Tip Tray Theatre, are back with another fantastic event for all of us to enjoy. The creative group are a company committed to breaking barriers and championing diversity, They proudly announces LGBTQ+ Week at The Hope Street Theatre, celebrating and empowering Liverpool and the North West’s thriving queer community.

After their recent success of the What Happens Next? winner 2023, I Am Steven Gerrard, Tip Tray are continuing to support local artists with their brand new event LGBTQ+ Week at The Hope Street Theatre. The event, produced by Tip Tray Theatre in collaboration with The Hope Street Theatre, puts queer arts and creatives centre stage. The week consists of two fantastic headline acts: Katherine & Pierre by Talk Small and a production of The Boys In The Band by Moose Parade Theatre Company. The week also features a range of free events, such as panel discussions, poetry evenings and mixer events, held by some of Liverpool's best queer artists.

‘LGBTQ+ Week aims to communicate a message of celebration, empowerment, and visibility to both the local community and beyond. It's about celebrating the thriving queer community in Liverpool and the North West, championing diversity and inclusivity through art and discussion. It’s also an amazing opportunity to champion developing queer artists and we are so excited to share the work of the talented creatives involved’. - Maisy Gordon

We asked Maisy what was the inspiration behind putting on this powerful and exciting week. She explained,

‘This event was born from Merseyside Academy of Drama’s collaboration with The Matthew Shepard Foundation. In 2023, MAD’s Production of The Laramie Project raised funds for The Matthew Shepard Foundation, a charity created for Matthew Shepard, a young Wyoming man who was murdered in 1998 as a hate crime against his sexuality. When reporting the raised funds to the foundation, Dennis Sheppard kindly requested that the money be used to fund LGBTQ+ events in our own community and improve outreach and support in the Liverpool City region. We are proudly raising money at this event for The Matthew Shepard Foundation to thank them for their donation and to support their vital and continuous work for the LGBTQ+ community’.

Tip Tray shows they are committed to supporting diverse voices and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.

It's a chance to engage, educate, and entertain audiences while raising funds for The Matthew Shepard Foundation and starting important conversations. We are excited to put queer stories centre stage and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community ahead of Pride Month! - Maisy Gordon

During the packed week ahead,  the lineup includes LGBTQ+ Week, headlined by "Katherine & Pierre" on April 6, 2024, with showtimes at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets are priced at £12 (£10 for concessions). Following that, from April 11th to April 13th, 2024, catch "The Boys In The Band" at 7:30pm, with tickets available for £15 (£12 for concessions).

Katherine and Pierre

is a genderbent love story, brought to you by Talk Small. Built around the musical playlist of Katy Perry, Katherine & Pierre thrills through a physically and tightly choreographed, heightened drag world. The two performers, Bobbie Twaddle and Ellie Begley bring an incredible performance, whether it's spinning wildly on office chairs, lip-syncing well known classics, or performing precise choreography blindfolded... you won't be able to help but ditch your seat and start partying with the performers! Through energetic movement, intricate sound design and "Mime Dancing", Talk Small promises to deliver a queer, passionate and enjoyable experience for all who attend.

In collaboration with The Hope Street Theatre and Merseyside Academy of Drama, dedicated to supporting local and professional theatre. Supported by The Matthew Shepard Foundation.

The Boys In The Band

A new take on the 1968 Mart Crowley play, Moose Parade Theatre presents a night of queer expression and history: The Boys In The Band. Making its debut since its closure on Broadway and the subsequent Netflix original film adaptation, this production promises a beautiful revival of a timeless classic. A year before the Stonewall riots kicked off a generation of queer uprising and revolution. A swanky New York apartment, a birthday party and a group of friends navigating truths about each other. Who will come out unscathed and who will leave the party worse for wear, both physically and emotionally?

Also Don't miss out on Poetry Night on April 7, 2024, where admission is free. Additionally, join Tip Tray for a Mixer Event & Round Table Discussion on April 9, 2024, with free admission.

LGBTQ+ Week is shaping up to be a great experience for everyone involved. With support from local theatres and organisations, this event reflects Tip Tray Theatre's ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in the arts scene.