Gemma Bodinetz and Deborah Aydon are to receive Honorary Fellowships from Liverpool John Moores University for their contributions to the dramatic arts as artistic director and executive director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, along with board member Rod Holmes.
Bodinetz and Aydon have been running the two Liverpool theatres since 2003. In that time they have produced 107 plays and overseen the extensive rebuilding project at the Everyman, which reopened in March and was named the best new building in the north west by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Rod Holmes, who has been a board member for the theatres since 2006, will also receive an Honorary Fellowship for services to the regeneration of the Liverpool City Region.
Gemma Bodinetz said: “It is always a little overwhelming to be honoured for doing something that you love and humbling when that endeavour has been in collaboration with a plethora of like-minded passionate souls many of whom receive little public acclamation.
"My time as Artistic Director of the Everyman and Playhouse has been the richest and most rewarding of my career. Deborah and I have been fortunate to make theatre and indeed a theatre with a committed and inspiring team of people, in a city that doesn’t question the value of cultural expression, indeed defines itself in these terms.
"The theatres have long cherished their relationship with LJMU and the student population of this city and I am very honoured to call myself a fellow, especially in such distinguished company.”
Deborah Aydon added: “This is a wonderful recognition of the work of the Everyman and Playhouse team and all the artists who have made these theatres such vibrant creative hubs.
"This Fellowship will strengthen the connection between the theatres and LJMU—the university is our close neighbour on Hope Street and a kindred spirit in terms of nurturing the intellectual and creative life of future generations.”
The Fellowships will be conferred at LJMU's graduation ceremonies at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral between 14 and 18 July 2014.