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We've all read the papers and heard the radio reports; 2008 is going to be special. We can now reveal why... 2008 (as well as Capital of Culture) marks the 70th birthday of the Royal Court.
In those 70 years, part by plan and a large part by accident, the theatre has become an integral part of Liverpool culture. Most of Liverpool, if not all of us, have been through the Court's doors. From Olivier to Oasis; from Dame Margot Fonteyn to Ann Twacky. With seven decades of some of the best popular entertainment I am sure we've all got our Royal Court stories.
And as stories go, I like to think that what we are doing here is going to be the most exciting chapter yet.
Las Autumn we made a promise: to do our best to find the right work for you, our audience. We've kept our promise and this website contains details of a cracking season which I believe is worth of celebrating this building's importance, its history and its future.
We've got a full year of home-produced theatre and our new brochure covers up to August. We open with a big celebration in Willy Russell's Stags And Hens. 30 years since it was first performed this 'remixed' version is set to have the same impact as when it was originally produced. Dave Kirby & Nicky Allt's Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels makes a triumphant return with the original cast and Alan Bleasdale's work makes a very welcome return to the Liverpool stage in the shape of On The Ledge. On a personal note, for me it's a bit like being a kid in a sweet shop. Some of the best Liverpool writers and actors working with us to make what we do on the stage special.
If that's too much fun for you we have included some Misery and then to be completely different Jim Cartwright directs his own Eight Miles High. An indoor outdoor festival party type of show if you get my drift.
Off stage, despite our lease with the council expiring at the end of December 08 we continue to invest in the building. I mentioned that we all have our stories about the Royal Court. My guess is a lot of them probably involve being wrapped in coats whilst trying to avoid frostbite. Well... we've invested £100,000 in recommissioning the building's heating system for it to be up and running for Christmas 2007. This will be the first time the building has had heating for over 20 years. In a way our Christmas and birthday present to the Court in one. Leave your coats at home and bring some change for an ice cream.
We are the only producing theatre in the city that does not receive funding from the city council or the Culture Company. So we depend on you the audience. If you like the idea of seeing the best of Liverpool's acting and writing talent, put the remote down, put on your glad rags and get down to the Court. We're having a year-long party and you are very welcome to join us.
Kevin Fearon
Managing Director
Royal Court Liverpool
