Souvenir Programme
Welcome To
Hello and welcome to Liverpool’s Royal Court and this performance of The Peaceful Hour
While it’s a New Year and a new season at the Court and we wish you all the best, we’re going to take you back to Kirkby in 1987 to find love and laughs.
Julie from L32 just wants to dance with somebody and Tim from down south, studying at the Uni has been waiting for a girl like Ju to step into his life. When Julie and Tim eyes met across the dancefloor at Cagney’s, their attraction was automatic, Julie cried out, “You wanna know what love is, I’ll take you to Kirkby.” to which Tim replied, “I’m crazy for you.”
The inspirational Gerry Linford (Haunted Scouse, Yellow Breck Road) has written a brand-new show about true love, real life and cheesy love songs. Against all odds, we’ll see if the power of love is enough for Julie and Tim, once he meets her far from peaceful family.
The ideal Director to interpret realism and scouse humour Emma Bird returns to the Court to direct the show. Gerry and Emma are reunited after the successful Haunted Scouse, while Christopher McCourt takes us back to the 80s with outstanding set and costume design.
Kate Harvey, Sound Designer and Thomas Evans, Head of Sound will ensure we are wired for sound, and Ian Scott will ensure the Super Trouper, moving lights and spotlights are lighting up the show.
Movement and choreography has been developed by the innovative Beverley Norris-Edmunds who hits the spot time after time and our fantastic Fight Director Kaitlin Howard has the eye of the tiger creating dynamic scenes and sequences.
We welcome the wonderful Ellie Clayton and Jack Whittle to the Royal Court stage for the first time and welcome back the brilliant Julie Glover, entertaining Michael Hawkins, hilarious Angela Simms, and sunburnt Lenny Wood. They will all be on the number 20 bus, taking us to The Townie. And reprising his show from decades gone by will be the irrepressible Pete Price taking us through the slowies and the power ballads on The Peaceful Hour.
Don’t be out of touch, tune in to the 80s love FM and enjoy the show!
PS. How many 80s song titles did you notice.
Written by Gerry Linford
Kevin Fearon Executive Producer
Liverpool’s Royal Court
Starring Ellie Clayton, Julie Glover, Michael Hawkins, Angela Simms, Jack Whittle and Lenny Wood.
Directed by Emma Bird • Musical Director Jess Dives
Designed by Chris McCourt • Choreographer by Beverley Norris-Edmunds
Lighting Design by Ian Scott • Sound Design by Kate Harvey • Video Design by Jamie Jenkin
Royal Court Supporters
Liverpool’s Royal Court presents The Peaceful Hour
The Elizabeth Rathbone Charitable Trust
The Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust
The John Rayner Charitable Trust
Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation
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Talent Development
Liverpool’s Royal Court continues on its journey to work towards talent development across the city
There is no doubt Liverpool is renowned for its wealth of talent but we, along with the rest of our city’s theatre organisations and institutions, recognise we need to do more to ensure we are accessible, engaging and aspirational if we are to be truly representative and inclusive of the communities we serve. It is a long-term continuing process and funding is key as is working together with the theatres across the region.
Over the past three years we have laid down the foundations, initiating our plans for meaningful and real change. This includes the theatre’s programming, engagement, accessibility and relationships with artistes, communities, creatives, individuals, institutions, organisations, Schools/FE. We are working towards ensuring our talent development programmes are applicable, realistic and robust.
Listening and engaging in the first instance to a wide cross section of creatives and communities – recognising and taking ownership of our failure to be fully inclusive and to take a proactive approach to ensure there is inclusivity and diversity across the sector
A brief look at a few of our talent development projects so far:
Community
Music AAA (Access All Areas) is a partnership project together with three grassroots organisations: Positive Impact, Capoeira For All, and Catalyst performing arts supported by funding from Youth Music. Children and young people aged 6 – 25 can access free musical instruments, musical theatre, hip hop, dance, singing, drama and performance
Raw Talent
Young people from our youth theatre continue to have access to auditions and employment opportunities – during the past 3 years, 6 young people have been cast in Terriers, written by Maurice Bessman touring to schools and venues across the country.
