The Everyman Theatre Archive

This material is held atLiverpool John Moores University Special Collections and Archives

  • Reference
    • GB 2993 EVT
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1964-Present
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 274 Boxes
  • Digital Content

Scope and Content

The Archive consists of

  • posters
  • programmes
  • scripts
  • photographs
  • performance reports
  • press cuttings
  • letters

The information available is wide ranging - from photographs of Pete Postlethwaite and Jonathan Pryce to unpublished Willy Russell scripts. Interviews with key people have been conducted to complete and enhance our knowledge of the impact of the theatre in Liverpool. The interviews cover the full range of theatrical professions, every phase of the theatre's history and all its spheres of activity. They help us to identify and interpret gaps in the archive and include perspectives not otherwise fully represented in the collection.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Everyman Theatre was established in 1964, and this archive includes material from the 1960s to the 21st century. It is widely recognised as a pivotal influence and an innovative key player in regional theatre. A model of innovative practice and a centre for experimental theatre and new writing, it has thrived as a nurturing ground for a new breed of directors, actors, writers and designers, and a leading force in young people's theatre. Much of the work of the theatre has also been consistently rooted in its home city of Liverpool, making the archive an important basis for social history as well as its role in post-war regional theatre.

Access Information

Open for consultation. To book an appointment please contact 0151 231 3813 or Archives@ljmu.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

The Everyman Archive was deposited at Liverpool John Moores University in 2004. An AHRC funded project followed to catalogue the collection, culminating in a conference.

Other Finding Aids

A list of material in the Everyman Theatre Archive is available through LJMU Digital Collections , arranged by production and season. The full database is also available on request.

Accruals

It is expected that material will be added to the archive from the theatre on a regular basis.

Bibliography

Liverpool's Third Cathedral : The Liverpool Everyman Theatre by Ros Merkin is currently out of print, but copies are available for consultation alongside the archive.