Young Everyman Playhouse and Ugly Bucket Theatre join forces for trailblazing collaboration

The Young Everyman Playhouse (YEP) and Ugly Bucket Theatre are proud to announce their collaboration in a ground-breaking new show, THIS IS NOT A CRIME, this is just a play… coming to the Everyman stage from 13 – 15 April 2023.

Exploring the grey area between right and wrong, legal and illegal, Young Everyman Playhouse and Ugly Bucket peel back the endless layers of human nature and the choices people make.

Ugly Bucket is a multi-award-winning Liverpool-based company that strives to tackle taboo topics, in the most outrageous ways; funny, fast, physical, and hits the audience right in the gut. The Stage described it as ‘one of the freshest companies at the Fringe‘. Critically acclaimed productions include Edinburgh Fringe sell-out productions Bost-Uni Plus; 2 Clowns 1 Cup; and Good Grief, which was the recipient of the Underbelly and New Diorama Theatre’s Untapped Award and has completed two national tours.

Working with the YEP Actors since last year, Ugly Bucket spent the first months introducing the company to the distinct mash-up style of clowning, physical theatre, music and verbatim, exploring what themes the young people are passionate about. Crime, and the layers of social situations that lead to crime, were the topics that resonated most, with people’s everyday lives fuelling their creativity.

Grace Gallagher, the Co-Artistic Director for Ugly Bucket Theatre said:

“We have enjoyed the fire and passion that the young people bring to the rehearsal room. We have loved their bravery to try new ideas and they have been so supportive of each other. One of the most rewarding things about working with these young people has been that not only have we seen an exciting new show develop, but how the members themselves have blossomed over our time together.”

For YEP, the experience of working with Ugly Bucket is an invaluable opportunity to learn experience and gain confidence. This production brings together two talented and innovative companies to create a play that challenges and inspires its audience.

Hayley Lindley-Thornhill, the Head of Young People & Community for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse added:

“We are really excited to collaborate with Ugly Bucket on this upcoming performance with YEP. Ugly Bucket have spent 6 months regularly working with our actors and developing their skills within their theatre style. It is such a great opportunity for them to learn from a local theatre company. The young people have really shaped this show and we can’t wait to see it on the main stage.”

Helen Webster, the Young People and Community Producer at the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse also said:

“I joined this production halfway through rehearsals and it has been thrilling to see how much the content has morphed and developed over recent weeks. Devising a show from scratch is not an easy process but our YEP Actors have really thrown themselves into it and trusted Ugly Bucket to expertly guide them through. I am honoured to have such a passionate, outspoken and engaged group of young people representing our Theatres; and I give huge praise and thanks to Ugly Bucket for being such a consistent source of support for our young people, listening to them, nurturing their ideas, but also for giving them invaluable knowledge of how to create exciting and brave theatre that challenges and inspires its audience.“

THIS IS NOT A CRIME, this is just a play… is a result of combining two dynamic organisations with a shared vision of empowering young people through the arts. The Everyman also offers a Familiarity Tour of the auditorium beforehand for anyone who would benefit from being in the space earlier to familiarise themselves with their surroundings. The tour is free to attend and starts at 6.45pm before every performance. When booking tickets for the show you will receive a prompt before the checkout step which will allow you to book on to the tour. Tickets priced £6 to £11 are available now from the theatre’s website – click here for more.