Theatre Tours

Liverpool Theatres are opening their doors for a double-bill tour of two of the city's most storied stages on Saturday 17 October, starting at 10:30. It's a chance to step inside the Liverpool Olympia and the Liverpool Empire, two venues that usually only see you from the stalls or the circle, and get a look at how they actually work.

The first stop is the Olympia, a Grade II listed venue that opened in 1905 as a variety hall. It's one of the city's older working theatres, and the tour lets you see it from the inside rather than just the front. From there, the tour moves on to the Empire, where you'll be taken back to the moment the theatre first opened its doors. You'll see the original features that are still there, tread the boards yourself, and hear stories from the staff and the productions that pass through.

There are a few practical things to keep in mind before you book. The Empire part of the tour involves a fair number of stairs, so it's not the easiest walk if you're struggling with them. Access to the stage and backstage is subject to availability and isn't guaranteed, and the tour doesn't include a ticket for a show, so you're just there for the look around. It's run by Liverpool Theatres, and it's free for both adults and children, with the whole thing kicking off at 10:30 on Saturday 17 October.