As we reach the end of the 2010s we look back at the last ten years of productions across our two theatres. We've collated the following list of wonderful productions from submissions from staff across the organisation. The highlights include site specific war stories, reimaginings of classics, new works, monologues and more. We’re looking forward to producing and welcoming more great works in the 2020s but for now why not revisit these great moments at the Everyman theatre and Playhouse theatre?

Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other Love Songs) (2014)

This co-production with Kneehigh theatre company was a popular choice amongst our staff. Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and Other Love Songs) updated The Beggar’s Opera with a retelling of a first world war battle and won over critics and audiences in its 2014 run. You can relive the production with Clare Brennan’s Guardian review here.

“Still to this day one of the most powerful pieces of theatre I have ever seen onstage and it always sticks out in my mind when people ask me what my favourite show is.” - Helen Webster, Executive and Artistic Administrator.

“I loved the music in the show and thought the overall production was really engaging; the effects, the puppetry, the use of the Everyman auditorium etc.” - Lizzy Paes, Operational Duty Manager.

Fiddler on the Roof (2017)

This warmly-received production of Fiddler on the Roof was our audience’s introduction to the relaunched Everyman Rep Company in 2017. The unusual choice chimed with theatre-goers and critics, the latter describing it as “funny, poignant, uplifting, atmospheric and moving”.

“It was engaging, fun, showed our strength within the community and cleverly noted issues within society that most feel need addressing, a perfect example of how powerful theatre can be.” - Andrew McKay, Audience Experience Assistant.

Amélie (2019)

The musical reimagining of the modern cinematic classic delighted audiences at the Playhouse this year and proved one of the most popular productions of this year's Autumn-Winter season. Amélie featured French Canadian actor Audrey Brisson plus a 15-strong ensemble cast.

“…because it was quite the most beautiful, heart-warming story told with such stunning music, choreography and joy…..’warmed the cockles of my heart’!” - Fiona Gibson, Interim Chief Executive.

The Match Box (2012)

This world premiere at the Playhouse’s Studio space featured Liverpool actor Leanne Best (The Woman In Black, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool) and represented paired back production at its most powerful. The Match Box gained Leanne a Theatre Awards UK nomination and got recognition from national press critics.

“In my 18 years with the company the best play I have ever seen and has stayed with me. Leanne Best at her finest. Such a compelling story and wonderfully acted.” - Collette Rawlinson, Audience Experience Co-ordinator.

The Ladykillers (2011)
Graham Linehan’s adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy was a joyous 100th birthday gift to Liverpool with a stellar cast (Marcia Warren, Peter Capaldi, Clive Rowe and Ben Miller all treading the Playhouse boards), ingenious staging, fast moving plot and plenty of silliness. The Ladykillers was a much-anticipated production that did not disappoint.

“It filled the auditorium with laughter. Modern theatre at its best, a bona fide theatrical blockbuster. Also a highlight because I love long scarfs and Professor Marcus has a beauty…” - Gemma Murrell, Marketing Manager.

Othello (2018)

Another Rep Company staff pick is Othello which was a highlight of the 2018 Spring Summer season. Golda Rosheuvel’s portrayal as the lead protagonist added gender and sexuality to the issues addressed in Shakespeare’s tragedy and brought new resonance to contemporary audiences.

“My favourite show so far is Othello from Company 18 (it was a toss-up between that and The Big I Am). It is my choice because of the stunning performance by Golda and the simple yet beautiful set.” - Natalie Gilmore, Finance Director.

Intimate (2012)

YEP, the Everyman and Playhouse’s youth company have created plenty of highlights since being established in 2012. Intimate was a site-specific piece about modern warfare as told through the eyes of young people.

“It was Young Everyman Playhouse’s first play. It was a promenade performance around Camp & Furnace, it was such an honour to be proud of in my YEP Marketers capacity – all these young people putting their absolute all into something they knew would mark the beginning of something special. Iconic.”  - Peter Greggs, Marketing Co-ordinator.

The Unreturning (2018)

This compelling play by Anna Jordan presented beautifully interwoven stories, set at different times over the last 100 years. The Unreturning was one of numerous popular productions brought to the Everyman by physical theatre company Frantic Assembly.

"This story of three young men who have experienced devastating wars of past, present and future, knocked me for six. I had preconceptions of physical theatre, but Frantic Assembly have themselves a complete convert. Looking forward to what the Frantic team serve up in 2020!" - Chris Wardle, Communications Manager.

The Conquest of the South Pole (2017)

The Conquest of the South Pole followed the Rep Company’s well-received production of Fiddler On the Roof with a wholly different proposition. The reinvigorated version of Manfred Karge’s play presented it for modern day audiences 30 years after it was originally penned.

“A play that has stood the test of time and is (depressingly) as relevant now as it was in 80s Germany. Beautifully staged and directed – a real stand out in house show that we should be really proud of and represents what Everyman should be about.” - Michele Doyle, Operational Duty Manager.

The Duke (2016)

Shôn Dale-Jones brought his one-man show to the Everyman ahead of a run at the Edinburgh Fringe which would see all admission takings go to Save the Children’s child refugee appeal. The Duke was based around the tale of a broken family heirloom with the backdrop of the refugee crisis. The Echo’s Jamie McLoughlin said about the piece: “The extreme informality of the monologue is helped even more by the intimate design of the Everyman which can handle spectacle with aplomb in one show while making another feel like a cosy chat with a pal in the bistro downstairs.”

"Amazing storytelling with a very minimal set and very poignant. Also very funny, a master of storytelling." - Moira Callaghan, Creativity and Social Change Administrator.

Kursk (2010)

Sound & Fury brought their production to the Everyman and invited audiences into the doomed submarine for an experience that was intense but also featured “laugh-out-loud humour [and] juvenile behaviour” according to one reviewer. Kursk was another version of how theatre can deliver moments which stay with people long after a production ceases to tour.

“Immersive theatre at its most immersive! The claustrophobic set and oppressive soundscape uniquely captured the suffocating world of a submariner trapped at the bottom of the sea.” - Andrew King, Marketing Co-ordinator.

1984 (2013)

People at the Everyman & Playhouse are still talking about Headlong theatre company's innovative production of the George Orwell classic six years after it came to Liverpool. Such was 1984's impact and resonance,  there is doubtless many people who fell in love with theatre as a result of visiting this run.

"It. Was. Just. Phenomenal. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece of theatre that felt so immediate and relevant. Great acting, design, writing and directing by E&P alumni. It looked great, it sounded great, it was great. It was daring and dangerous and loads of young people were in the audience. How does theatre compete for the Netflix generation? Like this." - Scott Turner, Relationships Manager.

Do you agree with our choices? Tell us your favourite shows on Twitter with the hashtag #EandP10s