Liverpool Empire Theatre Announces New General Manager

Liverpool Empire Theatre has announced the appointment of a new General Manager, Andrew Rawlinson, who joins the iconic venue at a very exciting time with many top West End shows in the diary and more to be announced very soon.

Andrew, who is already in post at the venue, said: "The people of Liverpool have been absolutely wonderful - the pride in the city and the international reputation it has is just amazing. I recently attended the launch of the it's Liverpool campaign which was really inspiring - I can't wait to do my bit to shout about what Liverpool has to offer. It's not just a place, it's a destination."

Andrew was born and bred in the Lancashire/Yorkshire border town of Todmorden. He was educated in the North West, where he later established an award-winning murder mystery company and presented daily afternoon programmes for regional radio stations. He then went on to become General Manager of national and international touring theatre company, Horse + Bamboo, before taking up the post of Executive Director and Chief Executive of Blackfriars Arts Centre in Boston, Lincolnshire. In early 2005, Andrew became Manager of The Palace Theatre in Manchester for Live Nation, hosting number one touring productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mamma Mia and Mary Poppins. Following this, Andrew managed Sunderland Empire, presenting other large scale touring work including The Sound of Music, with Connie Fisher; the phenomenal, multi award winning, We Will Rock You and the heart-warming festive spectacular, Irving Berlin's White Christmas.

Andrew is now thrilled to be returning to his much loved North West and to Liverpool Empire - a theatre he has adored for many years.

He said: "The venue is stunning, the city is alive and vibrant and the cultural scene is second to none. I am proud to be leading such a loved and adored venue, and looking forward to working alongside the other major attractions in and around Liverpool."

Speaking of his plans for the flagship venue, Andrew said: "The Liverpool Empire will continue to deliver the very best in West End touring shows balanced with a programme of work designed to have something for everyone. We really want to focus on the customer experience, from booking tickets to leaving at the end of a good night out - we want to be the best; giving value for money and making theatre magic."

Away from the theatre, Andrew enjoys researching the history of mind reading and fraudulent spiritualists. Andrew has also performed and directed for the professional and amateur stages, and has written editorials on the arts for the industry press. Andrew is a member of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators and regularly adjudicates drama festivals all over the UK and Ireland. Andrew is also currently studying his MA in Cultural Management with Northumbria University.

Andrew lives with his wife, Emily, 6 year old daughter, Emma, 20 month old son, Samuel, and their two Springer Spaniels, Brandy and Bramble.

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