Are you interested in knowing how some of your favourite theatre shows come together? Are you interested in history? Ever wondered where stars like Bill Nighy, Julie Walters and Eddie Redmayne started? Get yourself down to the Everyman theatre in Liverpool for a fascinating and educational tour all about the building, the beginnings, the culture and the amazing features which on everyday glance may be missed.
Greeted by the wonderful Alan and Kathy who were superbly knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. We started our tour in the basement bistro; the origins of which are from 1837 when it was originally a chapel. I was interested to find that the red brick you see throughout the building is recycled from the original 1837 chapel.
The chapel eventually became a concert hall that was known for it’s delivery of political and social messages. In 1860, Frederick Douglas came here to speak about the abolition of slavery.
I will not give away all the information and history of this famous building but hopefully just enough to peak your interest to pop along to one of their many tours.
Dive into the history of a building which was used by the Suggeragetes, was the first in Liverpool to show a talking movie and which beat the Shard in 2014 to win the Riba Sterling Award for the best building.
The Everyman really has cemented it’s status as a nationally and internationally recognised institution for performing arts. The architecture and plan of this building offers an amazing insight into detail, accessibility, possibility and design. Bringing together the history and thrusting themselves into the now.
They talk about the issues which the building has faced, the influential people who have helped the building overcome it’s hardships and also at the same time you get to see backstage and where all the action is made. From the writers room, to the rehearsal rooms, wardrobe, dressing rooms and stage to name a few. There’s plenty more to see but you go on a journey from the start of a production to the performance you see as an audience member. You are privy to a few of theatres secrets too.
You also learn about the theatres connections and partnerships with other theatrical buildings and organisations and also it’s very own youth theatre, YEP.
One of my favourite rooms was the wardrobe room where you can see costumes and learn about the layout and design of the room. Also, the Everyman have many achievements to its name, one of which is in 2014 for their performance of Twelfth Night they won the award for intricacy and accuracy for their costumes which have since been hired to The Shakespeare Company.
Step foot into a theatre which celebrates local people and it’s environment. Being the first naturally ventilated theatre in the country which also harvests it’s own rainwater.
You may find this review has plenty of information, however, I can assure you from the pages of notes I took along the tour, I have only used a small few in the hope you will go along and see for yourself what this theatre has to offer.
An absolutely wonderful tour, I will definitely be joining one of your other ones. I’m sure there is so much more to learn about such an iconic building steeped in history and accolades. Thank you for such an informative and insightful time.
Visit the Everyman Theatre website at everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on to find upcoming Behind The Curtain tour dates.
