A family fued divides the community! Violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet! Oddsocks return with their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the most dramatic of tragedies. Will Romeo pull himself together to escape with Juliet? Will the Nurse think of a better plan than the Friar? Will the audience help the lovers elope? All will be revealed as Oddsocks create uplifting comedy from the depths of despair in a show that’s the perfect antidote to prejudice.

Take Flight is a stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups. The story follows a musical mother bird as their baby hatches, grows and explores, navigating the challenges of hunger, sleep and play. Culminating in a beautiful aerial moment, the mother bird supports her baby to leave the nest & take flight. This multi-sensory, interactive show ignites the imagination and curiosity of babies who are then invited into the space with the performers to explore the baby safe set and props, including having a swing in the silks. We worked with development psychologist Dr Valentina Sclafani from Lincoln University to ensure the content is positive for babies in terms of neurological & motor skills development & encourages a strong bond between babies and their grown ups. “Our 10 month old was just mesmerized and her attention was held the whole way through (which is a miracle in itself)”

Adapted by James Nicholas, Blue Orange Arts presents: A brand new adaptation of one of Charles Dickens’ most haunting ghost stories! “She comes towards me on the floor; always
approaching; never coming nearer; always visible as if by moonlight whether the moon shines or not”. A writer struggling to reignite his creative vision. A real-life crime. And a visit to a supposedly haunted inn. As darkness descends, a ghostly tale is played out. But what is real and what is not? A tale of passion, deceit, and the ethereal dance between the realms of life and death as the Hanged Man’s Bride beckons from the shadows of the past. Adapted by and featuring James Nicholas.

London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy’s restored, and women are finally allowed on stage. One woman is about to take it by storm. Orange-seller, wit, trailblazer, Nell Gwynn is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. From the chaotic pit of Drury Lane to the polished halls of Charles II’s court, Nell’s rise to fame as one of Britain’s first actresses is equal parts hilarious and defiant. She can dance, she can sing, she can hurl a one-liner sharper than any sword and yes, she might just steal the King’s heart along the way. Packed with mischief, music and plenty of flair, Nell Gwynn is a riotous celebration of performance and women who won’t behave. With a fierce female-led ensemble at its heart, this rollicking comedy dances to its own beat and keeps the gents on their toes. Join us for a night of song, satire, and stage-crashing brilliance in this gloriously funny, feminist comedy that asks: why play by the rules when you can write your own?

Immerse yourselves in two timeless tales from the Godfather of Gothic Horror, Edgar Allan Poe. Arguably Poe’s darkest tale, The Black Cat depicts an alcoholic’s last confession on the eve of his death. Then, the poem that made Poe famous: The Raven. In the midnight hour, an elderly man laments the loss of his love, when an ominous visitor is heard tapping on his chamber door… One Man Poe returns to Shakespeare North Playhouse for their Heading North Festival with this thrilling double-bill, after presenting The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum in July last year. The show then went on to sell-out it’s run at Edinburgh Fringe and won The Derek Award for BEST OVERALL SHOW at Edinburgh Fringe 2025.

Expect fun, fish (for some reason), and conversations about life and love. Rowan is desperately trying to finish the musical she has been writing for six years when the lights go out. A knock on the door brings her new chaotic upstairs neighbour Charlie into her life, in a search for matches. Charlie and Rowan are opposites in many ways, but somewhere between the dark of the flat, and the peculiar perspective on love Rowan portrays when she plays parts of her musical, there is a spark. Never having seen each other, this spark turns into something that might be love. But can the connection survive when the safety of the shadows gives way to bright light. In this intimate new musical by Mairead Dunsmore with music and lyrics by Samuel Macdonald, expect fun, fish (for some reason), and conversations about life and love, asking if love is truly blind, and whether opposites really do attract.

Step into the world of Hamlet, Shakespeare’s masterpiece of revenge, betrayal, and ambition. Now in a brand-new 70-minute outdoor version from multi award winning A Place for Us Theatre Company, at Shakespeare North Ken Dodd Performance Garden this July. Shakespeare’s classic tale of revenge, betrayal, madness, and ambition is distilled into a high-energy performance that captures all the drama, emotion and language of the original play. Under the open sky, audiences will be drawn into Hamlet’s gripping journey and tragic demise as he confronts family betrayal, moral dilemmas, and the weight of destiny. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned Shakespeare fans, this fast-paced adaptation brings the iconic characters and timeless story to life in a way that is thrilling, fresh and unforgettable.

