The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool is a treasure. It presents a brilliant mix of original productions and touring shows and has a reputation for taking a strong political stance. Two recent shows have been knockout.
Reasons To Be Cheerful
This was a Theatre Royal, Stratford East production by Graeae Theatre but it reminded me so much of Everyman shows going back to its foundation in the 1960s. While celebrating the music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads the production laid into the Tories in no uncertain terms. We all ended up on our feet, singing a newly written protest song while looking at a screen where Theresa May, Boris Johnson, George Osborne and others of their ilk were shown sprouting Satanic horns. Subtle it wasn’t, but it hit the spot for this Everyman audience.
Me and Robin Hood
This was the kind of theatre I don’t normally like – a one man show in which we are simply told a story. I may have to revise my opinions because this was totally gripping. Shôn Dale-Jones is an outstanding storyteller. I can’t convey what was so magical about his performance. I do urge you to go and see him if you have the opportunity.