LIVERPOOL Theatre Festival is set to return this autumn for its third consecutive year.

Liverpool Theatre Festival was first staged in September 2020 to boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sectors following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry. 

After an inaugural year, the event returned in 2021 welcoming 2,700 festivalgoers across 12 days, with a programme featuring 23 performances of 16 shows. 

Last year also saw the introduction of fringe event Little LTF, a seven-day mini-festival that attracted 1,200 festivalgoers in year one. 

Wirral Globe: Image: David MunnImage: David Munn

The selection panel has been confirmed as LTF Festival Director Bill Elms; theatre director and producer James Baker; Francesca Peschier, Head of New Works at Everyman Playhouse; arts marketing professional Anthony Proctor; freelance arts consultant Sue Williams; and national theatre booker David Fry. 

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: “We are incredibly excited to announce the return of Liverpool Theatre Festival for a third consecutive year, and Little LTF is back for a second year.

“When the pandemic struck, the creative arts and live performance sector of Liverpool City Region was hit hard.

Wirral Globe: Bill Elms. Image: Wesley StoreyBill Elms. Image: Wesley Storey

“Live theatre has been my passion for more than 30 years and I just had to do something to help.”

Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 will take place between Wednesday 31 August and Sunday 11 September 2022. It will be preceded by Little LTF (Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works) from Monday 2 May to Sunday 8 May 2022. 

Both events will once again take place at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre, the marquee as the backdrop for Little LTF, with the main festival taking place outdoors. 

Bill added: “Given the support we’ve received since we announced the first festival in August 2020, you can really feel just how much live performance and entertainment means to people.

Wirral Globe: Liverpool Theatre Festival 2021 Liverpool Theatre Festival 2021

“People were desperate to experience that thrill once again.

“And now we’re back with the main festival for established work and performers, and a fringe event to showcase and celebrate new work.”

Shows for the main Liverpool Theatre Festival will be announced in the coming months. 

Meanwhile, creatives are now invited to submit new works for Little LTF, the deadline is Friday 18 March 2022. Full details can be found at www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com