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

Viggo Venn: British Comedian

Viggo Venn: British Comedian

26 Jul 2025 - 3 Aug 2025

Norwegian clown Viggo Venn moved to this country with one dream: to be a British comedian. The rest, you already know about. After blowing away the competition in an explosion of hi-vis jackets, balloons, and joyous idiocy, Viggo became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country by winning Britain's Got Talent in June 2023.
Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

1 Jul 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.
Third Class: a Titanic Story

Third Class: a Titanic Story

2 Jul 2025 - 2 Jul 2025

“The White Star Line merged itself out of existence. Those clever little educated boys. ” A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking. Edward was gay. Openly gay, and on Wednesday, April 10th, 1912, he set sail for NYC on a ticket bought for him by his parents in the hope his American family could put him 'right' THIRD CLASS charts Edward's journey from boarding the Titanic to swimming for 30 minutes towards an already full collapsible lifeboat and how he, upon arriving in New York, would tour the Vaudeville circuit, recreating the stories for a fact-hungry public. But Edward didn't want fame; he wanted revenge. When everyone was talking about the deaths of millionaires and society figures, few were discussing the people who took the lion's share of the losses that night: the third class. Edward was coming for the upper classes. Using music, movement, projection, and historical facts, THIRD CLASS tells the story of an unknown hero from a well-known story.
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

8 Jul 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!
Cock by Mike Bartlett

Cock by Mike Bartlett

17 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025

John is happy in himself, and with his boyfriend, until one day he meets the woman of his dreams. In a world full of endless possibilities why must we still limit ourselves with labels? Mike Bartlett’s razor-sharp play about love and identity redefines the battle of the sexes as we know it. Following its Northern premiere in 2024, COCK returns to the North as part of a wider 2025 tour. The play centres on John, a man who finds himself torn between his long-term boyfriend and a woman he unexpectedly falls for.

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