£41m plan to rebuild the Everyman Theatre
Oct 29 2008

LIVERPOOL’S famous Everyman Theatre will be demolished and a £41m theatre created on its current site.

The massive project, which also includes a complete refit of its sister theatre, The Playhouse, has already secured £6m of funding, and is now identified as the city’s key arts priority.

Despite hosting some of the cultural highlights of 2008, improving the Hope Street venue and its sister theatre is described as a “most urgent priority” in a new independent report.

The head of the theatres’ own trust has called them both “unfit for purpose”. A new £41m scheme is to be put into place to tear down the legendary theatre, although it is stressed that it is of the utmost importance to keep the ethos and ambience so beloved by the people of Merseyside – and the theatrical talents who look back so fondly at the time spent at the Everyman over the years – as well as providing a lasting cultural legacy from 2008.

Professor Michael Brown, chair-man of Liverpool and Merseyside Theatre Trust, said: “This is a major step forward. We realise everyone loves the Everyman and we are reconciled that we have to do this so as to recreate the same atmosphere.

“It will have the facilities for making sets, costumes, all the things you would expect in a modern theatre.

“Once it is up and running, we will close the Playhouse for a while and refit it sensitively for a Grade II Listed building.

“There will also be a smaller theatre for experimental work and writing and rehearsal rooms.”

The urgency of the work has been highlighted in an independent report, commissioned by the Arts Council England North West and funded by the NWDA.

That the Everyman and Playhouse should be Liverpool’s priority – the Philharmonic Hall is seen as the second priority for funding – has been agreed by the city’s other major performance venues.

The securing of £6m from the Arts Council England North West means fundraising is now under way, with bids for funding from other public bodies as well as private appeals.

The physical infrastructure at the two theatres is described by Prof Brown as “shot”.

There are major areas of concern, including the functional state of the dressing rooms, problems with air conditioning in summer, obscured views, and ancient equipment coming to the end of its useful life.

The demolition of the Everyman would include the popular bistro in its basement.

Not only problematic for audience and employees, Prof Brown says the state of the theatres has an impact on the talent they can attract.

“It is not fit for purpose and Liverpool and Merseyside deserve better,” he continues.

“The theatres are doing wonderfully well – the Adelphi musical has won awards and there are other things coming up, including King Lear with Pete Postlethwaite.

“There has been a great artistic element to this year, but we cannot carry on expecting the audience to put up with what they have been, and we can’t get top performers coming to us because conditions are appalling.”

A joint statement released last night from the NWDA, Arts Council England North West and Liverpool City Council said: “In the current difficult economic climate, it is vital that robust decisions are made about where investment should be directed.

“[We] welcome this report as a basis for constructive discussion on the way forward for Liverpool’s performing venues, building on the momentum created by Liverpool 08 and providing an impetus to build on its legacy.”

Funding will need to be secured from the NWDA, public appeal, the city council (which has pledged future support although will not make any money available in 2009) and from the last of the EU money ringfenced for the Liverpool city region, which must be spent in the next three years or be lost.

The plan, if successful, will “save the Everyman”, according to Prof Brown. If not, “it will slowly die”.

He added: “We cannot continue to make people work there and the Everyman can’t get quality work and actors coming to us. The dressing rooms are appalling, all the scenery moving gear is at the end of its life. It isn’t up to standard to do the work for which the Everyman was, is, and should be known for.

“People have very fond memories of the Everyman and we respect that.

“We want to recreate the same atmosphere with modern facilities, and we will do that.”

Work on the Everyman is ex-pected to take 18 months; and on the Playhouse, just under a year.

Everyman history

THE site of Everyman had several incarnations, including a chapel and a cinema, before being established as a theatre in 1964.

Since then it has become one of Liverpool’s best loved landmarks that has launched the career of a host of household names.

Writers including Willy Russell (who wrote Shirley Valentine for the theatre) and Alan Bleasedale and actors including Julie Walters, Jonathan Pryce, Matthew Kelly and Bill Nighy passed through the doors in its 1970s heyday.

Two regional talents inspired by the Everyman who went on to international fame are Hoylake-born Daniel Craig and Warrington lad Pete Postlethwaite.

“The Everyman was a big part of my life growing up. I saw some of the best actors of their generation and it was a home-from-home for me at the time,” said the James Bond actor.

Postlethwaite, returning to the venue next week to begin a month-long run as King Lear, looks back at his time at the theatre as “the most extraordinary, fascinating, dangerous time, when I realised this was what I was born to do.”

The adjoining Everyman bistro, in the basement of the building, has been a favourite venue of foodies and wine lovers for 35 years.

The Everyman and Playhouse theatres joined together as the Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust in 1999.

The two theatres have spearheaded some of the most talked about theatre of Capital of Culture year, including two musicals, Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi and Eric’s.

Daily Post arts editor Phil Key, who has followed events at the Everyman since the beginning, said: “Obviously, people who like the Everyman will be disappointed the old building is going, but it was getting a little bit run down. It had improved in recent months and is still a pleasant venue and pleasurable to go to, but it needed to be knocked down and rebuilt rather than patched up.

“It will still maintain that history and still be on that historic site.”

I'll be a bit gutted about the Everyman to be honest. They have certainly anticipated a bit of a reaction, so therefore really beefed up their argument about how both of the theatres are not longer fit for purpose in the 21st century.

I feel another Bluecoat character loss type arguement coming in a few years time, but ultimately if this is necessary, then so be it.

Im glad wwe are retaining two seperate theatres though, as opposed to a combined uber-panto.

If they are going to build from scratch they might want to explore the possibility of building elsewhere and leaving the current theatre in situ, removing the benches to create a larger performance space - this could then be the location for 'more experimental work' spoken about in the article.

Also, in order to spin a case for funding, prof Brown is really over-playing the negatives. Creatively both theatres are in a better position than they have been in many a year and I don't know what 'top performers' are put off from coming because of the state of the dressing rooms. Ian McKellen and Pete Postlethwaite seem to cope :nuts:

I think there are a couple of challenges here.

Firstly, there's the challenge of creating the particular Everyman 'magic' in a brand new building, albeit on the current site. However, while things will undoubtedly change, new kinds of magic can be created over time if the artistic vision is strong enough.

The second challenge is a tricky one to manage though. If we're talking about demolition and rebuilding, the theatre will be out of action for... what? Two years at least? All the considerable current momentum will be lost and the current management (specifically Gemma and Deborah) may decide that if they are not producing shows, they are not really doing what they're good at. Thus, they leave.

It would therefore be an excellent move if the Everyman could continue producing in a temporary venue, or indeed venues, during the rebuilding. It could be connected with community outreach work, it could be branded as 'the Everyman on the road' or something similar, they might find a space in somewhere like NOVAS or they could create something in an old warehouse. The crucial aspect would be to maintain the sense of momentum that many of us have seen bear such fruit over recent years, and particularly this year.

A couple of years ago the Crucible in Sheffield lost its very talented artistic director Sam West precisely because the board refused his request to do exactly this during its current - and much needed - renovations. Of course, they may manage to take up where they left off and things will be fine. However, I worked there during a previous period of transition, as it said goodbye to a very successful and distinctive artistic director and entered a period of floundering and stumbling from one project to another on a seemingly ad hoc basis. And it took a long time to recover from that state of affairs.

I'd hate to see the same happen here.

Maybe Gemma and Deborah could decamp to The Neptune, killing two birds with one stone (erm, so to speak) - keeping them here and bringing The Neptune back on line.

On reflection, I could be being rather dramatic about this. I realise now that they will still have the Playhouse in which to produce their own shows so maybe that would suffice - though we would surely be missing out on 'Everyman type' productions during that time.

The Neptune could be a good idea, definitely.

I've been to quite a few plays at the Everyman over the last number of years. When I started going around 2000, it always seemed to be the case that the bench seats at the side (the legs of the 'horseshoe') were never occupied - but more recently the theatre has been filling up more. It's a great venue to have and I wouldn't want to see it move from Hope Street as I think that it is the presence of the universities that gives it its buzz.

Seems to be no mention of what will happen to the Everyman Bistro. It would be a great shame to lose that and would make little sense financially as the Bistro helps both to enhance the appeal of the theatre and to cross-subsidise it.

Indeed, it was the bistro that brought the theatre back from the dead in the mid-nineties. It is run as a separate entity to the theatre, but it was them who resurrected the theatre when it had to close.

I wonder what their plans are too; it's hard to imagine that it would be possible to literally recreate the bistro within a brand new building. Surely it would end up feeling like somewhere completely different? Which is the case with the whole project I guess.

As with many new stories mediated by Trinity Mirror North West it's difficult to discern what is really going on. Key players in this are Gemma and Deborah and so far we haven't heard from them.

The last thing Liverpool needs is a return to productions that are bused in from elsewhere to be showcased in a state of the art theatre! In terms of focus and asking the right questions it's not unlike a recent story about the Bishop of Liverpool in TMNW that focused on how 'scouse' he was and didn't think to quiz him about his extreme evangelical views and his reputation for hating Liverpool!

It's like living in Ballyfuckingmory.

[QUOTE Seems to be no mention of what will happen to the Everyman Bistro. It would be a great shame to lose that and would make little sense financially as the Bistro helps both to enhance the appeal of the theatre and to cross-subsidise it.[/QUOTE]

It's being knocked down and redeveloped along with the rest of teh building. Shame, as I love that place. I hope they don't decide to "flood it with light" or anything naff, because it's the fact it's a basement that helps it be so intimate. The bustling nature will come back with the people, so I'm not worried about that. I hope they don't "upmarket" the food and hike the price as well.

I prefer the Unity anyway.

A fond farewell to the theatre that put Liverpool on the stage

Alan Bleasdale, Julie Walters and many others owe their careers to the Everyman, says Jonathan Brown

Thursday, 30 October 2008

It might never have been hailed for the lavishness of its productions nor the extravagant comfort of its seats, but few theatres can have produced an array of talent to match that which emerged from Liverpool's Everyman. For decades, the converted chapel building with its famous bistro – an early hangout for the 1970s vegetarian set – formed the backdrop to Bohemian life on Merseyside as well as launching the careers of stars such as Julie Walters, Jonathan Pryce, Bill Nighy and Daniel Craig. It was here that Willy Russell premiered Shirley Valentine and Alan Bleasdale honed his dramatic skills which were to culminate in the epic TV drama Boys From The Blackstuff.

Now the city landmark is to be torn down and rebuilt as part of a £41m project to revitalise the theatre in Liverpool as it reaps the dividends of its 12-month stint as European Capital of Culture. Although some are already lamenting the end of an era, the Hope Street venue has been declared "unfit for purpose" and will be demolished by 2010. Its sister theatre, the historic Playhouse, will also benefit from the huge cash injection, as it is due to undergo a complete refit after warnings that both venues faced a "long lingering death" if money to rebuild them was not found.

Although the actual cash to finance the works is still not guaranteed, the demolition of The Everyman will signal a new act in the life of the theatre – a bastion of experimental and social drama in post-war Britain. The curtain went up in 1964 when Liverpool was the mecca for the rest of a world gripped by Beatlemania. Yet the first production was conventional enough – a shoestring reworking of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part One.

But despite the perpetual state of ongoing financial crisis the theatre was soon gaining a reputation for mixing the avant-garde with the classics. In 1967, amid the Moliere and Brecht, a young Roger McGough produced his first play. Fellow poets Adrian Henri and Brian Patten were regularly in the audience.

Many of the older generation didn't like what they saw. One demanded the city council close the place down after witnessing a performance of As You Like It, incandescent at "how these half-naked ignorant looking young things speak the immortal lines". Others – the Daily Mail among them – bridled at the apparent acceptance of the word "fuck" as a legitimate tool oftheatrical dialogue.

But it was in the early 1970s that the venue, its writers and actors hit their stride. Against a worsening economic background, amid the breakdown of old social patterns, the first gloomy impact of mass unemployment and bitter industrial strife in the city, artistic director Alan Dosser assembled a company of actors which, at one time, was to include Pete Postlethwaite, currently playing Lear at the Everyman, Trevor Eve, Matthew Kelly, Antony Sher, Alison Steadman, George Costigan and Bernard Hill alongside Walters, Nighy and Pryce. There was some prodigious nudity, mainly male, and Dosser developed the theatre's social conscience by offering free seats to unemployed families and reflecting the turbulent events going on around Merseyside. In Fish in the Sea, Dosser looked at a single Liverpool family hit by the realities of strikes and events back home in Ireland. Chris Bond's Under New Management told the story of workers facing redundancy at the Fisher-Bendix factory in Kirkby while in Tarzan's Last Stand, Antony Sher dressed up in leopard skin to play Enoch Powell.

The sense of experimentation continued when Alan Bleasdale made his writing debut for the theatre with No More Sitting on the Old School Bench in which the artistic direction was billed on the programme as "co-operative".

By the early 1980s Liverpool was a tinder box and when the Toxteth riots flared, the Everyman was on hand to reflect the sense of mounting concern over the city's future with 1984 Like – a play which was denounced by one Tory MP as "seditious". In 1995, when Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty's KLF film was screened – in which they burnt a million pounds – it prompted anger and walkouts from the audience.

Theatre critic Joe Riley, who has been going to plays at the Everyman on behalf of the Liverpool Echo since 1974, believes sentiment should play no part in the decision making over the theatre's future.

"It was very much the people's theatre and it has always had a political edge to the things it does. It was the sort of place where you would see people sitting down on hard wooden seats, wearing jeans – they didn't mind if they caught their clothes on a nail. But things have changed and people won't put up with that now," he said.

"But some of the stuff was pretty naff. It is only in retrospect you realise you have been in the presence of people who are going to have extremely long careers. At the time they are just jobbing actors. The Everyman has never been known for the lavishness of its productions but by the quality of the actors and the writers it has produced," he added.

Professor Michael Brown, chairman of Liverpool and Merseyside Theatre Trust, said the spirit of the theatre would remain intact. "We realise everyone loves the Everyman and we are reconciled that we have to do this so as to recreate the same atmosphere. It will have the facilities for making sets, costumes, all the things you would expect in a modern theatre," he said.

Having been established as the city's cultural spending priority, there will now be a process to seal the work deal with bids for funding from public bodies as well as private appeals to add to £6m already pledged by the Arts Council England, North West.

Take a bow: Everyman actors

Willy Russell

First play staged in 1972. When the Reds charted the history of Liverpool Football Club. Went on to write Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers.

Pete Postlethwaite

Joined in the early 1970s under Alan Dosser. Now a major Hollywood star. Currently performing as Lear at the Everyman, as part of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture year.

Julie Walters

Joined in 1974 under the direction of Jonathan Pryce in Cantril Tales, a spoof adaptation of Canterbury Tales. Appeared in the film version of Willy Russell's Educating Rita.

Jonathan Pryce

Former artistic director who went on to star in films including Evita, Glengarry Glen Ross and Tomorrow Never Dies.

