Shakespeare North Playhouse have a jam-packed programme of events, shows and workshops for families this summer, with something for all ages. Check out the full programme below!
Treasure Island
Wed 30 July, 2pm
Head to the high seas with Off The Ground Theatre in this original adaptation of the swashbuckling classic story. With swash and buckle in spades, plenty of adventure and a hearty helping of laughs, this one has something for the whole family. Suitable for ages 7+
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/treasure-island/
Hamlet
Fri 1 Aug & Sat 2 Aug, 6. 30pm
Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company as they put on a frantic disposition to tackle Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy in their own anarchic style. Suitable for ages 12+
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/hamlet/
Aleena’s Garden
Wed 6 Aug, 11am & 2pm
Underneath the canopy of Aleena’s tree, the young audience will be led on an exciting journey through the natural world with lights, sound, touch, smells, original music and simple signing. This show is especially for 0 – 4-year olds and their families but all ages are welcome.
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/aleenas-garden/
Saving Shakespeare
Tue 12 Aug & Wed 13 Aug, 2pm
A fun and engaging introduction to Shakespeare and is aimed at families with children aged 8 upwards. It’s a hilarious and educational show, with edited and accessible versions of scenes from the Bard’s most popular plays (Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream) – a great introduction to Shakespeare for young people, and there’s quite a bit of audience interaction too!
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/saving-shakespeare/
Breadcrumbs
Fri 15 Aug, 2pm & Sat 16 Aug, 11.30am & 2pm
Hansel and Gretel are siblings that just can’t seem to get along. They argue about everything: Who’s the loudest, who’s the fastest, who’s the smartest, who’s Mum’s favourite, and who gets the most presents? A brand new family show packed full of music, magic and puppetry for ages 3+
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/breadrumbs/
Pirate Princess
Wed 20 Aug, 2pm
Poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy finds herself lost at sea in a most cumbersome ball gown. If only she could access a higher vantage point to see which way to swim! The show encourages us all to reuse, repurpose and recycle as Poppy reinvents her outfit and her mindset to overcome her predicament. This show is suitable for all ages and aimed specifically at 5 to 11 year olds.
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/pirate-princess/
The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth
Tue 26 Aug, 2pm & 6.30pm & Wed 27 Aug, 11am & 2pm
Join the ludicrously learned (and undeniably loopy) duo, Professor Doctor Lee Hithersay and Doctor Professor Robert Rhys Bond, as they embark on a quest to forge three brand-new myths live on stage! From the award-winning imaginations of The Rubbish Shakespeare Company and the Silly History Boys comes an hour of high-octane fun for the whole family. Forge your own unforgettable story and become a legend – you’d be mad to myth it! Suitable for ages 6+
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/the-story-forge/
Electric Dreams
Wed 27 Aug, 7.30pm/Thu 28 Aug, 2pm & 7.30pm /Fri 29 Aug, 2pm & 7.30pm /Sat 30 Aug, 2pm & 7.30pm
A Totally Awesome 80’s Midsummer Night’s Musical! Following it’s critically acclaimed sell out run supported by Arts Council England at Norton Priory outdoor theatre in 2023 and 2021, Electric Dreams comes to the Cockpit Theatre this August. Get ready for a summer of Shakespeare, love, mischief, spells and timeless anthems , where emotions are big and the hair is bigger…it’s a kinda magic!
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/electric-dreams/
Twelfth Night
Fri 29 Aug, 6pm
Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes entwined in a hilarious love triangle…Amidst the comedic chaos of mistaken identities, meet the drunken Sir Toby Belch, the pompous Malvolio, and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with Folksy’s touch of fun and live music. Bursting with romance and laughter, Twelfth Night is a whirlwind of mistaken identities and joyful endings!
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/twelfth-night/
Robin Hood
Sat 30 Aug, 2pm
Set against the enchanting backdrop of the eerie Sherwood Forest, this whimsical production sees King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham trying to thwart the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood and his band of merry men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor. Recommended for ages 3 – 10 (but suitable for all!)
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/robin-hood/
WORKSHOPS & REGULAR EVENTS
Baby Bards
Every Tuesday, 11.15am
Join our Learning & Engagement Team for a Baby Bards early years story and language session for pre-school children aged 18 months to 4 years old.
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/baby-bards-2/
Raise Your Voice
Every Tuesday from 4-6pm
An exciting opportunity for young people aged 11-16 to get involved in shaping the future of Shakespeare North Playhouse! Join us for a fun and inspiring session where you’ll work with professional artists to unlock your creative potential, develop new skills, and produce meaningful projects that will impact your community.
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/raise-your-voice/
Find Your Funny (Seniors, 12 – 16)
Seniors (12 – 16) Thursday 7 Aug, 11am
Juniors (6 – 11) Fri 8 Aug, 11am
Ready to laugh, think on your feet, and discover your unique sense of humour?
In this improvisation workshop, young performers will explore the art of spontaneous comedy through fun games, quick thinking, and plenty of laughs!
No experience needed—just bring your creativity and get ready to improvise, laugh, and find your funny!
Book Seniors online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/find-your-funny-seniors/
Book Juniors online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/find-your-funny-juniors/
Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons for Young People
Tue 5 Aug, Tue 19 Aug & Tue 26 Aug, 1pm
Join our Young Person’s Dungeons & Dragons 3 week play along at Shakespeare North Playhouse — the perfect place to make new friends, play together and bring heroic characters to life. Whether you’ve played before or you are brand new to the game, our welcoming group is all about creativity, teamwork, and fun. Guided by an experienced Dungeon Master, we’ll explore magical realms and create unforgettable stories.
Open to ages 12 –17, No experience needed — just bring your imagination!
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/introduction-to-dungeons-and-dragons-for-young-people/
Summer Theatre Explorers
Tue 19 Aug, Wed 20 Aug, Thu 21 Aug & Fri 22 Aug, 11am
Embark on an exciting adventure through the hidden corners of Shakespeare North Playhouse with our Theatre Explorers Tour. Designed especially for young adventurers and curious minds, this guided experience invites children to explore the theatre through storytelling, puzzles and hands-on activities.
Along the way, they’ll uncover secrets, spark their imaginations and create their very own themed craft to take home as a keepsake from the day. Suitable for ages 4+
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/summer-theatre-explorers/
Once Upon A Brick
Thu 28 Aug, 10am & Fri 29 Aug, 1pm
In this magical hands-on workshop, kids become master builders and brilliant storytellers, creating their own characters, adventures, and worlds using LEGO (toy) bricks. Whether it’s a dragon-guarded castle, a space explorer’s journey, or an underwater mystery — every story starts with a single brick.
Book online at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/once-upon-a-brick/
Shakespeare North Playhouse is also part of Knowsley HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) scheme this summer, offering acreative programme for children and young people aged 7–16 who receive Free School Meals, providing free activities, meals, and creative experiences during the school holidays. Families will receive voucher codes from schools to book sessions online, with details of activities, locations, and times.
Find out more, including dates and times at: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/summer-haf-is-here/
