Shakespeare North Playhouse Archives - Page 2 of 5

Midsummer Night’s Scream – Shakespeare North Playhouse

20Jun

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

Midsummer Night’s Scream – Shakespeare North Playhouse

Well, what a wonderful pastime – to sit in an intimate circle, on a balmy summer evening (long awaited summer evening, I might add) in the garden theatre space - dedicated to the marvellous Sir Ken Dodd, listening to two incredible orators read spellbinding clips from three stories, all which had a spooky theme running through them - that kept every punter mesmerised. I must admit I was not aware circle, scripts to see, I adore the Shakespeare North Theatre in Prescott, as in addition to the classic Shakespearian comedies or tragedies, there is always the opportunity to see raw, new theatre, astonishing talent and varied layers of artistry and tonight was no exception, as the two readers – John Maguire and David Griffiths - stood within our circle, scripts in hand, reading through the...

Twelfth Night – Shakespeare North Playhouse

12Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

North West

Twelfth Night – Shakespeare North Playhouse

As we approach the second anniversary of the opening of the Shakespeare North Playhouse, we can begin to assess its impact both within the local area and upon the wider northern theatrical scene. By teaming up with Not Too Tame, an independent theatre company based in Warrington for this version of ‘Twelfth Night’, we can see their intent to use of local voices to retell Shakespearean stories in an accessible way, an endeavour that was only partially successful in this production. Shakespeare’s tale of misunderstanding and cross dressing has undergone a renaissance in its popularity over the last decade, with the opportunity for directors to overtly queer the storyline and allow LGBTQ+ themes to be explored in the writing in an effective and sympathetic way. Whilst Director Jimmy Fairhu...

Richard, My Richard – Shakespeare North Playhouse

13Mar

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

Richard, My Richard – Shakespeare North Playhouse

Fantastic! Gripping! Awesome! Mesmerising! Stunning! I could end this review there - describing the thrill of watching this truly inspirational play, the first from the historian author Philipa Gregory, but I won’t - as I need to share this amazing piece of theatre. As you may know, Philipa Gregory is a historian who has written novels covering the history of England’s traumatic times during the War of the Roses. Of these times, when the dissolving Plantagenets were to be overthrown by the Tudor dynasty, a certain great playwright, William Shakespeare, felt inspired to share his views of these treacherous years and penned Richard III, convincing his readers and theatregoers into believing that this king was an evil, disfigured, murderous, tyrant. We have all believed this of Richa...

Les Dennis to star in Not Too Tame and Shakespeare North Playhouse’s Twelfth Night!

25Feb

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Les Dennis to star in Not Too Tame and Shakespeare North Playhouse’s Twelfth Night!

Beloved actor, comedian, and TV Presenter, Les Dennis, is set to take to the Shakespeare North Playhouse stage as ‘Malvolio’ in Twelfth Night this June 7th-29th. Not Too Tame and Shakespeare North Playhouse proudly announce another dynamic co-production, bringing forth a brilliantly bold rendition of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, ‘Twelfth Night’. Following the resounding success of their previous collaboration, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, the producing duo return to captivate audiences with a signature blend of exhilarating and anarchic experimental theatre. Not Too Tame & Shakespeare North Playhouse give this classic comedy a contemporary revamp with a dose of riffs, ruffs, and riotous partying. Prepare to be transported into a world where the stage is set...

Pride and Prejudice – Shakespeare North Playhouse

9Feb

By Hannah EsnoufNo Comments

North West

Pride and Prejudice – Shakespeare North Playhouse

After their greatly received production of ‘Strange Tale’ at the same venue last year, Imaginarium Theatre’s latest performance was hotly anticipated. Though some may stray from this type of re-telling when they are unfamiliar with the original tale, Imaginarium, I’m pleased to write, has achieved a very good balance in terms of audience accessibility as it centres on the essence of the 19th century classic whilst incorporating many relatable quirks. The Bennet family are loud, colourful and a smack in the face for ridding any pre-meditations of Georgian England. Lily Kelly’s Elizabeth was the most grounded performance and countered humorously by Kim Bennett’s bouncy namesake Mrs Bennett. Fully of energy and verve, these Bennett’s were exactly what is to be expected of Imaginarium: a go...

