Suba Das announces Everyman and Playhouse departure

Suba Das has stepped down as creative director at the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, it has been announced.

Das was appointed to the role in November 2021 and announced his first season in charge last summer. It included a new 40th anniversary production of Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls relocated to Liverpool and directed by the 39-year-old, who also directed last winter’s Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto.

He also created professional production opportunities for a range of creatives and companies from or based in the north west including premieres of Everyman Playhouse graduate Patrick Maguire’s A Billion Times I Love You and Sealskin by Tmesis Theatre (both at the Everyman), and brought the world premieres of Adjoa Andoh’s Richard III and Stockroom’s Alice in Wonderland to the Playhouse.

No more information about his departure has been given, and the theatres will continue their programme with the appointment of ‘artistic advisors’ while the Everyman and Playhouse board finalises its artistic leadership.

Das said: “During my time in Liverpool, I’m incredibly proud to have helped the Everyman and Playhouse through the challenges of reopening post-pandemic. The theatres are now back in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and celebrated their most successful Christmas on record, with Red Riding Hood reimagining the traditional panto as a beacon of contemporary, inclusive and joyous actor-musician theatre-making.

“The Everyman season ahead sees Michael Wynne’s Scouse comedy Cuckoo after its triumphant run at London’s Royal Court; the co-production High Times and Dirty Monsters with 20 Stories High and Graeae; and this year’s panto Cinderella by Liverpool’s very own Luke Barnes.

“Theatre, now more than ever, relies on the resourcefulness and care of artists, creatives, producers and crew and it’s been my privilege to convene so much of that passion in Liverpool. I wish the most fantastic team well in realising the exciting year ahead.”

A joint statement by Andrea Nixon, chair of the Board of Trustees, and chief executive Mark da Vanzo, said: “Suba has helped us move forward creatively and confidently, and we’re extremely grateful for the contribution he has made in helping us widen our work with artists, audiences and our local communities.”

Top: Suba Das. Photo by L1 Photography.