More recently working with Fury films, 120 young people aged 15 – 25 from across the city took part in audition workshops for the film of Terriers at Fire Fit in South Liverpool, MYA’s Space in Bootle and The Vibe in Huyton. 8 young people will be working with the Director to support the script development.
New Mentor Creatives Scheme
Building on our pilot Mentoring Programme, the new Mentor Creatives Scheme from Liverpool’s Royal Court – in partnership with Shakespeare North Playhouse, Everyman & Playhouse Theatres and Curious Minds seeks to help develop and nurture Global Majority Creatives working right across the artistic sector.
• Mentor Creatives offers
• One-on-One Mentorship
• Goal Setting and Achievement
• Skill Development
• Regular Networking Opportunities
• Continuous Support
The project is supported by PH Holt Charitable Trust and Liverpool BID, find out more on our website
Boisterous Stage Write
Music Access All Areas
Maurice Bessman
Let’s Talk 80s!
The Heart and Soul of ‘80s Music: A Decade of Passion, Innovation, and Unforgettable Tunes
The 1980s were a magical time for music, where technological advancements in synthesizers, drum machines and recording studios merged with raw, heartfelt emotion to create some of the most iconic and memorable songs in the history of music. It was a decade that brought us unforgettable melodies, electrifying beats, and a level of passion and love that has shaped modern music.
Let’s explore the musical landscape of the 1980s and reflect on its undying legacy.
The Titans of ‘80s Music.
The 1980s gave birth to some of the world’s most celebrated artists whose music not only defined the decade but entire generations to come. From pop icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna to the likes of Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi who dominated alternative rock scene, the variety of genres represented the diversity of the era. Michael Jackson took the world by storm with Thriller, an album that remains the best-selling record of all time. The title track, with its eerie music video and groundbreaking choreography, set a new standard for the music industry. But it wasn’t just about pop hits, songs like “Billie Jean” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” are filled with undeniable energy!
Similarly, Madonna, the Queen of Pop, transformed music and fashion with her bold statements and unapologetic style. Songs like “Like a Virgin” and “Holiday” became the soundtracks to the decade. Madonna’s ability to push boundaries in both her music and her persona is something that resonates even today.
In the rock scene, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, and U2 were the undisputed leaders. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi remains an anthem of resilience and hope, often heard being belted through karaoke mics and in some shows at a theatre near you. U2 gifted the world with “With or Without You,” which blends love, heartbreak, and longing into a perfect track. These bands, with their larger-than-life sounds, were the voices of the rebellious, carefree spirit of the 80s.
The decade also saw the rise of electronic music and New Wave, with bands like Depeche Mode and New Order pioneering the use of synthesizers and drum machines to create atmospheric, innovative sounds. Tracks like “Enjoy the Silence” and “Blue Monday” blend mechanical beats with deeply emotional undertones, a fusion that captured the human longing for connection and understanding.
The Love-Filled Ballads Of The 80’s
Power ballads became a staple of the decade!
Artist often displayed the vulnerability and beauty of love in a way we don’t see much of anymore, songs like “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (originally written by Dolly Parton) is a great example of an emotional, timeless piece of music. Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” is also another great example of how the heartfelt delivery of these classic ballads could tug at the heartstrings, creating a sense of connection between the song and the listener.
And of course, love ballads can’t be discussed without mentioning one of the greatest, Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is”, an spectacular anthem of yearning that delved deeper into the aspects of love, exploring a deeper emotional territory and questioned the nature of love itself. It’s a testament to the honesty and sincerity in the 80s music scene — a reflection of the period’s raw vulnerability.
Why Was Love At The Heart Of 80s Music
80s artists were not afraid to show this vulnerability, be it through love songs or an exploration of heartbreak.
Love in the 80s was about passion, yearning and even pain but it was always honest and vulnerable. The anthems of time whether slow jams or upbeat, touched on the complexities of relationships, personal growth and what it truly means to care about someone. This is something that the artists of this decade captured with perfect clarity.
