Gemma Bodinetz to leave Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse

Everyman and Playhouse artistic director Gemma Bodinetz has announced she is leaving the theatres after 17 years in charge.

Since she arrived in 2004, the London-born artistic director has directed 24 productions and overseen 70 world premieres including verbatim drama Unprotected and a trio of Moliere comedies reimagined by Roger McGough.

She also oversaw the Everyman and Playhouse’s Capital of Culture year, the Playhouse’s centenary and the closure of the old Everyman and building of the new theatre on the Hope Street site along with the creation of a new Rep company.

Speaking about her decision to leave the theatres she said: “These have been an intense, passionate and extraordinary 17 years and I've been privileged to work with so many wonderful people in the best city in the world.

“However 17 years is a long time and every artistic organisation needs fresh thinking and new energy.

“Last year the theatres produced a new vision and business plan based on a commitment to create socially engaged, relevant theatre.

“This opportunity to listen and create a new forward-looking plan with so many brilliant contributors is something of which I’m very proud. Covid19 hit before we could bring this vision to life.”

The auditorium at the rebuilt Liverpool Everyman

Top: Gemma Bodinetz. Photo by Dan Kenyon

She added: “It was always my dream that the theatres would feel like a second home to all the people of Liverpool and I know that my successor, our staff and board will do all in their power to facilitate this.

“I can put my hand on heart and know that I have given my all to these beloved theatres but I can also imagine someone taking them forward to an even more exciting place.”

Bodinetz studied drama and classics at Trinity College Dublin. Her first professional theatre job was as assistant director to Max Stafford Clark at London’s Royal Court.

She then became a staff director at the National before moving to the Hampstead Theatre and worked as a freelance before joining forces with Deborah Aydon to apply for the roles of artistic director and executive director in Liverpool.