Everyone Starts Somewhere

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. In our 60th anniversary year, we’re launching Everyone Starts Somewhere 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.

"Happy Birthday Everyman! Forever in my heart."
Julie Walters

The hope is that Everyone Starts Somewhere highlights 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. The aim is 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.

If you feel able to make a donation, you can do so here.

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, Anthony 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. To graduates of Young Everyman Playhouse including 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.

Check out our YouTube playlist below featuring Kevin Harvey, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, Cathy Tyson and Tasha Dowd.

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.”

To celebrate the past 60 years and to look ahead to the future, throughout the year ahead, there will be events with Alison Steadman, David Morrissey and Cathy Tyson, amongst others; exhibitions in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, shows and celebrations.

On Tue 21 May, we welcomed Alison Steadman home for a very special evening hosted by Roger Phillips.

"I was thrilled to return 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."
Alison Steadman

On Thu 24 Oct, we welcomed David Morrissey back to the Everyman for a special Evening With event. David was joined by Radio Merseyside presenter and fellow Liverpudlian Helen Jones for an evening of stories spanning his illustrious acting career, which began in our very own Everyman youth theatre.