Liverpool Empire

You'll spot the Empire's ornate Victorian facade from the train station, which is handy because half of Liverpool seems to pour out here after every show. Inside, the red velvet and gold leaf renovation strikes the right balance between grand and gaudy – this feels like a proper theatre, not a conference centre with stage lights. The programming runs from safe-bet musicals to decent touring productions, and crucially, you can actually hear everything from the cheaper seats. The bars move quickly enough that you won't miss Act Two, and the staff genuinely seem to enjoy working here rather than just tolerating punters.