What’s On this Autumn at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Tue 26 Sep, 2023

In celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, Shakespeare North Playhouse present a jam-packed Autumn line-up, filled with plays, workshops and terrific talks and tours!

In celebration of the 400^th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, Shakespeare North Playhouse present a jam-packed Autumn line-up, filled with plays, workshops and terrific talks and tours!

This year marks the 400^th anniversary of the First Folio, which is the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, containing 36 out of some 38 of Shakespeare’s plays. Collated and published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death, only 18 of the plays had previously been printed during his lifetime.

In celebration of this, Shakespeare North will bring to life the story and the history behind the creation of the First Folio. As part of its European Premier Tour, Lauren Gunderson’s ‘The Book of Will’ (a co-production with Bolton Octagon and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch) will be staged at Shakespeare North Playhouse (19^th Oct -23^rd Nov). This production documents the tale of the First Folio’s creation and the people and friends of Shakespeare that were vital to achieving this.

In addition, a copy of the First Folio on loan from The British Library will be exhibited at Shakespeare North Playhouse as part of their Treasures on Tour programme and as part of Shakespeare North’s premier exhibition ‘Shakespeare’s First Folio: 400 Years On’ funded by Knowsley Borough Council. The British Library cares for five of the 235 First Folios that are known to survive worldwide.

Shakespeare North have also programmed a selection of workshops and talks to celebrate the folio being in residence.

‘Ink and Insights’ (Oct 24^th) is a fascinating journey through the history of the first folio, led by Dr Stephen Lloyd, the Curator of the Derby Collection at Knowsley Hall. Dr Stephen Lloyd will explore the process of publishing and preservation and will also explain the fascinating links between Shakespeare, the Earls of Derby and Knowsley Hall.

Actor, author, creative producer and Associate Artist of Shakespeare North Playhouse, Ben Crystal, will take audiences on a fascinating exploration of the First Folio (1^st Nov) celebrating what exactly makes it so special and how exactly it managed to preserve history.

‘The First Folio Family Portrait Workshop’ (1^st Nov) gives you the opportunity to sketch your own portrait, inspired by the iconic image of William Shakespeare on the First Folio!

‘The Decorative Lettering Family Workshop’ (3^rd Nov) is another opportunity to get your entire family involved: create a unique monoprint for the initials of your name, with patterns inspired by the ornaments featured in Shakespeare’s First Folio and the lettering on Shakespeare North’s piazza steps!

‘Lear in Brexitland’ (29^th Sept-7^th Oct) will be making its way to The Studio this Autumn. One Hour Theatre’s ‘Lear in Brexitland features a series of short plays, alongside storylines from Shakespeare’s work. Audience members are invited to take part in a discussion on the ideas and values of Shakespeare’s time, and how they make sense to us now.

For full listings, head to our What’s On page to find out more.