The List

Shakespeare North Playhouse

Shakespeare North Playhouse brings people together to participate in a unique programme of performance, activities and conversations, inspired by Shakespeare but relevant to all of us. At its heart, a traditional 470 seat timber framed Shakespearian theatre, that will host a mix of vibrant new performances. Theatre, music, comedy, workshops, events and activities will spill out into the exhibition gallery, Studio and the Sir Ken Dodd Performance Garden, creating an accessible space full of joy and creativity, where everyone is welcome. Inspired by Prescot’s historic connections to William Shakespeare and a real love of story-telling, Shakespeare North Playhouse will play a key role in the ongoing regeneration of Knowsley; a place full of brilliant people with a story to tell. Working together with audiences, artists and its local communities the creative programme, learning opportunities and social spaces will help to open doors, invite debate and inspire a love of learning that will reach far beyond the walls of Shakespeare North Playhouse.

What's On @ Shakespeare North Playhouse

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

11 Sept 2025 - 28 Mar 2026

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year's funny and moving memoir, one of Britain's most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it's cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love-letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-about-town, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain.
Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life
The story covers subjects ranging from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising his Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saved him from a life of continually being beaten up. Above all else, it’s the Justin you have to come to expect. It’s funny and interesting, and perhaps there’s a little bit that warms the soul, too.
Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night

19 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025

Folksy Theatre return this summer with the much loved William Shakespeare comedy 'Twelfth Night'. Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes entwined in a hilarious love triangle. Serving Duke Orsino, who secretly loves Countess Olivia, Viola finds herself in a twist when Olivia falls for her in disguise! Amidst the comedic chaos of mistaken identities, meet the drunken Sir Toby Belch, the pompous Malvolio, and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with Folksy’s touch of fun and live music. Bursting with romance and laughter, "Twelfth Night" is a whirlwind of mistaken identities and joyful endings!
Robin Hood

Robin Hood

20 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Open-Air Theatre for all the Family! Folksy Theatre invites you to experience a brand new musical adaptation of this classic tale, touring open air throughout summer 2025! Set against the enchanting backdrop of the eerie Sherwood Forest, this whimsical production sees King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham trying to thwart the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood and his band of merry men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor. Will Robin and his band escape the Sheriff’s clutches? And whose side is Maid Marian truly on? Filled with Folksy’s signature live music, audience interaction, and delightful silliness, this adaptation promises to have you laughing and singing along! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer adventure!
Electric Dreams

Electric Dreams

27 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

A Totally Awesome 80’s Midsummer Night’s Musical The award-winning musical from A Place for Us Theatre is coming to Shakespeare North this August and its bigger and bolder than ever! Electric Dreams- true to Shakespeare’s original text – abridged and suitable for all the family, explodes with a ‘totally awesome’ 80s inspired soundtrack. Featuring leading UK Musical theatre performers, as the warring Queen and King of the Fairies, alongside a live band and a dynamic cast. You are invited to transport yourself and join us on Midsummer Night in 1980s Athens. Four young lovers and a group of oddball actors find themselves entranced and entrapped in a neon lit enchanted forest of dreams and desires…where Rock Diva Fairies rule and a mischievous sprite is hell bent on causing havoc…what could possibly go wrong? Following it’s critically acclaimed sell out run supported by Arts Council England at Norton Priory outdoor theatre in 2023 and 2021, Electric Dreams comes to the Cockpit Theatre this August. Get ready for a summer of Shakespeare, love, mischief, spells and timeless anthems, where emotions are big and the hair is bigger…it’s a kinda magic! Featuring favourite live 80s bangers including ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, ‘Alone’, ‘Temptation’, ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and many more…
Serious Nonsense Festival

Serious Nonsense Festival

23 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Enjoy a day of laughter for all the family at the Serious Nonsense Festival. With events across Prescot Town Centre, Shakespeare North will hosts theatre, stand-up comedy and free drop in sessions Join in as the laughter ripples through Prescot Town centre for the Serious Nonsense Festival. Shakespeare North Playhouse plays its part in this fab festival by hosting a range of events including family theatre, stand up comedy and free drop in sessions.

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