Stars of Liverpool Everyman back theatre's 'Everyone Starts Somewhere' campaign

For decades the Liverpool Everyman has lit a creative spark in so many, with a long legacy of talent development, creating work that is inclusive, exciting, brilliant, and brave.

As the Stirling Prize winning new theatre turns 10 and with the 60th anniversary of the original company founding in September, a fundraising appeal – Everyone Starts Somewhere – has been launched at Liverpool Everyman with the support of many of the theatre’s alumni including Stephanie Beacham, Leanne Best, Kevin Harvey, David Morrissey, Willy Russell, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, Darci Shaw, Alison Steadman, Cathy Tyson and Julie Walters.

Cathy Tyson said:

“I am indebted to the Everyman for giving me a start in my creative life… without them, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”

Julie Walters wished:

“Happy Birthday Everyman! Forever in my heart.”

The aim for Everyone Starts Somewhere is to highlight the importance of regional theatres such as the Everyman in the ecosystem, not just for theatre but also the film and tv industry around the world. There’s also an ambition to raise £60,000 across the next 12 months towards talent development, supporting the award-winning Young Everyman Playhouse and bringing new diverse voices to the stages.

The 60th celebrations highlight this on-going commitment, beginning with the world premiere of The Legend of Ned Ludd by Joe Ward Munrow, a graduate of the theatre’s writers programme and featuring actor Shaun Mason, a graduate of the youth theatre; finishing in March 2025 with a revival of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine, originally commissioned and staged by the Everyman. The year also includes the world premiere of Tell Me How It Ends by Tasha Dowd, a graduate of Young Everyman Playhouse; a main stage production by Young Everyman Playhouse in July; Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore directed by Chris Sonnex (Artistic Director of Cardboard Citizens, one of the theatres’ Associate Companies); and the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto, Rapunzel.

There will also be a series of events with many for whom the Liverpool Everyman was an important part of their creative lives. The first is An Evening with Alison Steadman on Tuesday 21 May.

Alison Steadman said:

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Everyman to support their 60th Birthday campaign – Everyone Starts Somewhere. It’s a theatre that means so much to me, giving me such a wonderful experience as a young actor to learn, gain confidence and take my first steps in the profession. That support of young talent continues to this day and I hope long into its next 60 years.”

Further events will be announced, including with David Morrissey, Cathy Tyson and more recent graduates of Young Everyman Playhouse, with Liverpool John Moores University Archive presenting exhibitions and activities over the months ahead.

From the original founding of the Everyman in 1964 by Terry Hands, Peter James and Martin Jenkins, to the legacy of director Alan Dossor with actors including Bernard Hill, Matthew Kelly, Bill Nighy, Roger Phillips, Pete Postlethwaite, Jonathan Pryce, Antony Sher, Alison Steadman and Julie Walters; and writers such as Alan Bleasdale, Chris Bond, John McGrath, and Willy Russell. More recent acting alumni including Leanne Best, Stephen Graham, Ian Hart, Kevin Harvey, Gillian Kearney, David Morrissey, Con O’Neill, Eddie Redmayne and Cathy Tyson; and writers such as Maurice Bessman, Helen Blakeman, Jonathan Harvey and Michael Wynne. Graduates of Young Everyman Playhouse include Darci Shaw (Judy, The Irregulars),Josie Sedgwick Davies (Chicken Run) and Jamie Carragher (story editor, Succession). The roll call of talent over the past 60 years is second to none.

As Mark Da Vanzo, CEO explains:

“The Everyman has always been a beacon of artistic innovation, offering a stage for playwrights, actors, and directors to experiment and create. That spirit of experimentation and creativity has been a driving force ever since, shaping the identity of Liverpool’s theatre scene, inspiring generations of artists and reaching far beyond the city. This year feels like a unique opportunity to celebrate our past, while looking to the future. We’re grateful for anyone who feels they can support, either by making a donation, buying a ticket, or sharing on their social media what the Everyman means to them.”