It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
There’s so much to tell you about, I barely know where to start…
(considered doing it as a kind of Partridge in a Pear Tree type of thing, but I’m not clever or funny enough and I guess it’s still November)
Anyway – deep breath:
> our rock’n’roll panto has just opened!
> we were super proud to present the Homotopia Writers’ Award Showcase on Saturday, with the winning play by Elinor J Boult and runners-up by Marcella Rick and Sean Patrick.
> we’ve announced a cracking new season of work!
> the Playwrights’ Programme is open for applications!
> it’s nearly time for Young Frankenstein at the Playhouse!
> Nathan and I are running free workshops for actors and writers!
> the Playwrights’ Flashmob was great and we’re figuring out a regular version of it!
Phew!
Oh and finally, I came across this brilliant site for producers, via their new resource Pause: A Self-Care Support for Producers (download). Lots of wisdom in here that’s applicable to anyone who facilitates or organises on behalf of others – strongly recommend giving it a read, and there’s an excerpt coming up in Exeunt if you want to get a flavour.
Take care,
Tommo
New Works Associate
Artistic Team update
Aside from our journey to the crystal shops of Worralark Lane for Chloë Moss’ cosmic take on Jack and the Beanstalk, the big news from us this month is our new season announcement!
So much to be excited about in 2026 at both the Everyman and Playhouse (Jodie Comer! Mischa Barton!!) – but, since this is a New Works newsletter, I want to spotlight our original new plays in particular:
A politically charged psychological thriller from the writer of Wolf Hall, given an electric shock of real theatricality by a George Devine-winning playwright – literally what’s not to be excited about here?
This was one of the first plays I read when I started this job, and it’s properly gorgeous – a tender, funny and life-affirming exploration of family and adoption in Merseyside, and I’m so excited that we can share it with you.
The other thing I’m super excited about is:
Playwrights’ Programme 2026
It’s that time of year again! We’re recruiting for our next group of local writers to join the Playwrights’ Programme – a bespoke series of masterclasses and peer-led sessions to deepen your craft, support you to write a new full-length play, and share work amongst a close group of other local playwrights.
Sessions are designed around the interests and needs of the group. They’re generally led by me, but past masterclasses have been given by playwrights including Chloë Moss, Chris Bush and Ntombizodwa Nyoni, and agent Maeve Bolger.
All the details are on our website – so if you’ve got an existing practice as a writer for performance, and think you’d find this programme useful for the next steps in your career, make sure you check it out!
Coming up for us
Taking action: Writing with dramatic momentum
with Tommo Fowler (New Works Associate)
Thursday 27 Nov, 11.30am-1pm
Everyman Theatre
You’ve got great characters, a rich world and a subject you want to talk about – now what? Covering conflict, structure and the relationship between theme and action, we’ll discuss how to set text into motion.
NOTE: This workshop is full, but you can put your name down on a waiting list if you like.
Making an entrance: Audition technique for stage
with Nathan Powell (Creative Director)
Thursday 4 Dec, multiple slots
Everyman Theatre
What are directors looking for in an audition? How can you prepare to give your best, whilst staying flexible in the moment? Through a mixture of workshop, scene study and conversation, Nathan will share insights from his side of the table.
A few slots still available!
Young Frankenstein
from Wednesday 3 December
Playhouse Theatre
From the creators of The Producers, this is comedy legend Mel Brooks’ stage adaptation of his classic film. Coming to us from the brilliant Hope Mill Theatre, this should have us all laughing and singing along for a properly feel-good night out.
Jobs & opportunities
Executive Director, Homotopia
Remote / Liverpool
Deadline: 10am, Mon 9 Dec
Homotopia (E&P Associate Company) are entering a new era! As they celebrate their 20th year as the UK’s longest running queer arts and culture festival, they’re looking for a director to drive the charity forward with innovative, ambitious, and inclusive leadership to help shape their next chapter.
Executive Director, RTYDS
Remote / Manchester
Deadline: 12pm, Mon 15 Dec
RTYDS aims to tackle social class inequity in theatre through a major new project called Fair Play. They’re looking for an Executive Director who is committed to addressing the barriers experienced by working class and low socio-economic artists, to ensure they can sustain careers and thrive in the theatre industry.
Acting Tutor, LMA
Liverpool
Deadline: Weds 31 Dec
LMA are looking or freelance acting tutors at their LMA campus, to teach students at all levels across voice, movement, screen and theatre direction.
I actually can’t find a jobs page on the LMA website – this is through Arts Jobs (linked above). But you can email Jobs@LMA.ac.uk with your details to apply or find out more.
Bill Cashmore Award
Hammersmith Lyric
Deadline: 12pm, Tues 6 Jan
Presented by Young Lyric, this Award offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee actors in Autumn 2026.
And you get £4k!!
Ongoing offers at the Everyman
Writers’ Room
For those who haven’t spent time in it, the Writers’ Room is available for your use during open hours. With a library of fantastic scripts, it’s a great place to come and be inspired, do some co-working, or get round a table to read a new play.
For quiet working: just drop in! We encourage artists to work alongside one another – but, if the room is booked for a group, you’re welcome to work in the Theatre Bar.
For group reading or discussion: email me to book in advance.
Note that Fridays are currently booked by regular groups. If you want to check availability on a particular day, feel free to email me or call Box Office.
Street Café discounts
Did you know we have discounts for theatre professionals in the Everyman Street Café? Well, we do!
You can get 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks if you’re:
- a paid-up union member of BECTU, Equity, Independent Theatres Council, Musicians Union, Stage Directors UK or the Writers Guild,
- having an Arts Emergency mentoring session, or
- participating in New Works activity (e.g. Production Process workshop, Creative Co-working, etc).
You've received this email as you've told us that you're happy to hear from Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres.
You can unsubscribe at any time.