If, like me, you have never been to Prescot, it’s a sleepy historic town which now has at its heart a crown of glory – Shakespeare North Playhouse: a modern spacious complex that stands in the centre of the town by the church and gardens and it is a welcoming, beautiful space as soon as you enter. With gift shop, large airy coffee shop and three wonderful performance areas.
This was well worth the wait!
In the 1590s a remarkable theatre stood in Prescot: The Playhouse hosted performances made possible by the Earl of Derby and later the Cockpit Theatre was the inspiration for this contemporary building. Twenty years ago, conversations were had, and plans begun. Last year it opened to audiences, bringing live theatre to the heart of its community. In less than a year Shakespeare North has reached local audiences who might never have dreamed of seeing Shakespeare in all its variety on their doorstep.
We were gathered to discuss the forth coming season in the Sir Ken Dodd Garden, made possible by his generous patronage and continued by Lady Anne Dodd, who was also there today. She delighted us by telling stories of Ken over coffee and cake. Then a tour of the amazing main space the Cockpit, a reconstruction of Inigo Jones design. Why not take a look at the photos on their website? There is also a studio and many other spaces for meetings, spoken word events and community activities.
SIR KEN DODD PERFORMANCE GARDEN serves as a memorial to the late, great comedian and his contribution to the arts.
I was expecting trees and greenery, instead we have some truly stunning stone steps engraved with quotes as the seating area and a large open space for performance. Little hints of Doddy in a jester statue and his quotes mixed in with Shakespeare’s. Sir Ken loved The Bard and would have been so proud to see it welcoming performances all summer.
This season kicks off with a brand new musical comedy from Bill Elms Productions ‘Twice Nightly’ on 6th and 7th May. Starring Maria Lovelady, Michael Alan-Bailey and featuring the voice of Joe Pasquale. This is a celebration of Music Hall but featuring original songs. Then on 9th-11th June Rubbish Shakespeare return with ‘A rubbish Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Described as horrible histories but funnier! On 15th-18th June, A Place for Us Theatre from Runcorn, perform ‘Murder, Mayhem and Magic.’ Set in the court of Elizabeth 1st. Then on 24th June, as part of 19th Annual Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts, the Garden will host ‘In conversation with Shakespeare North Playhouse’ with Laura Collier, Creative director and Chief Executive Melanie Lewis.
Imaginarium Theatre return with a swash-buckling half-term pirate show for all the family: ‘Treasure Island and the last lighthouse Keeper’ on 2nd-3rd June and then again on 14th to 16th July with ‘The Taming of The Shrew.’ On 21st-23rd Rubbish Shakespeare and Wing it Impro present ‘The Incomplete Works’- a totally improvised play in honour of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio. On 27th-28th July, Handlebards round off the month with their high-octane production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ In the following month, Artsgroupie bring to life one of England’s first abolitionists in ‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’ 26th-27th August. This production uses puppetry, physicality and traditional storytelling. There are also a few other exciting shows still to be announced officially, so keep a look out on the website for when dates are released.
In all there will be comedy, drama, music, slapstick and of course some Shakespeare to make it a jammed packed wonderful summer of outdoor shows – Come rain or shine – they will be there. So, remember, bring a cushion, a mac and sun-glasses – whatever the weather you’ll be in for a treat!
With ticket prices at various levels and the offer of PAY WHAT YOU DECIDE (PWYD) everyone can access these wonderful shows and see something that perhaps they have never seen before. The team at Shakespeare North are committed to giving theatre to everyone and certainly the audience share has been first time audiences returning again from local postcode areas. For those of us a little further away, it doesn’t take long to get there from around Liverpool or the Wirral and when trips to Stratford and London are beyond the reach of most these days, having this outstanding venue so close is something we should treasure.
Apart from all the shows on offer and I do suggest you check out the website, there’s Spoken word events and also an Elizabethan Fayre 10th June in Prescot. There’s really no excuse not to visit!