Q&A with Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham is just a short walk away from our Latheram House and One Bayshill Road communities. Pegasus Homes sat down with Francesca Goddard, Corporate Partnership Manager of the Everyman Theatre to talk about the theatre, its history and their top tips for anyone visiting.

Could you tell us a bit about the Everyman Theatre and its history?

The Everyman Theatre was designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham and dates from 1891, which makes it the oldest working Matcham theatre.  It was opened by Lillie Langtry, the most famous actress of the day and mistress of Edward VII.  At the time it was known as The New Theatre and Opera House and featured some very interesting innovations, including an early form of air conditioning with a sun burner which drew warm air out of the theatre and also the first ever crash bars on the doors, so that people could push open the doors to leave in a hurry in case of emergencies.  The building underwent a major restoration in 2011, which restored the building to its former glory.  It is a perfect example of the rococo baroque style and its sumptuous interior is a prized architectural treasure in the heart of Cheltenham.  We offer regular backstage tours and talks about the theatre and its history which are well worth doing if you would like to learn more.

What makes your theatre unique? 

The Everyman is an independent theatre, so not part of a chain, which gives us much more freedom artistically and creatively.  Plus we pride ourselves on our customer care.  Our staff are all extremely knowledgeable and many have worked here for years, so you will always receive a friendly welcome from people who genuinely love the building.

What are your top 5 tips for anyone wanting to attend one of your productions? 

A good idea would be to become a Member of our Priority Access Membership Scheme which gives you priority booking, discounts on certain shows and in the bars -  and you’re also helping to support our beautiful theatre and its varied education and community programme. Plus it’s always a good idea to order interval drinks on arrival as the queues in the interval can get very busy.

In your opinion, what is the best seat in the house? 

I prefer the front row of the Dress Circle in the middle but to be honest – and this isn’t a sales pitch – the theatre is very well designed and you have a good view from almost anywhere in the auditorium.  Frank Matcham really knew his stuff!

Are you wheelchair accessible?

We are wheelchair accessible, both in the main house and the Irving Studio Theatre.  We also regularly hold audio described performances and captioned or British Sign Language interpreted performances for visually and hearing-impaired audiences.  Have a look at our Access page for more information and how to book https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/box-office/access/

How many productions do you run a year? 

We have in the region of 60 shows or more in the main house (sometimes 8 or 9 performances of each show per week and more during Panto season – this year we have 74 performances of Aladdin), as well as around 50 shows in our smaller Studio Theatre (usually 2 or 3 performances per show, more for the Christmas season).

What does a typical day at the theatre look like?

There is no typical day in the theatre, which is what makes the place and all of our jobs interesting and exciting.  With live theatre and constantly changing shows, you never know what’s in store.  This is especially true of Panto, with Tweedy heading the cast!

In your opinion, what are the benefits of visiting the theatre, especially in later life?

We at the Everyman believe that theatre has the power to transform lives and should be accessible for everyone at any time of life.  There is really something for everyone to enjoy, ranging from musicals, comedies, concerts, ballet and drama, as well as our varied and very busy education and community projects, which include a large community choir and our wonderful dancing group for the over 60s, Golden Step as well as our weekly knit and natter group, Casting On.

Which productions would you recommend to our readers for December 2024 / January 2025? 

Our very own family friendly pantomime, starring Tweedy (of Giffords Circus fame)  Aladdin, which opened on 29th November. Highlights for January include the hit musical Chicago.

Do you have any recommendations for places to visit, or eat in Cheltenham?

Our very own restaurant, Matchams on the third floor of the theatre is good value for two courses  plus personally I love The Ivy and also Beefy Boys and The Old Courthouse opposite the theatre (who are all sponsors of the Everyman) and great for pre-show meals.