Subjects of toxic masculinity, love and civil rights are featured in a series of solo shows at the Everyman & Playhouse theatres, as Y’MAM, Woke and The Greatest Play in the History of the World highlight the power and intimacy of one actor alone on a stage, telling great stories.

The three productions feature actors performing solo on our stages, in stories with personal and provocative significance to the writers and performers. 

Local writer Majid Mehdizadeh’s self-reflective show Y’MAM makes its debut in the Everyman auditorium from 16-26 June, 16 months after the show came to life as a work in progress in the Everyman’s rehearsal space. 

Combining a highly energetic blend of spoken word, music and movement performed by Hollyoaks actor Luke Jerdy, Y’MAM traces the origin of Majid’s personal struggles with anger and probes the unspoken anxieties, desires and fantasies of Toxic Masculinity – on a journey to find a new ‘modern manhood’. 

At the Playhouse from 24-26 June, Woke is co-written and performed by Apphia Campbell and explores the story of the 20th Century African American experience. With a powerful soundtrack of gospel and blues, the production follows two women, one a notorious 1970s Black Panther Assata Shakur; the other, Ambrosia a present-day university student enrolling as the 2014 Ferguson riots begin.

BAFTA nominated Coronation Street and Broadchurch star Julie Hesmondhalgh visits Liverpool for seven performances from 29 June – 3 July, in The Greatest Play in the History of the World. Written by her husband Ian Kershaw, the production is a universal love story that celebrates mess, confusion and joy of the human race. Waking in a world where time has stopped, a man finds the only sign of life in a house across the street, where a woman in an oversized Bowie t-shirts stares back.

Ashlie Nelson, programmer at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres, said: “Re-opening our theatres with these solo shows will remind audiences of the power of fantastic storytelling. One person shows by talented artists provide the escapism and intensity that makes theatre so special. We can’t wait for our community to come back to experience them.”

Tickets for Y’MAM, Woke and The Greatest Play in the History of the World are on sale now.