Autumn can be a fantastic opportunity to take in some theatre, a gig, stand-up comedy or even a Spoken Word night…
As the nights begin to get a little cooler, why not visit Shakespeare North Playhouse for some amazing performances, ready to move you, excite you and transport you into other worlds.
Theatre
Tuesday 16 September – Wednesday 17 September
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth by enjoying this unique stage adaptation of her most magnificent novels! Lady Susan is Jane Austen’s perfectly crafted tale of manipulation and manners. From the award-winning DYAD productions this hilarious one-woman show gives you Austen as you’ve never seen it before.
To Be and To Be: Queer Lives on Stage
Tuesday 16 September – Friday 14 November
To Be and To Be: Queer Lives on Stage takes you on a journey from the gender-fluid performances of Shakespeare’s day to the vibrant drag and queer theatre scene of modern Merseyside. Through a lively presentation, you’ll discover the untold stories of gay, bi, and trans performers who helped shape theatre, onstage and behind the scenes, while exploring the roots of drag culture, including the enduring legacy of the pantomime dame
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
Friday 3 October – Saturday 25 October
On a distant island, a magician lies in wait…
An ousted former Duke robbed of position, power and wealth; Prospero has been left in isolation save for a handful of spirits who also inhabit his polluted island home.
Of course – this is no ordinary person, and no ordinary island…
The first collaboration between Shakespeare North Playhouse and internationally renowned cycling theatre company, The HandleBards.
Music
Thursday 18 September
Following its sell-out success in the studio last year, this fab show is welcomed to the Cockpit stage. This dazzling tribute show celebrates Kylie’s incredible and long-standing career – get ready for all her greatest hits from the 80s through to today.
Friday 19 September
Rising local singer songwriter Paul Crowe makes his debut appearance at Shakespeare North, hot on the heels of his latest album Sun Sets the Scene. Paul is bringing his full band for a special evening of original music – with support from some special guests.
Songs and Stories – An Intimate Evening With Paul Young
Wednesday 29 October
Knowsley Music Festival returns once again this autumn, with an impressive line-up of artists and performers at venues across the borough. Pop icon Paul Young takes to the stage at Shakespeare North Playhouse pairing an intimate acoustic performance with stories from his life in music and an audience Q&A session.
Film Screenings
Friday 19 September. Tickets £5.
Communities and voices are observed from a fresh perspective as the city navigates through an eventful year. Mirroring the ebb and flow of the River Mersey, Liverpool Story is an intimate document of daily life; observing the city and its people over the passing seasons. One of the most beloved recent films in the region, an extraordinary scouse love letter.
Screening includes in-person Q&A with director Daniel Draper (Almost Liverpool 8, Iron Ladies) and film curator Bruno Castro. Event includes also the screening of a short film directed by a local filmmaker (North West), to be announced.
Wee Film Club: Lulina & other stories
Saturday 20 September. Tickets £3.
10am – FREE activity for children (arts & crafts on cinema) 11am – film screening
Colourful, imaginative, intriguing, amusing, moving… this collection of awarded short films for those aged eight and above is all of that and much more. The films in this screening are from France, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico and the UK and present an eclectic mix of styles ranging from watercolour, cut outs, stop-motion, hand-drawn and 2D computer animation.
Friday 17 October. Tickets £5
A musical bonanza, chronicling a time when teenagers first came into their own and racism was on the rise in England.
Colin (Eddie O’Connell), an aspiring young British photographer and jazz aficionado, falls for the beautiful Crepe Suzette (Patsy Kensit), a model on the rise. When she leaves him to pursue her dreams of fame, Colin lands under the wing of Vendice Partners (David Bowie), a suave advertising executive, and begins his own climb toward success.
Wee Film Club: My Neighbour Totoro
Saturday 18 October. Tickets £3
10am – FREE activity for children (arts & crafts on cinema) 11am – film screening
This acclaimed animated tale by director Hayao Miyazaki follows schoolgirl Satsuke and her younger sister, Mei, as they settle into an old country house with their father and wait for their mother to recover from an illness in an area hospital. “My Neighbour Totoro” is an absolute classic of Japanese animation, beloved by generations worldwide.
Regular events
Every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-1pm. No ticket required, just pop in.
Chatter & Natter is a weekly meet-up at Shakespeare North to have a chat – a space for people to talk while you have a brew.
21 October, 11 November, 9 December
A monthly spoken word night. It is an inclusive, welcoming community space for both performers and audience alike. Everyone is welcome at Itch Spoken Word Night.
If you love spoken word, or you’ve no idea what is and want to find out, join in at Itch!
Various dates. Tickets from: £9.50
Want to know more about why Shakespeare North Playhouse was built? Why in Prescot? Why it won ‘Theatre Building of the Year 2023’ at The Stage Awards? Look no further! The tour will lead you through the award-winning venue, diving deep into the heritage, the rich history of Prescot and its links to Shakespeare. You’ll also be given the chance to ask any burning questions you might have.
Every Tuesday. New ticket type available – child plus a FREE adult costing just £6
An early year’s story and language session for pre-school children aged 18 months to 4 years old. Introducing story, letters and phonics through readings and fun activities, your little ones will be Bards in no time. Each child attending should be accompanied by an adult.