A Jazz Tribute to The Beatles Experience the timeless tunes of The Beatles with a Cool Cat Twist and join us for an unforgettable evening, as top-notch jazz musicians breathe new life into your favourite Beatles classics! The Beatles Get Blue comes to Shakespeare North on Thursday 16th July and promises to be a highlight in the calendar of live music events. Imagine “Hey Jude” with a sultry saxaphone solo or “Yesterday” transformed into a smoky jazz ballad, along with deep cuts from the band’s career-spanning albums featuring the finest songs by the world’s finest songwriters, prepare for a night of toe-tapping grooves and reimagined melodies that will leave you wanting more! Sound good? Book now as capacity is limited and this is a night that has everyone talking! Meet the band Matt Lawton: an accomplished bassist, arranger, and music educator currently touring with the electrifying Lusaint. Adee Lifshitz: captivating vocalist who recently graced the stages of Glastonbury, and tours with the legendary pop/rock band James. Colin Lamont: incredible, in-demand drummer who has recorded and toured with the likes of Mark Lanegan, Connie Lush and performs in jazz trio, The Alchemy Trio. Barry Dallman: session player and piano teacher, and a stalwart on the jazz music scene, he has numerous credits to his name and also performs in The Alchemy Trio.

Get in a fight. Cross-dress. Throw on some yellow stockings. Love can make you do the funniest things…! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present their own brand of Shakespearean mayhem. Separated at sea, twins Viola and Sebastian wash up on the island of Illyria, both fearing the other lost forever. Plied pranksters, puritanical pillocks and perhaps even true love await them as they forge their own paths through this new world of fools, jewels, duels and dual-identities. Family-friendly fun with live music and audience participation!

Since embarking on their musical journey back in 2012, Cloudbusting have been touring theatres and music venues across the UK and Europe, exploring the intricacies and nuance of Kate’s stunning albums. Along the way, many of those complex and at times powerful arrangements have demanded every ounce of musicality and virtuosity that the band could muster – but at more reflective moments, the true essence of Kate’s imaginative concepts have come to life with simply the voice and piano. It’s these jewels of the song-writing craft that the ‘Kate Bush Song Book’ ensemble now performs – with Matthew Bowers at the piano and Dave Roberts on bass backing the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Mandy Watson. The Song Book repertoire features stunning arrangements of some lesser-known tracks as well as many of the hits – including Wuthering Heights, Babooshka, Hounds of Love and Cloudbusting. But it’s perhaps the clarity of those piano-based tracks such as This Woman’s Work, Moments of Pleasure and The Man With The Child In His Eyes that dazzle most with their sheer complexity and pure lyrical invention. Many of Kate’s original collaborators have been inspired to join Cloudbusting for stage performances: drummer Preston Heyman; dancer and choreographer Stewart Avon Arnold; and of course the late Del Palmer – Kate’s bass player and sound engineer – who was always an avid supporter of the Kate Bush Song Book and guest performed with them across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. With material from across Kate’s repertoire, interspersed with personal reflections and insights to many of the songs from Mandy, Matt and Dave – don’t miss your chance to join them once again for a magical evening in appreciation of ‘this woman’s work’.

Join The Fabularium as they tell the tale of Reynard the Fox, the woodland’s most infamous scoundrel who plays one too many tricks and finds himself answering to the King! The tale of Reynard the Fox follows the woodland’s most infamous scoundrel who prides himself on being the trickster of the forest. But when the Woodland Court announces the theft of the King’s Crown Jewels, the animal kingdom immediately blame the fox. Reynard must do everything he can to prove his innocence and avoid certain death, as well as maintaining his devious persona. Will the gift of his silver tongue be a shade too bright against his roguish red fur to save his own tail? Reynard the Fox is an engaging theatre show for family audiences of all ages, using The Fabularium’s unique aesthetic, strong imagery and all performed upon their traditional wooden cart, featuring storytelling, puppetry, original live music and their bespoke animal headpieces.

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the troupe at Shakespeare North Playhouse for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’. What’s the play about? Well – Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee to the Forest of Arden, where they bump into Rosalind’s love interest Orlando. However, Rosalind is disguised as a young man. Cue some local Shepherds getting involved and the stage is set for a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match. This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!

"Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people." - Henry VIII, Act I, Scene IV Indulge in the perfect pairing: Wine Tasting at Shakespeare North Playhouse! Raise your glass and immerse yourself in a world of flavours, as we sample an array of delicious wines with wine expert John Budd from Boutinot Wines. You’ll be treated to velvety reds, crisp whites and tempting roses, each sip unveiling a story of its own. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious to explore the world of wine, this event promises to be an evening of taste and culture. Each Wine Tasting evening follows a different theme and features six beautiful wines that are complimented by a selection of nibbles and snacks prepared by our Head Chef Roland. Please be aware: You may be asked to show proof of age. Each tasting glass is approximately 100ml.

Puccini’s Tosca comes to the Ken Dodd Theatre, Knowsley: a gripping tale of love, power and sacrifice, reimagined in a dystopian future where tyranny and defiance collide.

When a king meets a princess, keeps his kingdom but loses his heart – but he, and his friends are all courting some very witty, wily ladies… Will they all labour in vain for love? Shake-Scene are bringing their distinctive cue-based performance back to Shakespeare North – let the love & chaos commence! The cast prepare from their own lines & cues only – not the whole play Why? Because that’s how the original players played it! Book your place in the Garden for a wild rollercoaster ride through love and relationships – there’s plots, there’s joy, there’s misunderstandings galore…

Oasiz are one of the UK’s most authentic tribute bands, a point proved in 2023 when a short clip of front man Steve, performing as Liam, went viral on social media with over half a million views. Many fans were convinced the clip was actually of Liam Gallagher himself, which led to the story being covered in the national press, as well as a high profile TV appearance later that year. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of (What’s the story) Morning Glory, Oasiz are embarking on a 2025 UK tour and this is your chance to see them in top form. The setlist will pay homage to the most memorable parts of Oasis’ record breaking 2nd album and will also include all the big hitting career spanning anthems that you would associate with a greatest hits tour.

Delighting audiences with their enormous repertoire of own songwriting and arrangements, The Easy Rollers are a septet who embody the famed spirit and consummate virtuosity of today’s booming British jazz scene and bring it straight back to the music’s roots: 1920s and ’30s Harlem, Kansas City and New Orleans. Released in 2025, their critically acclaimed album ‘… And Another Thing’ – spun on BBC Radio 3 and praised internationally for its “craft, strong ensemble work, and a clear passion” (Jazz In Europe) – was launched in London at a sold-out PizzaExpress Live. In 2026, The Easy Rollers celebrate their 10th anniversary, embarking on their most high-profile UK tour yet. Fronted by the captivating Dani Sicari, whose time-machine of a voice is evocative of early greats like Helen Kane and Ruth Etting, The Easy Rollers have long established a reputation for delivering performances that channel the in-the-moment dynamism of the Jazz Age at the height of its cultural grandeur. Arising from their love of the tradition, they take pride in marrying a conscientious approach to authenticity with their mission of ensuring this effervescent era of jazz is never presented merely as a nostalgic museum piece.

Warring lovers, lovers at war, revenge and reconciliation – Much Ado brings a war of words (& a happy ending) this August. Shake-Scene are bringing their distinctive cue-based performance back to Shakespeare North – let the love & chaos commence! The cast prepare from their own lines & cues only – not the whole play Why? Because that’s how the original players played it! Book your place in the Garden for a wild rollercoaster ride through love and relationships – there’s plots, there’s joy, there’s misunderstandings galore… August 6-8th, two chances to catch each play – book now!

Love, laughter, and a little bit of lunacy — enter a world where fairies meddle, lovers quarrel, and magic runs wild! This summer, join us for a breathtaking open-air performance of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In the heart of an enchanted forest, four young lovers flee the constraints of society and stumble into a realm ruled by mischievous fairies, feuding royalty, and a troupe of would-be actors with more enthusiasm than talent. What follows is a wild night of mistaken identities, magical transformations, and love gone deliciously wrong — enjoy Shakespeare’s dazzling verse and Folksy’s twist of live music, audience interaction and impressive multi-rolling!

He's a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. In his spoken word show, I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, Lydon is touring the UK. He will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions during a pyrotechnic tour. Lydon will be sharing his thoughts with audiences. He Could Be Wrong. He Could Be Right.

From his time in the building trade to becoming a TV legend & a freeman of Liverpool, Ricky Tomlinson tells all to writer of successful theatre show Irish Annies, Asa Murphy.

