Wool Goddess

Yesterday, we experienced pure theatrical magic as we attended The Tina Turner Story at the illustrious Liverpool Empire Theatre.

A little about the wonderful Tina Turner:

From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi award-winning global superstar, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them, winning 12 Grammy Awards. I totally adore this woman so I was thrilled when I heard this musical was coming to Liverpool.

Nestled on the corner of Lime Street, this venue is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture with a steel-framed design and stunning Portland stone façade. Inside, the rich Louis XVI décor including carved elephant caryatids and intricate plasterwork sets the stage for grandeur unmatched anywhere else. With a seating capacity of 2,348 across just two tiers, it’s the largest two-tier auditorium in the UK and it is right here in my hometown of Liverpool.

A Storied Past

The spot where the current theatre now stands dates back to 1866, when the New Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House first opened, later renamed the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1867 . After a period of change, including a stint as the “Empire” in the late 1800s the original building was demolished in 1924. In its place rose the present Empire Theatre, opening on 9 March 1925, designed by W. and T. R. Milburn for Moss Empires . Over the decades, it withstood wartime bombings, welcomed icons like Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles, and hosted Royal Command and Royal Variety performances, including one in 2007 as Liverpool prepared to be European Capital of Culture .

The Show That Took Our Breath Away

But enough history, let’s talk about The Tina Turner Story. From the moment the lights dimmed and the music began, it was electric. The lead actor’s (Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi & Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy ) powerhouse vocals and energy filled that enormous space, making every seat vibrate with emotion. The staging was inventive, dynamic lighting and choreography transformed the auditorium into multiple eras of Tina’s life, from gospel roots to stadium anthems. We sat transfixed, clinging to every lyric, every guitar riff, every shimmy on stage.

By the final note, we were on our feet, cheering, applauding, I even saw strangers around us were wiping tears of overpowering joy.

Why the Empire is the Perfect Host

Nothing short of a stage worthy of “Simply the Best” could do justice to Tina’s story, and the Liverpool Empire delivered. Its vast auditorium allowed sweeping spectacle while preserving intimacy, every song felt personal yet grand. Its history of glamour and resilience added weight and resonance to a life story that overcame so much. Sitting under those ornate ceilings, we felt connected to generations of artists who had made history right there before us.

The Empire Theatre isn’t just a building, it’s a living archive of showbiz triumph, of hearts broken and lifted, of voices like Tina’s that shake the soul. Yesterday’s performance was more than a show, it was a celebration of spirit, of music, and of one of history’s greatest performers.

If you are attending this musical you are in for a great time!

Love & hugs