For most people, being responsible for one major theatre would be enough, but for Helen Griffiths, it is all in a day's work. The 47-year-old, originally from West Kirby and now living in Liverpool, is operations manager for two of the city's most recognisable cultural landmarks: the Everyman and Playhouse theatres.
Between them, the venues represent more than 300 years of Liverpool's theatre history, and Helen has spent more than 25 years helping to keep them running, a responsibility she still finds remarkable.
From Usher to Operations Manager
Helen's journey began long before she took charge of operations. As a child, she performed in local productions and volunteered alongside her mum at theatres across Wirral, selling programmes and raffle tickets. After studying theatre at university, she joined the Everyman as an usher during the Christmas season for what was meant to be occasional work.
Helen told the ECHO: “I ended up pretty much spending my Christmas here, and from then on, I just got given more to do and more responsibility.”
Over the years, Helen has worked her way through reception, stage door, and duty management roles before becoming the audience experience manager and eventually the operations manager across both theatres.
Balancing Two Distinct Venues
While audiences focus on what is happening on stage, Helen is responsible for ensuring the buildings are safe, accessible, and welcoming. Managing both venues means balancing two very different identities. The Everyman first opened in September 1964 but was closed and rebuilt in 2014 as a modern sustainable venue. In contrast, the Playhouse remains a storied Grade II* listed landmark with over 160 years of history in the heart of the city.
Helen said: “They’re completely different kettles of fish, but I love it because nothing's ever the same. They have very different shows, and each building has its own challenges. Most people would probably find it quite hard to manage both, but for us, it's normal.”
Navigating Change and Nostalgia
Helen was part of the organisation when the old Everyman closed and was eventually demolished before being rebuilt on the same site. While many Liverpudlians felt emotional about losing the much-loved building, Helen understood why change was necessary.
She said: “It was difficult because I obviously loved the place and it’s what I knew. The nostalgia can be a big pull when it comes to a change, but it was really hard to work in. It wasn't fit for purpose anymore.”
The reopening marked a new chapter for the theatre and for the city. Today, the building's famous façade features 105 portraits of people from Liverpool. Among them is Helen's husband Kevin, an actor who has worked with the theatre and whose image can still be spotted on the exterior.
She said: “He absolutely adores it. He's on the front of the Everyman for as long as we're here.”
Pride in the City's Theatres
For Helen, however, what makes the Everyman and Playhouse special is not just the architecture but the people who fill them. She said: “It’s lovely working here. I think the fact I’ve been here for 25 and a half years is a testament to the people because it can be really challenging and difficult, like any job, but it’s the people that make it, and who are at the heart of it. It’s the camaraderie and the family feeling.”
She added: “I do feel like we are two of the venues that people come to Liverpool for. You’re helping to bring people into the city and hopefully give a good representation of ourselves, so you do feel pride. I hope that everyone in the city is proud of what we do too.”
