Robert Hampton

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2nd March 2014

Everyman for himself
Posted by at 6.40pm | No responses | Liverpool, Stage

Everyman Theatre

It’s been approximately five thousand years since the curtain came down (see what I did there?) on the old Everyman Theatre. The venue – which helped launch the careers of Peter Postlethwaite, Julie Walters, Matthew Kelly and Jonathan Pryce, to name but a few – closed in July 2011 for an extensive redevelopment.

Two and a half years later, and the old building has been razed to the ground and replaced by a new structure. What would it be like inside?

Well, they had an open day today to mark the official reopening. I went along with my friend Scott to check it out, and I think it’s safe to say that it’s a triumph.

It was difficult to judge with the crowds today, but the foyer seems quite bright and spacious. Good use is made of natural light, with skilfully-positioned windows and skylights.

Foyer

The theatre itself retains the same three-sided layout as the old. Happy memories came flooding back of attending the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto” here when I was a kid. I’m looking forward to seeing a production or two here in the future.

Auditorium Auditorium

One of the most fondly-remembered parts of the old theatre was the Bistro. Hidden away in the basement was a great little café, serving affordable food, drink and endless coffee refills. It was always popular, not just with theatregoers, but anyone who wanted to stop by for a relaxed meal. Hopes are high that the new bistro will become as popular as the old (I believe it is a completely different team running it now).

Everyman Bistro

There is a second bar/café area on the ground floor. Heading upstairs, you can go out and stand on the balcony, looking down over the famous “Everyman” logo. There was a kid dressed as Batman there – not sure why. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t good today; on a sunny day it would be nice to stand out here, although I suspect this will become a refuge for smokers during the interval.

Everyman Balcony

It’s nice to see the Everyman back. It’s been an essential part of Liverpool’s arts and culture scene for as long as I can remember. It had a reputation for staging adventurous, challenging material and I hope that the new theatre continues that tradition.

Everyman Theatre

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