Rehearsal Photos
Photographs by Liverpool’s Royal Court
Gerry Linford
Emma Bird
Chris McCourt
Jess Dives
Beverley Norris-Edmunds
Kaitlin Howard
Ian Scott
Kate Harvey
Jamie Jenkin
Marie Jones
Cast
Ellie Clayton
Julie Glover
Michael Hawkins
Angela Simms
Jack Whittle
Lenny Wood
Julie
Edna
Tommy
Ange
Tim
Carl
Company
Writer Director
Set & Costume Designer
Musical Director
Choreographer
Fight Director
Lighting Designer
Sound Designer
Video Designer
Wardrobe Supervisor
Workshop Manager
John Kavanagh
Scenic Art Manager
Jen Baron
Workshop
Scenic Artists
Abbie Jones
Chris McCourt
Rachel Shore
Thanks to
Gary at Envision
Sean Gannon
Stephen Petit
Jamie Haining
Andrew Lock
Anna-Lisa Maree
Alicia Southerton
Martyn Case
Phil Dickinson
Thomas Evans
Production Manager
Production Assistant
Technical Manager
Technical Stage Manager
Company Stage Manager
Deputy Stage Manager
LX No 1
AV Programmer
Sound No 1
Carpenters
Joe Baron
Dave Davies
Mike Gray
Shaun Gillespie
Connor McLeod
Barry at Colourcreate
Cast Biographies
Ellie Clayton Julie
Ellie left her hometown of Liverpool to study Musical Theatre at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She graduated in 2018 and then went on to be the MC of Magic Mike Live, Directed by Channing Tatum at The Hippodrome. Since 2020 she became a regular role in CBBC’s So Awkward Playing ‘Claire Fox’.
Ellie is so excited to be returning to Liverpool again for her debut at The Royal Court and would like to thank Mum, Dad, Nan and Michael for their constant help, support and love and another special thank you to Natalie Flynn at The Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre for her guidance and always inspiring her.
Other credits include Hollyoaks (Naomi), Fun at The Beach Romp Bomp a Lomp (Mary Jo- Southwark Playhouse), Peter Pan (Wendy- Gordon Craig Theatre), CBBC’s Still So Awkward, So Awkward Academy, Sky Bet Commercial, Alrawabi School for Girls (Netflix), Scroogelicious (Peckham Theatre).
Movie Credits- CBBC’s So Awkward Kids Camp.
Julie Glover Edna
Julie has worked with the Royal Court in Hey Bunny Get Loose, Masquerade, My Fairfield Lady, Stage Write Nights and Haunted Scouse.
She is delighted to be back playing Edna and feels so lucky to be involved with such a great creative team. Julie has worked in theatre, film and television for over twenty years.
Theatre credits include: King of Edge Hill (Unity Theatre); Crying In The Chapel (Contact Theatre); Waltz To The Music Of Death (Vienna’s English Theatre).
TV credits include: Emmerdale (ITV); Waterloo Road (BBC); Coronation Street (ITV); The Royal (ITV).
Film credits include: Rose Gold (53 Degrees North); Splintered (Splintered Films) and His Wake (Jamie Noel) which was screened at London Film Festival then internationally and ended up at Cannes.
Michael Hawkins Tommy
Michael graduated from Salford University with a HND in Media and Performance in 2013.
TV and Film credits include; Until I Kill You, The Long Shadow, Cilla, Tina and Bobby, Coronation Street (ITV), Bank of Dave (Netflix), Dead Hot (Amazon Prime) and Walk Like a Panther (Fox).
Theatre credits include; Lost Soul 2 (Royal Court), Cilla the Musical (Bill Kenwright), A Midsummer Nights Dream, Ray + Julie (Liverpool Everyman), The Comeback Special, Not the Horse, Sheep (Naughty Corner), Macbeth (Daniel Taylor), Ball of Fire (Blue Park) and Scouse: A Comedy of Terrors (Lantern).
Radio; When Elvis met The Beatles (BBC Radio 2).
Michael is delighted to be back on stage at The Royal Court and hopes you enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed working on it.
Angela Simms Ange
Angela is thrilled to be back at the Royal Court and has loved working on The Peaceful Hour.
Angela Co-Wrote and Starred in The Royal. Angela began performing at The Everyman Youth Theatre and then went on to train at Stella Adler New York. Angela has worked on productions for Lime Pictures, Sky Arts and BBC Radio 4 amongst others.
