Liverpool Playhouse Studio to showcase local talent with new production of ‘Sorry, You’re Not A Winner’

Liverpool Playhouse Studio, part of the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres, is hosting a Liverpool-based version of the hugely successful play, Sorry, You’re Not A Winner, written by Samuel Bailey. 

The productional the Liverpool Playhouse Studio is part of the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres’ wonderful Autumn and Winter roll call, taking place on 11th-12th November 2022 in this newly revitalised theatre space.

It is the story of two working class lads, Fletch and Liam, played by Ross James and Daniel Owen respectively, who have grown up together and have been best mates since primary school. It explores their friendship and how it changes when Liam leaves home to go to Oxford University. The play takes place over the course of eight years, and looks at various moments in their lives when they come together again. It is a coming-of-age story navigating class surroundings, and the complexity of friendship. 

The talent on show owes a huge debt to the Young Everyman Playhouse (YEP) programmes, which provides opportunities for young people aged 13-25, across six different strands of theatre production. With a long and illustrious history of fostering the very best in acting and theatrical talent, both theatres have played host to the up-and-coming careers of names such as the multi-award winning actress Julie Walters, and the Oscar-nominated and legendary talented actor, the late Pete Postlethwaite.

Melissa Ratcliffe, the director of Sorry, You’re Not A Winner is originally from Bolton, and came to study in the city at Liverpool John Moores University and fell in love with the city. Mel recently completed her Masters in Theatre & Facilitation at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and is a graduate of the infamous Young Everyman Playhouse Directors’ course.  

Mel explains: “The play will be performed in the recently renovated Playhouse Studio on Williamson Square. It’s really exciting to be in this new space and to tell the story within this intimate setting. The studio space will play host to lots of new work all thanks to Frank Peschier who is the Head of New Works at the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres. Frank works so hard to support new work and champion local talent.  

I am so grateful for the constant support and care from the Young Everyman and Playhouse team. They have been instrumental to my development as a Director and as an individual. The work they do at YEP is so important to so many young people across the city and I am forever thankful for the opportunities and the memories they have given me.” 

The play’s producer, Madeline Cole adds: “It’s been such a fantastic process working on Sorry, You’re Not a Winner. We’ve cast 4 incredible actors from Liverpool, who are all exceptionally talented and are truly bringing the characters to life. This is the first performance of this piece in the North, and we’re so excited to bring such an honest, relatable story to audiences in Liverpool, of course throwing in a couple of sneaky scouse references along the way. And for £8 a ticket, it’s an absolute bargain!”

Locally-trained and fresh talent, actress Lily Almond, will be playing the character of Shannon and says: “My role is brilliant fun to play: Shannon is humorous and welcoming, and also as witty as any Scouse girl I have ever met. I hope the audience falls in love with her the way I have.

The YEP programme is so supportive of everyone who wants to gain experience in all aspects of drama production and provides a valuable platform for new actors, directors, writers and producers. It is also brilliant for anyone who wants to work behind-the-scenes. I took part in the programme for actors, and it was wonderful not just to gain experience in being on stage, but also to understand all of the roles which are needed to get a production to the stage.”

Lily will also be joined on stage by talented actress Rafaela Dias, who is playing the part of Georgia.

The play will also give local production talent to assist Melanie, Madeline and the cast valuable experience in getting this heartwarming and thoughtful piece to the stage, and an opportunity for alumni from the YEP programme to showcase how much both the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres do in supporting local youth talent, and the wider community as a whole.

Sorry, You’re Not A Winner is at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio on Friday 11th November and Saturday 12th November 2022. Tickets are priced at £8.00 each, or £5 for students and YEP members and more information is available here.