M L
FIRST LOOK INSIDE NEW £ 38M SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE
New images have revealed the first look inside the new Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot , ahead of its grand opening this month .
The ground-breaking new venue is home to the only 17th-century style , timber-built “ Cockpit ” theatre outside London , able to seat 450 spectators . Built entirely during the pandemic thanks to public funds and donations , the new venue is anticipated to attract over 140,000 visitors a year to the region . Lead architect for the project is Helm Architecture , and Austin-Smith : Lord as support architect .
Shakespeare North Playhouse will open its doors to the public with a joyful weekend of free festivities from July 15-17 , forming a key part of Knowsley ’ s Borough of Culture celebrations .
Housed inside this modern , energy-efficient building , the venue is also home to a fully-accessible outdoor performance garden funded by the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation , exhibition gallery , 60-seater studio theatre , learning centre , events spaces , and a café and bar with outdoor piazza .
The Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden at Shakespeare North PlayhouseThe Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden at Shakespeare North Playhouse .
Melanie Lewis , chief executive of the Shakespeare North Playhouse , said : “ Revealing the building is wonderful . It ’ s a culmination of more than a decade of work by so many people , and yet in many ways this is just the start . Experiencing the building again but through the senses of our audience and our community will be a joy . I ’ m feeling their excitement and curiosity . It ’ s a privilege .
“ The entire building is a work of art in its own right , but what I am most excited about is how people will use it ; how they will be welcomed and feel safe ; how they will be inspired by Shakespeare , the physical space , and the people . Most importantly , however , I am eager to see how people will explore their creativity here , be they seasoned performers , upcoming artists , or people exploring theatre for the first time . This space belongs to the people and it ’ s time to welcome them in .”
Cllr Graham Morgan , leader of Knowsley Council , the major investment partner in the project , said : “ I couldn ’ t be more excited or prouder to be able to share these images and for people to get their first glimpse inside this remarkable building . Delivering a world class cultural venue for the
people of Knowsley has been a long-held dream of the council and to see the Shakespeare North Playhouse almost ready to open its doors is a very special thing .
“ The opening of the building is such a significant moment in Knowsley ’ s history and something that could not have been achieved without the determination and effort of so many people who have been involved in the project for more than a decade . I offer my thanks to everyone who has made this happen . I cannot wait for people to finally be able to explore the space and experience the Shakespeare North Playhouse for themselves in just a matter of weeks .”
Shakespeare North Playhouse is inspired by Prescot ’ s historic connections to William Shakespeare and a love of storytelling . In the 1590s , a remarkable theatre stood in the town and hosted performances made possible by the Earl of Derby , resident at Knowsley Hall . It is thought that it was the only purpose-built indoor playhouse outside of London , and players brought with them new shows from a certain popular playwright of the day … William Shakespeare .
Opening Weekend Kicking off events from 6pm on Friday , July 15 , All the Joy That You Can Wish will be a glorious ceremony of ‘ local heroes ’ including the builders who helped construct the venue , and Prescot Cables FC players , who will gather outside the theatre for a ceremony to celebrate the opening , as well as the heritage and community of Prescot .
Events continue with a weekend of Open Up performances on July 16 and 17 , curated by inspirational Prescot-born playwright , actor and community champion Ashleigh Nugent , acclaimed Artist of the Year in the 2021 Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards .
Open Up will also be the first chance for the public to experience tours of the “ Cockpit ” theatre . Highlights of the venue ’ s spectacular opening season include a modern take on A Midsummer Night ’ s Dream , A Christmas Carol , and ‘ Evenings with ’ St Helens ’ comedian Johnny Vegas , and acclaimed Liverpool playwright , Jimmy McGovern .
The venue will also host a programme of regular family and community activities and events during the opening season . This will include preschool music , storytelling and spoken word sessions , monthly open mic nights for beginners and experienced performers , craft , heritage , art and writing workshops for families , local school children and adults .
12 merseylife . com