Liverpool Everyman announces its Spring programme

Liverpool Everyman’s spring season promises fresh perspectives and remarkable performances from some of the UK’s finest theatre makers, including the theatres’ associate company Graeae, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Ad Infinitum, and comedian Rosie Jones.

Graeae has been a leader in accessible world-class theatre, existing to cultivate and champion the best in Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent talent in the UK and international stages. An Associate Company of Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, their Crips with Chips on Saturday 24 February features four short plays written by outstanding Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent writers.

These plays include Absolute Legend by Matthew Gabrielli, a story of a man who meets his high school bully at the legendary resting place of King Arthur. Gather your party before venturing forth by Bobby Brill, where a challenging conversation unfolds through a medieval fantasy role-playing game; and Janus by Madeleine Farnhill, a story of a two-headed lamb forces a wedge between a father and daughter. Additionally, step into Karen Featherstone’s Thirst, set in a distant future,where a quest for water evolves into a search for something more.

Jenny Sealey OBE, the joint CEO and Artistic Director of Graeae said:

“We asked writers to respond to the prompt ‘ a fork in the road’! I wish I had the incredible imaginations of the writers we have selected. The plays are so different and I can’t wait to see what happens when they are given to actors and directors ready for our Crips with Chips hosted by Liverpool Everyman.”

Sealey, a lifelong advocate for Deaf and disabled artists, will also share her own personal story on the stage this spring. Her new production Self-Raising offers an honest and humorous perspective on growing up deaf in a family with secrets. All performances creatively integrate British Sign Language, Audio Description, and Captions on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 February.

BELONGING: Loss. Legacy. Love. by Phoenix Dance Theatre is the first contemporary dance show to be staged at the Everyman since it re-opened ten years ago. This production is a powerfully visceral and thought-provoking triple bill that explores the nuances of human experience by three international dance makers on Friday 8 March. Featuring two world premieres by Miguel Altunaga and Marcus Jarrell Willis, along with the former Phoenix Artistic Director, Dane Hurst.

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 OffFest Award Nominee Beautiful Evil Things presented by Ad Infinitum, will take place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 March. This high-energy one-woman show directed by George Mann and brought to life by Deborah Pugh, retells ancient tales through the eyes of Medusa as she watches the epic battle of Troy. Combining physical storytelling with razor-sharp wit, it explores the female gaze in mythology, offering a humorous and fierce take on history that has been forgotten, distorted, or erased.

Comedian Rosie Jones is best known for her hit travel series’ Trip Hazard and Mission: Accessible. Her comedic prowess promises a night of laughter and unapologetic fun on Tuesday 26 March. Drama weeks are also back for the February half-term. Running by experienced directors of the Young Everyman Playhouse, starting on Monday 12 February, children aged 7 to 12 can enjoy a whole week of drama activities, games and creating performances.