About Us

Since opening its doors in March 2010, The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool’s International Arts Venue, has staged concerts and performances by leading national and international musicians and artists including Courtney Pine, Andy Sheppard, Soft Machine, John Etheridge, James Taylor Quartet (JTQ), Jason Rebello, Tim Garland, Portico Quartet, Roller Trio, Zoe Rahman, Darius Brubeck Quartet, Neil Cowley Trio, Stacey Kent, Martin Simpson, Oysterband, June Tabor, Peggy Seeger, Martin Taylor, Peatbog Faeries, Albion Band, Tom Paxton, Chilly Gonzales, Stephen Hough, The Smith Quartet, The Katona Twins, Juan Martin, Steve Howe (Yes), Roger McGuiinn (The Byrds), King Creosote and Jon Hopkins, Public Service Broadcasting, Dean Friedman, Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue), Natacha Atlas, Robyn Hitchcock, Ian MacNabb (Icicle Works), Harold Budd, The Necks, Arthur Jeffes (Penguin Cafe), Roger Eno, Jah Wobble, Ian Boddy and Marconi Union.

Along with a series of performances organised by partners Milapfest, student performances and presentations and spoken word events and lectures, The Capstone programmes a rich mix of cultural experiences very much taking a multi-art and an international approach and bringing exciting new experiences to Liverpool audiences, in areas like contemporary dance and storytelling.

Liverpool International Jazz Festival (LIJF) was established in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University taking place at The Capstone Theatre. Each year the Festival includes performances from some of Jazz music’s leading lights, with an emphasis on contemporary instrumental jazz in a variety of styles, taking audience members on musical journeys that traverse numerous genres and cross-genres.

The Angel Field Festival, which grew out of the annual Cornerstone Festival is now in its third incarnation and over a ten day duration brings a range of themed multi-arts experiences to Liverpool Hope University's Creative Campus.

The Campus also plays host to the European Opera Centre which has been based at the Creative Campus since 2004. The catalyst for its move from Manchester, where it grew out of the Royal Northern College of Music, was the support it was asked to give for Liverpool’s bid to become European Capital of Culture. On Liverpool’s success, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the European Opera Centre to the Creative Campus as an independent arts and training organisation complementing and enhancing the work of the University. The Centre was established to help people at what is often the hardest time in a career – moving from education to employment. It also has a role in introducing people to opera, especially those who might otherwise never encounter it. Supported directly by Brussels for more than 15 years, people from 37 European countries have come to Liverpool to take part in the Centre’s projects.

Set in the grounds of a multi award-winning Renaissance Garden, Angel Field, whose awards include a Civic Trust Award the potential for exciting creative collaborations is made all the easier with our state-of-the-art Capstone Theatre, boasting the very best acoustics in Liverpool. It is not surprising that this unique venue is home to an All-Steinway Music School, one of just a handful in the UK. In March 2010, Liverpool Hope University became the second All-Steinway School in the UK, demonstrating a commitment to excellence by providing our students with the best equipment possible for the study of Music. This commitment continues across all creative subjects with emphasis on the investment of essential equipment a priority to compliment students learning. The Theatre houses a Steinway D Grand Piano, probably the best piano model in the world.

The Capstone Theatre is located on Shaw Street, opposite the Collegiate, within walking distance of Liverpool City Centre, and with strong public transport links to the centre and suburbs and with on-site venue car-parking.