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These were ‘rough and ready’ days of the Everyman Theatre. No changing rooms and little pay but the Everyman celebrated its poverty. The theatre was dedicated to new work, a collective style and a young local audience. 1974 was a halcyon time for the theatre with such names as Julie Walters, Peter Postlethwaite, Matthew Kelly, Barbara Dickson, Anthony Sher and Bill Nighy cutting their teeth, young writers including Willie Russell and Chris Bond and radical directors such as Alan Dosser and Jonathan Pryce. They had no idea they were making theatrical history.

Alan Dossor, artistic director in 1974, recalls the 70s being ‘a phenomenal time in theatre.
Willy Russell, was just 26 when he was commissioned by Alan Dossor to write ‘John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert’ – the hit show which would change his life.
Barbara Dickson was the ‘gawky folk singer with glasses’ brought in by Willy Russell to sing the music in ‘John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert’.
Julie Walters was emerging as a ‘dazzling’ actress at this time.
Matthew Kelly recalls back stage parties and general revelry.

Together the group also recall the political environment of 70s Liverpool, the Bistro where they hung out each night with the Liverpool poets Roger McGough, Brian Patten and Adrian Henri and had a lot of their ‘heated political and artistic discussions’ and famous local characters Winnie and Les who became vital institutions at the Everyman.

Producer: Sarah Cuddon
Series Producer: David Prest
The Reunion is a Whistledown Production for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4