Alan Bleasdale

Made his debut in 1978 with No More Sitting on the Old School Bench before capturing the mood of 1980s Britain with Boys From the Blackstuff.

Bill Nighy

Debut came alongside Julie Walters, performing Chaucer to the strains of "Great Balls of Fire".


:)

Odd to be giving a fond farewell to a theatre when in actual fact the place is going to be rebuilt on a larger scale. One thing that article misses out is complete rebuilding that took place in the 70s and which must have interupted the life of the theatre.

I think that the Unity might be able to step in whilst the Everyman is being reconstructed. I didn't realise until a few weeks ago that there are actually two theatres in that building. The second one on a higher floor is very low capacity but that does not always mean poor performances. Whilst I was down in Croydon earlier this year, I went to a couple of performances in the Warehouse Theatre, were the audience area was not much bigger than the stage but they were really top quality. That too will soon be replaced as part of a large development of the area.

We may have got used to the blank brick facade with the neon signage over the years but inevitably time moves on and reconstruction needs to be done to secure the future of the theatre. Provided they keep the bistro in something like its present form I can't see that as a bad thing.

Deborah Aydon, Chief Exec at the Everyman and Playhouse, talking about the redevelopment plans...

pJkjez_pVMc

Odd to be giving a fond farewell to a theatre when in actual fact the place is going to be rebuilt on a larger scale. One thing that article misses out is complete rebuilding that took place in the 70s and which must have interupted the life of the theatre.

I think that the Unity might be able to step in whilst the Everyman is being reconstructed. I didn't realise until a few weeks ago that there are actually two theatres in that building. The second one on a higher floor is very low capacity but that does not always mean poor performances. Whilst I was down in Croydon earlier this year, I went to a couple of performances in the Warehouse Theatre, were the audience area was not much bigger than the stage but they were really top quality. That too will soon be replaced as part of a large development of the area.

We may have got used to the blank brick facade with the neon signage over the years but inevitably time moves on and reconstruction needs to be done to secure the future of the theatre. Provided they keep the bistro in something like its present form I can't see that as a bad thing.

i was gegging into a talk this morning in the playhouse whilst providing hospitality:cheers: that regarded the future of the theatres. regarding the bistro, it will be rebuilt also, but in a similar style.

The Royal Court this time:

Architects invited to restore Liverpool's Royal Court

Link (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/2627-architects-invited-to-restore-liverpool-s-royal-court.html)

(No details)

The Royal Court this time:

Architects invited to restore Liverpool's Royal Court

Link (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/2627-architects-invited-to-restore-liverpool-s-royal-court.html)

(No details)

The Royal Court was partially restored a few years ago. I went there last week to see Council Depot Blues, which had a sell-out audience and the theatre does look tired to say the least. The auditorium needs new seating, regilding of its decorations and improved lighting. A lot needs to be done front of house as well to improve the general ambience of the building.

Hmmmm, why not give the `Everyman` away as is.

Let it bounce along as it did before.

Build `Everyman 2` in the same area, or mid town.

Tearing it down and maybe not getting a replacement worries me more.

The Shakespear Theatre was burnt down (insurance job) and Henglers Circus decayed into the ground though bigger than the Empire......

We do indeed however deserve better but perhaps not necessarily instead of, especially as after 2008 we have a proven product much more widely acknowledged. :cheers:

From the Daily Post -

£28m Liverpool Everyman Theatre redevelopment gets go-ahead

Jul 24 2009 By Laura Davis, Arts Editor

PLANS to create a new Everyman Theatre for the 21st century have been given the green light thanks to a £12.8m Arts Council grant.

The £28m redevelopment of Liverpool’s most famous theatre will now begin in the spring of 2010 with the building due to open in 2013.

Architects Haworth Tompkins will start finalising designs, which include a new 400-seat auditorium, a recreation of the much-loved Everyman Bistro and improved Youth Theatre facilities.

The theatre’s management team welcomed the announcement, which it says will inspire future generations of actors and audiences.

Chairman Michael Brown said: “This is a far-sighted and forward-thinking commitment from our stakeholders which reflects the importance of high quality culture to the image, the quality of life and the economic growth of Liverpool, Merseyside and the North West - an example of what Liverpool can achieve with all parties working together to one end, recognising that unless everyone played their part the dream could not be delivered.

"The new Everyman will be a powerful signal that Capital of Culture 2008 was not an end in itself but the beginning of a new era for this uniquely creative city.”

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/07/24/28m-liverpool-everyman-theatre-redevelopment-gets-go-ahead-92534-24226307/

Everyman features in tourism marketing drive

Jul 24 2009 by Laura Davis, TMNW


THE Everyman will feature in a new marketing campaign launched this weekend to attract short-break visitors to Liverpool.

Regional promoter The Mersey Partnership is featuring the Hope Street cultural quarter in advertisements appearing in a range of national newspaper magazine supplements, as well as the London Evening Standard magazine and Conde Nast Traveller.

A poster measuring more than 6m wide will appear at the busiest stations on the London Underground, including Euston, Victoria and Waterloo.

A 12m-wide poster will also greet passengers at Edinburgh’s Haymarket Station during the Scottish capital’s world-famous arts and culture festival next month.

Lorraine Rogers, TMP chief executive, said: “We are building on the powerful momentum generated during and since 2008, and are seeking to turn the current economic conditions to our advantage by raising awareness of Liverpool as a superb short-break destination with a genuinely unique offer and appeal to visitors.

“Our cultural attractions and institutions are renowned and are following up their own success during 2008 with more exciting programmes certain to attract even more visitors.”

The new campaign is the latest destination marketing initiative led by TMP, following an earlier wave of national advertising last spring, promoting Liverpool’s Unesco World Heritage waterfront and museums and galleries.


:)

Nobody going to stick up for the brutaltastic existing building then?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Liverpool_Everyman_Theatre_at_dusk.jpg

I'll be sad to seet it go, although I hope that the style of the seating is kept, as well as the cavernesque style of the downstairs bistro.

However, the building isnt accessible at all and the facilities for the actors are crap, so they need improving in order to compete.

I'm sure like the Bluecoat some people will never forgive making any changes to what is a characterful building, but usually characterful means disfunctional (in the vase of the Everyman, not serving the actors and crew properly) and also usually means a person in a wheelchair sitting outside on street (or being carried by staff down some stairs!).

I like the building, especially the way it makes an impact on Hope St, but I would not mind it going... as long as it does not get lumbered with some 'in keeping' facade.


I must say buggedboy that I think the Bluecoat renovation is appalling. It is now, internally, your average provincial 'arts' space... mediocre.. shit basically.



and they've ruined the garden!

I agree that it has lost some of it's Alice in Wonderland appeal, but the Bluecoat in it's old guise fundmentally lacked a capability to FULLY perform the functions it was meant for until this renovation. There was a lack of large, well lit spaces, essential in galleries of any type. The building was a warren, which although gave it character, made it difficult to naviagate, impossible for wheelchair users in particular. The multiple levels would have been first on the list of things that had to go.

A building tht was not originally meant for use as a gallery has now in way been re-engineered to be tailor made for one. Hence now why I imagine it gives the impression of being just like many other galleries. Galleries require many shared characteristics and those that pursue those characteristics will share them at the end of the day.

Saying that, I cannot think of a single gallery that offers quite what the Bluecoat offers. Yes, it is similar to some adaptations, but the same as none.

As to the garden, well it isnt as quaint as it was, but making it accesible will always be more importrant than character...which I believe it has got anyway.

Anyway, back to the Everyman. The building will have it's mourners more definitely. I love the intimacy of it and am worried that will be lost. Still, it's the theatre that's important, not the bar or the bistro, so that takes precedence. I'm guessing phrases like "flooded with light" etc are going to start getting bandied about. I for one will resist this as I want a subterranean retreat from my bistro.

Liverpool is soon going to be incredibly well equipped with all manner of performance spaces, and this is welcome. I looked round the restored blackie recently and the theatre space there is astoundingly good. However, however.....in terms of performance, there often isn't a lot on in Liverpool, or at least very little choice, so I hope the market starts growing so the city can support more performances on the same night of the week, year round. Good facilities are vital, but so is revenue support and big audiences who will pay for tickets on a regular basis.

Fair points men, but I feel that the Bluecoat was only significant because of its particualr atmoshphere. If the activities had outgrown the building then they should have built a new home (probably more cost effective than a restoration anyway) leaving the Bluecoat as the odd place it was, maybe becoming more important to the alternative therapies and other hippy stuff! The Bluecoat as an entity does not exist any more, it is just another venue, be it one within a nice looking box!

Love the place and thats from a Manc.

Many good times in the Bistro as well.

Always wanted to play there or have something or mine played there.

Dream on.

But I guess "modern" buildings are more or less apt to be erm modernised.

Green Light for £28m Redevelopment of Everyman
Date: 24 July 2009

http://www.whatsonstage.com/images/res_images/Everyman_2009.jpg

The long-awaited £28m redevelopment of Liverpool's Everyman theatre has been given the go-ahead after Arts Council England pledged to invest £12.8m in the project.

The Everyman, which was created in 1964 in a converted chapel on Liverpool’s Hope Street, was rebuilt in 1977 but has not had any significant development since then. Today's announcement means that planning can begin for the creation of a “21st century building which will serve and inspire its community and future generations of artists and theatregoers”.

The redevelopment is being designed by architect Steve Tompkins, who was responsible for the redevelopments of London’s Royal Court and Young Vic theatres, and recently appointed to lead the planning for future development of the National Theatre. Work is due to begin in spring 2011 and will include a new 400-seat theatre, new rehearsal spaces, the recreation of the Everyman Bistro and dedicated spaces to house the theatres’ growing youth theatre, schools and community groups.

Architect Tompkins said: "I'm delighted that the Arts Council have put their faith in the Everyman as an indispensable cornerstone of Liverpool's cultural life. With this announcement we are a huge step closer to the reality of a rebuilt Everyman that will nurture the coming generation of artists and audiences, continue its long tradition of relaxed hospitality in Hope St and seek a place in the forefront of Liverpool's public architecture."

The Everyman and its sister theatre, the Playhouse, each of which narrowly escaped permanent closure in the 1990s, have both enjoyed a creative renaissance in recent years. The Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust was formed in 1999 to manage the venues, which between them have helped
launch the careers of actors, writers and directors including Willy Russell, Alan Bleasdale, Julie Walters, Pete Postlethwaite, Jonathan Pryce, Antony Sher, Matthew Kelly, Bill Nighy, David Morrissey, Cathy Tyson and Ian Hart.

Everyman artistic director Gemma Bodinetz said of today's announcement: “This amazing news will allow us to create a new home for the extraordinary range of talent in this city, and to give Liverpool the Everyman it deserves. Liberated from cramped conditions and ancient technical facilities, the work on stage can flex its muscles and grow, in a building which harnesses the spirit of its beloved predecessor but is fit and inspiring for future generations of artists and audiences.

“Perhaps most importantly of all, our work with young people and community groups will be right at the heart of the building, making it truly an Everyman for everyone.”

- by Theo Bosanquet (http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=372)



Source: WhatsOnStage.com (http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8831248438928&title=Green+Light+for+%A328m+Redevelopment+of+Everyman&ref=D)

It's interesting to compare the cost of the Everyman refurb with what has be done elsewhere in the NW. The Royal Exchange in Manchester had £32m makeover, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester was built at a cost of £42m and the Lowry Centre in Salford came it at approximately £106m. When the ROH spoke about opening up in 'The North' the talk was about building a new opera house circa £100m but this has now been scaled back to a refurb of the Palace theatre.

I notice that there hasn't been any announcement to date about refurbishing the Playhouse - hopefully that's imminent.

Liverpool is soon going to be incredibly well equipped with all manner of performance spaces, and this is welcome. I looked round the restored blackie recently and the theatre space there is astoundingly good. However, however.....in terms of performance, there often isn't a lot on in Liverpool, or at least very little choice, so I hope the market starts growing so the city can support more performances on the same night of the week, year round. Good facilities are vital, but so is revenue support and big audiences who will pay for tickets on a regular basis.

I think you are right about July and August when the Everyman and the Playhouse tend to close for the summer holidays (with the occasional workshop such as Everyword). The Royal Court is open during this time and the Unity still puts on theatrical performances interspersed with other things and the Liverpool Actors Studio knock stuff out on an occasional basis. We definitely need a rival to the Everyman - Theatre group so that there isn't this hiatus during July and August. I doubt that the Neptune will amount to that (assuming it actually does reopen any time in the next 10 years). Fortunately the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival takes place in August and September (see my sig) so that's a bit more choice for the theatre starved and the chance to see productions in the small concert room at SGH and the main theatre at CUC is almost worth it as an end in itself.

Fair points men, but I feel that the Bluecoat was only significant because of its particualr atmoshphere. If the activities had outgrown the building then they should have built a new home (probably more cost effective than a restoration anyway) leaving the Bluecoat as the odd place it was, maybe becoming more important to the alternative therapies and other hippy stuff! The Bluecoat as an entity does not exist any more, it is just another venue, be it one within a nice looking box!

I don't agree with much of what you have said - especially the idea that the Bluecoat was only significant because of its particular atmosphere. This suggests that none of the exhibitions, performances, planning meetings, networking that went on there (and continues to do so) are of any value. If a new home were built it would be exactly this same process that occurred within it.

I suspect you are having the same reaction I had when I saw it for the first time early last year. It just seemed so different, so unlike the Bluecoat of old that I struggled to shift my mindset. I still haven't adjusted to the garden but the internal space is fantastic, the 'hub' works really well, the facilities are excellent, proper restaurant / bar, and performance space. The shops are thriving. I miss the bookshop but the centre is used by at least three times the number of people who used it before and it's open for coffee from 8am. Of course, there are still those old-timers who are still bitching about the changes and I guess always will - there's such pleasure in it.

I'm not sure what you are referring to when you mention 'alternative therapies and other hippy stuff'. I can't quite see the relationship between that and what the Bluecoat is about - it seems like the worst kind of right- wing caricature of an arts organisation.

So unlike you.

Looks like Sebo's been decashiered anyway. Those Belgies!

I don't agree with much of what you have said - especially the idea that the Bluecoat was only significant because of its particular atmosphere. This suggests that none of the exhibitions, performances, planning meetings, networking that went on there (and continues to do so) are of any value. If a new home were built it would be exactly this same process that occurred within it.

I suspect you are having the same reaction I had when I saw it for the first time early last year. It just seemed so different, so unlike the Bluecoat of old that I struggled to shift my mindset. I still haven't adjusted to the garden but the internal space is fantastic, the 'hub' works really well, the facilities are excellent, proper restaurant / bar, and performance space. The shops are thriving. I miss the bookshop but the centre is used by at least three times the number of people who used it before and it's open for coffee from 8am. Of course, there are still those old-timers who are still bitching about the changes and I guess always will - there's such pleasure in it.

