The Everyman is back
by Educate Magazine February 8, 2014 · All News
The Everyman will begin the next chapter in its history with a parade and event on Hope Street on 1st March and a ‘housewarming’ on 2nd, before the theatre bursts fully back to life with artistic director Gemma Bodinetz’s production of Twelfth Night, from Saturday 8th March.
Designed by Haworth Tompkins, the new Everyman is a reincarnation of the 400-seat theatre with its dynamic ‘thrust’ auditorium, and much more.
A new incarnation of the basement bistro will be joined by a new ground floor café, first floor bar and balcony above the iconic red sign.
The building will be full of new creative spaces, with a rehearsal room, workshops, sound studio, a Writers’ Room, and EV1 – a special studio dedicated to Young Everyman Playhouse, education and community groups.
The front of the theatre features 105 portraits of people from across Merseyside whose images have been etched into metal shutters to create a unique piece of public art.
Executive director Deborah Aydon said: “After ten years’ planning and two years’ construction we are thrilled to be able to announce the Everyman’s reawakening.
“We have a very busy few weeks ahead, getting ready for that extraordinary moment when the people of Liverpool can take possession of their beautiful new theatre.
“The reaction to the exterior has been really wonderful and we can’t wait to have the Everyman fully back to life, thronged with people making it their own.”
Everyone will be able to take full possession of the new theatre on the weekend of March 1 and 2.
Lights Up, on the Saturday night, will be a parade and people’s celebration, created in collaboration with the Liverpool Lantern Company and Walk The Plank.
Then, on Sunday, the Everyman throws open its doors with a housewarming, to welcome everyone in to make themselves at home.
The artistic programme springs to life from March 8 with Shakespeare’s anarchic tale of love, loss and transformation.
Twelfth Night sees the return of two members of the celebrated Everyman company of 1974 with Nick Woodeson playing Malvolio and Matthew Kelly as Sir Toby Belch.
