly so. This theatre constantly attracts top notch productions and any night of the year there will be a quality experience available for all from Family nights out to a date for two. The Empire as well as being a top quality emporium of theatre also hosts musical events and I have been caught in the cross fire of screaming teenage fans as I attempted to navigate my way past a JLS gig this year. It just shows the Empire’s desire and indeed ability to attract and please any crowd. The Empire screams history and is no doubt high on the list of reasons that Liverpool is a former city of culture recognised throughout Europe and the world. The diversity of the shows is thorougly astounding and the service is excellent all in all this place provides you with the ultimate night out in terms of culutural ambience. If you live in Liverpool or even if your just passing by you will have missed an enormous trick.
Emma Louise M.
Place rating: 4 Manchester, United Kingdom
Classic, utterly classic building. This is what theatre is made of. Sure, geometric glass and steel behemoths like The Lowry in Salford have their place in culture, but for me a real theatre visit means an architectural gem that’s as ancient as drama itself, crumbling a little bit full of ushers and staff that wear real proper dickie-bow uniforms and polished shiny interiors. This fits the bill. You can catch everything here, from live bands to pantomime, plays to musicals. If something that takes your fancy happens to breeze by here I’d heartily recommend it. It’s got a great history, it’s a cultural gem and of course your experience here will depend on the quality of what you see but I for one think it’s a great building to visit anyway, a throwback to the golden age of theatre when everything seemed glossy and glam and new. The prices are as reasonable as you’d expect for any major venue and can get a little steep depending on what you’re seeing, but I can confirm that they keep the place in good nick and it’s always looking sharp when I attend. If you want a true traditional grease-paint and gusto experience I’d ensure that you head here at some point.
Helen T.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Although we may have witnessed the decline of an Empire from latterdays, it’s still got lots going for it! I saw The Rocky Horror show here last year, not once, but Twice in one week it was so good! The atmosphere was electric and to see such an interactive show in such a grand, large theatre with everyone joining in was unforgettable!(And oh, the outfits!) On the other end of the spectrum, I saw Swan Lake here which was a magnificent show; it seems to me that The Empire is versatile, showing comedy, ballet and classic productions as well as pantos and still has so much left to give, so give it a chance!
Rana M.
Place rating: 4 Manchester, United Kingdom
Why would you not want to visit the Liverpool empire!!! After all it is only the largest two-tier theatre in Britain!!! The theatre is perfect night out for a comedy stand up show. Jimmy Carr is in town soon, now why would you want to miss that!!! There is also scope for children with various productions of musicals also being played here. Atrium Bar and Café is there to cater for your stomach’s needs during and before performances serving a good range of f&b. Whether its burgers and hotdogs you are after or are looking for a more healthy option of fresh salads and carvery sandwiches, there is something here for everyone.
Jemma P.
Place rating: 4 Largs, United Kingdom
The Empire Theatre is the Largest 2 tier theatre in the country and one of the widest theatres in Europe. The theatre was refurbished in 1998 when the theatre size was increased to accommodate the big productions. The building is beautiful and has a great atmosphere inside. The seats are pretty good because even if you purchase the cheaper seats you still have a good view of the stage. It’s a good place to go to see a show before heading on into town as it’s closely situated to the pubs and clubs in Liverpool. The bar area in the Empire is lovely, very relaxed and chilled out. The only downside is the toilets– not the most pleasant loos I’ve ever been in!
Philip S.
Place rating: 2 Liverpool, United Kingdom
My first ever experience at the Empire Theatre was to see Cats: the Musical. I looked forward to this show so much even though I am naturally not a big fan of theatre but I have to say I was a little disappointed not entirely by the show but by the deafening loud speakers. The atmosphere was fantastic but if you’re sat near the front, it’s extremely noisy. If you’re like me and don’t like it too loud, then no sooner have you arrived will you want to leave by the mid-session interval(and that’s exactly what I did). Having heard enough, I decided to go to a bar instead for a refreshing drink as the heat inside the theatre was also a factor. The theatre is a lovely setting but not the biggest. It plays host to a variety of shows often with the odd celebrity. For me, theatre is still not my cup of tea. Would I recommend this theatre to anybody else? Well, it depends… I will leave that for you folks to decide!
Jen560
Place rating: 4 Liverpool, United Kingdom
The Empire is a well established theatre located on Lime Street. I have seen a number of shows there over the years and have always enjoyed the experience. It recently hosted the Royal Variety Performance — which I think was the first time it was held outside London. There is always a good range of shows from musicals to ballet to childrens regularly scheduled and the ticket prices are reasonable for a night out at the theatre. Conveniently located for public transport and nearby to the Queens Square area for restaurants and bars makes this a good choice for a night out. I am personally looking forward to seeing Flashdance.