I'm not sure what you are referring to when you mention 'alternative therapies and other hippy stuff'. I can't quite see the relationship between that and what the Bluecoat is about - it seems like the worst kind of right- wing caricature of an arts organisation.

So unlike you.

:lol: Nooooo! I meant nothing of the sort.

What I mean is that the place probably was innapropriate for the types of exhibits and work it was involved with, so I suggested that it may have been better to move them to a new venue, as destroying the particular spaces and atmosphere of the Bluecoat was too much of a loss to the city.

My 'hippy' comment certainly wasn't a jibe, simply an attempt suggest a suitable alternative focus for an old building who's initial uses (after being a school, of course) had become a tad compromised by the venue. I think the particualr character and atmosphere of the old layout etc was well worth keeping, even if that meant taking the arts activities off to a new centre.


Does a typical 'right winger' ever go to meditation classes in the Bluecoat? I think the old complex was perfectly suited to that sort of use.

Just spotted this new theatre in Melbourne. Now theres a theatre company with balls and one willing to make a statement. I don't think the words "sensitive response" will have been muttered at any stage in this buildings development and it is all the better for it.


Clearly we are going to get a building that is likely to have been neautered by conservation concerns, but I'd love to see a new Everyman going with a look that isn't "desperately trying to hide itself amongst its neighbours".http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/theatre.jpg

Just spotted this new theatre in Melbourne. Now theres a theatre company with balls and one willing to make a statement. I don't think the words "sensitive response" will have been muttered at any stage in this buildings development and it is all the better for it.


Clearly we are going to get a building that is likely to have been neutered by conservation concerns, but I'd love to see a new Everyman going with a look that isn't "desperately trying to hide itself amongst its neighbours".

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/theatre.jpg

i hope it re-opens with a nice little bar in the basement, The current everyman bistro is one of my favourite places in town to go for a quiet drink.

Quiet drink? It used to be one of the livelier bars in town late on. Or has my day past? :cry:

Haha, maybe not, i do knock a few years off the average age whenever i am there.

Quiet was unfair, i like the way it creates its own atmosphere, which many bars in Liverpool struggle to do.
Its a very Relaxed place, i cant think of anywhere else as relaxed, i will miss it when its gone.

The current building has quite a modernist look so a precident has been set for them to go as wild and unique with the design as they want.

I like that one in Oz in the pic there.

The current building has quite a modernist look so a precident has been set for them to go as wild and unique with the design as they want.

I like that one in Oz in the pic there.

Don't forget though, the current modernist look will count for nothing with the planners and heritage loby - the second they pull the current place down everyone will conveniently forget the bold brutalist architecture which made a huge statement when it was first built and will start banging on about a 'sensitive' replacement using words like 'respect' and 'heritage' to ensure that we don't get anything more modern than that which we're loosing... or am I just being too cynical again!? :nuts: :cheers:

Well, the HopeSt extension managed to stick it's neck out to a degree and it is not a completely uniform st, which works in it's favour in terms of dynamism but also in favour of a bolder design. Hopefully it won't be forced to ape the cathedral like the Design Academy.

The heritage lobby can only make objections and observations. it's up ot the councils planners to decide whats best for the area and as I said the current building is fairly modernistic.

It's not like Mann Island where they're building black granite blocks in a WHS next to white 19th century classic buildings.

I agree in general that outside of the WHS zone we Do pay too much attention and credence to the heritage brigade.

The best way of changing this is to join the heritage campaigns and change the views from within.

....and why not when some of our finest buildings in Liverpool and Wirral are on the verge of destruction. This is where hertiage bods should be concentrating.

Don't forget though, the current modernist look will count for nothing with the planners and heritage loby - the second they pull the current place down everyone will conveniently forget the bold brutalist architecture which made a huge statement when it was first built and will start banging on about a 'sensitive' replacement using words like 'respect' and 'heritage' to ensure that we don't get anything more modern than that which we're loosing... or am I just being too cynical again!? :nuts: :cheers:

Yes. I can't actually remember now, but I imagine that the Everyman is on their 'X' list of non olde worlde buildigns they want to see demolished and replaced with nice, inkeeping lookilikees!

They rerally are loons.

:omg:

Instead of Wayne over-egging his trashy tart number we have people lining up to decry the 'heritage mafia' and using the refurb of the everyman to this end :nuts:

I'm not sure which part of a 'bold new design' people have forgotten about when the refurb was first mentioned or how the general ethos of the everyman lends itself to accusations that it's going to capitulate to some 'in keeping' design on a street where there isn't any continuity of design - quality (with a couple of exceptions), yes.

I have no doubt that the new design will be interesting and will owe nothing to existing Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, neo-classical buildings in much the same way that the current design completely blanked Hope Hall. The site itself is quite small so we will need to be realistic about what we can expect unless Maghull in an act of unexpected penitence donates the JBH site to the Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust and implores them to do with it what they will.

The money would be better spent elsewhere. I haven't been for years but surely pulling the whole building down is ott?

What would you suggest instead?

Whatever happened to the idea of having a new theatre as a CofC legacy? Maybe this is it or maybe now that Manchester isn't going to get a brand new £100m opera house, Liverpool doesn't need a new £40m theatre to demonstrate that government backed arts organisations treat all cities fairly? Sir Bob should know - he was behind both schemes.

Just to fuel to M word conspiracy theories, I note that they have now also pinched the National Football Museum from Preston.

Disgraceful.

And it looks like the Lottery-funded arftastic Urbis Museum of Original Modernity has been placed into a weighted sack and thrown into the canal.

Poor Preston - another victim of the government-backed beggar my neighbour approach. Funny how the Dept of Culture, Media & Sport is able to find extra money for such a scheme.

Just to fuel to M word conspiracy theories, I note that they have now also pinched the National Football Museum from Preston.

Apparently its not 100% done deal but it might as well be. The culture stealing bastards!

I thought I heard it confirmed on Radio 5 this morning.

From BBC News

Football museum to change cities

The football exhibits will move to Urbis under the plan
Talks are under way to move the National Football Museum from its current home in Preston to Manchester.

The attraction, based at Preston North End's Deepdale football ground, would move to Manchester's Urbis centre.

Museum trustees said a lack of funds in Preston had "always been a concern" and that the switch to Manchester would secure its financial future.

Up to 100,000 people a year currently visit the museum, which could move in early 2010.

The switch would end fears the exhibits, which include the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final and a replica of the Jules Rimet Trophy, could be moved to London.

But the leader of Preston Council said it would fight to keep the attraction in the city.

Councillor Ken Hudson aid: "The National Football Museum is an important attraction for Preston and we desperately want it to stay in the city.

"We have an urgent meeting with museum representatives on Monday, when we will discuss the future of the museum."

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said talks began after the authority was approached by the North West Development Agency (NWDA).

The collection includes a replica of the Jules Rimet trophy
"We've looked at the possibilities and believe that there is enormous potential for the museum if it was located in Manchester," he said.

"I think that potential has been recognised by both the trustees of the museum and the trustees of Manchester's Millennium Quarter, who amongst other things run Urbis."

Sir Richard said the existence of two Premier League football clubs in the city was already a major draw for visitors.

"Manchester is identified with football. Having a city centre location very close to stations and so on, I think it will be a very, very popular draw in that location."

Preston North End was one of the 12 founder members of the Football League in 1888, becoming the first team to do the League and FA Cup "double".


While the museum has gone from success to success in Preston since it opened in 2001, the funding of the museum has always been a concern

Its stadium, Deepdale, is one of the oldest professional football grounds in the world.

Lord Mawhinney, the chairman of the Football League, last year floated the idea of moving the museum to Wembley Stadium, which was opposed by politicians.

Sir Bobby Charlton is president of the museum, which opened in 2001. Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tom Finney and Sir Trevor Brooking are all vice presidents.

Paul Dermody, chair of trustees, said: "While the museum has gone from success to success in Preston since it opened in 2001, the funding of the museum has always been a concern.

"But with the backing of Manchester City Council, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the football family its future will be secured.

"The museum's success will continue to expand as the collections and the community work it undertakes will be exposed to a significantly greater audience than at present."



A kick in the bollocks for one of football's most respected personalities to move it from his beloved Preston.:bash:

So why not move everything to London and further maximise the head count?

Rock FM are still claiming that it might be moving. Though I reckon its a done deal, still dont exactly understand what is moving but oh well. Mark Hendrick MP (and waste of space) is saying what a shame it is. How about he does something about it. This is the reason people dont care about politics. Arses. Suprises me that Manchester dont try and steal the Museum of Lancashire as well, you know, to try and increase visitor numbers.

I wouldn't give the fuckers any ideas. Metro will be here later defending it and the NWDA's role in it and suggesting that Liverpool could have done the same when this is not apparently the case.

Shame that Prestons MP's are to spineless to do anything about it. Manchester have been trying to pinch it pretty much since it opened. Preston is one of the founding members of the Premier League and the oldest football ground IN THE WORLD! Bastards.

Apparently the Museum of Liverpool is relocating to Salford Quays as well.

Sorry, I know this is all off topic...

Lol.

(waste of a post but I find that amusing)

Watto speaks well as I do of the bistro. That and the RC cathedral is my favourite personal part of the city. The bistro has a certain "ambiente" that is bereft of some of the alternative responses a plucky Mancunian has experienced from a certain local dynamic.

I am unsure where else I can get that vibe in your city mid afternoon early evening, The Bistro and everyman that is. Perhaps I can ask some loon from Mk about the latter.

I will pass on the various M conspiracy comments. I for one will be less than chuffed if the football museum occupies the Urbis. Might as well as put a Disney store in there.

From Place North West -

Advisers picked for £22m theatre rebuild

20 Nov 2009, 09:38

The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust has named three consultants in its team for the redevelopment of the Everyman and refurbishment of the Playhouse theatres in Liverpool.

The project will be managed by Acuity Management Solutions under a £437,000 contract. The quantity surveyor on the job will be Gardiner & Theobald, handed a £257,000 contract. The CDM Coordinator (health and safety inspector) will be Turner & Townsend Project Management, with a contract worth £43,000.

Article continues here - http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4800-advisers-picked-for-22m-theatre-rebuild.html

It's gone down a bit from the original £40m or so that was being quoted last year! Perhaps that was for both theatres being 'done'?

I'm pretty sure the £40m was the total for both theatres Bab.

EDIT: Actually, no, if you look at the article right at the beginning of this thread it does quote the Everyman rebuild as being a £41m project. Which does actually sound a lot for a building of that size, but what do I know.

From Place North West -

Everyman plans submitted 'end of the month'

20 May 2010, 08:06
Michael Hunt

The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust will be submitting its planning application for the redevelopment of the Everyman theatre to Liverpool City Council at the end of May.

In a brief statement, Pippa Taylor, communications manager of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres, said: "We are reaching a very exciting stage in the process of creating the new Everyman, and will be submitting a planning application at the end of this month."

The car park to the rear of the current theatre has been purchased by The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust for the new Everyman to be built on an expanded site in Hope Street, which will include:

* A new 400-seat theatre
* A recreation of the existing Everyman Bistro bar and restaurant
* A dedicated space to house the theatres' work with its youth theatre, schools and community groups
* Front-of-house, catering and bar facilities
* Rehearsal space and production workshops

The new Everyman theatre is due to open in 2013 and Playhouse refurbishment completed by 2016.

Full article here - http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6192-everyman-plans-submitted-end-of-the-month.html

I think they will also be taking up the space of the print shop currently to the right of the theatre as you look at it from the street. So they're certainly managing to stick out their elbows a little bit. I'll be really intrigued to see the design proposals when they're made public.

They are indeed taking that adjacent building. It's going to be significantly bigger this new theatre. I look forward to seeing the images.

Exclusive look at plans for Liverpool’s new look Everyman Theatre
May 26 2010 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

THESE are the first images of Liverpool’s new Everyman Theatre as it will look when fully rebuilt in 2013.

The designs, revealed exclusively by the Daily Post, will allow the venue to expand its already ambitious programme and attract the country’s leading theatre companies.

Work is due to begin in spring, 2011, to build a “creative hub” which will further cement Hope Street’s status as a tourist destination.

The pictures, which will be submitted to Liverpool Council’s planning department later this week, reveal some of the best-loved elements of the theatre will be retained.

New incarnations of the 400-seat “thrust”-style auditorium, the basement Bistro, iconic red sign and orange seats will all be featured in the new building.

Artistic director Gemma Bodinetz said: “The new Everyman takes all that is most loved about the present theatre and reinvigorates them in the context of a theatre fit for future generations of audiences and artists.”

Visitors will enter through a foyer on Hope Street, taking them to a cafe-bar with outside seating and the box office.

Above this will be the main theatre bar, with a balcony overlooking the road below.

http://media06.kyte.tv/store/009/06/bor/1005/25/16/2428332-728061-zz250510everyman2_460_178.jpg?h=2d77cae9d71bfa815fc56f089ca8b713

http://media06.kyte.tv/store/009/06/bor/1005/25/16/2428326-728061-zz250510everyman5_460_207.jpg?h=edef75494ec41e691e0fe9ed92abc09b

http://media07.kyte.tv/store/009/07/bor/1005/25/16/2428333-728061-zz250510everyman3_460_307.jpg?h=d55fe132a085db5d19699210794c2517

http://media07.kyte.tv/store/009/07/bor/1005/25/16/2428351-728061-zz250510everyman1_423_345.jpg?h=fe015b1457cb07a55b52035efe849dfc

http://media06.kyte.tv/store/009/06/bor/1005/25/16/2428178-728061-zz250510everyman4_411_345.jpg?h=7ea759e742bc7150fea593565b84670a

The auditorium will retain the current “thrust” design, with the audience sitting at three sides of the stage.

But the seating will be arranged over two levels, improving the view of those further away from the actors.

The space will be flexible, allowing it to be re-arranged for promenade-style and in-the-round performances.

Executive director Deborah Aydon said the public areas will help further develop Hope Street’s status as a tourist destination.

She said: “When it opens in 2013, the new Everyman will emphasise Liverpool’s continued status as a cultural capital and will be a further boost to the city’s rebirth as a richly rewarding place to visit.”

Technical facilities will also be improved, meaning the theatre will be able to welcome more innovative touring shows, as well as creating more ambitious set designs for their own productions.

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/05/26/exclusive-look-at-plans-for-liverpool-s-new-look-everyman-theatre-92534-26522550/2/) >>

Cheers Howie. Bit hard to see what's going on in the tiddly pics but the write up sounds really good. I'm looking forward to seeing those cross-sections in a bit more detail.

Although not in any way spectacular, they seem to have tried their damdest to keep the essence of the building and seem to have listened to what current users have been saying about what they love about the place. It more or less looks the same and I'm glad they have retained the two things most important to me personally, the thrust design and the basement bistro. I like the columns at the entrance too, which are similar to the current design.

