The Everyman Theatre is a theatre on Hope Street in Liverpool, UK. It was established in 1964 to perform works of relevance to the inhabitants of Liverpool.
The front was rebuilt for the theatre, to disguise Hope Hall, a building that was previously a cinema and had been a chapel before that. From the back the origins of the building can clearly be seen. More of the original cellars can been seen in the Bistro below the theatre.
The church was originally built in 1837 and was later closed in 1853, when it was turned into a concert hall. In 1912 the hall was converted into the Hope Hall cinema, which lasted until 1959. It was opened again in 1961, as the Everyman Theatre showing a range of classical films including Walt Disney’s Fantasia and Pollyanna, whilst a programme of stage plays etc. were organised.
It was then substantially rebuilt in 1977, in some considerable degree through the efforts of Alan Durband and General Manager John Gardner, who acted as fund-raisers.
During the 1970s the Theatre enjoyed a celebrated period with Willy Russell writing a number of plays for the Everyman including Shirley Valentine and the Beatles-inspired musical John, Paul, George and… Bert. Actors who started their careers with the Everyman included Jonathan Pryce, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite and Julie Walters.
In September 2003, Gemma Bodinetz (artistic director) and Deborah Aydon (executive director) took over the running of the Everyman and its sister theatre, the Liverpool Playhouse.
The Theatre is also the home of the Everyman and Playhouse Youth Theatre, formerly the Everyman Youth Theatre.
