Drive and ambition in the face of adversity

Despite a tough economic environment, the Everyman has a rich and varied summer programme, says Colette Sheridan

THE Italian opera Pagliacci is the most ambitious show to ever be staged at the Everyman in Cork (the venue has just been re-branded from the ‘Everyman Palace Theatre’). The production, a collaboration between the Everyman and Cork Operatic Society, stars soprano Cara O’Sullivan and will see a cast of over 100, including a full symphony orchestra, take over the building from June 20-26 as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival.

Pagliacci is co-directed by Michael Barker-Caven, the artistic director of the Everyman, and conductor John O’Brien. The two agreed that Leoncavallo’s classic commedia opera would be the perfect vehicle for a large-scale show featuring singers, musicians, clowns, circus acts and a choir. Their production will turn the Everyman into an interactive funfair in which the audience and artistes can mingle. Some of the seating will be removed to allow for mobility.