Knowsley Schools Invited to Register Interest for FREE Shakespeare North Theatre Tickets
Fri 10 Jul, 2026
Schools across Knowsley are being invited to register their interest in a new ticket allocation programme that will provide around 1,800 local children and young people with free tickets to performances at Shakespeare North Playhouse.
The initiative, delivered by Knowsley Council in partnership with Shakespeare North Playhouse, will give pupils from across the borough the opportunity to experience live theatre free of charge through two upcoming productions:
- Macbeth, Age Guidance: 12+, 11 September to 3 October, available for secondary schools
- A Christmas Carol, Age Guidance: 6+, 20 November – 2 January, available for primary and secondary schools
Alternative provision settings within Knowsley are also eligible to apply, relaxed and accessible performances are available.
Interested schools are now encouraged to complete the registration of interest form to receive details of the bidding process when applications officially open.
The programme is open exclusively to schools and alternative provision settings located within Knowsley. Both primary and secondary schools will be able to bid for tickets relevant to their pupils’ age groups.
Ticket allocations will be determined in consultation with relevant partners and stakeholders including from within Shakespeare North, colleagues at Knowsley Council, ensuring the distribution reaches as many children and young people across the whole borough as possible.
The offer has been made possible through Knowsley Council’s commitment to delivering social value through its procurement activity. Funding of £54,000 has been secured through social value contributions from two major construction projects currently being delivered in Knowsley.
The funding has been provided through contributions from MJ Quinn, which is carrying out major improvement works at Halewood Leisure Centre, and Sterling Services (Northern) Ltd, which is delivering the new post-16 SEND education facility for Alt Bridge School at the Kirkby Centre.
The initiative represents a significant investment in cultural access and educational enrichment for Knowsley’s young people, supporting the shared ambition of Knowsley Council and Shakespeare North Playhouse to ensure local children can experience world-class theatre on their doorstep.
Councillor Jayne Lonergan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer these free theatre tickets to children and young people across Knowsley. Through the Council’s commitment to securing social value from our contracts, we can create opportunities that directly benefit local communities. We encourage all eligible schools and alternative provision settings to register their interest and take advantage of this exciting opportunity for their pupils.”
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:
“We believe every young person should have the opportunity to experience live theatre and the creativity, inspiration and enjoyment it can bring. We are looking forward to welcoming pupils from across Knowsley to Shakespeare North Playhouse and creating memorable experiences that support both learning and cultural participation.”
Schools wishing to be considered for ticket allocations should complete the registration of interest form here: Register Your Interest . Full details of the bidding process will be shared with interested schools once applications open.
