National Museums Liverpool Podcast

Alive and High Kicking: LGBTQ+ Culture in 1980s Liverpool

In this episode we go back 40 years to find out more about the creative explosion going on in the city. 

We hear about this culturally vibrant moment in our local history from five people who lived it - Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry and James.

Delado: Drumming to the beat of cultural revival

In this episode, we explore the importance of cultural identity and how music and dance serve as powerful forces for uplifting communities.

 

We speak with former Delado dancer Maxine Brown and Project Facilitator Eliss Eyo-Thompson about Delado's emergence as a community dance project in the aftermath of the Toxteth riots, its growth into one of Liverpool's leading exponents of African culture during the 1980s, and the legacy it has left behind.

Liverpool Roller Birds: You'll never skate alone

In this episode we find out that there is more to the city's sport scene than football.

We speak to Liverpool Roller Birds Ruckus and Daria about the best sport you may never have heard of - roller derby.

The Royal Court: Theatre by the people, for the people

In this episode we get a potted history of Liverpool's Royal Court's 200 year history in just over half an hour.

We speak to Iain Christie about the past, present and future of this beloved Liverpool institution.

Scouse Flowerhouse: A blossoming movement to beautify the city

How a group of radical gardeners are rejuvenating neglected urban areas through wildflowers.

We speak to Richard Scott and Polly Moseley about their mission to breathe new life into the city through creative ecology. We also hear from Laurence Westgaph and Peter Carney who have worked on Scouse Flowerhouse projects.

John Moores Painting Prize: Award winning art since 1957

When creativity gets competitive. We take a look back at one of art's oldest and most prestigious prizes.

We're joined by a couple of John Moores Painting Prize experts in curator Ann Bukantas and academic Dr Hana Leaper.

 

Ron's Place: an extraordinary world in an ordinary home

How, and why did Birkenhead-native Ron Gittins turn his home into a living work of art.

We talk to TV director Martin Wallace, about the story behind (and ahead of) Ron's Place.

Bombed out Church: from ruin to renaissance

How a group of punk rockers saved St Luke's church.

We talk to musician and artist, Ambrose Reynolds, about his years as caretaker and Creative Director, of this beloved Liverpool landmark.

GIRLFANS: Knowledge, passion and fashion

Jock Stein once said "Football without fans is nothing". And whilst that may be true, representation amongst supporters has historically been overwhelmingly male. In recent years however, football has changed and we are now seeing more women championing the beautiful game, both on the pitch and in the terraces.

To discuss these developments we welcome the founder of photo-zine GIRLFANS Jacqui McAssey, and the Chair of LFC Women's Supporter's Club, Jay Goodall.

Eric's: here for a good time, not a long time

In four short years, the Eric's club in Liverpool became legendary for its international roster, raucous punk antics and youth centric outlook.

Eric's was an impromptu 'school of music' and key to the rise of famous Liverpool bands and figures of the late 70s and early 80s; from Echo & the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, to Pete Burns, Pete Wylie and many more.

In this episode, co-owner Ken Testi, shares his story of how the club came to be a seedbed of fresh talent in the city, as well as host to some of the greatest acts of all time, from the Sex Pistols to the Ramones.