A Merseyside town is home to an "astonishing" venue that people travel for miles to visit.
Prescot is home to the only 17th-century style, timber-built "Cockpit" theatre outside London. Able to seat 450 spectators, the theatre was built entirely during the pandemic with public funds and donations.
Expected to attract more than 140,000 visitors a year, it opened its doors last year after two decades of planning, and has proven to be a success ever since. Whether visiting a theatre for the first time, or plans to see what it is like, positive feedback came pouring in.
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Sandra Walker lives in Prescot after living in London for 30 years. She told the ECHO: "I'm delighted to have this theatre situated in Liverpool, especially with the historical connections to Lord Derby. I have seen performances in the cockpit theatre a good few times since opening weekend, it is a truly amazing space, and the productions have been brilliant. I can’t wait to see what comes next, there is so much potential."
She added: "As an avid theatre goer I’ve attended many, many performances over the years, including at The Globe theatre which is the most amazing space. The cockpit at SNP is astonishing, it took my breath away the first time I set foot inside. I’m so excited about its future, and very thankful that it was built."
Donna Ford said whether going to watch a play, meet friends for coffee or attend an awards ceremony, the building has it all. She said: "I think it is such a fantastic addition to Prescot."
The Shakespeare North Playhouse has recently been named the Theatre Building of the Year at this year’s The Stage Awards. The awards, in association with Tysers, are the highest profile awards celebrating excellence in British theatre across the UK.
Having impressed the judges at this year’s awards with its ambitious vision and community values, Shakespeare North Playhouse were awarded Theatre Building of the Year.
Ian Bradshaw has been to the a Midsummer Nights Dream which he says was "brilliant". He told the ECHO: "I live locally, it's a real asset to Prescot.
"This was the first time we had been to such a theatre. We were able to make use of the pay what you decide tickets which made tickets available to us at £5 each. The play itself was very cleverly written and will definitely return in the future."
The venue is also home to a fully-accessible outdoor performance garden funded by the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, an exhibition gallery, a 60-seater studio theatre, learning centre, events spaces, and a café and bar with outdoor piazza.
Melanie Lewis our chief executive told the ECHO: "The development of Shakespeare North Playhouse has been an incredible journey that continues as we listen and respond to our audiences and community. Our mission to inspire joy and creativity through theatre is part of a wider initiative in the development of Prescot, and we hope to continue to enact positive change in our local and wider community."
The ECHO previously reported on a "buzz" around Prescot as it was branded the "underrated" Merseyside town that "deserves more recognition".
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development added: "Shakespeare North Playhouse is playing a vital role in the council’s ambitious regeneration and transformation of Prescot town centre. Before construction of the theatre even started, the ‘Shakespeare effect’ had a positive impact on private investment in the town, with new bars and restaurants opening.
"In the six months since opening, thousands of visitors have passed through its doors, performances have received 5-star reviews, footfall in the town centre is up and the building itself has won numerous awards, and this is only just the beginning.
"We always knew that having a world class cultural venue in Prescot would be a gamechanger for the town and I am thrilled we have been able to deliver that for our residents and everyone living in the Liverpool City Region. What an amazing thing to have this wonderful theatre on your doorstep."
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