New images have offered the first look inside the new Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, ahead of its grand opening in July.

The ground-breaking venue is home to the only 17th Century style, timber-built ‘Cockpit’ theatre outside London, able to seat 450 spectators.

Built entirely during the pandemic thanks to public funds and donations, the venue is anticipated to attract over 140,000 visitors a year to the region.

Shakespeare North Playhouse will open its doors to the public with a weekend of free festivities from July 15-17, forming a key part of Knowsley’s Borough of Culture celebrations.

The venue is also home to a fully-accessible outdoor performance garden funded by the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, an exhibition gallery, a 60-seater studio theatre, a learning centre, events spaces, and a café and bar with an outdoor piazza.

Melanie Lewis, chief executive of the Shakespeare North Playhouse, says: “Revealing the building is wonderful. It’s a culmination of more than a decade of work by so many people, and yet in many ways, this is just the start.

“Experiencing the building again but through the senses of our audience and our community will be a joy. I’m feeling their excitement and curiosity. It’s a privilege.

“The entire building is a work of art in its own right, but what I am most excited about is how people will use it; how they will be welcomed and feel safe; how they will be inspired by Shakespeare, the physical space, and the people.

“Most importantly, however, I am eager to see how people will explore their creativity here, be they seasoned performers, upcoming artists, or people exploring theatre for the first time.

“This space belongs to the people and it’s time to welcome them in.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council, the major investment partner in the project, adds: “I couldn’t be more excited or prouder to be able to share these images and for people to get their first glimpse inside this remarkable building.

“Delivering a world class cultural venue for the people of Knowsley has been a long-held dream of the council and to see the Shakespeare North Playhouse almost ready to open its doors is a very special thing.

“The opening of the building is such a significant moment in Knowsley’s history and something that could not have been achieved without the determination and effort of so many people who have been involved in the project for more than a decade. I offer my thanks to everyone who has made this happen.

“I cannot wait for people to finally be able to explore the space and experience the Shakespeare North Playhouse for themselves in just a matter of weeks.”

Shakespeare North Playhouse is inspired by Prescot’s historic connections to William Shakespeare and a love of storytelling.

In the 1590s, a theatre stood in the town and hosted performances made possible by the Earl of Derby, resident at Knowsley Hall. It is thought that it was the only purpose-built indoor playhouse outside of London, and players brought with them new shows from a certain popular playwright of the day… William Shakespeare.

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