VIDEO: Liverpool’s Royal Court Needs Your Memories

Liverpool’s Royal Court Trust are trying to create a comprehensive archive of shows and events in the building and they need your help! In the absence of a written archive at The Court, the Trust are building up a picture of what has happened here through people’s memories and stories.

This Friday (3 June) there is an Open Day at the Royal Court where people can come and share their memories of the theatre. This is for people who have seen shows here, worked here or even performed on stage.

Throughout the day there will be building tours, a short film about the theatre and chances to tell your stories. Look out for members of the Royal Court Youth Theatre who will be dressed in costume from Royal Court plays past and present!

Millie Swiderska, one of the project’s organisers, has been enjoying the process: “We have learned a lot during the project and it seems that everybody has a story to tell about the Royal Court. There are some funny ones, some moving ones but they are all important. Whether it is about a show, a funny tale or a romance that started here, we are learning so much about what this building means to the city.”

Newly refurbished Royal Court Liverpool

The project, called Our Stories, sets out to capture people’s memories, thoughts and feelings about this iconic Liverpool theatre.  Working with a dedicated team of volunteers, these stories will form the basis of an exhibition, film and performances celebrating these individual histories and creating an archive for generations to come.

The building itself is currently being transformed with the recently opened new foyer extension just a part of the works. This is a significant time in the theatre’s rich history and the Trust want to capture the essence of the last 75 years by involving those who hold it most dear.

Gillian Miller, Chief Executive at the Trust, is keen to find out more about its history: “When we moved into the building back in 2005 the archive consisted of a single scrapbook that ran from 1938 to 1943. We have spent the last 10 years trying to fill in the considerable gaps. With this project, the Trust are pulling together the most valuable sources of information – real people who have been a part of this building’s history.”

If you have a story to tell then please come along to our open day this Friday 3 June at Liverpool’s Royal Court from midday to 4pm.

If you would like to contribute but can’t make the open day then don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0151 702 5892 or emailing millie@royalcourttrust.org

To watch a short trailer about the project, click here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esZcN1cOj28