Breaking away from Scouse stereotypes

A dispatch from the Royal Court, plus a local elections round-up: who runs Merseyside?

Dear members — welcome to a jam-packed Friday edition! While we’re heavy on all things cultural (a review of the Royal Court’s latest production, plus an interview with Liverpool’s only violin maker), we also have some local election coverage, as well as ideas for how best to spend your weekend.

Plus, we’ll be swinging by your inboxes on Saturday with a round-up and analysis of the results from the local elections, which took place in Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, the Wirral and Halton yesterday. Look out for that tomorrow morning, and feel free to tell a few friends and family members about our journalism to support our mission.