New Everyman - one week to go

Unbelievably, there is just a week to go - one week to go! - until the new Everyman opens, with a public 'lights up' event next Saturday night (March 1). Quite like they did when the theatre closed in July 2011, the Ev is on the hunt for people's hopes and dreams for the new building, to be used as part of next weekend's events. The venue now has its own microsite with all the info you need about the new theatre, as well as how to get in touch to be part of the #deareveryman project. Things burst back into life with the Lights Up parade, beginning at the Playhouse at 6.30pm on Saturday, March 1. Everyone is welcome to join in with the parade as it makes its way up Church St, Bold St, Leece St, and Rodney St before its arrival at the Everyman. Liverpool Lantern Company, Walk the Plank and the Sense of Sound choir will all be helping out with the celebrations on the big day. Then from 11am to 5pm the next day (Sunday, March 2), a housewarming event will allow the public a first glimpse inside the theatre, with backstage tours and a chance to sample the wares of the new bistro. Exciting times! For a look back at the last few days of the old Everyman, check out the MADEUP photo galleries from the time here and here. And for a glimpse into what the future will hold, take a look at my in-depth feature for Seven Streets here.