History of LITF

The Liverpool International Theatre Festival began like a scene from a Busby Berkeley musical: “My dad’s got a barn…let’s put on a show!” In 1988, a business improvement organization in Liverpool hired Bernadette Jordan to boost business during the tourism “shoulder season.” Jordan, working out of the old Town Hall, had a pivotal conversation with Astor Theatre manager John Bird about the potential of theatre festivals to draw people.

They soon met with Eva Moore, executive director of the former Nova Scotia Drama League (now Theatre Nova Scotia), who proposed a biennial competitive amateur international festival. Despite initial challenges, the festival gained momentum when Betty-Lou Hemeon became its administrator. 

The first Liverpool International Theatre Festival took place on Victoria Day weekend in May 1992, featuring twelve theatre companies from Ireland, Britain, Georgia, Alaska, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. It was a resounding success, impressing both the town and the participants.

In 1994, the festival gained global recognition when the IATA Council met at LITF. IATA President Hugh Lovegrove praised the hospitality and setting of Liverpool. 

During Moore’s final years as artistic director, Murray Kirkpatrick strengthened the volunteer base, ensuring the festival’s continuity. Today, LITF is recognized as one of the premier amateur theatre festivals in the world.