A Little Pinch of Chilli, written by Liverpool writer Maurice Bessman is the first commission, apart from panto, from the Everyman and Playhouse.

Part of the New Works month from the 13th and 29th March 'A Little Pinch of Chilli' follows chef Godfrey Tucker, who has been at sea since he joined the Merchant Navy in Liverpool at fifteen.

However, Godfrey's world is turned upside down when he’s made redundant and put off the ship in London. The play proceeds through Godfrey coming to terms with his unemployment, his age and that he may not cook on board a ship again.

Maurice Bessman

Maurice Bessman explains his reasoning for the title of the play: "No matter where in the world you are you know what chilli tastes like. It's a metaphor for Godfrey as it is the only thing he can rely on."

The one man show of Godfrey is played by Louis Emerick, who is best known for his role as Mick Johnson in Brookside. He chops his way through an hour and a half without an interval.

Maurice Bessman originally wrote 'A Little Pinch of Chilli' as as a short play for Carlton's 'Single Voices' series: "The TV play felt a little bit squeezed in a box. A couple of lines in TV, you can stretch it out for the stage and explore more issues."

The Liverpool writer's previous work includes: 'Lies Love and Limbo', which was written for the New Everyman Youth Theatre and performed in 1999. He also has worked in TV and radio, including 'The Merseysiders' and 'The Grove' on BBC Radio Merseyside.

The New Works month includes workshops, masterclasses, discussions and readings including a workshop on Thursday 20th March for writing and directing by Maurice Bessman and Director Heather Robson from 'A Little Pinch of Chilli'.

A Little Pinch of Chilli is at the Everyman between 13th and 29th March at 7.45pm. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 0151 709 4776.