Angela would like to dedicate this run to Alan Stocks who was a much loved member of The Royal Court family, who never failed to make her laugh and who will be so greatly missed.
Jack Whittle Tim
Jack graduated from The Guildford School of Acting in 2017 with First Class honours. After graduation, he joined the West End company of Mischief Theatre’s The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, playing the lead role of Sam Monaghan.
Upon leaving Bank Robbery in 2019, he joined the first UK Tour of Laura Wade’s Posh, playing Harry Villiers.
The start of 2020 saw Jack briefly return to The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, this time playing Mitch Ruscitti.
After the pandemic, Jack reunited with Mischief, performing in their multi-award winning, West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong at The Duchess Theatre.
In 2023 Jack originated the role of Tony Blair in Tony! - The Tony Blair Rock Opera, to critical acclaim, working with his childhood heroes Harry Hill and Steve Brown.
2024 saw Jack in another musical comedy, Fun At The Beach Romp-Bomp-A-Lomp at The Southwark Playhouse. He also began producing his silent film The Candidate which is due to begin filming in April of this year in association with Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
Jack is thrilled to be making his debut at The Royal Court Liverpool and can’t wait to share this joyful whirlwind of a play with the audiences.
As always, he would like to thank his Mum, Dad and sister for all their love and support.
Other theatre includes: The Stephen Sondheim Student Performer Of The Year (2017 Finalist - Noel Coward Theatre); No Bird (Arcola Theatre); Unbelievable (Workshop).
Film includes: Gold (2018).
Lenny Wood Carl
Lenny is delighted to be back at the Royal Court, among old friends again. Lenny started his career as a stand up comedian. As part of the comedy duo “Lenny And His Fat Friend Mick” he toured the UK and US.
He has since gone on to work extensively in theatre, television and film.
Other theatre work includes; Lost Soul, Lost Soul 2, Stags And Hens, On The Ledge, Night Collar, The Chitz, Little Shop Of Horrors, Macbeth, A Nightmare On Lime Street, A Fistful Of Collars, Down Our Street, Life, A Midsummers Nights Dream, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist, Terriers, The Audition, Suicide, Follow The Star, YNWA, Romeo And Juliet, The Mole, A Christmas Carol, Dreaming Of A Barry White Christmas, Bright Phoenix, Happy As Pie, Cheer Up, A Day In The Life, Wating For Godot and many others.
TV and film include; Anne, Mummys Boy, Under The Mud, The Sinking Of The Laconia, The Be All And End All, Dont Worry About Me, Eddie Took All The Pesci’s, Northern Cowboys, Violet City, Saffron, Birthday Boy, Being Eileen, Good Cop, Stolen, Dead Mans Cards and others including commercial work for Cadburys and McDonalds.
Lenny is also an RTS award winning documentary maker.
For Jillybean. XXX
Company Biographies
Gerry Linford Writer
Since making his debut at the Royal Court with the acclaimed comedy drama Miracle of Great Homer Street in 2018, Gerry has become a regular here. Plays such as Ellen & Rigby, Yellow Breck Road, The Menlove Avenue Murder Mystery, Macca & Beth and Haunted Scouse have proven to be big hits with critics and audiences alike.
In addition to his theatre work Gerry is also the writer of the award winning BBC Wales film Buddha Boy and the author of a short story collection Where Will You Go When You Can’t Go There?. Married with five daughters, Gerry is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire.
Emma Bird Director
Emma has directed critically acclaimed productions at Brighton, Manchester and Liverpool Fringe Festivals. Notable recent productions are New Dawn Fades: A Play about Joy Division and Manchester by Brian Gorman, (Dancehouse Theatre, Manchester 2018); King of the World by Brian Coyle (Liverpool & Manchester Fringe Festivals, 2018); Two by Jim Cartwright (Manchester Fringe Festival 2018); Bleeding with Mother by Sarah Cassidy (53Two, Manchester 2017); We Apologise for the Inconvenience by Mark Griffiths, (3MT, Manchester, 2017); A Passion for Rationals (Sara Harris, Brighton Fringe Festival 2014); Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo; Hey Bunny Get Loose and Stocking Fillers (Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio); Haunted Scouse (Liverpool’s Royal Court).