The Wind in the Willows – Shakespeare North Playhouse

7Jan

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

The Wind in the Willows – Shakespeare North Playhouse

Kenneth Grahame’s whimsical book of the friendship and adventures of a group of woodland animals has been adapted many, many times for stage and screen, but this latest take, adapted by Toby Hulse and directed by Julia Samuels, with musical direction from Sarah Llewellyn, still manages to breath fresh life into the classic tale. The meaning of the title has been long open to interpretation; tonight it is a sign of impending danger. Shakespeare North Playhouse’s Cockpit Theatre has been transformed into the round. Atop of a tree stump stage, we meet the chipper Ratty (Keziah Joseph having returned to the role following a rehearsal mishap), Mole (Katie Erich), Badger (Jenny Murphy) and Toad (Dean Boodaghians-Nolan) who take us on a wonderful, vivid tour of life on the riverbank. Boxes ...

The Wind in The Willows at Shakespeare North Playhouse

10Nov

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

The Wind in The Willows at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Trailer and rehearsal images have been released for The Wind in the Willows (24th November 2023 -13th January 2024) at Shakespeare North Playhouse. Set to captivate theatregoers throughout the festive season, The Wind in the Willows will showcase the magic and splendour of Kenneth Grahame's beloved children's classic. This delightful adaptation of the timeless tale will bring the magical world of Toad, Mole, Ratty, and Badger to life in an extraordinary theatrical experience for the whole family. Directed by the acclaimed theatre visionary Julia Samuels, The Wind in the Willows promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience, transporting the audience into a world of captivating characters, whimsical adventures, and profound life lessons. "We are thrilled to present T...

The Book of Will – Shakespeare North Playhouse

22Oct

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

The Book of Will – Shakespeare North Playhouse

For those amongst you who are fans of Shakespeare’s amazing plays – it is unbelievable to think that if his Kings men friends John Heminge and Henry Condell had not had the courage and devotion in 1619 (3 years after the playwright’s death) to gather his works in the first folio , that a lot of his works of art (up to 18) would be lost to history forever. The likes of King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, the Tempest, Measure for Measure, Julius Ceasar, Macbeth and A Midsummer nights’ dream, may never have been in our lives at all. Following the bard’s death in 1616, his works were strewn across the city of London. During the times that the plays were shown at the Globe in London, the actors were only given their own lines, as to not have the plays stolen or lost. During these times and af...

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Shakespeare North Playhouse

15Sep

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Shakespeare North Playhouse

Nearly 40 years ago, a skinny and slightly geeky young lad nervously walked into a college classroom to begin his studies for an A level in Politics, noticing that the student was sporting a Billy Bragg T-shirt, the lecturer picked a dog-eared copy of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' by Robert Tressell from the bookshelf and handed it over, urging him to read it. As I write this review, I still have that copy next to me (sorry Mr Beech!), that single act of kindness sparked a lifetime of love for this wonderful novel. In 2011 Actor/Writer/Musician Neil Gore celebrated the centenary of its writing (although it wasn't actually published fully until as late as 1956), by turning the novel into a two-handed show. This gradually morphed it into a one-man version which he has subsequently p...

7Sep

By Jan MellorNo Comments

North West

Macbeth – Shakespeare North Playhouse

What more apt way to celebrate a theatre company’s 30th birthday, than to deliver a production of Shakespeare’s most popular plays Macbeth internationally, and to start this amazing tour at the iconic Shakespeare North Playhouse in the heart of the Northern town of Prescot. This is exactly what the ETT theatre company did. We are all familiar with the 17th century tale of deceit, corruption and guilt. How Macbeth, an ambitious yet submissive man, with his narcissistic and controlling wife, murder King Duncan, as he sleeps. Who, then adding to this horrendous crime, also murder Duncan’s friend Banquo, to further clear their way to power. We know that these crimes haunt them throughout the play, torturing their tormented minds and souls but ETT have taken this tale into a new exhil...