Backed by stars with past links to the Liverpool Everyman, the theatre has launched Everyone Starts Somewhere, its 60th anniversary fund raiser aimed at highlighting the importance of regional theatres. Supporter alumni include Stephanie Beacham, Leanne Best, Kevin Harvey, David Morrissey, Willy Russell, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, Darci Shaw, Alison Steadman, Cathy Tyson and Julie Walters.
Cathy Tyson said: “I am indebted to the Everyman for giving me a start in my creative life... without them, I don't think I'd be where I am today.”
Julie Walters said: “Happy Birthday Everyman! Forever in my heart.”
Everyone Starts Somewhere is to highlight the importance of regional theatres such as the Everyman in the overall arts ecosystem, not just for theatre but also the film and tv industry around the world. The aim is to raise £60,000 across the next 12 months towards talent development, supporting the award-winning Young Everyman Playhouse and bringing new diverse voices to the stages.
The 60th celebrations highlight this on-going commitment, beginning with the current premiere of The Legend of Ned Ludd by Joe Ward Munrow (until May 11) - a graduate of the theatre’s writers programme and featuring actor Shaun Mason, a graduate of the youth theatre - finishing in March 2025 with a revival of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine, originally commissioned and staged by the Everyman.
There will also be a series of events with many for whom the Everyman was an important part of their creative lives. The first is An Evening with Alison Steadman on May 21. She said: "I'm thrilled to be returning to the Everyman to support their 60th Birthday campaign. It's a theatre that means so much to me, giving me such a wonderful experience as a young actor to learn, gain confidence and take my first steps in the profession. That support of young talent continues to this day and I hope long into its next 60 years."
Further events will be announced, including with David Morrissey, Cathy Tyson and more recent graduates of Young Everyman Playhouse, with Liverpool John Moores University Archive presenting exhibitions and activities over the months ahead.
The Everyman was founded in 1964 by Terry Hands, Peter James and Martin Jenkins. Now-familiar names associated with it over the years since include Bernard Hill, Matthew Kelly, Bill Nighy, Roger Phillips, Pete Postlethwaite, Jonathan Pryce, Antony Sher, Alison Steadman, Julie Walters, Alan Bleasdale, Chris Bond, John McGrath, Willy Russell, Leanne Best, Stephen Graham, Ian Hart, Kevin Harvey, Gillian Kearney, David Morrissey, Con O’Neill, Eddie Redmayne, Cathy Tyson, Maurice Bessman, Helen Blakeman, Jonathan Harvey and Michael Wynne.
Mark Da Vanzo, CEO said: “The Everyman has always been a beacon of artistic innovation, offering a stage for playwrights, actors, and directors to experiment and create. That spirit of experimentation and creativity has been a driving force ever since, shaping the identity of Liverpool's theatre scene, inspiring generations of artists and reaching far beyond the city.
"This year feels like a unique opportunity to celebrate our past, while looking to the future. We’re grateful for anyone who feels they can support, either by making a donation, buying a ticket, or sharing on their social media what the Everyman means to them.”
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