Emma began her acting career in 1990. Featuring in a lead role alongside Pete Postlethwaite, in BBC screenplay, Needle Written by Jimmy McGovern and directed by Gillies MacKinnon.
She was series regular Maxine Price in Casualty (1992). Short films and features followed through her work with director Sandra Goldbacher in Seventeen (with Rachel Weisz, 1996), Piccadilly Circus by Night and The Governess (with Minnie Driver, 1997).
Notable theatre work includes The Good Hope alongside Frances de la Tour at The Royal National Theatre and UK tour, (2002); David Mamet’s Oleanna (Norwich Playhouse) and The Woods (The Finborough Theatre); Educating Rita (Norwich Playhouse) and Terms of Abuse (Hampstead Theatre).
Emma founded Liverpool Comedy Improv in 2015 teaching improvisation to all. www.liverpoolcomedyimprov.co.uk
Chris McCourt Set & Costume Designer
Christopher is a forward-thinking and inventive designer based in Liverpool. He trained at LIPA and has a strong passion for creating fresh, innovative work and exploring new approaches to design.
His professional credits include It’s A Wonderful Life (St Georges Hall & Liverpool’s Royal Court, Studio). Come Together (Liverpool’s Royal Court). The Independent Socialist Republic of The Upper End of The Lower Breck Road (Liverpool’s Royal Court, Studio). Elves & The Shoemaker (Dukes Theatre Lancaster & Northwest Tour). Shrek The Musical Jr (The Empty Space, Media City). Cosmic (Liverpool’s Royal Court, Studio). Run Rabbit Run (Harrogate Theatre). A Day In The Life Of Us (Theatr Twim o’r Nant, North Wales). Aladdin Jr (The Empty Space, Media City). Hey Bunny, Get Loose! (Liverpool Royal Court, Studio). The Circus (Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Playhouse Studio). Stepping Out (Merseyside Academy of Drama, Hope Street Theatre). Ageless (National Theatre Connections, The Lowry).
Beverly Norris-Edmunds Choreographer
For the Royal Court: The Scouse Red Riding Hood, Vernons Girls,Thong for Europe, Scouse Trap, YNWA, Scouse Sleeping Beauty, Selection Box, Maggie May, Scouse Snow White, Girls Don’t Play Guitars, Scouse Pacific, Lost Soul 2, Scouse Nativity, Golden Oldies, The Royal, Father O’Flaherty Saves Our Souls, Sex in Suburbia, Canoeing for Beginners, Bouncers, Special Measures, Our Day Out The Musical by Willy Russell (premiered 2009 and 2010), Ladies Night, Good Golly Miss Molly, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Dirty Dustin’, Nightmare on Lime Street, Little Scouse on the Prairie, Brick up the Mersey Tunnels 1 and 2, Merry Ding Dong, Slappers and Slap Heads and Reds ‘n’ Blues.
Recent choreography includes: One Man Two Guvnor’s, A Leap in the Dark, The Nutcracker, Astley’s Astounding Adventures, The Card (New Vic Theatre), The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice (Story house Chester) The Three Musketeers (New Vic Theatre) and Alice In Wonderland (Shakespeare North Playhouse).
Other Choreography includes: Marvelous (@Soho Place London and New Vic Theatre), Tom Dick and Harry (Alexandre Palace London and New Vic Theatre), The Worst Witch - Olivier Award winner 2020 for Best Family Show, (Vaudeville Theatre West End, UK Tour and Royal and Derngate Theatre Northampton), Around the World in 80 Days premiered at The New Victory Theatre on Broadway New York after It’s UK Tour starting at The New Vic Theatre (Newcastle -under-Lyme).
Over 50 productions for The New Vic. Including: Alice in
Wonderland, The 39 Steps, The Borrowers, Coppellia A Mystery, Sweeney Todd, Oliver and Amadeus.
For Northern Broadsides and Touring: Hard Times, For Love or Money, Loves Labours Lost, Much Ado about Nothing and Cyrano (co-production with New Vic)
Oldham Coliseum: Over 50 Productions including, Oh What A Lovely War, Chicago (MEN Theatre Award Winner for Best Ensemble) Stepping Out, Sweet Charity, Laurel and Hardy, Blues in the Night, From a Jack to a King
Touring credits include: Return To The Forbidden Planet, Carmen.
