Knowsley Council’s partnership with the Shakespeare North Trust has been recognised nationally at the Theatres Trust’s first ever Great British Theatres Awards, held in London.
Picking up the Great Placemaking Partner award, the Council was recognised for its bold ambition and visionary leadership, working with the Shakespeare North Trust to deliver a world-class cultural venue in Prescot – the Shakespeare North Playhouse.
These national awards, established this year, aim to celebrate the buildings and spaces where performance comes to life and communities connect with each other. The Placemaking Partner Award in particular aims to recognise local authorities that truly value culture and are investing in cultural infrastructure to benefit local communities.
Cllr Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council commented:
“I am delighted to have picked up this award and that our work with the Shakespeare North Trust has been recognised nationally. We have always had the firm belief that creating cultural spaces – like the Shakespeare North Playhouse – can have a huge impact on a place and its communities. It was that conviction that first led us to proceed with the idea of creating a theatre in Prescot all those years ago. And now, to see that theatre up and running, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year is just fantastic.”
Max Steinberg CBE DL, Chair of the Shakespeare North Trust said:
“Knowsley Council has and continues to be a fantastic partner and champion for the Shakespeare North Playhouse. I am really pleased that their contribution has been recognised with this latest award win. From the outset, Knowsley shared the Trust’s vision and appreciation for the fact that theatres can bring communities together, support regeneration and deliver lasting benefits for the community.”
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.
About the Theatres Trust
The 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