Yep, at first glance they really seem to have nailed that 'the same, but different' thing that was always going to be a challenge. The article mentions a certain degree of flexibility in the auditorium, and while this always sounds like a good thing, you have to be careful. Because in my experience, the most flexible theatres are the most anonymous - being able to create all kinds of stage set ups means you never really get a unique sense of place. A theatre that has its own personality tends to have a distinct identity, and that includes in the auditorium.

However, they only mention an ability to do promenade productions - basically, removing the seats so people can walk around - or in-the round, which just means adding an extra bank of seats on what would normally be the rear stage. And that's fine. But most important of all is getting their thrust stage right, and I hope most of the energy goes into that.

It looks like they also wanted to glaze the upper levels of the front, but were conscious that people liked the character that the huge wall above the Everyman sign currently given the building. The response seems to be a wall of fins, letting light through whilst retaining the solidity currently there.

Liverpool Everyman reveals plans for new theatre
May 26 2010 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL people are at the heart of the designs for the new Everyman Theatre.

The front of the Hope Street building will be decorated with images of locals etched into metal shutters.

Images released today of how the new venue will look when it is opened in 2013 also reveal some of the best-loved elements of the existing theatre will be retained.

(See post #68 above)

Artistic director Gemma Bodinetz said: “The new Everyman takes all that is most loved about the present theatre – a democratic thrust auditorium, a characterful and much loved subterranean bistro and reinvigorates them in the context of a theatre fit for future generations of audiences and artists.”

The plans, drawn up by London-based architects Haworth Tompkins, are being submitted for planning permission later this week.

They will allow the Everyman to expand its already ambitious programme and attract the country’s leading theatre companies.

Work is due to begin in spring 2011.

The intention is to build a “creative hub” that will further cement Hope Street’s status as a tourist destination.

Steve Tompkins, director of Haworth Tompkins, said: “The 1970s version of the Everyman is part of Liverpool’s heartbeat. In developing our proposals we have tried to honour its unique spirit while equipping it for a new generation of brilliant theatre.”

Continues (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/05/26/liverpool-everyman-reveals-plans-for-new-theatre-100252-26522559/2/) >>

Public can view plans for the new Everyman Theatre
May 27 2010 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

DETAILED proposals for the new Everyman will be handed to Liverpool City Council’s planners today.

A chance for the public to see the architects’ 3-D models and attend backstage tours of the current building will then be announced.

Work is due to start on the venue in spring, 2011, with its launch in 2013.

Prof Michael Brown, Liverpool Merseyside Theatres Trust chair, said: “This major project has only been made possible in difficult times because all the partners have worked closely together.”

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/05/27/public-can-view-plans-for-the-new-everyman-theatre-92534-26531324/)

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x328.032/may_10/pnw__1274950804_Everyman.jpg
The new Everyman can be seen on the right with the Metropolitan
Cathedral at the end of Hope Street, fronting Mount Pleasant, within the
background

Everyman plans submitted
27 May 2010, 10:05
Michael Hunt

The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust is submitting its planning application for the redevelopment of the Everyman theatre to Liverpool City Council today.

Developed and designed in close collaboration with architects Haworth Tompkins, the practice behind the Young Vic which was hired three years ago to design the new Everyman, the building will provide new incarnations of the existing Everyman theatre, which is being demolished, and the basement Bistro. The iconic Everyman sign will be re-created for the front of the new theatre on Hope Street.

At an unveiling of 3D models showing the design of the new three storey theatre yesterday, Deborah Aydon, executive director of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres, said: "We will be making further announcements in the next few weeks of dates when the public can come and view the models of the new theatre and go on tours of the current theatre."

The project team aims to start work on demolishing the current theatre, which has cramped backstage quarters, by spring next year.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/142x100/may_10/pnw__1274950993_Picture2.jpg

As well as acquiring 11 Hope Street, the building next door to the current theatre, the car park to the rear of the theatre, in Arrad Street, has been purchased by The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust for the new Everyman to be built on an expanded site in Hope Street, which will include:


A new 400-seat theatre including second level of seating
A recreation of the existing Everyman Bistro bar and restaurant
A dedicated space to house the theatres' work with its youth theatre, schools and community groups
Front-of-house, catering and bar facilities
Rehearsal space and production workshops

Steve Tompkins, director of Haworth Tompkins, said: "The theatre was last refurbished in 1977 so it has become out dated. We are increasing the footprint of the theatre by 60% and it's been an exciting challenge incorporating the new design into what is an established and iconic location in Liverpool. We have tried to honour its unique spirit while equipping it for a new generation of brilliant theatre."

Tompkins said that the design of the new theatre will also feature natural ventilation throughout, incorporating a number of low energy strategies, and is on course to achieve an 'excellent' BREEAM rating.

The building will be constructed with a new frontage on Hope Street comprising 105 life-sized, abstracted portraits of Liverpool people transferred onto cut aluminium shutters, which aim to represent the local community as well as those who have worked at and for the theatre.

The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust and the project team have consulted on its design with audiences, youth groups, drama teachers, community and access forums, writers, actors, alumni, corporate members and the Bistro partners. They have also been working closely with the local planning office and Commission for Architecture and Built Environment.

Gemma Bodinetz, artistic director of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres, added: "The addition of a dedicated space for our youth and outreach work, rehearsal room, writers' hub, natural ventilation, full disabled access and 21st century technical facilities will mean that this much loved theatre will live on in a physical incarnation that fits its national reputation and idiosyncratic personality."

The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust was formed in 1999 to create a shared management for Liverpool's Everyman theatre and Playhouse theatre, which is located in Williamson Square.

The redevelopment of the Everyman is the first phase of a combined plan for the two theatres.

The total budget for the redevelopment of the Everyman is £28m. The funding plan includes £15m from Arts Council England and £2.5m invested from the North West Development Agency.

The Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust is also currently progressing bids for £6m of funding from the European Regional Development Fund and a further £3m from the North West Development Agency. The balance is being sought from fundraising and appeals.

The new Everyman theatre is due to open in 2013 and Playhouse refurbishment completed by 2016.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6268-everyman-plans-submitted.html)

The planning applications have gone in -

From the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 10C/1220
Site Address - Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Nos.3-11 Hope Street Liverpool, L1 9BJ
Proposal - To demolish existing Theatre and no.11 Hope Street and electricity sub-station at rear.
Applicant - Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust

Application Number - 10F/1218
Site Address - Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Nos.3-11 Hope Street, Hope Street Liverpool, L1 9BJ
Proposal - To demolish existing Theatre and no.11 Hope Street and redevelop site with new three storey theatre building and associated office and rehearsal space, create loading bay at rear accessed from Arrad Street and carry out alterations to footways at front and rear.
Applicant - Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust

I hope any redevelopment of the interior of the theatre is done in such a way that is in line with the current dynamics between stage and spectator and that this is maintained. The Everyman has an egalitarian ambience which enhances the dramatic and existential relationship between the actor and spectator. I always prefer it to the Playhouse.

what is going to happen to the bistro during the rebuild? it is one of the city's best venues. i hope they will be taking temporary accomodation elsewhere

CABE's view:


Everyman Theatre
Liverpool

Redevelopment of the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. Designed by Haworth Tompkins Architects.

22 June 2010

Planning reference: 10F/1218

Tagged with: Culture and leisure | Design review | Design review panel | North West

We congratulate the design team on their clear presentation. Overall, we welcome the sensitivity demonstrated in maintaining the character and spirit of the much loved Everyman façade, auditorium and bistro in the new building, while making significant technical improvements. This difficult balance has been achieved in this project with ease and grace. We praise the client team for their vision for the project and appointing skilled architects to develop and oversee the proposals through to completion. We think the redevelopment of the Everyman Theatre has the potential to be an exemplar project in all aspects of its design for the following reasons:

* The organisational diagram of the building is clear and has been resolved in plan and section into a rational and ordered arrangement of spaces.
* The delicate shutters create an elegant and restrained front façade with a rhythm that resonates with the existing Georgian architecture on Hope Street. The success of the façade will depend on the quality of the materials and detailing, the framing and fixing details in particular. A good cleaning strategy will also be essential to maintain the condition of the anodised aluminium panels.
* We congratulate the design team for the level of detailed thought that has clearly been given to the well-mannered ‘back’ of the building that subtly picks up on the qualities of the existing warehouse buildings on Arrad Street. We think that bringing the building line forward improves the relationship to the street.
* We think that the fly tower and ventilation chimneys form a positive addition to the skyline when viewed from the Metropolitan Cathedral in the context of the existing silhouette of roof tops and chimneys. These functional elements also help to express the civic use and environmental sustainability of the new theatre building.
* The integration of sustainable design into all levels of the project is commendable.
* We welcome the much improved auditorium, including a balcony level and fly tower, which increases the flexibility of the theatre space

As part of the City’s wider programme of public realm improvements in the Hope Street quarter, we think there is a case for considering the section between the Philharmonic Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Finally, we trust that the Theatre Trust has assured itself that the design is future-proofed to meet changing demands. For example, the potential inflexibility in plan and section of centrally located toilet stacks and roof-top air conditioning plant might frustrate possible future extensions and alterations.

This building promises to make Liverpool proud and we wish the project well.

A glowing endorsement.

I'm not sure what they are getting at here:

As part of the City’s wider programme of public realm improvements in the Hope Street quarter, we think there is a case for considering the section between the Philharmonic Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral.


I suspect that it's about tarting up the streetscape a la in front of the Phil but it would even more positive if it were dropping a hint about the future development of the JBH site - not that CABE has any influence over such matters. Also, isn't there some kind of plan for a Cathedral Square? I might have imagined that one :dunno:

A glowing endorsement.

I'm not sure what they are getting at here:
Quote:
As part of the City’s wider programme of public realm improvements in the Hope Street quarter, we think there is a case for considering the section between the Philharmonic Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral.


I suspect that it's about tarting up the streetscape a la in front of the Phil but it would even more positive if it were dropping a hint about the future development of the JBH site - not that CABE has any influence over such matters. Also, isn't there some kind of plan for a Cathedral Square? I might have imagined that one :dunno:[/QUOTE]

When the paving along Hope Street was relaid a couple of years ago, did it continue all the way to Mount Pleasant, or did it stop outside the Phil/junction with Hardman Street?

Goes all the way along. Looks smart too; would be a bit drastic to redo it all again!

In Detail: Haworth Tompkins submits Everyman Theatre plans

Building Design (http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/uk/haworth-tompkins-submits-everyman-theatre-plans/5000275.article)


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/7/1/3/1667713_theatrepic%20web.jpg




http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/8/5/6/1667856_existing%20elements_red.jpg << Existing elements




http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/8/5/7/1667857_Studios_Section.jpg << Studio section




http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/8/5/8/1667858_Auditorium_Section.jpg << Auditorium section




http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/8/5/9/1667859_20091221110151083%208.jpg << Interior sketch




http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/8/6/0/1667860_Vent-Section.jpg << Vent section

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x328.032/may_10/pnw__1274950804_Everyman.jpg

CABE raves about new Everyman
6 Jul 2010, 12:04

Government watchdog the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment has praised Haworth Tompkins Architects' designs for the new Everyman theatre on Hope Street in Liverpool.

Indeed, CABE positively purred about the project and said it had "the potential to be an exemplar project in all aspects of its design".

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/315x200/may_10/pnw__1274981357_Auditorium_section_at_new_Ever.jpg

The new building will feature a façade with 105 life-sized, abstracted portraits of Liverpool people transferred onto cut aluminium shutters to represent the local community as well as those who have worked at and for the theatre.

The watchdog's design review panel said: "The delicate shutters create an elegant and restrained front façade with a rhythm that resonates with the existing Georgian architecture on Hope Street. The success of the façade will depend on the quality of the materials and detailing, the framing and fixing details in particular. A good cleaning strategy will also be essential to maintain the condition of the anodised aluminium panels."

The reviewers said the "building promises to make Liverpool proud and we wish the project well".

CABE went on to recommended public realm improvements already started on Hope Street carry on to take in the stretch between the Philharmonic Hall and Everyman.

The Everyman currently occupies a cramped and out-dated building originally used as a church. The size of theatre will more than double from 6,000 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft.

The total budget for the redevelopment of the Everyman is £28m. The funding plan includes £15m from Arts Council England and £2.5m invested from the North West Development Agency.

The new theatre is expected to open in 2013. The planning application was submitted in May.

Read the CABE design review in full here (http://www.cabe.org.uk/design-review/everyman-theatre-2)


CABE will close its schools design review panel after the Treasury said on Monday it would cancel its £900,000 funding allocation


Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6610-cabe-raves-about-new-everyman.html)

Goes all the way along. Looks smart too; would be a bit drastic to redo it all again!

I was thinking more of the entire 'ensemble' bit outside the Phil (pavement, road, posts etc) that is meant to signifify 'here is something special'. Then I vaguely recollected plans for a Cathedral Square that at first glance seemed like a large version of what has been done outside the Phil.

Anyway, I did a quick google and couldn't find anything pertinent so maybe I dreamt it!

Hmm, I sort of remember something like that as well. Some kind of communal dream perhaps.

I take the point about the area in front of the Phil and what could be done further down the road - though in the Phil's case, there is something a bit worrying (to me) about the way the pavement blends with the road. I've seen kids playing in front of the building, my own included, who clearly don't see where the pavement ends and the road begins. Had a couple of heart-in-mouth moments.

In pretty sure that the Cathedral Square is basically what's getting built in front of the cathedral steps at the mo. People take a fairly liberal interpretation of the word "square" these days.

Hmm, I sort of remember something like that as well. Some kind of communal dream perhaps.

I take the point about the area in front of the Phil and what could be done further down the road - though in the Phil's case, there is something a bit worrying (to me) about the way the pavement blends with the road. I've seen kids playing in front of the building, my own included, who clearly don't see where the pavement ends and the road begins. Had a couple of heart-in-mouth moments.

Maybe that was to prevent accidental tripping when the crowds flow out at the end of an evening?

They designed it to function as an informal square, for things like graduation ceremonies. They usually close the road when they take place, allowing the space to be used safely.

Follow in footsteps of Pete Postlethwaite and Jonathan Pryce in Everyman backstage tour
Jul 8 2010 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Everyman is inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of Pete Postlethwaite and Jonathan Pryce this summer.

The theatre is throwing open its backstage area to members of public in a series of free tours and drop-in sessions.

They will run once a week from now until Friday September 3, giving visitors the chance to experience the space from the perspective of those who have worked there over the past 46years.

Each one will be followed by a short presentation of the plans for the new Everyman, which is due to open in 2013.

The theatre and architects Haworth Tompkins have already consulted widely with audiences, youth groups, drama teachers, community and access forums, writers, actors, alumni and corporate members about the plans for the new building.

Proposals include a 400-seat auditorium, community, rehearsal and office spaces, a pavement cafe, theatre bar and basement bistro.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment has praised the plans as achieving a “difficult balance” with “ease and grace”.

Its report stated: “We welcome the sensitivity demonstrated in maintaining the character and spirit of the much loved Everyman while making significant technical improvements.”