TV credits include: The Reckoning, Disney’s The Evermoor Chronicles, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, CBeebie’s The Magic Door, Butterfly, Sunny D, Fernando Torres Nike Commercial, September Song, Brookside and the feature film O Jerusalem
Beverley has also choreographed numerous productions for The Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres, Bolton Octagon, Hull Truck Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Birmingham Rep, Liverpool Empire Theatre, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough, Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke, Harrogate Theatre, New Perspective Theatre company, Claybody Theatre Company, Imaginarium Theatre Company and for the award winning Tmesis Theatre.
Ian Scott
Lighting Designer
Trained at Mountview.
Productions for the Royal Court include: Scouse Pacific, Maggie May, The Miracle of Great Homer Street, The Royal, The Scouse Nativity, Lonesome West, Down The Dock Road, Come Together, Two Of Us, Haunted Scouse, Boys From The Blackstuff and in co-production with Lodestar and the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival; Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Other theatre credits include: Much Ado About Nothing (Sheffield Crucible and Ramps On The Moon); ¡Carpa!, The Hooley and Xanadu (Giffords Circus); By The Waters of Liverpool (Pulse Records); Up ‘n’ Under and Frozen (fingersmiths); Reasons To Be Cheerful, Peeling and Blasted (Graeae); Duet for One (Birmingham Rep; Lee Dean & Daniel Schumann); A Skull in Connemara and All My Sons (Nottingham Playhouse); Marco Polo and Messiah (Bergen National Opera); Fish Eye (Theatre Alibi); The Solid Life of Sugar Water (Graeae; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; National Theatre); Owen Wingrave and Where The Wild Things Are (Aldeburgh Festival); Fawlty Towers Live (Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney); Flat Stanley (Polka; West Yorkshire Playhouse); The Drummer Boy of Waterloo and The Happy Prince (Jubilee Opera); The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre); Our Friends Up
North (Northern Stage); The Joke, The Summer House and The Victorian in the Wall (Will Adamsdale; Fuel); My Name is… (Tamasha); Oh! What a Lovely War and Frogs (National Theatre); Curlew River (White Light Festival, New York; UCLA Berkeley; St. Giles, Barbican); Animal Farm (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme (Abbey Theatre, Dublin).
Kate Harvey Sound Designer
A list of sound credits include: Corporate/Outdoor: Labour, Conservative, NUT, TUC. Symphony in the Park (Hoghton Tower) Liverpool Theatre Festival (Bill Elms Productions), Grimm Tales, Jungle Book, 80 Days Around the World, Alice in Wonderland (Williamson Park, Lancaster)
TV: Stan James World Match Dartsplay (Sky Sports), Strictly Ballroom (ITV), Danny La Rue (BBC) Spirit of Shankly (Granada DVD)
Cruises: P&O World Cruises, Island Cruises, Celebrity. Arena: Hot Ice (Stageworks Worldwide Productions) You’ll Never Walk Alone (Alterean Media and Liverpool FC)
Music: The Christians, Chesney Hawkes, Sinita, Slade, Bad Manners, Toyah, Limahl, Cream UK Tour, Petula Clarke, Bobby Crush, East 17, Liberty X, Jane McDonald.
Comedy: Jason Mansford, Peter Kay, Roy Walker, Norman Wisdom, Jim Bowen, Brian Conley, Brendan O’Carroll, Paddy McGuiness.
