Syncopated tells the story of a chance meeting on Liverpool docks between a young musician (Him) and an inquisitive chatty stranger (Her). Woven together with their story is that of The Southern Syncopated Orchestra – the African American band who first brought jazz to the UK.

A playful, heartfelt two-hander with live music, Syncopated is about the weight of history, the struggle to follow your dreams, and the power of performance to uncover the truth.

Part of Talawa’s Black Joy programme developing new work by Black writers and creatives, Syncopated will open in Liverpool before touring and finishing at Talawa’s studio theatre at Fairfield Halls in Croydon.

We’re looking for a Black director based in the North and will hold informal interviews Friday 23 May online.

Key dates

Rehearsals in Liverpool: Monday 25th August 2025
Tech from: Wednesday 17th September 2025
Previews Saturday 15th – Wednesday 19th 2025
Guest night in Liverpool: Thursday 25th September 2025
Final performance in Liverpool: Saturday 4th October 2025
Contract finishes: Saturday 11th October 2025

The contract covers the Liverpool run and first move of the production. The tour will continue and there will be an opportunity to travel to tour venues after the contract ends, but this isn’t expected.

Fee: £4,000

Please apply by emailing programming@everymanplayhouse.com with a CV and short email describing why you want to do the job. Please put DIRECTOR in the email subject.

Varaidzo is a writer, editor and artist. Her short story ‘Bus Stop’ was shortlisted for the Guardian 4th Estate 4th Write Prize 2018. She is a contributor to the bestselling anthology The Good Immigrant (2016), and romance anthology Who’s Loving You (2021). Her debut novel Manny and the Baby (2024) was shortlisted for The Jhalak Prose Prize.

We’re trying to make our application process as open and accessible as possible, so if would like to submit your application in a different way, then please contact our recruitment team via recruitment@everymanplayhouse.com, or by calling us on 0151 706 9113. We’re always happy to discuss any requirements that candidates may have as a disabled person; someone with parental or caring responsibilities; or other reasons, and we’ll always try to make any adjustments possible to make participation easier.