Everyman Theatre, Cork facts for kids
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Awning of The Everyman on MacCurtain Street
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 The Everyman
Location in Cork Central
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| Former names | Cork Palace of Varieties, Palace Cinema, Everyman Palace Theatre, Everyman Theatre |
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| Address | MacCurtain Street Cork Ireland |
| Coordinates | 51°54′05″N 8°28′06″W / 51.9014°N 8.4682°W |
| Designation | Protected structure |
| Capacity | 650 seats |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1897 |
| Architect | H. Brunton |
| Website | |
| EverymanCork.com | |
The Everyman, also known as the Everyman Theatre, is a beautiful old theatre in Cork, Ireland. It has 650 seats and is located on MacCurtain Street. This theatre first opened in 1897. It is the oldest building in Cork that was built specifically to be a theatre.
The Everyman is inside a Victorian building that is protected because of its history. It has a big stage and a large area for the audience. There is also a special arch called a proscenium arch and four fancy decorated boxes. The theatre also has a smaller studio space and a bar.
Contents
History of The Everyman Theatre
Opening as a Variety Theatre
The Everyman theatre first opened its doors on Easter Monday, April 19, 1897. It was called the Cork Palace of Varieties back then. It was like a sister theatre to the famous Olympia Theatre in Dublin.
In its early years, the theatre mainly showed variety shows. These were performances with different acts, like singing, dancing, and comedy. Later, it also hosted pantomimes, operas, and dramas. Many touring groups visited the theatre every week.
Famous Performers and Early Challenges
Some very famous artists performed at this theatre. These included Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and George Formby. Tickets for shows ranged from £1 for the best seats to just 6 pence for seats in the gallery.
However, the theatre faced some tough times. Big events like the First World War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and the Irish Civil War made it harder for touring shows to travel. This meant fewer performances at the theatre.
Becoming a Cinema and Its Return to Theatre
In the 1930s, the building changed. It became a movie theatre called the Palace Cinema. It was known as “The House with the Perfect Sound” and was a popular place to watch movies in Cork for almost 50 years. The cinema closed on June 4, 1988, after showing the movie Trains, Planes and Automobiles.
In 1990, a group called the Everyman Theatre Company decided to bring the building back to its original purpose. They restored the historic building to be a theatre again. They renamed it the Everyman Palace Theatre. The first show in the newly restored theatre was the Brother, based on the writings of Myles na gCopaleen.
Growth and New Productions
From 1990 onwards, the theatre became very successful. It received support from the Arts Council, Cork Corporation, and many dedicated volunteers.
In 2012, the theatre changed its name again, becoming simply The Everyman. It started a new focus on opera and creating its own original shows. One of its first new productions was an award-winning staging of Pagliacci. The theatre worked hard to serve artists and audiences in Cork. It also became well-known across Ireland.
In 2018, The Everyman helped produce several important shows. These included The Nightingale and the Rose by John O’Brien and Oscar Wilde. Another big production was Asking For It by Louise O’Neill, which won a special award chosen by the audience. In 2019, a new musical called Evening Train premiered and was highly praised. Asking For It also returned and then went on tour to Dublin and Birmingham.
What Happens at The Everyman Today?
The Everyman theatre offers a wide variety of shows. You can see plays, operas, musicals, and concerts there. It is especially known for its drama productions. The theatre usually puts on three of its own shows each year.
During the summer months, The Everyman often features plays by Irish writers. Other regular events include the Guinness Jazz Festival in October. The theatre is a main location for this popular music festival. At Christmas, the theatre always hosts a fun pantomime show.
A special thing about The Everyman is its team of ushers. These are the people who help you find your seat and guide you in the theatre. All of them are volunteers!
External links
- EverymanCork.com
