This October the Everyman & Playhouse will present their latest work for young people, by young people, Half Baked. The production is produced by the theatres as part of the Young Theatre Makers touring network alongside Birmingham Rep and Ipswich New Wolsey. Half Baked will open at the Playhouse Studio from 29th October to 1st November followed by a regional North West tour to Wirral, Kendal, Oldham and Lancaster.
Half Baked is written by Alex Joynes, a recent graduate of the Everyman & Playhouse’s Young Writers programme, directed by Young Everyman Playhouse associate director Chris Tomlinson and designed by recipient of the 2014 LIPA Design Award Adele Hayter, the production’s cast is comprised of Young Everyman Playhouse actors.
The play focuses on the last day of business for local bakery Renee’s, which is being closed down and replaced by a Starbucks. It follows the experiences of the six young people who work there as they prepare for life beyond the walls of their beloved workplace. An eclectic of group of characters, back-dropped by impatient customers, a cake that has to be made, an unreliable oven and some rather unfortunate graffiti on the shop front, Half Baked is funny, moving, and bittersweet.
Half Baked is part of a strategic touring network called Young Theatre Makers. Three major regional theatres – Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Ipswich New Wolsey – are working in partnership to engage young communities across the country in the process of making theatre. Each play tours to satellite venues outside these theatres in order to create a strong legacy for the touring venues to create youth work. The initiative bridges the gap between YEP and professional opportunities, developing theatrical talent in skills such as writing, acting, producing and directing – an ethos that Everyman & Playhouse has long supported.
The cast is made up of young, local, Liverpool actors and features Emily Woosey as Mia, who has recently returned to the bakery from university, Josie Sedgwick-Davies as her best friend Emma who is considering taking a job with Starbucks, Lucy Harris as Jade, who is reconsidering her relationship with long-term boyfriend Josh, played by Tom Harrington. Nick Crosbie plays the hapless Simon while Jamie Brownson takes on the role of Dave, who is using the last day of business to start his new life as a transgender woman.
Following the Playhouse Studio dates, Half Baked will be performed at Birkenhead Priory on 3rd November, Oldham Library on 4th November, Kendal Brewery Arts on 6th November and Lancaster Dukes on 21st November.
Tickets for Half Baked are priced at £5. Tickets are available from the Box office, by telephone on 0151 7094776 or online at www.everymanplayhouse.com