Tuesday 15 February

Today, we have announced a bold and eclectic array of new shows for the months ahead, that celebrate the power of theatre to entertain, thrill and enlighten.

Following on from Cherry Jezebel by Jonathan Larkin, currently in rehearsals, the Everyman will stage another new play from a Liverpool writer, this time Chloe Moss. Corrina, Corrina is a gripping thriller set at sea on board a cargo ship travelling from the UK to Singapore. A co-production with Headlong Theatre (The Glass Menagerie; Pygmalion; People, Places, Things and 1984), Corrina, Corrina is at the Everyman from 17 May to 4 June and is directed by Headlong’s new Artistic Director, Holly Race Roughan.

Meanwhile at the Playhouse, smash hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean will be staged from 29 June to 16 July in a new co-production with Octagon Theatre Bolton and Theatre by the Lake. Set in 1963, it follows the story of Francis Henshall who has just been fired from his skiffle band. In search of food and romance, he soon finds himself juggling not one but two new jobs. What follows is a hilarious mix of slapstick, farce and live music.

Mark Da Vanzo, our Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be announcing our new programme of work. After such a long period of Covid restrictions, it has been wonderful to see audiences returning in number to our theatres and we hope this positive trend continues as we come into Spring”.

The theatres continue to support new talent and emerging voices through Supported Studio. Finger Food Shorts [11 to 12 March] is a tantalising, eclectic mix of genres from seven Northern writers (emerging or already established in their own fields) exploring the theme of ‘secrets’ through a diverse collection of monologues. Proud Daddy [25 to 26 March] is an original story of a group of Black Fathers on a journey of self-discovery, celebrating culture, fatherhood and friendship. Meanwhile Swing Sister Swing, supported in 2021 takes to the Everyman stage [10 and 11 June]. A joyous blend of laughter, Lindy hop dance and storytelling that takes you behind the glitz and glamor of the classic all-female chorus line. 

Scratch Studio, the theatres’ monthly brunch date with a difference makes a welcome return [26 February, 26 March, 28 May]. An eclectic mix of North West theatre-makers, short extracts of brand new work are shared with the audience having the chance to offer their thoughts on how these exciting new ideas might progress.

In May, The Meaning of Zong [10 to 14 May] comes to the Playhouse from Bristol Old Vic.  Giles Terera’s boldly inventive debut play is a timely response to the social upheaval the world has witnessed in recent years. Following the massacre aboard the slave ship Zong, where 132 enslaved Africans were thrown overboard, Olaudah Equiano joins forces with anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp. Together they set in motion events which would go on to galvanise the abolition movement in the UK.

The programme of visiting shows also includes the return of Frantic Assembly to the Playhouse with Othello [4 to 8 October]. Their award-winning and electrifying take on Shakespeare’s tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder, combines the text with their trademark physicality to present an Othello firmly rooted in a volatile 21st century. At the Everyman Funeral Flowers [13 to 14 April] is Emma Dennis-Edward's multi award-winning play telling the story of seventeen-year-old Angelique, who's forced to navigate the care system after her mum's imprisonment. Part poetry, part play, Funeral Flowers is a funny and heart-breaking show about a young woman who dreams of being a florist. Plus there’s two nights of female stand up at the Playhouse in September with Joanne McNally: The Prosecco Express [9 September] and Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Home Truths [17 September].

Our Senior Producer Victoria Rope said: “We wanted to bring together a real variety of shows to all our theatre spaces, so we have thrillers, comedy, dance, music and stories which reflect our time and place. Through an exciting programme of work, we hope to re-ignite our audience’s love of theatre.”

Booking is now open for these shows, which you can find on our What's On page.