Shakespeare North Playhouse: Celebrating Success and Strengthening Community Partnerships

Thu 19 Mar, 2026

Knowsley Council’s Cabinet has welcomed the findings of a recent Scrutiny Review into the Shakespeare North Playhouse, highlighting the theatre’s inspiring impact on the borough and its growing role as a community asset.

Written & published by Knowsley News

The review praised the Shakespeare North Playhouse team for their passion, ambition, and commitment to raising aspirations across Knowsley. Councillors were particularly impressed with the theatre’s community‑focused programmes and the positive outcomes already being delivered for local residents.

Since opening, in July 2022, the theatre has cemented its position as a leading theatre, as well as a community hub, providing life-changing opportunities for the people of Knowsley, the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

Over 370,000 people have visited the building.
44,708 children and young people have seen shows or taken part in workshops and events.
Over 24,500 Pay What You Decide Tickets for those living in priority postcode areas in Knowsley.
Shakespeare North Playhouse has won and been shortlisted for 38 Awards including Theatre Building of the Year in 2023.

The Scrutiny report set out several recommendations to help build on the theatre’s success and strengthen links across the borough. Cabinet has welcomed and endorsed these, including:

Continue to share good news stories, achievements, and community benefits, including a presentation to Full Council, a public open day, and closer engagement with Prescot Town Council and senior Council officers.
Support the 5-year vision of the Shakespeare North Trust to broaden opportunities through partnerships with the business and education sectors and explore potential solutions to overcome any travel and accessibility barriers.
Cabinet reaffirmed that the council’s financial support for the Playhouse is an important “invest to save” approach—helping to deliver wide‑ranging social and economic benefits for the borough.
Shakespeare North Playhouse will continue to build strong relationships with local businesses through networking events and collaborations, helping boost visitor numbers and support the wider regeneration of Prescot.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:

“I would like to thank the Scrutiny Committee for their thorough review and recommendations. We are extremely proud of what Shakespeare North Playhouse has achieved since opening, and with its creative programmes, strong partnerships, and exciting plans for the future, the Playhouse will continue to be a landmark for culture, learning, and community pride in Knowsley. Residents can look forward to more opportunities to get involved, discover new experiences, and celebrate everything the theatre brings to the borough.”

The full Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee Reports are available here.