A world premiere, Shakespeare favourites, household comedy names and top musical entertainment will kick-start the new Spring Season in style at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre.

There’s a packed programme of top entertainment planned to take audiences through the coming months.

The Epstein will play host to the world premiere of Lennon’s Banjo, telling the story behind the most famous missing musical instrument in the world. A strong cast will be joined on stage by ex-Beatle drummer Pete Best, for three special performances during the two-week run. Lennon’s Banjo runs from 24th April to 5th May.

Lennon’s Banjo, from Pulse Records and Bill Elms and penned by Rob Fennah (Twopence to Cross the Mersey), is a comedy stage play about the disappearance of Lennon’s first musical instrument and the hunt to find it. The show features Eric Potts, Mark Moraghan, Jake Abraham, Lynn Francis, Danny O’Brien, Stephanie Dooley, Alan Stocks, and Roy Carruthers.

The theatre welcomes back Liverpool actor Daniel Taylor and his merry band of players for two of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo & Juliet. The double Bard bill runs from 11th to 15th April.

Daniel Taylor’s immersive Shakespeare production A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a big hit in 2017, and the magical play returns for a second run, being performed in repertory with the greatest love story of them all, Romeo & Juliet.

Meanwhile Jimmy Osmond, Jason Donovan, Griff Rhys Jones and Joe Lycett are among the big names making a date at the Hanover Street theatre during Spring.

Edinburgh Comedy Award and double Chortle Award winner John Robins presents The Darkness of Robins on 24th February, while an audience favourite Joe Lycett makes a New Year date with his I’m About to Lose Control and I Think Joe Lycett show on 23rd and 24th March.

Immersion Theatre brings brings Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale The Jungle Book to life for audiences of all ages on 18th February.

The Hound of the Baskervilles – The Hit Farce plays on 22nd February, and follows the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr. Jane Watson as they unravel a murderous mystery on the Devonshire moors.

Galton and Simpson’s scrap merchant father and son Steptoe and Son visit the Epstein for one night only on 14th March, reliving some of their finest misadventures.

Music fans have plenty to look forward to this season, with a strong line-up of talent. Fleetwood Bac bring the classic tracks of Fleetwood Mac to the Epstein on 9th February; while Neighbours actor, pop singer and musicals star Jason Donovan entertains with His Amazing Midlife Crisis show on 14th February.

Liverpool’s own China Crisis present their Flaunt The Imperfection full album live and greatest hits tour on 16th February; while Judie Tzuke, one of the U.K.’s finest singer/songwriters, brings her Peace Has Broken Out tour to the city on 23rd February.

The irresistible sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is recreated by The New Jersey Boys on 25th February, with a show featuring a host of massive hits including Big Girls Don’t Cry and Oh What a Night. Another legendary music icon is celebrated in The Spirit of Elvis In Concert on the 10th March, starring Gordon Hendricks as the King himself.

While music legend Jimmy Osmond celebrates the talent of his great friend and mentor, the late Andy Williams, in Moon River & Me on 15th and 16th March.

Los Pacaminos are one of the U.K.’s most popular live bands, and they come to the Epstein on the 18th March, and will be joined by 80s legend Paul Young. There’s a Rock and Roll Revolution Featuring The Bluejays on the 25th March.

The entertainment continues for grown-ups when Klub Kids Presents Alyssa Edwards – The Secret is Out Tour on the 3rd March. A favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race, expect lots of laughs, secrets and high kicking; while The Dreamboys have a hot date with Liverpool on the 22nd March as part of a sizzling new U.K. tour.

The new season also features plenty for younger audiences. The talented LHK Youth Theatre Presents: A Night of Musicals on the 11th and 12th March, promising classic tunes from some of the greatest stage shows

Families are invited to get involved at Crafty’s Creepy Castle on 10th February. Come along in your scariest costume and join the adventure to find hidden treasure. There is also a meet and greet for every child.

Finally, a real season highlight for audiences of all ages is Jack And The Beanstalk, the Easter panto from LHK Productions starring Liverpool’s very own Ray Quinn. The panto runs from 29th March to 8th April. Since appearing on The X Factor, Ray has gone on to win an army fans through his performances in Dancing On Ice as well as in stage shows including Grease, Dirty Dancing and Legally Blonde.

Check out the website to see what’s on this season and book your tickets now!

For full details, times and prices please check the Epstein Theatre’s home page.