Everyman auction

This might just be the most poignant moment of the whole Everyman closure thus far -- the theatre is to auction off its seats and interior pillars. From today (July 28) members of the public can bid to get their very own bit of the Everyman in a sealed bid auction of the "well-loved well-used and well-patched up" seats and benches from the auditorium before its £28m redevelopment begins on site this August.  Also available to bid for is a small selection of the original Hope Hall pillars. There are over 60 auction lots of chairs available. These come as singles, doubles or quads and there are short benches and long benches.  For those with more space there are 11 pillars – 4 tall (3.48m) and 7 standard (2.8m), which will be removed as part of the demolition.The sealed bid auction means that people can make one bid for each item and state the price they are prepared to pay for it. These bids will then be opened after the closing date of Monday August 8 at 6pm and then sold to the highest bid.  For more details about the lots and to make a bid, download the form online at www.everymanplayhouse.com or pick one up from the Playhouse Box Office in Williamson Square (closed Friday July 29 and Sundays). Successful bidders will be contacted early on Tuesday August 9 via email/telephone. Deborah Aydon, executive director of the Everyman and Playhouse theatres said: “Many people have expressed a wish to have a memento of the old building as it makes way for the Everyman’s new incarnation.  All funds raised from the auction will be used to make the new Everyman a really special place, so we hope for a great response.”