New Production of MASQUERADE is Coming to Epstein Theatre This Autumn

A model new production of Masquerade – a play telling a highly effective and psychological tale set in an legendary Liverpool gay club in the 1980s – is coming to the city’s Epstein Theatre this Autumn.

Masquerade is a poignant tale of love and decline between Liverpool’s LGBT+ community.

Following a effective run at the Royal Courtroom Studio in 2019, the acclaimed participate in composed by Laura Lees is again in a new electrifying and reimagined staging, with Liverpool’s queer record at its heart. The imaginative team has been announced, the whole cast will be revealed shortly.

Masquerade will operate at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool from Tuesday 22 November to Saturday 26 November 2022 for just 8 performances. Tickets are priced from £20 and are on sale now.

Masquerade is made by Invoice Elms (One thing About George/Simon, Swan Song, The Ruby Slippers), and directed by James Baker (Cherry Jezebel, Yank, Parade). Most a short while ago, Bill and James labored together on productions Jerry Springer The Opera and 2Lovely4U.

The new production features extra substance by dramaturg Tom Lloyd the manufacturing is intended by Ellie Gentle, with seem design and style byDaniel Mawson. Casting by Pearson Casting.

The play tells a fictional tale centered all around the now demolished legendary Cases Street venue, affectionately recognised as The Mazzie, which was frequented at the time by popular faces such as Holly Johnson, Paul O’Grady, Paul Rutherford, and Margi Clarke.

Masquerade – the place inside was the place to be out. Mike loves Tony (but not like that). He’s his greatest mate. To be self-confident, outgoing, and open up is a large offer in a town like Liverpool in 1986 particularly all through the Aids crisis. When they find out The Masquerade Club with trepidation, Mike will get a style of the daily life he could and should be living. He is welcomed with open arms, quickly getting the resident DJ in a club that turns into the centre of his universe. But their paths go in individual directions. Outside of the club partitions he desires to locate the courage to convey to his mother and father that he is not the son they want him to be. Will he find the toughness to stand up for himself specially when tragedy strikes?

Writer Laura Lees commented: “I was knowledgeable that my uncle Mark had been a DJ in the club when he was more youthful so I asked him about it, at which issue he opened up and gave me an insight into The Masquerade. I quickly fell in love with its story and required to know anything there was to know about it. Though carrying out the exploration, I uncovered that most persons were pleased to reminisce simply because it was this sort of a amazing time in their lives. Having said that, it was equally bittersweet as it was also a time of suffering when Aids was hitting the homosexual neighborhood.

“I want to acquire audiences on a journey via an important period of time for the LGBT local community – an uplifting tale that would resonate with anybody who has ever skilled the exhilaration and terror of a 1st enjoy. What it was like to be younger and homosexual in a hostile modern society. Also, to honour the victims that compensated the cost for currently being alive, and to give hope to any one who is fearful to be whomever they want to be. Everyone has a ideal to really like and pleasure, and you only get just one likelihood to be accurate.

“Operating with Tom Lloyd has been priceless. It feels like I am searching at the script for the very first time as he has given me a contemporary standpoint and new ideas. I am energized to see the eyesight that James Baker has and what the end consequence will be. I am delighted to be a sharing this new edition of this participate in with accurate friendship, really like, family members and pain remaining at the coronary heart of it.”

Director James Baker included: “I’m truly psyched to be directing a new incarnation of this play, which has its DNA firmly rooted in the queer history of Liverpool and the iconic Masquerade. The enjoy will be a feast for the heart and celebrate the pretty character of what it means to be no cost from oppression and live your own reality. Get all set to expertise a evening out like no other!”

Producer Bill Elms of Invoice Elms Productions Ltd and Inventive Director of Epstein Theatre proceeds: “I am psyched to be presenting this new perform alongside with a dynamic and gifted innovative team. Collectively, we will develop on the a lot-beloved Royal Court Studio piece to build a complete phase creation of this brilliant piece of producing for the newly reopened Epstein Theatre, with an intention and emphasis to give the display a upcoming daily life.

“Even though the play was initially staged ahead of television sequence It’s A Sin, anybody who beloved the programme will enjoy Masquerade – and I cannot wait to see the viewers reactions and what they think of the new edition of the exhibit. I know they are in for a address.”

“A touching, uplifting story of adore and friendship” – Liverpool Echo

The show is 1 of quite a few new productions coming to the recently introduced Epstein Theatre.

The Epstein Theatre is Grade II Mentioned and situated in the heart of Liverpool town centre, it was named immediately after the legendary gay Beatles’ manager and ‘Fifth Beatle’ Brian Epstein.

In October 2021, a new crew took the helm at the historic venue. Epstein Entertainments Ltd is a joint enterprise concerning Liverpool producers Monthly bill Elms, Inventive and Communications Director Chantelle Nolan, Inventive and Functions Director and Regal Entertainments Ltd Firm Director Jane Joseph.

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Effectiveness Specifics:

MASQUERADE

Tuesday 22 November 2022 – Saturday 26 November 2022

The Epstein Theatre

85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ

Tickets from £20

Performance Timetable:

Tuesday 22 November – 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 November – 7.30pm

Thursday 24 November – 2.30pm

Thursday 24 November – 7.30pm

Friday 25 November – 5pm

Friday 25 November – 8.30pm

Saturday 26 November – 2.30pm

Saturday 26 November – 7.30pm