Live Theatre: Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty (King Georges Hall) Mystique (Stageworks) Original TV Comedians (Blackpool Opera House) Paul Zerdin (Paradise Room Blackpool) Flags (Royal Exchange, Manchester) Mam I’m Ere (Life in Theatre) Eight Miles High, Council Depot Blues, Bouncers, Night Collar, Our Day Out, Shirley Valentine, Reds and Blues, Lennon, Noises Off, Canoeing for Beginners, Lost Soul 1&2, Girls Don’t Play Guitars, Golden Oldies, Come Together, Vernons Girls (Royal Court Liverpool) Twopence to cross the Mersey, Lennons Banjo and By The Waters of Liverpool (Pulse Records) SHOUT! (Max Emmerson Productions) Out of Order and It runs in the family (Ray Cooney Comedy Company) Bang Bang (A production for John Cleese at Mercury Theatre, Colchester) Omnibus (Unity Theatre) Judy and Liza National Tour (Produced by Royal Court Liverpool) Midsummer Nights Dream (Filter Theatre Company/ Lyric Hammersmith) Homebaked (Red Ladder Theatre Company)
Something about George (Something About Productions) Insane Animals (HOME MCR) Cinderella (Imagine Theatre, Beck Theatre-Hayes) Beauty and the Beast, Robin Hood, A Christmas Carol (Dukes Playhouse, Lancaster) Cinderella (Imagine Theatre, Crewe Lyceum)
Company Biographies
Marie Jones
Wardrobe Supervisor
Marie studied fashion and then moved on to theatre costume interpretation at Mabel Fletcher College. Marie’s work as a freelance costumier has included costumes for Oldham Coliseum, The Royal Exchange, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Jimmy McGovern’s film Liam, Beyond Friendship for Mersey Television and the many pantomime dames who have appeared on the Everyman stage.
She has worked extensively at the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and has recently been employed as full time Wardrobe Supervisor at the Royal Court. Most recently Marie’s work at the Everyman and Playhouse has included: Much Ado About Nothing, The Electric Hills, The Flint Street Nativity, The Tempest, Unprotected, Billy Liar, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe, Urban Legend, Fly, Breezeblock Park, The Entertainer, Still Life And The Astonished Heart, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Anniversary, Dr Faustus, The May Queen, Cruel Sea and All My Sons. Marie’s other credits include: Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, Lost Soul, Good Golly Miss Molly, Stags and Hens - The Remix, On The Ledge, Misery, Eight Miles High, Council Depot Blues, Night Collar, Dirty Dusting, Shirley Valentine, Our Day Out - The Musical, The Salon, Funny Money, Merry Ding Dong, A Fistul Of Collars, Lucky Numbers, Lennon, Scouse Pacific, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Little Scouse on the Prairie, Reds And Blues - The Musical, Ladies Day, Bouncers, Scouse Of The Antarctic, Pharaoh ‘Cross The Mersey and Down The Dock Road for Royal Court Liverpool, Brouhaha International Street Festival, Working Class Hero on the recent Imagine DVD, Costume Supervisor for many shows at LIPA, The Splash Project at MYPT and Twopence To Cross The Mersey at the Liverpool Empire.
Jamie Jenkin
Video Designer
Jamie is the in-house graphic and video designer at Liverpool’s Royal Court. Starting as marketing assistant at the theatre in 2005, he has been part of the Royal Court since it’s rebirth as a theatre in 2006. He now designs artwork for all Royal Court productions alongside working on video content for the Royal Court stage and beyond.
Video Designs for Theatre include:
Alan Bleasdale’s Boys From The Blackstuff by James Graham (Liverpool’s Royal Court, National Theatre and Garrick Theatre London), A Thong For Europe, Willy Russell’s Our Day Out - The Musical, A Fistful Of Collars, Lennon, Ladies Day, Hitchhikers Guide to Fazakerley, Ladies Night, Canoeing for Beginners, The Scouse Nativity, Father O’Flaherty Saves Our Souls, A Miracle On Great Homer Street, Home, Going Halves, The Royal, The Scouse Cinderella, My Fairfield Lady, Bingo Star, Two Of Us, Royal Court Selection Box, Macca & Beth, The Scouse Sleeping Beauty, The Menlove Avenue Murder Mystery, The Scousetrap, The Scouse Jack & The Beanstalk, The Scouse Dick Whittington, Haunted Scouse, Sisters Of Mersey, The Netherely Hillbillies, Haunted Scouse, Come Together and Girls Don’t Play Guitars (Liverpool’s Royal Court); Masquerade, Knee Deep In Promises, Hey Bunny Get Loose, Stocking Fillers and Cosmic (Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio); Cured (Liverpool’s Royal Court in association with DaDaFest & Unlimited); The Dream Team and VR Family (Liverpool’s Royal Court Youth Theatre); Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Liverpool Shakespeare Festival); Judy & Liza (National Tour); YNWA (Alterean Productions, international tour); The Big I Am (Liverpool Everyman); Celtic The Musical (Alterean Productions, Pavilion Theatre Glasgow and SEC Glasgow); Sunderland The Musical (Alterean Productions, Empire Theatre Sunderland); Something About George (Something About Productions, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and national tour); The Salford Docker (Salford Community Theatre, Lighthouse Salford); Our Country’s Good (Hope St Theatre); and Peter Pan (Storyhouse Chester). Jamie was also Sound Designer on Hey Bunny Get Loose, Offered Up, Stocking Fillers and Cosmic (Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio) and Our Country’s Good (Hope St Theatre).
