EVERYMAN THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 11TH MAY 2024
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
3***
Upon arrival at the Everyman Theatre, I received a warm and friendly welcome and was given a rolled-up A3 scroll secured with an elastic band. As I unfurled the paper, I discovered an image of a machine head created from parts of a classic mechanical clock mechanism, alongside green numbers in vertical lines reminiscent of the Matrix movie posters. At the core of this play lies a machine with the ability to choose, examining the consequences of machines making decisions instead of humans.
The Legend of Ned Ludd takes audiences on a whirlwind journey around the world, delving into different historical moments (scenes) and locations. It examines how capitalism and globalism have affected working people. With each new scene, not only does the setting change, but it also intensifies the suspense and mood. Periodically, the storyline transports us back to Nottingham in 1816. In this setting, the renowned Ned Ludd, the original Luddite, is rallying his colleagues to resist the adoption of automated looms.
In each performance, the show’s “Machine” will randomly choose 15 scenes out of a total of 256 prepared scenes. This ensures that every night, the audience will enjoy a unique and unpredictable experience. I am almost tempted to come along to another night as the play might surprise the audience with a new and different story.
The cast features Reuben Johnson, an award-winning writer and spoken word artist, Menyee Lai with numerous stage and TV credits, and Liverpool actor Shaun Mason, a graduate of Everyman’s youth theatre. Each bringing their unique talent and perspective to the stage.
The Legend of Ned Ludd, the first of three locally produced plays planned to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Liverpool Everyman Theatre. Following this are Tasha Dowd’s Tell Me How it Ends in June and Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy The Lieutenant of Inishmore in September. It is a fitting tribute to honour the Everyman’s sixty years of creative progress and cultural impact and you can enjoy a special deal of £60 to watch all three shows.