Liverpool Everyman celebrates 60 years with 'homegrown' season of shows

The Liverpool Everyman is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024 with a special new ‘homegrown’ series of productions created with associate artists and companies.

Next year also marks a decade since the new ‘Ev’ opened its doors.

The 2024 homegrown season opens on April 20 with The Legend of Ned Ludd by playwright Joe Ward Munrow, which promises to take audiences on a “whirlwind global commute” from 19th Century Luddites to London, Liverpool, Lagos and beyond.

The writer explains: “The play explores how AI and automation are changing the world of work and at the heart of the play we have a ‘machine’ with the power to choose the scenes played by our three actors.

“It creates a sense of ‘dare’ for the performers and the audience and I’m really excited to see it play out on stage.”

Gitika Buttoo directs Tell Me How it Ends by Tash Dowd, a graduate of the Young Everyman Playhouse Writers programme, which is at the theatre from June 12-22.

Set in Liverpool as the AIDS epidemic threatens a generation, the play – which won the 2023 Homotopia Writers’ Award - is about two queer lives intertwining as they each learn to love living - finding the joy in being bound together during a time of growing uncertainty.

And finally, Martin McDonough’s shocking, savage and sadistically funny The Lieutenant of Inishmore will be staged during the autumn.

Chris Sonnex, artistic director of Everyman and Playhouse associate company Cardboard Citizens, directs the show which runs from September 21 to October 12.

He says: “I’m excited to direct this incredible play that is full of McDonagh’s trademark dark, violent and hilarious dialogue, but also explodes the ever-relevant theme of revenge. I can’t wait to see how the audiences of Liverpool react to it at the iconic theatre space of the Everyman.”

Everyman and Playhouse chief executive Mark Da Vanzo added: “I’m proud to unveil a year that embodies our unwavering dedication to artistic innovation, nurturing talent, and social transformation - the foundations of which were laid back in 1964 when those first creative sparks were lit at the Everyman.

“I hope audiences, young and old, will find plenty to entertain and inspire them in the year ahead at both our theatres. A warm welcome awaits.”

The Everyman Theatre was founded by Martin Jenkins, Peter James and Terry Hands and first opened its doors in 1964 in the former Hope Hall chapel, quickly developing a reputation for ground-breaking work.

The original building was demolished in 2011 and rebuilt on the same footprint, with the new theatre opening its doors in 2014.

To mark the 60th anniversary, theatregoers can snap up tickets to all three homegrown productions for £60 if booked before March 31 in one transaction.

Full details from the website HERE