Times of the tours are at www.everymanplayhouse.com

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-arts/2010/07/08/follow-in-footsteps-of-pete-postlethwaite-and-jonathan-pryce-in-everyman-backstage-tour-92534-26809176/)

Went on the Everyman's backstage tour yesterday; the actual jaunt behind the scenes is pretty quick, largely because the theatre has virtually no backstage, which is one reason why the rebuild is so desperately needed. Having worked in bigger, purpose-built theatres in the past, it was quite a shock to walk across the stage and then go round the back of the current set to discover that there's then a gap of about three or four feet and then a loading door direct to the outside. There's no scene dock, virtually no wings, no workshop space - just some very rickety stairs down to the understage area, which is itself impossibly cramped. Everything seems to be held together with tape, you have to pick your way through props and wires and piles of random stuff; quite apart from being a terrible environment in which to produce professional theatre, it would appear to be barely legal as a working environment.

There's then a quick pop into the theatre's green room - a tiny, cramped little space with a few flea-bitten chairs and a kettle - and back out into the foyer. I think the theatre's aim in running this series of tours is to show people exactly why a total rebuild is the only way forward for the Everyman, and it certainly does that pretty effectively.

We were then given a 20-minute presentation about the thinking behind the new building, with lots of plans and visualisations shown on the flat screen TV in the foyer. Some were the ones already posted in this thread, but there were a lot more that I've never seen before.

I wasn't taking notes but here are a few points from the talk that I remember:

- The auditorium will be in more or less the same place as at present, with a similar footprint. It is the same thrust stage set up as the theatre currently has, but there are two or three fewer rows of seats than at the moment. These rows are being moved up onto a circle level for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the sightlines are improved for those people on the circle - it brings them closer to the stage than they would be in the current auditorium, where they are further back. Secondly, because the Everyman produces a lot of new plays without big names, it is often rather less than full; with a circle level however, it will be possible to close off the upper level easily without killing the atmosphere downstairs, and ensure that as many people as possible are sitting close to the stage without rows and rows of empty seats as at present. This seems a very pragmatic way of mititgating the inescapable fact that new plays by unknown writers with no recognisable faces in the cast rarely attract a large audience. Even a modestly-sized venue like the Everyman can feel a rather lonely place if there are only 80 people in the audience after all.

- During the Everyman's two-year closure, there will be more in-house productions in the Playhouse than at present. Also, over this summer, some essential works are being carried out to the old studio space upstairs in the Playhouse; the intention is to use the Playhouse studio to produce small-scale shows, so there will often be two productions running simultaneously there. It is envisaged that occasionally, site-specific productions will be staged elsewhere - the upcoming Everyman Unbound event is a bit of a taster for that kind of production - but there won't be a dedicated alternative venue apart from the Playhouse.

- The Everyman's rock and roll pantomimes will be continuing in the Playhouse through the closure period - Christmas 2011 and 2012.

- The bistro will still have a three-room set up, but the current bistro operators have been very closely involved in the redesign and have reconfigured their space a little. Instead of three rooms that run along the width of the building as at present, there will be two rooms, with the third room being located kind of behind those two. It's a bit tricky to explain and wasn't particularly clear on the groundplan that we were shown, but getting the bistro right is evidently one of the key concerns for everyone involved. It's gratifying to see that it isn't being treated as an afterthought, but is intrinsic to the whole operation.

- The building is set back slightly from the current building line, leaving space for a pavement cafe along the front. There are also a few windows at ground level (or possibly just below ground level - couldn't quite tell) along the front that will allow some natural lighting into the bistro. Not much I shouldn't imagine, but a little.

- As you look at the building from the street, the entrance to the bistro will be on the left - being a dedicated entrance as at present, so when the theatre is closed you can still go downstairs. The box office will be to the right of the building, clearly visible from the street so there's none of the "is it actually open?" feeling that you get at the moment.

- The bar is on the first floor with an accessible balcony above Hope Street. The red Everyman sign runs along the front of the balcony.

- The upper floors are glass fronted offices, with anodised aluminium shutters that are manually opened and shut by the staff in the building. They will be perforated with patterns that form human figures - as mentioned in the press reports, there will soon be a campaign to choose people to be represented on these shutters. Some of the published renders make these shutters look a browny-gold colour, but this is apparently not accurate; I think they are more of a silver colour.

- The architects apparently built a full-sized section of the auditorium so that theatre staff and consultants could assess the seating positions and sightlines. During this process, it was decided that the circle level had been set too high - the current low-ceilinged quality of the auditorium would have been lost. So as a result, the auditorium was redesigned with a lower circle level for a more closed-in feel.

- 95% of the current building can be reused, either in the new building or elswhere. Where appropriate, there will be recognisable features making an appearance in the new building, such as the iron pillars that are currently in the foyer bar.

- Because the car park behind the theatre has been purchased, the new building will have bags of backstage space, plus on-site workshops. There's also a fly tower of course, and all the Liverpool Theatres staff will be housed in the Everyman so only those who need to be at the Playhouse at any one time will be down there. This should make the multi-site operation rather easier to manage.

- The new theatre also includes the space currently occupied by the print shop on the right of the building, though this will have a slightly different frontage to the glass and aluminium of the main section. This is to maintain Hope Street's current feel, with a range of different building styles running the length of the street. Original plans were for the Everyman to also take up the space currently occupied by The Annexe, but it was felt that this would result in a building that was taking up too much of Hope Street, and that would be in danger of becoming something rather too different to the current theatre.

I'm sure that loads more interesting stuff was mentioned, so if anything else comes to mind, I'll add it to this thread. If you're interested though, I'd recommend the tour. And there's a cross-section model in the foyer at the moment for anyone to pop in and inspect.

Where the money for this coming from? It won't get pulled by the ConDems will it?

I always thought the Josephine Butler House site would have made a good location for the Everyman, on the same corner as the Phil, allowing a rebuild to occur without a 2 year closure. Could have done a land swap with Maghull, it's not like they'll be doing anything with the JBH sute any time soon. But then I suppose they couldn't reuse elements of the existing theatre in the new one.

Thanks for the info on the Everyman, Damon. It will be interesting to see if any other theatre steps into fill the void during the long two year absence.

Hope so.

Will be interesting to see how the Unity in particular might benefit from those who like their theatre to be Hope Street shaped rather than Playhousey.

It has lost its NWDA funding, not sure how much this was and if it was critical for the project.

I think that's about 2.5 million. So pretty significant. Don't know whether that means critical...

Bad news anyway.

I wonder. Much of it's funding was from the Arts Council, so I think this project is ok. God, I hope so.

Others, such as iC3 and the Castle St public realm stuff I think may have bitten the dust.

Place Northwest

Everyman plans to fight on after NWDA shortfall

27 Jul 2010, 08:30

The redevelopment of the Everyman theatre in Liverpool city centre will go ahead despite falling victim to the cuts announced yesterday by the development agency.

The theatre was bidding for £2.4m towards its £28m redevelopment costs. Deborah Aydon, executive director of the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres, said: "We are working in a very positive spirit with our other partners and stakeholders - including Arts Council England, Liverpool Vision, The Mersey Partnership and Liverpool City Council - to make sure that this does not affect the momentum or the quality of the Everyman redevelopment.




Continues... (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6759-everyman-plans-to-fight-on-after-nwda-shortfall.html)

Good luck to them. Those theatres have no end of high profile supporters in the arts - world famous names with healthy film careers and so on. Surely we could get a few of them to dip into their copious pockets!

From the Everyman website:

NWDA FUNDING RESPONSE

27th July 2010

Response from Deborah Aydon, Executive Director of the Everyman and Playhouse, to the North West Development Agency’s announced cuts in spending.

Deborah Aydon, Executive Director of the Everyman and Playhouse, said: “North West Development Agency has announced that certain projects which had been under consideration for funding cannot now be supported. One of these projects is the new Everyman. This means a loss of £2.4m of the total project funding of £28m.

“We had been notified of this prior to today’s press announcement, and we are working in a very positive spirit with our other partners and stakeholders – including Arts Council England, Liverpool Vision, The Mersey Partnership and Liverpool City Council - to make sure that this does not affect the momentum or the quality of the Everyman redevelopment.

“All our partners remain fully committed to the strategic importance of this project, which is now at an advanced stage and is scheduled to go on site in 2011.

“The design for the new Everyman has been submitted for Planning approval and we have been consulting on the design for some months. The response to date - from artists, audiences, youth theatre members, heritage groups and many others who care passionately about their Everyman - has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Consultation continues, with weekly presentations and drop-in sessions. “

Source: http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/News/NWDA_Funding_Response/306.aspx

This has just come through from the theatre; it seems that planning permission has been granted:

We are thrilled to announce that our plans for the new Everyman have today secured Planning Permission. We thought we’d share with you the press statement we’ve issued:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Vastly enhanced” new Everyman secures Planning Permission

Liverpool City Council has today given planning approval for the new Everyman theatre on Hope Street. Council Leader Cllr Joe Anderson endorsed the new design describing it as “a vital redevelopment for the City’s future. The Everyman is a real gem in Liverpool’s cultural life and while it will have a new-look it will retain its unique spirit.”

A very positive report was submitted to the Planning Committee describing the new Everyman as retaining “the character and charm of the existing theatre whilst providing vastly enhanced facilities that will make a positive cultural contribution", noting that the project will be of “benefit to the local economy and provide enhanced employment opportunities"

The planning application was submitted in May at which time CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) described the design, by prominent theatre architect Haworth Tompkins, as “an exemplar in all aspects of its design.”

The designs include new incarnations of the Everyman’s dynamic and inclusive 400-seat ‘thrust’ stage auditorium, legendary basement Bistro and iconic Everyman sign.

These will be complemented by vital facilities it currently lacks, many of which will also serve its sister theatre, the Playhouse. These will include a Youth and Community Space for the theatres’ vast and growing work with education and community groups; rehearsal space, workshops and offices for production staff; and a hub for writers to develop their work.

The £28m redevelopment is scheduled to go on site in 2011 so that the new Everyman will open in 2013. Since the recent announcement £2.4m North West Development Agency funds would no longer be available to support the project, the Everyman management team has been engaged in positive discussions with all project stakeholders to close this gap and maintain the quality and momentum of the project. All remain fully committed to making it happen.

Executive Director Deborah Aydon was delighted with the news, "This is a fantastic endorsement by the City Council and a very positive signal to our stakeholders and funding partners. It will be a great boost to ongoing negotiations and help maintain the strong momentum of the Everyman redevelopment.”

Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz said "Over the summer we have been holding public presentations and drop in sessions, continuing the consultation with the many people who care passionately about their Everyman. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the new design and with the desire that this greener, more accessible and inclusive vision of the Everyman and Bistro becomes a reality in the near future.”

Good to hear that partners are pulling together to make this happen.

Yeah, I don't quite get how money that was administered by NWDA and allocated before the Tory government got in can be clawed back. A retrospective money grab? :dunno:

Because it had been allocated, but not committed. Contracts had not been signed for construction yet. I hope ic3 gets similar levels of commitment from partners.

Looks like we can prepare for an Everyman thread in the construction projects forum...


PUBLIC FUNDING FOR THE NEW EVERYMAN IS NOW COMPLETE


We are thrilled to announce that the public funding for the new Everyman is now complete and we can confirm details for our final programme before redevelopment.

With £16.8m from Arts Council England and £2.5m previously invested by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, the confirmation of a £5.9m investment from the European Regional Development Fund now means that the £28m redevelopment of the Everyman, described last year by Liverpool City Council Leader Joe Anderson as “a vital redevelopment for the City’s future” can proceed as planned on site in August this year with the new, 21st century Everyman to open in 2013.

For the remaining £2.1m project costs, we have already raised over £700,000 from private trusts and foundations and an appeal for the remaining funds will begin this autumn. If you would like to be kept up to date about the appeal please sign up to ev4everyone@everymanplayhouse.com.

We wanted you to be the first to know about our plans for the coming months.

Date for your diary
The official closing date for the Everyman will be Saturday 2 July and we are now working with Slung Low, with whom we collaborated on last year’s Anthology of seven stories performed on and around Hope Street, to create a fitting public finale to celebrate this much-loved landmark.

Macbeth Extension
The last major production in the current Everyman, Macbeth, with David Morrissey and Jemma Redgrave, opens on 6 May and will now be extended by one week to Saturday 11 June due to exceptionally high demand for tickets.

The return of some favourites for a fond farewell
The final month before redevelopment will also see performances from The Mersey Sound poets Roger McGough and Brian Patten (20 June at 7.30pm), and legendary band and Everyman favourites Deaf School, who came together on Hope Street in 1970s (17 & 18 June at 7.30pm). Tickets for Theatre First members are on sale now by calling 0151 709 4776. They will go on public sale on 8 April.

Everyman Tours and Presentations
Quite a few of you came along last year and we are happy to announce that we have scheduled more Everyman tours and presentations from mid-May onwards for more opportunities to see and discuss the designs for the new Everyman. See details below.

We’re very excited at the news and hope you will be too.
With all good wishes

Gemma Bodinetz Deborah Aydon
Artistic Director Executive Director

Everyman Tours and Presentations
Friday 13 May at 5pm
Saturday 14 May at 11am

Friday 27 May at 5pm
Saturday 28 May at 11am

Friday 3 June at 5pm
Saturday 4 June at 11am

Monday 6 June at 5pm
Tuesday 7 June at 5pm

Tours are free but booking is advised as there will be a max. of 15 people per tour. Please book via our website online booking (from Tuesday 5 April) or now by calling 0151 709 4776.

Fantastic News :cheers:

Liverpool’s Everyman regeneration plans to be revealed today by theatre bosses
by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Daily Post
Apr 4 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp2/may2010/7/6/everyman-75840097.jpg

DETAILS of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Liverpool’s Everyman theatre were due to be announcement today.

Theatre bosses have so far not revealed a firm date for the closure of the Hope Street landmark, as well as final funding information for the ambitious £28m project.

However, one of the last shows on the Everyman’s stage will be Macbeth, starring Youth Theatre alumnus David Morrissey and Jemma Redgrave, and directed by artistic director Gemma Bodinetz, which opens on May 6.

Following its closure, the current Everyman will be razed and rebuilt on the same site. The new building will recreate the current “thrust” stage, but in a 400-seater auditorium on two levels which takes it back to how it looked before a mid-70s refurbishment.

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/04/04/liverpool-s-everyman-regeneration-plans-to-be-revealed-today-by-theatre-bosses-92534-28453038/) >>

Theatre bosses have so far not revealed a firm date for the closure of the Hope Street landmark

...except that two posts above, we see that it's confirmed as July 2nd! :lol:

Read it first on Skyscrapercity!

A big :kiss: to our 'local' press (and media). Where would we be without them?

UPDATE: Full details of Liverpool’s Everyman theatre regeneration revealed
by Catherine Jones
Apr 4 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/jul2009/4/9/everyman-theatre-543687082.jpg

FINAL details of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Liverpool’s Everyman theatre were revealed today.

