Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Home for Theatre in Liverpool
Unity Theatre stands as a beacon for artistic expression and community engagement in Liverpool. We provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to challenge conventions through live performances, immersive experiences, and participatory workshops. Our venue, housed in a former synagogue dating back to 1857, reflects Liverpool's cultural heritage while fostering contemporary creativity. We prioritise local talent through dedicated development programmes, ensuring Merseyside artists gain the skills and exposure needed to thrive. Our commitment extends beyond the stage, offering post-show discussions, podcasts, and film screenings to deepen audience engagement. With support from Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, we maintain accessibility through free ticket initiatives for underserved communities.The theatre's history as a radical political space in the 1930s continues to influence our mission of presenting art 'by the people' that sparks critical dialogue. Our Georgian quarter location provides unique event spaces that generate income to sustain our artistic mission. Through Creativepool membership, we connect creatives with networking opportunities, discounted tickets, and professional development resources. Our scratch nights and open calls ensure diverse voices find a home on our stages, embodying our vision of theatre as a catalyst for compassion and social connection.
Services
Theatre Productions
Artist Development
Creative Workshops
Community Projects
Venue Hire
Podcast Production
Film Screenings
Networking Events
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We champion Liverpool's cultural identity through community-created theatre
- Our artist development programmes have nurtured local talent since 1980
- Historic venue combines Georgian architecture with modern performance facilities
- Free ticket initiatives ensure arts accessibility for all socioeconomic groups
- Monthly scratch nights provide emerging artists with performance opportunities
What people say
Vibrant community hub
Diverse programming
Historic setting
Artist development
Accessible atmosphere
Services
Theatre Productions
We produce and present contemporary theatre that challenges social norms and reflects Liverpool's diverse communities. Our programme features experimental works, classic reinterpretations, and new writing from local artists. Each season includes post-show discussions to deepen audience engagement with the themes explored.
Artist Development
Our Creativepool programme nurtures emerging talent through workshops, networking events, and one-to-one mentoring. Monthly scratch nights provide performance opportunities for works-in-progress, while our open calls seek innovative proposals for main stage productions and participatory projects across Merseyside.
Community Projects
We deliver inclusive arts initiatives that engage underrepresented groups through our Community Tickets Project. Our outreach extends to asylum seekers, marginalised communities, and disability-focused partnerships, ensuring equitable access to cultural participation and creative expression opportunities in a supportive environment.
Venue Hire
Our historic building offers versatile spaces for hire including a main theatre, studio room, and exhibition areas. The venue combines Georgian architectural features with modern technical capabilities, suitable for performances, conferences, and private events while supporting our artistic mission through rental income.
Creative Workshops
We provide practical training sessions covering acting, writing, and production techniques led by industry professionals. Our workshops cater to all experience levels, focusing on both technical skills acquisition and creative confidence-building through collaborative projects and masterclasses with established theatre practitioners.
Questions
What types of performances does Unity Theatre host?
We present contemporary theatre, immersive experiences, experimental works, and community-created productions. Our programme includes scratch nights for emerging artists and special projects that reflect Liverpool's cultural diversity.
How can local artists get involved with Unity Theatre?
Through our Creativepool membership, scratch nights, and open calls for proposals. We offer workshops, networking events, and one-to-one mentoring to support artists at all career stages across Merseyside.
Are there accessibility features at Unity Theatre?
Yes, we provide accessible seating, hearing assistance, and relaxed performances. Our building has step-free access to most areas and accessible toilet facilities to ensure inclusive audience experiences.
Does Unity Theatre offer educational programmes?
We run creative workshops for all skill levels, artist development schemes, and community projects. Our educational initiatives focus on practical theatre skills, creative confidence-building, and collaborative production experiences.
How does Unity Theatre support the local community?
Through free ticket initiatives for underserved groups, partnerships with local organisations, and prioritising Merseyside-based artists. We create opportunities for cultural participation and provide platforms for community voices to be heard.
What is the history of Unity Theatre's building?
Our venue occupies a former synagogue built in 1857, Liverpool's oldest surviving synagogue. The space has hosted radical theatre since 1980, preserving Georgian architectural features while housing modern performance facilities.
