Exhibition celebrating Liverpool Everyman to be held at LJMU

Liverpool John Moores University’s (LJMU) Libraries: Archives and Special Collections has partnered with the Liverpool Everyman to celebrate the sixty-year history of the theatre.

Liverpool Everyman is a powerhouse in the city’s theatre scene, and to celebrate this local legend LJMU has put together an exhibition for its 60th year.

The Ever Forward – Everyone Starts Somewhere exhibition will be on display in the LJMU Aldham Robarts Library from 19 August and will showcase the theatre’s history, Liverpool connections and the rich archive held at LJMU.

LJMU students have also been involved in the partnership with the Everyman and the wider 60^th celebrations. Connections between LJMU graduates and the theatre have always been strong with many students working as producers, stage managers and technicians.

This year, Graphic Design and Illustration graduate Lauren Stonley has designed the promotional materials for the exhibition held at LJMU, while LJMU drama graduates Joe Ward Munrow, Gitika Buttoo, Jason Kelly and Cameron Mckendrick are writing, directing and starring in the theatre’s 60^th birthday year programme.

In 1964, as the Beatles embarked on their first world tour and the Metropolitan Cathedral was still under construction, Martin Jenkins, Peter James and Terry Hands opened the Everyman. They had no mission statement, no business plan, no carefully prepared marketing material. What they had was enthusiasm, energy and the conviction that Liverpool needed a new, innovative theatre.

60 years on, the exhibition explores the development of the theatre and looks at its ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent and producing plays of contemporary relevance and with strong links to Liverpool. Materials on display include items relating to renowned playwrights like Willy Russell and Alan Bleasdale and to actors Alison Steadman, Pete Postlethwaite and LJMU honorary fellow David Morrissey.

Susannah Waters, LJMU Library Head of Academic Services, said:

“The Everyman’s archive is a wonderful resource, documenting the theatre’s activities throughout its history and including visually rich material such as posters, programmes and photographs. It’s been wonderful working with the theatre during this 60th birthday year to showcase the archive and highlight the important, innovative and influential role of the Everyman in Liverpool and beyond.“

Mark Da Vanzo, CEO of the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, said:

“We’re delighted to work with Liverpool John Moores University on this exciting exhibition celebrating the Everyman’s 60th anniversary. ‘Ever Forward: Everyone Starts Somewhere’ not only showcases our rich history and connection to Liverpool but also highlights the importance of the relationship between our theatre and LJMU in talent development.”

Ever Forward: Everyone Starts Somewhere, an exhibition celebrating the Liverpool Everyman Theatre at 60, is free and on display from 19 August to 13 December.

Location: Aldham Robarts Library, Maryland Street, Liverpool, L1 9DE

Opening hours vary, you can find out more info here.