Cunard’s Three Queens will be welcomed to Liverpool this weekend with a spectacular three-day series of entertainment bringing the Pier Head to life.
The action-packed programme will see street performances, flash mobs, pavement art, live theatre and music line the waterfront.
The transatlantic travel themed performers animating the streets will be provided by specialist street theatre companies Artemis, Swank, Curious Cargo and Fairly Famous Family.
Some of the confirmed acts include:
- The Funnels by Artemis, a Liverpool street theatre company – a specially commissioned piece, having its premiere at the Three Queens weekend – a walkabout show featuring three playful funnels, which have been produced to mimic the iconic funnels of the Cunard liners, mingle and entertain the crowds. This special show also features various ships characters – the ship’s captain, chief maid, and a first class gentleman passenger.
- Jolly Holiday by Swank – Join the Jolly family on their jolly holiday. Big Mam and Wee Dad, together with their delectable and desperate daughter Dolly, push Nana Noreen in her armchair taking in exciting new and beautiful sites. This beautifully crafted puppetry and street theatre was inspired by Blackpool, commissioned by Showzam Festival of Circus Magic and New Variety and created in collaboration with some of the most experienced street theatre companies in the UK including Pickled Image, Bread and Butter Theatre and Creature Feature.
- Lost Luggage Porters by Curious Cargo – Travel back in time with the Lost Luggage Porters to a world of monochrome, wonderment and curiosity. Join these silent movie characters in their quest to find the big ships and experience their puzzlement and predicaments as they try to navigate their way through our modern-day metropolis. Expect the unexpected!
- Just-in-case by Fairly Famous Family – An all-action musical comedy thriller. Two sharp suited performers arrive with five mysterious flight cases. Inside each case is a new comedy adventure!
- The 3 Queens by Lormac Productions – Queens Elizabeth, Mary and Victoria won’t only be visiting the River Mersey that day – period costumed Queens will also be found wandering around the Pier Head meeting and greeting visitors, so give them a Royal wave! In true regal style, Queen Elizabeth’s’ dress is a copy of the one worn in the 1952 painting by John Napper that hangs in St Georges Hall.
- Town Crier – Terry Stubbings, Liverpool’s Official Town Crier will be on hand throughout the weekend welcoming visitors off the ships and to the waterfront.
Live music acts will also take to the stage on Sunday and Monday at Mann Island. Visitors to the waterfront will be able to enjoy a range of acoustic performances from acts including choirs, ukulele group, big band sound, opera and local musicians, including acts sourced from the Liverpool International Music Festival Academy, and LIMF Bandstand. Featuring Liverpool musicians Gerry Murphy, Rob Jones & Rob White, The Halcyon Syncopaters, Wigan Ukulele and a fantastic performance from international opera singer Roy Weissensteiner. Roy is an accomplished tenor of the highest standard who has performed with Opera Australia, Operassion, Baden Bei Wein and more worldwide. It promises to be a great soundtrack to the Three Queens!
Mann Island will also be brought to life by The City of Readers, who will be doing a shared reading of Roger McGough’s ‘The Stowaways’ at 3pm Sunday and 3.15pm Monday. A family shared reading session, visitors are invited to come and join in with the live reading enactment of the book.
Sunday and Monday will also see Fabarooney Facepainters down on the Pier Head to transform little (or big) ones into their favourite characters. Urban Canvas will be transforming the space outside Museum of Liverpool with young and old alike into a maritime themed piece of colourful pavement art ( from 12noon Sunday and 2.30pm Monday).
We’ll also have a special visit for the Sunday and the Monday to celebrate the iconic Cunard Bell Boys. The Bell Boys will be on hand in their iconic red uniforms to reflect the bell boys place is maritime history.
The Royal Marines Band will also perform on Canada Boulevard on Sunday evening and Monday afternoon with patriotic and instantly recognisable, instrumental music.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The street theatre due to take place over the weekend marks the spectacle and joviality of the celebration. The performers will breathe life into the streets as they entertain and amuse the crowds as part of the epic three day celebrations in the city.
“There will be something for everyone as we celebrate the arrival of the Three Cunard Queens in a historic day for the City of Liverpool.”
The street animation timings are:
- Saturday 6.00pm – 9.30pm
- Sunday 12pm – 9.00pm
- Monday 2.00pm – 9.00pm
Special fountain displays will also take place on the Pier Head every half hour on Saturday 23rd 6pm – 8pm, Sunday 24th 12pm – 8pm and Monday 25th 2.30pm – 8pm.
For more information about the acts scheduled for the weekend, search for #3Queens
