Knowsley Council and Shakespeare North Playhouse have both been announced as a finalist in the Theatres Trust’s Great British Theatres Awards.
Knowsley Council is a finalist in the Great Placemaking Partner category. This award recognises local authorities that truly value culture and are investing in cultural infrastructure to meaningfully benefit their local communities.
Knowsley Council is recognised for its bold ambition and visionary leadership, working with Shakespeare North Trust to successfully deliver Shakespeare North Playhouse, a world-class cultural venue in Prescot.
Shakespeare North Playhouse is a finalist in the Great New Build category which is awarded to a newly built theatre within the past five years. As a finalist, Shakespeare North Playhouse has demonstrated how a new physical space can successfully nurture artists, regenerate its surroundings, and become a civic destination.
The Great British Theatres Awards recognise the theatres and their champions that are making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s cultural life. The awards were launched as part of Theatres Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said:
“We are thrilled that the Council and Shakespeare North Playhouse have both been announced as finalists for the Great British Theatres Awards. Shakespeare North Playhouse is a powerful example of what can be achieved through vision, determination and partnership. Alongside our partners, we have created a fantastic and welcoming cultural venue that is transforming Prescot, enriching lives and delivering lasting economic and social benefits for our communities.”
Max Steinberg CBE DL, Chair of Shakespeare North trust commented:
“The partnership between Knowsley Council and Shakespeare North has been a crucial and vital element of the success of the theatre. Knowsley has been a trusted partner, championing the vision, helping bring people together and thus ensuring that the Playhouse delivers lasting benefits for the community. I am delighted that the theatre has also earned national recognition as a Great New Build finalist. The Playhouse continues to thrive, welcoming almost 400,000 visitors since opening.”
The finalists for the Great Placemaking Partner category are Glasgow City Council; Knowsley Council; Lambeth Council and London Borough of Harrow.
The finalists for the Great New Build Category are @sohoplace, London, BEAM, Hertford, Brixton House, London, The Nest, Chichester Festival Theatre and Shakespeare North, Prescot.
The winners will be revealed at the Great British Theatres Awards ceremony at Central Hall Westminster on Monday 2 November 2026.
About Theatres Trust
Theatres Trust is the national advice and advocacy body for the UK’s theatres supporting all forms of theatres, whether old or new, commercial, subsidised or community-run. We protect theatres and champion the future of live performance by advising and supporting our nation’s theatres to develop best practice in design and management following the four principles of resilience, environmental sustainability, inclusivity and placemaking. www.theatrestrust.org.uk
