2021: He’s behind you!

Last year was transformational in many ways for the Everyman as it delicately navigated a second year of staggered lockdowns and sporadic restrictions.

The beloved Cork city theatre managed to generate a surplus of more than €60,000, with a turnover increase of 30%.

This was all achieved despite the building being closed for 9 months of that year.

These achievements are impressive in their own right, but especially so for a theatre that has to raise more than 92% of its own funds through tickets sales, donations, strategic partnerships and fundraising activities.

All that being said, at no point was the Everyman closed for business. There was always a show for audiences to attend, either online or in person. The theatre presented a full run of panto, despite having to adjust to Covid restrictions which were imposed mid-run. These included crippling capacity limits and a frustrating 8pm curfew. But despite all that, in 2021 the Everyman presented 289 performances, attended by 30,000 people, online and in person.

The venue also managed to squeeze in some extensive upgrades to the building to make for a safer, more enjoyable experience for audiences, while expanding its engagement and outreach work by creating The Theatre Making and Citizenship Programmes.

Last year was also one of innovation for the theatre. When indoor performances were not an option, the talented team created The Everyman Outdoors series at Elizabeth Fort, a hugely popular run of outdoor live events, supported by Cork City Council.

Everyman Executive Director and CEO, Sean Kelly, said that while 2020 and 2021 were very difficult years for the Everyman, he and his team were humbled by the support shown by the people of Cork.

“Firstly in the form of donations, and when the time came again, through buying tickets to our shows in huge numbers,” said Sean.

He continued: “We also couldn’t have achieved what we did without our fantastic team who worked tirelessly and selflessly throughout to ensure that the Everyman remained a vibrant, healthy, theatre worthy of the citizens of Cork.”

Everyman Chairman, Denis McSweeney, added: “2020 and 2021 were, of course, traumatic for the theatre but our community of staff, artists, and board knuckled down and ensured that the theatre emerged as strong as it has ever been.

“We’ve recently welcomed new members to our voluntary board and we’re now focussed on working with the team to ensure that the Everyman continues to be the kind of theatre that the people of Cork deserve.”