The Hope Street landmark will close its doors on Saturday, July 2. And theatre bosses said they are working with Slung Low, with whom they collaborated on last year’s Anthology series, to create a fitting finale.

Meanwhile the last major production on the Everyman’s stage will be Macbeth, starring David Morrissey and Jemma Redgrave, and directed by artistic director Gemma Bodinetz. It runs from May 6 to June 11.

Theatre chiefs also revealed the full details of funding for the £28m rebuild which will start in August.

There is £5.9m investment from the European Regional Development Fund which, added to £16.8m from Arts Council England and £2.5m previously invested by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, allows the ambitious scheme to go ahead.

Everyman and Playhouse executive director Deborah Aydon said today: "After 10 years of planning and many funding setbacks we’re absolutely delighted to reach this point.

"We’re enormously grateful to the funders and to other supporters such as the city council who have made this happen by working together.

"In just a few months we’ll be on site, working to create an inspiring new Everyman for generations to come."

Following its closure the current Everyman will be razed and rebuilt.

Continues (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/04/04/full-details-of-liverpool-s-everyman-theatre-regeneration-to-be-revealed-by-bosses-100252-28453353/2/) >>

I've been off work this week as my kids are off school, and thus I've been able to follow Michael Coveney's biography of the late Ken Campbell (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ken-Campbell-Great-Michael-Coveney/dp/1848420765) on Radio 4. There's much to delight anyone interested in Liverpool theatre and that particular brand of Mersey Surrealism that he both fell in love with and built on - episode three (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0100x2s/Book_of_the_Week_Ken_Campbell_The_Great_Caper_Episode_3/) focuses on his nine-hour production of 'Illuminatus' at the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun on Mathew Street, while episode four (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0100x2v/Book_of_the_Week_Ken_Campbell_The_Great_Caper_Episode_4/) includes his near-mythical year as artistic director of the Everyman. He spent the entire year's grant on his first production - but people still talk about it today. It's rarely the case that fiscal prudence is remembered with such affection...

I remember another programme about Campbell a couple of years ago, shortly after his death. His daughter recalled him saying, "If you want to get something done, go to Liverpool". He was a theatrical iconoclast who knew exactly what this city was about.

Some of the work of the architects Haworth Tompkins:

Built Projects (http://www.haworthtompkins.com/built.html)

In Progress (http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress.html)

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x250.32340425532/apr_11/pnw__1303114312_Everyman_Visualisation_(c)_Haw.jpg
Artist's impression of the new theatre building at the end of Hope Street | Haworth Tompkins

Everyman redevelopment competition opens
18 Apr 2011, 09:12

The region's biggest construction firms are expected to compete in the eagerly awaited contest to rebuild the Everyman theatre in Liverpool.

The initial tender document published by Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust on Monday values the job at £13.5m excluding demolition and contingency costs.

The winning contractor with build a new three-storey theatre and associated office and rehearsal space, create a loading bay at the rear accessed from Arrad Street and carry out alterations to footways at front and rear, following the demolition of the existing theatre and 11 Hope Street. Demolition will be undertaken through a separate contract.

The redevelopment of the famous theatre on Hope Street is part of a £27.3m project by the trust which includes feasibility work at the Playhouse theatre in Williamson Square which it also owns and operates.

The main funders are Arts Council England, the North West Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund and other public and private funders and stakeholders.

The theatre will close on 2 July and the new building, designed by Haworth Tompkins, will open in 2013.

The schedule for the build programme is as follows:


Deadline for Pre Qualification Questionnaire queries, 9am Friday 13 May
Deadline for PQQ requests, 12midday Monday 16 May
Deadline for PQQ to be received, 5pm Wednesday 18 May
Provisional PQQ shortlist interviews, 13 and or 14 June
Commence demolition (separate contract not covered by this contract notice), August 2011
Out to tender, 22 August
Appoint contractor, 3 November
Commence construction, 1 December
Reopen theatre, autumn 2013

Acuity Management Solutions is advising the trust on the bid process.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8849-everyman-redevelopment-competition-opens.html)

I kind of knew this was likely to be the case, but still, it's now here in black and white - from the Everyman Bistro's Facebook page:

Closure: Some Closure

The Everyman Bistro will close its doors permanently on the 2nd July. The Bistro will not remain open during the building work to redevelop the theatre. The Bistro will not re-open in 2013. The Bistro will not be moving to a new site to continue the same operation dressed in new clothes. The Bistro will not fight germs that may cause bad breath. The Everyman Bistro will close its doors permanently on the 2nd of July.

This is the truth and anything else you may have heard to the contrary is invented. It is completely unavoidable. It has been known for years that the Theatre would undergo redevelopment and the Bistro's closure is an inevitable consequence.

So, what are we gonna do about it? We're gonna have a load of motherflippin' parties, that's what. Now I know the guy who does this facebook page is pretty lax in the upkeep, but he's been had a word with and been made to promise to keep the cyberworld updated with the Goodbye Events Schedule. Although we won't yet release this information in full, what we at the Bistro would like to make clear is the fun we intend to have in the weeks leading up to the abyss.

Special events will be announced on here and on the Bistro notice boards so you've no excuse to miss out. In the meantime we're still open for our normal hours supplying you with the same fantastic, fresh food and finest wines and ales as we have since day one. Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think.

So the Bistro isn't coming back when the theatre reopens? Surely not!

There is a cellar bar/bistro in the plans, but the current bistro operators won't be running it by all accounts. So who knows what it'll be like.

Hmm. I guess they don't want to stay in the busines then. Fair enough, but if they'd have really wanted to, they could have opened elsewhere, at least temporarily.

Yep, I suppose I might want a rest after 40 years to be honest. What a shame for the city though.

Everyman Theatre renovation marks end of era for bistro
by William Leece, Liverpool Echo
May 18 2011

WHEN the curtain comes down on the old Everyman theatre in a few weeks it will also mark the end of an era for Liverpool wining and dining.

The Everyman’s name has blazed across the British theatrical scene and in its own way so too has the Bistro and bar in the theatre’s basement.

But while a new Everyman will arise in Hope Street over the next couple of years – and a new cafe is included in the plans – the current Bistro team is ready to call it a day after 40 years.

Business partners Paddy Byrne and Dave Scott have decided that now is the time to look at possible new ventures – building on the years of experience run up by themselves and their long-serving staff.

Paddy said: “We’re all going to be a bit emotional about it.

“But it should be a time to celebrate as well.”

Back in the early 1970s bistro-style cooking with a heavy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influence was something new to Liverpool.

And with its relaxed approach to wine drinking and later, the introduction of real ale, the Bistro proved an immediate hit.

It has won national awards and has been extended twice over the years as the business grew.

At one time the Bistro came to the rescue of the theatre above and it has been a home from home for the actors and celebrities who have passed through the city.

In the theatre Liverpool actor David Morrissey is currently starring as Macbeth but downstairs he’s remembered as the keen young man who spent a couple of years serving behind the bar. The last day of all is likely to be July 2. Surprise guests and regulars are expected to make it a day to remember.

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/05/18/everyman-theatre-renovation-marks-end-of-era-for-bistro-100252-28712911/)

Hope Street's going to be a heaving mass of humanity on Saturday as the city descends on the Everyman for its final day in its current incarnation.

Between 2pm and 6pm you can wander through the building on some kind of interactive treasure hunt of memories.

At 9.30pm, there's a half hour event to finally say goodbye to the building.

And then there's the Bistro, which is likely to be rammed to capacity for most of the day - they've got all kinds of stuff on from midday until 2am. Whether you'll be able to get served is another matter - and that's if you manage to get in the doors. It's going to be a busy one...

From http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman.aspx

Before work begins on the brand new Everyman, please join us in celebrating the first 47 years of its history with a special send-off on Hope Street on the evening of Saturday 2 July.

We have been working with Slung Low theatre company, with whom we collaborated on 2010's Anthology, to create a fitting finale imbued with emotion, fun and theatricality as we wave goodbye to the current building in preparation for the new one.

The event is free and unticketed and will be on Hope Street, allowing as many people as possible to take part in this significant moment in the Everyman’s history.

We are advising people to gather from 9.30pm for the event which will begin at dusk outside the Everyman for the rousing send-off.

Expect surprises a plenty packed into the 30-minute event, as the first act of this iconic theatre ends with a bang ahead of its major redevelopment.

Earlier in the day, between 2pm and 6pm, we are opening the Everyman’s doors for you to explore the building for another free event including a treasure hunt of memories from 1964 to 2011.

Arrive at the theatre anytime between these hours and you will be handed a map and given a set of headphones. Follow the map around the building while inside the headphones are held the memories and stories of the Everyman told in familiar voices.

Wander freely into rooms of strange objects, parts of the theatre you have never been before, dressing rooms from decades past until finally you find yourself on the Everyman stage where you can write your own memory for others to find.

According to the event's Facebook page, there are currently 865 people attending 'Last ever drink at the Everyman Bistro' on Saturday.

I think people are going to have to brush up on their catching-the-barman's-eye technique...

I'm going on Friday as Im away on Saturday, may be a little less crowded too!

The Everyman is now equipped with a webcam so we can follow the redevelopment from the comfort of our own armchairs...

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman/LiveCam.aspx

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A few photos from Saturday - more quantity than quality I'm afraid. It was an amazing day in many ways: the contemplative wander round the theatre was a beautiful way to experience it for the last time, with people's memories playing on headphones and the freedom to roam wherever you wanted. It seems to have been conceived as a kind of 'lying in state' event, with candles and sombre lighting, and strange voodoo undertakers wandering about the place.

Then down to the Bistro - queued about 30 minutes to get in, then descended into its warm and welcoming hug for one final booze up. It was a brilliant night, with a constant stream of performers and musicians, ales a-plenty, everything you'd ever expect to find in the Everyman Bistro but somehow concentrated into an even more potent concoction.

The culmination of the Every Memory event out on Hope Street was a bit of a damp squib - or it was from where we were standing. The New Orleans voodoo funeral vibe was good, and the arrival of ceremonial undertakers in a big JCB was clever, but I couldn't hear the speechifying, and couldn't see the pyrotechnic cremation effects on the roof. And once that was over we had to leave as we had our kids with us, and consequently missed the very 'tired and emotional' scenes that closed proceedings in the Bistro... but still. A very very memorable day.

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Regarding those 'tired and emotional' scenes in the Everyman Bistro that I referred to in the previous post.

This was the last record (or it was meant to be, at any rate): 'What a way to end it all' by seminal Liverpool band, Deaf School.......

lboLwzODu4Q

Cheers, Damon. :cheers:

Love the vid, especially the prolonged whooping at the end of what a way to end it all!

I might have it as my new ring tone.

Liverpool's Everyman theatre says goodbye … for the moment

Liverpool's legendary theatre went down in a blaze of glory last weekend with a finale full of fond memories – but it will be back

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The last word ... replica letters on the facade of Liverpool's Everyman theatre are set alight. Photograph: Paul Ashton

Deaf School's punk classic What a Way to End it All had become something of an unofficial anthem of the Liverpool Everyman in recent years. The cult band would return for special gigs, and the song title had become a poignant mantra during sad goodbyes there since featuring in the musical Eric's in 2008.

And like many an old punk, it's no secret the renegade theatre has been showing its age. Last weekend marked a "finale" before its closure and the start of a complete rebuild from the ground up, part of a £28m refurb project – no small change in these tight times for the arts. As for finding the right theatre company to pull off such a do, well, there could only be one: Leeds-based Slung Low, who had impressed last year with their site specific promenade production Anthology.

First of all the Everyman opened every nook and cranny to the thousands who came through the doors on Saturday afternoon. As well as being a sneak peek, it served the cannier purpose of proving to the doubters just what a rundown state backstage is in. And in the auditorium, a simple but effective idea of stringing rows of packing labels from the ceiling for people to write their memories. To go by the scribbles, the Everyman's legendary "rock'n'roll" pantos had clearly been a favourite down the years. One recalled seeing Willy Russell stand in for actor Noreen Kershaw and read his own Shirley Valentine instead of cancelling the show owing to her illness. Another raved about seeing Neil Morrissey in Macbeth (they meant David). There were still more from people who had met future spouses there.

"It's been extraordinary," artistic director Gemma Bodinetz said. "I think everyone attached to the Everyman over the years lurched between two states throughout the day – tenderness for things past and excitement for the future." Phillip Key has been reviewing theatre in Liverpool for more than 40 years; he was not alone with his vivid memories of Hooley's Hope Street Wake in 1975, in which the seats were removed and farm animals were allowed to run round the auditorium. In 1980 came Ken Campbell's 10-part The Warp. "It was notorious for some sex scenes," says Key. "One actor told me they had real sex some nights "if we felt like it."

The Liverpool Everyman theatre was founded in 1964, and since then has fostered generations of heavyweight acting talent. Its rep and youth theatre alumni counts Bill Nighy, Julie Walters, Jonathan Pryce, Bernard Hill, Antony Sher, David Morrissey, Cathy Tyson and, they say, "several" of the McGann acting dynasty among them. Walking through the doors as a punter changed Pete Postlethwaite's life, for one. "It was absolutely stunning," he told me in 2008. "I thought 'I don't know what they're doing, but I'd like some of that!'"

What the Ev lacked in budget on its final night, it made up with heart. The evening's public performance closed the road as it attempted a New Orleans funeral-style procession, complete with JCB digger. After a few words and a song, without ceremony or warning the famous red Everyman neon sign was plunged into darkness. After a series of drawn-out farewells over the last few weeks, it was a stark confrontation. Time had finally run out.

Slowly, a replica of each letter came into view on the rooftop of the theatre and was set alight. As the flames warmed the crowds below, a spray painter was elevated up to the reassuringly ugly brown frontage to write "Be back soon" across the facade, where it will remain until the building comes down.

The evening, too, marked the closure of the Everyman Bistro, the independently run bar and cafe in the basement of the Hope Street complex. Many were more upset about the closure of this city-centre haven than anything, and long queues formed as hundreds of punters with decades of memories waited to get in for one last pint and slice of quiche. And when the final drink was served, a trumpeter played The Last Post. What a way to end it all indeed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2011/jul/05/liverpool-everyman-theatre-finale?INTCMP=SRCH

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x301.5/jul_11/pnw__1311787039_Everyman_seats.jpg
The existing auditorium chairs are up for sale

Everyman holds auction
27 Jul 2011, 18:27

Members of the public are being given an opportunity to purchase their own souvenir of the famous theatre in Liverpool city centre.

An auction opens from Thursday 28 July with auditorium chairs, benches and pillars taken from the existing building in Hope Street being put up for sale.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/200x267/jul_11/pnw__1311787059_Pillar.jpg
One of the pillars available

The Everyman theatre said people can make one bid for each item and state the price they are prepared to pay for it. These bids will then be opened after the closing date of Monday 8 August at 6pm and then sold to the highest bid.

