Prescot’s ground-breaking new theatre Shakespeare North Playhouse opened its doors for the first time today.
The venue is home to the only 17th-century style, timber-built "Cockpit" theatre outside London and is able to seat 450 spectators. Built entirely during the pandemic with public funds and donations, the new venue is anticipated to attract more than 140,000 visitors a year.
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, learning centre, events spaces, and a café and bar with outdoor piazza. The venue opened its doors from 11am today, July 15, and welcomed guests to take part in a free outdoor event this evening to mark the occasion.
