Lucy Takes to the Everyman Stage in Sold-Out Production

Some of the most powerful political arguments can be made through drama and theatre, and one Sixth Form College student is challenging us to think about the environment as she performs in a sold-out show at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre.

Drama & Theatre Studies student, Lucy White, is part of the Young Everyman Playhouse, who are showcasing their dramatic talents in an original production called The Environmentalists, which has sold out the theatre’s full 400 capacity for each of its four nights.

Fellow students and Drama & Theatre Studies teacher, Liz Bones, were part of the audience for the first night, supporting Lucy and getting involved in the interactive piece, which is a bold statement about caring for the environment in young people’s own words,  meant to be ‘terrifyingly hilarious and heart-wrenching’ while promising not to be ‘preachy’.

Speaking after the opening night success, Lucy said: “The audience were great, they were all getting up and dancing and laughing, which is exactly what we wanted to see. They had awkward reactions when we wanted them to as well. We had a big panic button so if they felt that way during any of our scenes they could come down and press it and something would happen, but I can’t say what!”

A Level student Lucy, who also studies Psychology and Sociology, is focused on a career in acting after university and explained that her studies at college have given her a broader perspective as a platform for her chosen profession:

“Obviously the practical side and working towards exam pieces in Theatre Studies help towards improving your performance, but the theory parts of the course are so useful too. When you understand about staging and the technicalities it actually helps you as an actor, knowing and appreciating everyone’s roles.

“Liz has been such an excellent teacher. She really knows her stuff and she pushes you to the best of your ability.”

Lucy, who joined us from Prenton High School in 2014, has just moved up to the top age group in the Young Everyman Playhouse, which means she is staring on the main stage for the first time. Her acting with the YEP has meant that Lucy has been approached about TV work too, and the confidence that she’s built up through that and her college life means that the hundreds-strong crowd doesn’t faze her:

“I haven’t been nervous when maybe I could or should have been! I think it feels ok because it’s such an ensemble piece. You have people around you who have performed in lots of shows and others that were new like me, so you’re supported by the whole team.”

She even had time to glance up and spot the home support in the audience, saying: “I could see all my classmates getting up and dancing and laughing – it’s always good to know that people laugh at your jokes! You never quite know if someone will get the humour!”

Teacher, Liz Bones, said: "Lucy's worked really hard in rehearsing the show and it was great to be able to take a group of students from the college to see the final result. The show was really thought provoking and full of interesting theatrical ideas that definitely inspired the students. Lucy's preparing for her A2 Theatre Studies practical exam and her performance in the show just demonstrated what a confident, engaging performer she is."