Deborah Aydon, executive director of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres, said: "Many people have expressed a wish to have a memento of the old building as it makes way for the Everyman's new incarnation. All funds raised from the auction will be used to make the new Everyman a really special place, so we hope for a great response."

The building has changed many times from chapel to cinema, boxing arena to theatre space.

As part of a £28m redevelopment programme, the existing theatre and 11 Hope Street will be demolished and replaced by a new three-storey theatre.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/276x200/jul_11/pnw__1311786978_Bench_Long_-_example_of_base.jpg
Benches can be bought

As well as a new theatre, the new designed by Haworth Tompkins includes associated office and rehearsal space, a loading bay at the rear accessed from Arrad Street and alterations to footways at front and rear.

The theatre closed on 2 July and the new building is due to open in 2013.

For more details about the lots and how to make a bid, a form can be downloaded from the Everyman and Playhouse website here (http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/) or picked up from the Playhouse box office in Williamson Square. The box office is closed on Friday 29 July and Sundays.

Successful bidders will be contacted early on Tuesday 9 August on email or by telephone.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/9644-everyman-holds-auction.html)

Plans for the new Liverpool Everyman are on show at Liverpool Cathedral

AN exhibition of plans for the redeveloped Everyman theatre is on show in Liverpool Cathedral during August.

A New Everyman for Everyone includes a model of the new building, and gives people a chance to learn more about the £28m regeneration project and pick up an Everyman Big Plans newspaper.

There’s also still a chance to enter the Liverpool’s Inspiring Places competition run by Liverpool Cathedral.

This year there is a special ‘at the Everyman’ category for photographs inspired by the Hope Street theatre.

Other categories are In the Hope Street Area and In the City Centre.

The deadline for the competition is August 26 and the panel of judges is led by Mike McCartney.

Entries will go on display at the cathedral from September 15-18, where members of the public will be invited to choose a People’s Winner in addition to the judges’ awards.

More details at www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

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The famous theatre and 11 Hope Street will be demolished this month

Date set for Everyman demolition
9 Aug 2011, 10:31

Demolition work on Liverpool's Everyman on Hope Street in the city centre will start on Monday 22 August to make way for a new three-storey theatre.

Liverpool-based Sloyan Doyle is the appointed demolition contractor for the Everyman theatre and 11 Hope Street. The value of the contract was not disclosed.

In a separate £13.5m contract, Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust is currently deciding on a disclosed shortlist of construction firms to build the new theatre, before invitations to tender are sent out on the same day demolition starts.

The contractor will also build associated office and rehearsal space, as well as create a loading bay at the rear accessed from Arrad Street and carry out alterations to footways at front and rear, following the demolition procedure.

The redevelopment of the famous theatre on Hope Street is part of a £28m project by the trust which includes feasibility work at the Playhouse theatre in Williamson Square which it also owns and operates.

The main funders are Arts Council England, contributing £16.8m, the North West Development Agency, £2.5m, European Regional Development Fund, £5.9m, and other public and private funders and stakeholders.

A total of £1.16m has been raised so far towards the remaining £2.1m project costs.

Last month, the Everyman announced a sealed bid auction inviting people to own their own souvenir from the building before it is flattened, from seats, benches, and pillars. Successful bidders are being contacted on Tuesday.

The theatre closed on 2 July and the new building, designed by Haworth Tompkins, is due to open in 2013.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/9729-date-set-for-everyman-demolition.html)

or rather lack of it

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I take it the panto isn't on this year then?

or rather lack of it

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7180/p1030287t.jpg

That's a startling picture. For some reason I thought parts of the facade and existing structure was to be retained.

So Liverpool is to get a spanking brand all new theatre.

Let's do a quick audit. brand new Everyman :okay: Playhouse refurb in the pipeline :okay: Neptune(Epstein) refurbed and to be re opened :okay: Royal Court rebuild/extension at an advanced stage of planning :okay: Empire theatre extended and reinvigorated :okay: Philarmonic Hall refurbished with plans for a further extension/revamp :okay: Unity modernised, fit for purpose and thriving :okay: William Brown central library/archive being rebuilt :okay: Open Eye subsidised and elevated into prestigious gallery space :okay: new museum of Liverpool :okay:
continued investment into Maritime Museum and slavery galleries :okay: Livepool World Museum(biggest of them all) new and 'state of the art' :okay: Liverpool University Victoria gallery and museum newish and well praised :okay: Tate Liverpool (say no more!) :okay:


You know I think it's just about time to launch a petition and organise a demo complaining of vicious cuts in the arts, the cultural dangers of the arts and a lack of funding.

Yes it's time for a fight back. :fiddle:

I take it the panto isn't on this year then?

its on in the playhouse!

Haha I know, I've got my tickets!

shouldn't we now move this to the construction threads ?

waayhaay :banana:

That's a startling picture. For some reason I thought parts of the facade and existing structure was to be retained.


Parts of the old theatre will be reused (keep a look out for some familiar looking pillars etc. when it reopens) but, as the photo makes clear, the building will be brand new. Should start getting interesting fairly soon I would imagine, as it's still slated for a 2013 relaunch.

Says in the Echo the bricks have been retained by order of the client so this is not for the front?

Would be like an existential absurdist drama, if they lost the money now and were left with a plot. :dizzy:

DEMOLITION of the old Everyman theatre was completed yesterday, with construction of the new building to begin almost immediately.

Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/11/29/everyman-theatre-construction-work-to-begin-after-old-building-is-knocked-down-92534-29859618/#ixzz1fCfgbEfq


Thankfully that's not going too happen.:)

Contractor named for Everyman rebuild

6 Jan 2012

Belfast-based builder Gilbert Ash NI has won the hotly contested tender with the Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust to build the new Everyman theatre on Hope Street.

The previous home of the much-loved theatre was built as a Methodist meeting hall and only 6,000 sq ft in size. The old Everyman closed in July 2011 and was demolished to make way for a new three-storey 15,500 sq ft purpose-built facility.

There will be a 400-seat theatre with two levels of seating, a recreation of the Everyman Bistro, a youth theatre, front-of-house catering and bar, and rehearsal space and workshops.

The £11.8m contract will see Gilbert Ash NI create the new theatre designed by specialist architects Haworth Tompkins. The new theatre is due to open in 2013.

The scheme on Hope Street is part of a £28m project by the theatre trust which includes work at the Playhouse theatre in Williamson Square which it also operates. Funding was provided by Arts Council England, £16.8m, North West Development Agency, £2.5m, European Regional Development Fund, £5.9m, and other public and private bodies.

Liverpool Everyman Theatre launches funding appeal

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/58071000/jpg/_58071944_everyman11.jpg

The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool is asking the public to help raise £1m to complete building work and support new local talent.

Full article here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-16812233) >>

Is that a joke? You'd have thought they'd have all the funding in place before knocking the existing venue down!

Everyman and Playhouse executive director Deborah Aydon said: "We have raised 98% of the funds needed to complete the building,

Seems nearly all the funding is in place.

It does sound bizarre, but it's fairly usual practice on projects of this type that a public appeal finishes the job. The money is essential of course, but it also serves as a big PR hook.

Fair dos. I guess the actual construction cost might be covered anyway, the last bit of funding being for fitting out and extra bits and bobs?

I think most of the £1m goes towards programmed activities, as opposed to any major construction work.

Everyman Theatre - 1960s

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New build

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/53719000/jpg/_53719476_everyman11.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-13929428

If you stood outside the 2nd picture you would expect a train to turn up any minute.

Missed this new development, only noticed it today so searched out this thread.
The Tower Crane below now makes the number of city centre Tower Cranes 6
I've got quite a few of the actual site will post later....

Some pics below, notice the Gilbert Ash logo on the counter jib
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6899499389_a44ea5d2b5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899499389/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6899558453_8d133aacc8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899558453/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6899503261_a73c5a2ea7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899503261/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6899555591_fd26605aff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899555591/)

Everyman Theatre - 1960s

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/53719000/jpg/_53719184_everyman1.jpg


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/53719000/jpg/_53719470_everyman4.jpg


New build

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/53719000/jpg/_53719476_everyman11.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-13929428


Penetrating.

A few of the site 18th Feb 2012

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6899878455_941f614760_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899878455/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6899882461_f65b41da2b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899882461/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6899886267_e5512c9984_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899886267/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6899889557_db4a9bf3eb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6899889557/)

:cheers:

Fancy seeing yourself up on the new Everyman facade? Then head to the Playhouse on March 24th...

BE IMMORTALISED ON THE FRONT OF THE NEW EVERYMAN

The 'Portrait Wall' on the front of the new Everyman will be made up of 105 individual shutters with the images of 'extraordinary' people from across Liverpool.

We are inviting people to get involved in a photography project to create a ‘portrait wall’ on the front of the new Everyman.

On Saturday 24 March there will be two photo-sessions (morning and afternoon) at the Everyman’s sister theatre, the Playhouse, in Williamson Square.

Everyman and Playhouse Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz said “We’re looking for 105 extraordinary people. And we believe everyone is extraordinary.

This ‘portrait wall’ will form the defining signature to the new building. The Everyman has always celebrated difference and individualism and so it is that these shutters etched with the very real portraits of very real people of this city caught in a moment in time, will be a poetic and witty expression not just of the name itself but of the very spirit of the theatre.”

Liverpool-based portrait photographer Dan Kenyon was appointed last year as the photographer for the façade project. A visiting lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, Dan is well known for his 2008 book Liverpool: Sung and Unsung, 86 portraits of such diverse figures as Ken Dodd; former Chief Constable, Bernard Hogan-Howe; Speke Headteacher, Alan Smithies; and cultural historian of the Black Community and social campaigner, Dorothy Kuya.

He said: “This is a really exciting project for me as a photographer. My job is both to draw out the subjects’ personalities but also fulfill the technical and compositional requirements of the manufacturing process for each individual shutter."

"Anyone can turn up on the day, register and have their photograph taken. We want to get as many different people as possible - tall, short, big, small, young, old. People can wear their favourite clothes, costumes or bring a prop for their favourite hobby, for example, a football, musical instrument, book, hat. But remember, it needs to fit on the shutter so nothing too big!”

The images created by Dan Kenyon will be developed using pioneering technology to cut each shutter from aluminum plates. A series of test images have already been developed to manufacture sample shutter panels for a full size prototype (approx 800mm wide x 1900mm high).

Whilst everyone is encouraged to attend, the theatres want people to be clear that having your photograph taken does not guarantee that your image will be used in the façade. Selection of the final images for transfer to the shutters will be made over the summer by the theatres and project architect Steve Tompkins.

He advised: “The main driver for the façade project is an aesthetic one and so final selection will be based not only on the individual images but on how they relate to others in the makeup of the shutters and the overall composition of the façade”.

The ‘portrait wall’ façade project photo-sessions will be held on Saturday 24 March at the Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square. There will be two sessions: the morning session is from 10am-1.30pm and you must register at the theatre by 11am; the afternoon session is from 2pm-6pm with registration by 3.30pm. Numbers we can photograph will be limited. Anyone under the age of 16 years should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

From here: http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/News/Be_Immortalised_on_the_front_of_the_new_Everyman/789.aspx

Sounds like typical Everyman patronising nonsense - any renders of what it will look like? I don't like the sound of it. What's wrong with a neutral anonymous frontage? Reminds me a bit of the BBC, who insisted on pasting images of Arthur Askey and Cilla Black on their pathetic little local office front window in Paradise Street. "Look scousers, you were special once, weren't you, but they didn't stay, did they, eh?" it said. And the Everyman say "hey, scousers, you're all stars". It's just a different version of dumbed down, patronising cultural colonialisation.

Sounds like typical Everyman patronising nonsense - any renders of what it will look like? I don't like the sound of it. What's wrong with a neutral anonymous frontage? Reminds me a bit of the BBC, who insisted on pasting images of Arthur Askey and Cilla Black on their pathetic little local office front window in Paradise Street. "Look scousers, you were special once, weren't you, but they didn't stay, did they, eh?" it said. And the Everyman say "hey, scousers, you're all stars". It's just a different version of dumbed down, patronising cultural colonialisation.

Each to their own, i quite fancy being immortalised, it's probably the only chance i'll get. :)

There's a small render on the BBC website.

I agree Phil. I like it. It's a nice little addition to the building that will help make it feel part of the fabric of the city. It's a locally based charity doing a small thing to help the building be accepted. Some folk usually object to a new building, with the usual "It's not the same, the old place had character etc etc..". This will add some individuality and character to the building, as well as a little extra spring in the step for those who make it onto the frontage.

An update from 25th February...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6821103722_8005da5154_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6821103722/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6967228625_727d82cbbd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6967228625/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6967231951_00748f70a6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6967231951/)

pg-LCpL9Mn0&feature=related

:cheers:

An update from10th March 2012....

Hope Street
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6839190682_047c811a86_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6839190682/)

Hope Street
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6839192108_0f4ee059be_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6839192108/)

Hope Street
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6985315065_4b9d43ac55_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6985315065/)

Arrad Street
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6985316339_bec58cac9f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6985316339/)

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/01.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/02.jpg

^^
More...

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/03.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/04.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/05.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/06.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/07.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/08.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/photos/09.jpg

http://www.haworthtompkins.com/progress/proj09/index.html

http://www.charcoalblue.com/images/charcoalblue/projects/Everyman/projectpic.jpg

http://www.charcoalblue.com/index.php/projects/being-built/liverpool-everyman.html

View along Hope Street before

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/87e90d03-cf12-4dbf-9eef-2c6940a75919.png

View along Hope Street after

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/49494fff-3468-41a5-bfab-423e08c6317c.jpg

View from Arrad Street before

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/58b4273e-9c9b-4ac6-9d7c-035a634e873c.jpg

View from Arrad Street after

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/b25b98b2-fe1b-43b9-97fa-9bc23e8c5b4e.jpg

View from Mount Pleasant before

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/5a9d8761-9e22-4f6c-8272-ddd1125e132b.png

View from Mount Pleasant after

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/12b11269-88b6-4a89-bd63-ce45b3da0b68.jpg

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman/Designs.aspx

Take a tour of the new Everyman site with Architect Steve Tompkins

OOAXKzUSTs4&fmt=18

Video description:'Everyman Theatre architect Steve Tompkins discusses his vision for the new building and Deborah Aydon (executive director, Everyman and Playhouse), playwright Laurence Wilson and Cllr Wendy Simon talk about the Everyman's special place in Liverpool hearts'

c0RiSM-Q12o&fmt=18

An excellent summary there Red, thanks. And fingers crossed for my lads who had their photos taken on Saturday, potentially for the front of the building. I fear the result if only one of them gets picked...! :lol:

Good luck with that Damon. They've posted a few photos of the event in a set called
New Everyman Portrait Wall Photo Session (http://www.flickr.com/photos/liveveryplay/sets/72157629672460731/)

Which is part of the Flickr page
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres' photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/liveveryplay/)

Cheers. My boys are actually accidentally captured on one of those pics.

