Liverpool’s legendary Epstein Theatre has officially named Liverpool-based theatre company Naughty Corner Productions as its new Artists in Residence, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for the venue and for Liverpool’s creative community.
The multi-award-winning theatre company known for its bold originality, dark satirical humour, and ability to pack out venues across the UK, will now become a permanent creative force inside the Epstein Theatre. Together Naughty Corner Productions and The Epstein are committed to bringing new theatre to new audiences whilst giving emerging artists an iconic venue to showcase their talents.
The announcement arrives under the leadership of the theatre’s new General Manager Stephen Edgerton, alongside Hayley Smitton, Events Manager, whose vision for a revitalised and inclusive programme has enabled the residency. Their team operates in partnership with Joe Roe and Maureen Bramwell, whose passion and determination saw the beloved Epstein Theatre reopened last April, re-establishing it as a cultural heartbeat in the city.
Over the past decade, Naughty Corner has become one of the North West’s most distinctive theatrical powerhouses. Their shows have sold out year after year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, toured nationally, and played to thousands at Glastonbury Festival for the past 5 years. With multiple awards including The Sunday Times NSDF Award, Naughty Corner has consistently proven that ambitious, original theatre can draw huge, passionate, predominantly younger audiences.
Alongside Artistic Director Mike Dickinson, the company is co-led by Trisha Duffy, Co–Artistic Director of Naughty Corner Productions, whose creative vision and commitment to emerging talent have shaped the company’s identity and impact.
As Artists in Residence, Naughty Corner Productions will create a minimum of three brand-new full-scale productions each year, specifically designed to ignite The Epstein with fresh life, fresh audiences and fresh opportunities for the next generation of actors, writers and directors.
Friday Nov 28th sees the launch of TheCreativeCorner Festival, a three-night annual showcase celebrating emerging talent.
All theatre makers are encouraged to enter the festival where 4 pieces will be chosen to perform at The Epstein before a judging panel consisting of leading Edinburgh Fringe producers theSpaceUK renowned for championing new work and influential theatre makers from the Northwest.
Whilst all 4 pieces will receive audience and judges feedback the overall winner will receive a week long run at that year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival completely free of charge in partnership with theSpaceUK, Epstein Theatre and Naughty Corner Productions along with a performance date at the Epstein upon their return from the festival later in the year.
Festival Competition Details Announced later this week.
Full details of the TheCreativeCorner competition — including how to apply — will be announced Friday, 28th November, when submissions officially open.
The four successful companies who will perform at the festival and present their work to the theSpaceUK industry panel will be revealed at a special Epstein Launch Night for Creatives on 10th January. This event will welcome artists, producers, and theatre-makers into the space to meet each other, network, share ideas, and begin conversations for future creative ventures, so look out for the official announcement and book a free place for the evening!
“This residency isn’t just about making theatre,” says Naughty Corner Artistic Director Mike Dickinson. “It’s about dismantling barriers. It’s about opening the door for the next wave of artists who’ve been told ‘no’, ignored, or shut out of the industry. The Epstein is giving us a home, and together we’re giving a home to so many others.”