Shakespeare North Playhouse reveals opening date and debut season

The soon-to-be-open Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot has unveiled its inaugural season.

The new £30m venue, the only 17th-century style timber theatre outside of London, will open its doors for its debut weekend from 15-17 Jul.

The Friday will provide a glorious ceremony—All the Joy you can Wish—co-created by Slung Low Theatre, honouring the ‘local heroes’, including the builders behind the structure.

Following that, performances on Saturday and Sunday have been curated by Preston-born acclaimed playwright, actor and Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Artist of the Year, Ashleigh Nugent—taking place in the 470-seat Cockpit Theatre, inspired by Inigo Jones’ original theatre design.

The Open Up series will see an eclectic mix of free performances that span dance, drama, classical music, rap, DJs, workshops and tours marking the long-awaited opening.

After the opening weekend, other season highlights include A Midsummer Night’s Dream; a co-production with Northern Stage and Not Too Tame, while Jimmy McGovern and Johnny Vegas will both kick off the theatre’s ‘An Evening With’ series.

Christmas will see a production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol recreated with a ‘distinctly Knowsley feel’, while partnerships with Imaginarium Theatre, Shakespeare Schools Festival and the Serious Nonsense Festival have also shaped the initial season.

Laura Collier, Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse said: “We want the building to be a beacon for creative excellence, as well as a supportive and nurturing playground for people to explore ideas and develop their own creative voice.”

Tickets for the opening season are expected to go on sale next month. Head to the Shakespeare North Website for full listings.