A 9-week series for anyone interested in developing their acting skills. Whether you’ve dipped your toe into performing or you’re a complete beginner, join us for an exciting dive into performing with expert Margaret Connell. Each week you’ll work with your class to explore principals of acting, collaborating as creatives and refining your talents.

Edith Smith, born in Oxton, was Britain’s first female police constable given the powers of arrest. Serving in Grantham during WWI, she redefined women’s roles in policing and community care. She is laid to rest in Runcorn.

A Portrait to Die For In a society obsessed with youth and beauty, Dorian Gray is offered the ultimate prize: eternal perfection. But perfection comes at a price, one that must be paid in blood. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” This bold new adaptation of the classic novel celebrates Wilde’s dazzling wit and dark imagination. Stylish and unsettlingly thrilling, The Picture of Dorian Gray plunges you into a world where charm is currency and the truth always exacts its price.

Come and spend a happy hour. The debut fringe hour from Chortle Hotshot 2025, Alex Stringer. Alex got sober in 2017 when she was 23. This is a show about what it’s like once you get sober, discovering who you really are without substances, and what if who you really are is actually also a dickhead? Ish Comedy Award Shortlisted for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025. Voted one of the 12 Rising Stars of Comedy by Rolling Stone. “Best Show” nomination at Women in Comedy Awards 2024.

Mud, blood and stiff upper-lips! Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours. Have you ever wanted to see the life of Henry VIII told as a romantic comedy or the tale of the Spanish Armada reimagined as a light operetta? Probably not. But that won’t stop The Pantaloons retelling great moments from the country’s past in a variety of surprising genres! Featuring live music, audience interaction and wild historical inaccuracy.

The Hammer and Helena is the true story of the most evil book ever written and its horrifying legacy. Helena Scheuberin finds herself the unwitting muse of a religious zealot – the self-proclaimed Hammer of Witches. Her witch trial would raise the ire of the Hammer, its outcome dooming women for centuries after. Now, Helena confronts her accuser one final time with her soul on the line. Written and directed by David Griffiths, creator of ArtsGroupie CIC’s chilling adaption of The Signalman and starring Samantha Alton (‘Kitty Queen of the Washhouse’) as Helena Scheuberin and John Maguire (‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’) as Heinrich Kramer. ArtsGroupie CIC blends its acclaimed portrayal of historical events with a dramatic and frightening narrative worthy of their annual sell out performances of Ghost Stories for Christmas, which have been featured in the New York Times.

Imagine being dragged into a wild camping trip with your politically outspoken uncle out of social awkwardness. No technology allowed. Just beer, fishing rods and jerky. A new comedy show by Sam Danson, looking at the painful reality of being between the generation that had no internet growing up, and the one that had all the internet… Fusing together theatre & stand up comedy, Off Grid explores generational divide, binary politics and how the online world is rapidly changing our society.

How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Wood's observational wit and wisdom? What would she make of an Air Fryer? The Repair Shop? K-Pop Demon Hunters? Paulus The Cabaret Geek is on hand to help us find answers. From the creators behind the critically acclaimed Looking For Me Friend comes What Wood Victoria Do? A brand new show, that takes an even deeper dive into the world of Wood. It is a celebration of those women who don’t mince their words but make everything better with a cuppa and a mutual distaste for next door’s extension: navigating friendship and loss amongst tea towels and village halls. Sit back and enjoy a fresh batch of brilliant tunes from The Victoria Wood Songbook. Directed by the multi-award-winning Sarah-Louise Young (An Evening Without Kate Bush) this is a show not to be missed. Though Vic may be gone, she has left behind so many nuggets of advice to help us build community based upon camaraderie, gossip and Custard Creams. So come and get your second helping of music, mirth and macaroons!

What would you destroy to get what you want? A dagger. A crown. The original text. One musician. Ten storytellers. Fifty candles. Ninety breathless minutes. Step into the shadows. Let the scorpions in your mind strike. Watch a world turn inside-out beneath a tyrant’s rule. Ben Crystal returns to Shakespeare North with a fast, spooky, blood-spattered staging of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous works: The Tragedie of Macbeth—ambition-driven, greed-flecked, grief-filled, revenge-fuelled, ghost-haunted… and absolutely cursed. Something very wicked this way comes.