Royal Court Staff
Executive Producer Kevin Fearon
Chief Executive Gillian Miller
Head of Finance & Administration Gary O’Connor
Creative Producer Jess Bolger
Head of Marketing Kofi Ohene-Djan
Head of Operations Ailsa Morris
Executive Chef David Assall
HR & Finance Manager Alison Ward
Graphic Designer & Brand Manager Jamie Jenkin
Assistant Producer Clare Carlucci
Marketing Manager Iain Christie
Workshop Manager John Kavanagh
Social Media Officer Clara Mbirimi
Head of Technical & Production Sean Gannon
Head of Sound Thomas Evans
Resident Stage Manager Andrew Lock
Scenic Art Manager Jen Baron
Chief LX Jamie Haining
Box Office & Sales Manager Lauren Macauley
Assistant Box Office Manager Laura Lees
Head of Community Engagement Miriam Mussa
Well Being Training Manager Maria Schumann
Costume Supervisor Marie Jones
Finance Administrator Izzie Litwin
Venue Administrator Phil McLoughlin
Youth Theatre Coordinator Vannessa Park
Later Life Coordinator Jay McWinen
Assistant Producer - Talent Development Harvey Robinson
Daytime Technician Gary Currin
Studio Technician Phil Dickinson
LX Technician Martyn Case
HR & Payroll Administrator Gilly Taylor
Executive Assistant Joe Morris
Box Office Assistants
Erica Drummond, Finn Goulden-Jennings, Carl Lees, Scarlet Lees, Anna Miller, Pat O’Neill, Susan Segar, and Angela Simms
Fire Officer Sam Massen
Stage Door Allan Dodd, Sven Key and Izzie Litwin
Kitchen
Head Chefs Kyle Wardale
Chefs Thomas Alexander, Daniel Ambrose, Billie Chisam, Jay Quinn, Josh Eglin, Jack While and Nick Watson
Kitchen Porters Hezekiah Abramson, Debbie Chisam, Louise Dodd, Luke Dunn and Harry Lawlor
Front of House
FOH Manager Kathy Hutson
Assistant FOH Managers Paul Imrie and Brendan Wright
Shift Supervisors Sammy Hunter
Bar Supervisors Jordan Barkely
Floor Supervisors Michael Hall and Katie Sherman
Front of House Staff Hebron Abraha, Beth Baccino, Jordan Barkley, Hazel Bawden, Cameron Brown, Denise Byrne, Louis Carney-Smith, Azize Dia, Holly Evans, Charlotte Freyne, Michael Hall, Lauren Heywood, Samantha Hunter, Lily Hutson, Callum Johnstone, Elizabeth Kendrick, Michael James, Charlotte
Kendrick Jones, Raia Kiernan, Jackie Kirton, Cherry Kim, Takunda Kudzunga, Hansol Lee, Phil Lyne, Sam Massen, Lukas Matuzevicius, Faye McCutcheon, Joseph McGee, Isabella Renshaw, Aiden Scott, Theo Stock-Best, Joseph O’Neil, Christiano Samuel, Katie Sherman, Mohan Welstand-Keryk and Samantha Woolley.
Cleaners
Cleaning Supervisor: Debbie Chisam, Billie Chisam, Joanne Kinsella, Claire Wilson and Julie Wright.
And a big thank you to all of our freelance and security staff for their hard work throughout the year.
by Helen Serafinowicz