After an incredible farewell party back in 2011 the original Everyman Theatre closed and was knocked down. Plans were in place for a rebirth. A pheonix from the ashes would rise in its place. I’m going to do a separate post on the new Everyman later. For now lets just enjoy the re-opening celebrations.
The celebrations on Saturday were filled with fireworks, performers, large puppets and a lantern parade filled with the very definition of the every man.
It started with a postman carrying a letter address to the Everyman. At the end of the parade a large blue puppet woman guided the keys up to the Everyman. The parade left the Everyman’s sister venue, the Playhouse, and made its way up through the city via Bold Street. Lanterns were carried by everyone. Children, parents, brothers, sisters, people with disabilities all dancing, laughing and riding the wave of infectious love that the Everyman instills in people. I honestly can’t think of many venues in the city that are as loved as this.
When the parade arrived at the theatre it was greeted by a huge crowd and a childrens choir. The blue puppet woman met a red Everyman puppet and together opened the theatre with giant keys and fireworks.
It was an incredible evening and it’s great to have the Everyman back. I can’t wait to see a show there and am really hoping Daniel Kitson comes back there soon (his fantastic show was the last performance I saw in the old Everyman).
Massive congratulations to the Everyman for putting on such a great event with Walk the Plank and the Lantern Co.