Just read on an arts site that this scheme is close to losing its funding, and the rebuild may now not go ahead:ohno:

link?

April Fool! :troll::troll::troll: TROLL LOLOLOL

It's March.

It's Sunday tomorrow, anyhow been waiting all year to do that!

You been on the Sunny D, Medi? Too much sodium benzoate really isn't good for you, you know.

http://archive.planet-science.com/outthere/diner/enumbers/images/head_graphic.gif

View along Hope Street before

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/87e90d03-cf12-4dbf-9eef-2c6940a75919.png

Great before pic, I passsed there loads of times I never though to grab a pic...

I've some updates to post shortly there just about to lay the basement floor now all the drainage is in.

Got a newsletter today about the rebuild and the archaeological dig undertaken after the demolition of the old building. Basically they found an old shoe and some old glass bottles. Some of the bottles weren't even broken!

Can just about make out the Everyman building site in this pic:

mrho101 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40205555@N06/7176653547/in/pool-595503@N24/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7176653547_b78a2f1297_b.jpg

^^

Can just about make out the Everyman building site in this pic:

mrho101 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40205555@N06/7176653547/in/pool-595503@N24/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7176653547_fd3c090c57_h.jpg

...and the building site at night:

mrho101 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40205555@N06/7361883508/in/pool-595503@N24/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7361883508_450cdd7dcf_h.jpg

For everyone's info, there's a great webcam on the Everyman site; it's a live stream rather than one of those that refreshes every minute or so. Occasionally it swoops round and zooms in on the Hope Street/Hardman Street junction or the Liver Building, but most of the time it's squarely focused on the construction site. Don't know if it's possible to embed it here, but here's the URL if anyone hasn't already seen it:

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman/LiveCam.aspx

Now, that's a webcam. Excellent. Good to see they are making progress. It seems to have taken an age to get to this stage though. Must be the way they are building it.

Today
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg229/andy_shearwood/WP_000787.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg229/andy_shearwood/WP_000786.jpg

The auditorium well and truly beginning to emerge...

(pic posted by Deborah Aydon (https://twitter.com/debaydon) on Twitter)

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/full/629823911.jpg?key=842595&Expires=1344003723&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=tgdKEtr-4l1bhrTTlnGURf~PM6umNDrfndTrjeHSg15ZhQVpMIoksQZNZoZBwJ8imEXxJXjY19uVe-AvEs5HH1Jff46HivLLB5pH1pfWpVZyMBLKlJQpLI7ph10shyVBXLzX25WtAEJlDkYI182k56-q8cQG7YjfMMQEpF59-mw_

blondyliz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69193682@N06/7978306046/in/photostream/)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7978306046_963ec029d0_m.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7978306046_963ec029d0_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7978308247_8caa97a924_m.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7978308247_8caa97a924_b.jpg

New Everyman Theatre continues to take shape in Hope Street (VIDEO)

THE new £28m Everyman is starting to rise skywards on Hope Street.

Work on the theatre is on schedule with a “soft opening” for the public due to take place at the end of 2013.

Contractors Gilbert-Ash are currently working on the first floor bar area, youth theatre room and the auditorium which will boast a small balcony – a feature of the original theatre before it was refurbished in the 1970s – and which will reuse around 22,000 bricks from the old Everyman.

Meanwhile the new Everyman Bistro is also taking shape along with an improved below-stage area and new star dressing rooms.

The Everyman and Playhouse’s building development director Robert Longthorne said: “It’s challenging trying to fit in everything we do within the site.

“We’re making the site work extremely hard in terms of all the additional facilities we have.

“There are full size rehearsal rooms and the community space is the same size and they’re all double height spaces.

“From the beginning we’ve constantly been playing solitaire. We can work on the front and back of the building almost independently.”

The Bistro will have two staircases including a “late night” entrance and lift access from the ground floor. The main eating area will be able to be partitioned to create a space similar to the old Everyman Third Room while there will be oak flooring, a woodburner, bar area and extended kitchens.

Everyman and Playhouse artistic director Gemma Bodinetz said: “It’s really exciting. We had so many ideas about what we wanted to do with this building.

“The bistro is the most formed of all the spaces so far. It’s only concrete and there’s so much still to do but I can begin to smell and taste the atmosphere of this place.

“It feels like a familiar old friend but also new and exciting, which is what we always wanted – a cocktail of familiarity and the unknown.”

Executive director Deborah Aydon meanwhile became the latest Everyman team member to raise funds for the new theatre, raising £2,200 in sponsorship after a 10,000ft charity skydive last week.

Other events so far have included tackling the Three Peaks Challenge, plus quiz nights, an Every(Odd Job)Man and a ‘Stand-Up’ for the Everyman comedy night.

The £28m capital project is also funded by the Arts Council, European Regional Development Fund, NWDA and the Peter Johnson Foundation.

Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/09/19/new-everyman-theatre-continues-to-take-shape-in-hope-street-video-100252-31863045/#ixzz26ve2SFoZ

5qSEJfsjJGw

Latest from the webcam http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman/LiveCam.aspx

Being taken on a tour of the building site this afternoon.

Be sure to snap away and report back Agent Dingle.

I didn't pap anything (wasn't sure of the ettiqutte) but I did have a pretty good tour of the site, including the bistro basement level where I saw the recycled bricks being laid. I've never been on a building site of that scale before and I know nothing of construction but I do feel that I'm fully clued up on the project and know lots of info about it after a very long talk from Deborah Aydon. I can field any questions. I know they have to raise the final £960,000 out of the total 23M but about 500,000 of this is not actually for the building work but for a "talent fund" they want to raise to spend on emerging local artists at a rate of approx 100,000 per annum.

The whole thing is mighty impressive.

As of 13th of October
http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p577/UrbanSubRosa/liverpool/construction/IMG_7815-1sub_zps809e1979.jpg

http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p577/UrbanSubRosa/liverpool/construction/IMG_7817-1sub_zpsa14beaac.jpg

I didn't pap anything (wasn't sure of the ettiqutte) but I did have a pretty good tour of the site, including the bistro basement level where I saw the recycled bricks being laid. I've never been on a building site of that scale before and I know nothing of construction but I do feel that I'm fully clued up on the project and know lots of info about it after a very long talk from Deborah Aydon. I can field any questions. I know they have to raise the final £960,000 out of the total 23M but about 500,000 of this is not actually for the building work but for a "talent fund" they want to raise to spend on emerging local artists at a rate of approx 100,000 per annum.

Great stuff, thanks. Certainly, I love going along Hope Street now the construction is well above the hoardings as it becomes ever easier to visualise how the building is going to sit in its surroundings. If I'm driving, I always hope the lights at that junction will be at red so I can have a good geek at the theatre.

Incidentally, if anyone wants to donate to the appeal, just go here (http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/content/ev4ev.aspx).

You can make one-off donations of course, but it might be easier to just set up a direct debit for a few quid each month - give just a small amount for a couple of years with gift aid and it all adds up.

Damon is right, give money to the Everyman. This will be the best Theatre in Northern Britain. Liverpool will have the best Theatres in the country after London, perhaps it does already.

I hope Gemma and Deborah stick around once it's all up and running. You'd imagine they would after putting in all this work, but on the other hand they'll have been here 10 years next year so couldn't be blamed if they decided to move on.

When you consider the status of these theatres before they came - in the immediate preceding years I mean, not their heritage - it's actually amazing what they've achieved.

I don't think they have any intention of leaving, both are incredibly passionate about what they do and I think they understand how incredible their jobs are. Where would they go that would be a step up? The National theatre?

If they did leave however, amazing people from all over the world would be desperate to take their places.

The Portrait Wall: Part I

1Pqt-Aew_4M

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1300099.jpg

Everyone has their pet projects, but theatres are my thing; making my way down Hope Street at the moment couldn't get any more exciting.

January 2013 crane image (from here (http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman.aspx))

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/9a382353-007c-452e-addf-e46cd3616e14.jpg

EVERYMAN FOR EVERYONE PORTRAIT WALL REVEALED

In 2012 we invited people to take part in a photography project to create a Portrait Wall on the front of the new Everyman. Designed by architect Steve Tompkins, this large-scale artwork is a powerful expression of the fact that the Everyman is and always will be for everyone. Photo sessions were held at venues across the city and many hundreds came along to take part.

...

Now, from thousands of photographs, photographer Dan Kenyon, architect Steve and Gemma have selected the final composition of 105 images that will form the Portrait Wall. Their task was to find the 105 portraits that complement each other in the overall make-up of the wall, and also create a visual signature for the spirit of the Everyman that suggests the broadest range of people to represent the whole of the city.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x226.125/feb_13/pnw__1360053955_Portait_Wall.jpg

Full story: http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Content/Home/AboutUs/NewEveryman/ThePortraitWall.aspx

My girlfriend is on the portrait wall. She went to a thing tonight at the Cathedral and it's fair to say she is beside herself with exitement about the whole thing. She gets an invitation to the season launches for the Everyman & Playhouse and two tickets to a show of her choice in each season, FOREVER! Also an invitation to a tour of the finished theatre before it opens to the public. I'll get to go too. Made up.

Likewise, my son's on there. He's only 10 but seems to fully grasp how weird/ace it's going to be for him as he grows up, with his 10-year-old self still preserved in aluminium on the front of the theatre.

As you say, it's fantastically exciting.

He's top row, third from left.

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Resources/Images/e091c712-6cde-423f-80ea-74ca4b52838c.jpg

middle row nine from the right, She's standing in first, or maybe it's second, I don't know much about ballet.

Ten from the right.Nine from the right is a bloke.

Ten from the right.Nine from the right is a bloke.

I'm afraid we have to accept your first answer - looks like your stuck with the bloke nine from the right.

I actually counted the row several times before scrolling down the thread. Was gonna 'console' Dingle that it doesn't matter what she looks like as long as she has a sparkling personality. :lol:

Some more lunacy from LPT...

They Have Knocked The Everyman Down, How Stupid Can you Get-Richard Hawley.

At a concert on Monday the 25th February at the sold out Philharmonic Hall. Richard Hawley made some time during his encore to voice his concern about the Everyman tragedy that has happened right under the noses of the Liverpool public..

"Listen", he said, in his subtle deadpan Sheffield tone.
"Going off on a tangent, I cant believe they have knocked The Everyman Down", The crowd was already talkative, "Oh they are going to rebuild it", he laughed
"So What was wrong with it in the first place could someone answer that question it was a legendary institution..........F.ck Em"

He has a point what a stupid thing to do.



Where to start? Well, firstly, it is a legendary institution. But that legend has nothing to do with the building itself.

Secondly, it was a dump. Artists hated it. It wasn't safe half the time, with wiring falling all over the place from the ceilings. There was only very limited ceiling and sub/stage space for acts wanting characters to come from the ground/sky. There was bugger all back stage space. As such, certain acts avoiding it and it limited the scope for home grown productions.

Everybody loved the bar, but the bar was a mere adjunct to the theatre. The tail can't wag the dog. Indeed the building is only a tool to serve "theatre" and it was beginning to fail at it.

We all must be idiots for wanting a state of the art new theatre. Why should people in wheelchairs be able to watch plays anyway? Wtf. This Hawley character is obviously a tit.

a famous actress from Kirkby expressed a similar view to me last week. Just before she went on to tell me about chemtrails and planet X. I liked her though.

My wife loves Richard Hawley, but lucky for him she wasn't at that gig. She'd have cut off his quiff and told him where to go. In a Sheffield accent too, so he'd have understood what she was on about.

Some more lunacy from LPT...

They Have Knocked The Everyman Down, How Stupid Can you Get-Richard Hawley.

At a concert on Monday the 25th February at the sold out Philharmonic Hall. Richard Hawley made some time during his encore to voice his concern about the Everyman tragedy that has happened right under the noses of the Liverpool public..

"Listen", he said, in his subtle deadpan Sheffield tone.
"Going off on a tangent, I cant believe they have knocked The Everyman Down", The crowd was already talkative, "Oh they are going to rebuild it", he laughed
"So What was wrong with it in the first place could someone answer that question it was a legendary institution..........F.ck Em"

He has a point what a stupid thing to do.



Where to start? Well, firstly, it is a legendary institution. But that legend has nothing to do with the building itself.

Secondly, it was a dump. Artists hated it. It wasn't safe half the time, with wiring falling all over the place from the ceilings. There was only very limited ceiling and sub/stage space for acts wanting characters to come from the ground/sky. There was bugger all back stage space. As such, certain acts avoiding it and it limited the scope for home grown productions.

Everybody loved the bar, but the bar was a mere adjunct to the theatre. The tail can't wag the dog. Indeed the building is only a tool to serve "theatre" and it was beginning to fail at it.

This reminds me of a letter to the Daily Post when Mann Island had just started complaining about the historic maritime buildings that had been knocked down to make way for this modern intrusion.

Amazing, we knock something down and it immediately gains grade I heritage status.

Personally, I am not that concerned about the loss of architectural heritage but I do feel nostalgic for the atmosphere that the theatre and Everyman Bistro used to have. Certainly, I have made far fewer trips 'up the hill' since it closed.

The nostalgia and sense of loss are real enough, and on reflection, and feeling charitable, I decided Richard Hawley was probably referring mostly to the bistro; he's renowned for his love of a decent pint after all. I imagined him turning up there hoping for a pre- or post-show beer in that most hospitable of Liverpool bars and finding just hoardings and scaffolding in its place.

Those of us who have loved the Everyman for years - partly because of its make-do-and-mend, against-the-odds atmosphere - but who could see the necessity for a new building, have had to make our peace with these kinds of feelings. Without the original bistro owners in place, the new version won't be able to recreate the precise atmosphere of the old, but we can only hope that a cellar bar in the basement of a theatre like the Everyman, hopefully with operators who understand what it can and should be, will give birth to new generations who take it as their own. With a son at the youth theatre there - who will now have their own dedicated space in the new building, at the heart of things - I'm excited by the prospect that this might become the centre of his Liverpool in years to come, and both the theatre and the bistro will be different, but still somehow the same.

The Bistro will hopefully be very similar to the old one. It will look very similar,being built out of the same bricks that have been recycled. It will be wider and more accessable to wheelchairs and it will have lifts to get you up and down if you can't do stairs. The people who ran the Bistro are retired but are involved in the tendering process to find the nbew operaters. The Bistro is going to sell real Ale, good reasonabley priced locally sourced food etc. This is what the Everyman are saying and I have no reason not to believe them. There will also be improvements such as a wood burning stove, bigger kitchens, more performance space down there.

As someone who was at the Richard Hawley gig last week you will be surprised (not) to learn that a certain custodian of Liverpool Preservation misquoted Mr Hawley.

The question was asked whether it was being knocked down - and the response from the audience was it was being refurbished and improved - the response was 'fair enough' and back on with the show.

What was most shocking for me was to learn that I might actually have something in common with said custodian in terms of music!.