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Liverpool Empire Theatre facade on Lime Street
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English National Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

Rudolf Nureyev's cinematic 1977 choreography for Shakespeare's tragedy is performed by the English National Ballet, accompanied live by the full ENB Philharmonic.

Liverpool Empire · 1 Lime Street · 15–17 Oct

Rudolf Nureyev's world-renowned passionate choreographyProkofiev's stirring score performed live by ENB PhilharmonicLavish Renaissance staging by Italian designer Ezio FrigerioTickets from £15 to £65
L1Local Event Briefing

Rudolf Nureyev's cinematic 1977 choreography for Shakespeare's tragedy is performed by the English National Ballet, accompanied live by the full ENB Philharmonic.

📍 Liverpool Empire📅 15–17 Oct🚆 Liverpool Lime Street

Overview & what to expect

English National Ballet returns to the Liverpool Empire with Rudolf Nureyev's critically acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet. Created in 1977 to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee, Nureyev's version remains legendary for its passionate drama, visceral swordplay, and athletic classical dancing.

Set against Renaissance Verona with sumptuous period sets and costumes designed by Ezio Frigerio, the production captures Shakespeare's young lovers caught in the tragic crossfire of factional hatred. The ENB Philharmonic performs Sergei Prokofiev's unforgettable orchestral score live in the Empire's pit.

With only four performances across three days, this marks one of the artistic highlights of Liverpool's autumn cultural calendar.

Performance schedule

19:30
Opening night

Thursday 15 October 2026

14:30
Thursday matinee

Mid-week afternoon performance

19:30
Friday evening

16 October 2026

14:30 & 19:30
Saturday final shows

17 October matinee and evening finale

  • Running time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including two 20-minute intervals.
  • Latecomers admitted only during interval breaks to avoid disturbing the dancers.

Venue essentials & visiting advice

Age requirements

Recommended for ages 8 and above. Under-16s must sit with an adult.

Entry & admission

Cashless venue throughout. Strict A4 bag size limits apply.

Bag restrictions

Strict maximum bag size 40cm x 30cm x 15cm; security searches and metal-detection arches in use; no suitcases or large rucksacks.

Payment methods

100% cashless; card and contactless payments only at all bars and kiosk points.

Content & special effects guidance

  • Contains theatrical sword fighting, stage violence and tragic death scenes.

Where to eat & drink nearby

The Ship & Mitre

Historic real ale and continental craft pub

🚶 7 min walk on Dale StreetLocal guide →

Dead Crafty Beer Company

Specialist rotating craft taproom

🚶 8 min walk on Dale StreetLocal guide →

Ma Egerton's Stage Door

Classic theatrical pub and stone-baked pizza

🚶 2 min walk behind the Empire on Pudsey StreetWebsite ↗

Looking for more? Browse independent spots across Liverpool in our L1Directory.

Getting there & getting home

Nearest Merseyrail station: Liverpool Lime Street (1 min walk across the road)

  • Exit Lime Street station via the main entrance; the Empire is immediately across the road.
  • Pre-booking interval drinks on the ATG app saves waiting at busy bars.
  • Level access entrance is available via the street-level foyer on Lime Street.

Liverpool Empire, 1 Lime Street, L1 1JE

Get directions on OpenStreetMap ↗

Related Liverpool guides

Dates, times and prices can change. We recommend confirming with the venue before travelling. Spotted something out of date? Tell us, or see our corrections policy. See more Liverpool events →

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