What’s on this Winter at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Mon 20 Nov, 2023

Shakespeare North Playhouse is set to enchant audiences with a captivating array of performances and workshops this season. From a festive season to workshops at Toad Hall to rib tickling comedy nights, take a look at the exciting lineup for this winter!

The Wind in The Willows

24^th Nov 23- 13^th Jan 24

Get ready for another whirlwind adventure in the Cockpit Theatre this Christmas time, as we head to the English countryside with our good friends Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger!

The Wind in the Willows is a funny, timeless tale of friendship, courage, consequences and bravery.

When Mole forfeits his seasonal cleaning for the lure of the luscious riverbank, he has no idea of the thrilling (and slightly chaotic) journey that he and his friends are about to embark on…

Featuring live music and a talented company of actor-musicians, this delightful adaptation by Toby Hulse of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story is set to be the perfect festive treat for all ages.

Christmas Studio Movies

19^th-24^th December

Fancy a cosy evening in the theatre this Christmas? Shakespeare North Playhouse have you covered with screenings of classic Christmas films this December in The Studio, take a look at the full listing’s below!

Feeling Festive with The Liverbird

8^th December

Join Merseyside’s very own scouse songbird, Victoria Jones, for an evening of songs from the 60s by artists including Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield and Lulu…and, of course, some festive favourites.

Victoria Jones performs extensively across Liverpool, appearing regularly at The Green Room, The Bentley, 30 James St, The Shankly and The Cavern, and has taken The LiverBird to international waters on a number of cruise ships.

She has also fronted a national UK theatre tour of Cilla & The Shades of the 60s to critical acclaim, performed alongside The Merseys and The Dakotas in Rockin’ and Rollin’ with Laughter and appeared on the BBC’s The One & Only.

Comedy Night- Women Aren’t Funny

14^th December

“All women joke about is periods and bras!”

Well, at Shakespeare North we love a Period BRAma!

Join us in our Studio this Christmas for a hilarious night of stand-up comedy that is here to prove one thing… women are in fact, very funny.

Hosted by the incredible Kay Nicholson, (Rita Sue and Bob Too, and a regular at Hot Water Comedy Club) this event will feature the finest and funniest female comics across the North West and beyond. Full line up to be announced.

Ghost Stories for Christmas

15^th-16^th December

ArtsGroupie chill the air with a selection of ghost stories for Xmas.

In the tradition of M.R James, Susan Hill and Charles Dickens, we invite you to pull up a chair and engage in one of the oldest festive traditions, sharing a classic ghost story.

New material and a traditional classic will be read aloud by local writers John Maguire and David Griffiths, alongside special guests.

Workshops and More!

Festive Wine and Cheese Night

14^th December

Celebrate a pairing as old as Shakespeare himself, by indulging in a winter evening of continental wines and cheeses selected to compliment them with wine expert John Budd from Boutinot Wines.

An eclectic range of whites reds and roses are met with a plethora of cheeses, each with their own story to tell, and all of them with their own relation to the bard’s characters.

Whether you’re something of an expert in the field or simply fancy a cosy festive knees-up, this evening promises to be a wonderfully intimate event of taste, culture, and fun.

Book Folding Workshop- Family

2^nd and 9^th December

Join artist, Kate Bufton, to learn how to create sculptures and objects by recycling old books.

Create your own Ratty and Toad from The Wind in the Willows.

Create your own festive gingerbread house.

Sat 2nd Dec

11.15-12.15pm – Ratty and Toad family workshop

12.30-1.30pm – Gingerbread house family workshop

Sat 9th Dec

11.15-12.15pm – Ratty and Toad family workshop

12.30-1.30pm – Gingerbread house family workshop

Each child attending should be accompanied by an adult – adults and children will need their own ticket.

Book Folding Workshop-Adults

2^nd December, 9^th December and 27^th January

Join artist, Kate Bufton, to learn how to create sculptures and objects by recycling old books.

Create your own Christmas tree or Christmas wreath to decorate your own home or gift to someone else.

In the New Year, why not create your own book sculptures or treat a loved one to an extra special Christmas present so that they can develop a creative skill.

Sat 2nd Dec

2pm-4pm – Book folding Christmas wreaths

Sat 9th Dec

2pm-4pm – Book folding Christmas trees

Sat 27th Jan

2pm-4pm – Book folding workshop