A salt and pepper pot for the king and queen. A ruler for the prince. A spoon for the servant. A water bottle for the messenger. Two performers create condensed versions of some of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, creating lovingly made miniatures played out on a one metre table-top. In Selected Works the dynamic force of storytelling is explored in a unique and highly accessible way. Each work re-tells the story of a Shakespeare play using ordinary everyday language and bric-a-brac objects as stand-ins for the characters, creating worlds as vivid as they are strange.

In its anniversary year, Ghost Stories of Christmas past meet chilling tales of Christmas present. The show that revived a time-honoured tradition, according to the New York Times.

Tinsel is the tale of one magical little boy who dreams of being the fairy on top of the Christmas tree! He can sing, dance, and wear a sparkly tiara as well as anyone else can. But to get to the top, he’ll have to convince a whole tree of doubting baubles, naughty elves, and a naysaying nutcracker that anyone can shine if they’re just given the chance! From Wrongsemble (A Town Called Christmas) and Gala Durham this brand new festive production is perfect for ages 3+ packed full of original live music, puppetry and raucous storytelling.

“Sometimes our night time imaginings merely hint at the real horrors…” An expert at chilling the spine and curdling the blood, Edith Nesbit relates three of her best Gothic tales while recalling her own childhood terrors. In The Shadow, a repressed housekeeper encounters an abominable entity, while in The Pavilion the shadow of a long-dead necromancer envelops a social gathering. Finally, a deranged young woman harbours a deadly secret in a rediscovered story called A Strange Experience. Following the success of The Masks of Aphra Behn, Claire Louise Amias returns with this gripping insight into the darker side of Edith Nesbit, author of The Railway Children. Renowned horror expert Jonathan Rigby directs this chilling one-woman show.

It's almost easier to say whom Ruby Wax DIDN'T meet, interview and coax fascinating insights from in her huge TV shows 'Ruby Wax Meets' and 'Full Wax'. Donald Trump, OJ Simpson, Pamela Anderson, Madonna and many more. Her provocative, abrasive, incomparable style was - just about - kept in check by lifelong friend and A-list producer, Clive Tulloh. Together live on stage they review clips from the extraordinary shows, tell scandalous stories never before heard - and take the audience along for the ride. Featuring Ruby Wax & Clive Tulloh.

The multi award winning A Place For Us Theatre Company are off on tour this Summer! See two faithfully abridged 70-minute versions of Shakespeare's iconic tragedies at stunning venues across the North West. Most venues offer a 'Double Bill' option at a discounted rate. So why not enjoy a picnic and a glass of something celebratory during the interval between these two incredible performances. Tickets for individual shows are also available at most venues. See below for more details. Romeo & Juliet: Building on previous years of sold-out outdoor Shakespeare productions, this hard-hitting 70 minute adaptation, immerses audiences in the passion, violence and urgency of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. Prepare for an unforgettable theatrical experience from multi award winning ‘A Place for Us Theatre’. Hamlet: Step into the world of Hamlet, Shakespeare’s masterpiece of revenge, betrayal, and ambition. This five-star acclaimed 70 minute accessible visceral version of Shakespeare's chilling play from multi-award-winning theatre company 'A Place for Us' comes to venues across the country for limited performances only. "The Rest Is Silence..."

From the team who brought you Little Penguin's First Christmas and Little Bear and the Christmas Lights; A Very Messy Christmas is a brand new sensory show for 0-3 year olds.   Eve likes everything to be calm and tidy and quiet but Christmas is loud and chaotic and cold so she doesn't let it into her home. One day, a mysterious box arrives and a tiny bit of Christmas escapes! Despite her best efforts, Christmas has sneaked into Eve's house and is causing mayhem but she soon realises that she likes the music and the silliness, she even likes the snow! Maybe a bit of Christmassy chaos is exactly what Eve needs.  With clowning, original music and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, this is an interactive, sensory show that is perfect for little ones!  All persons attending must have a ticket, regardless of age. Please purchase a Standard Ticket (Age 3+) for all accompanying guests aged 3 or above.

Have you ever wondered what happens to a poo after you flush it down the loo? We have! Join us for a delightfully disgusting interactive game-show exploring the extraordinary world of water, pipes, and poo. Can you help Bubbles win the golden crown? And what will we discover along the way? A brand new show from award-winning children’s theatre company One Tenth Human. Featuring ridiculous dance moves, competitive flushing, real toilets, and some very disgusting poo, this brand new adventure will delight everyone aged four and up.