First glimpse inside magnificent £38million Shakespeare playhouse

Much Ado About Knowsley! Images give first glimpse inside magnificent £38million Shakespeare playhouse on Merseyside

•  It is a replica of a ‘cockpit-at-court’ theatre built for James I 400 years ago
•  The  Shakespeare North Playhouse in Knowsley, Merseyside cost £38million
•  Councillor Tony Brennan said it is projected to attract  up to £5.3million 

 It was once home to the only Elizabethan purpose-built indoor theatre outside London.

So it is fitting that the Merseyside borough of Knowsley can now boast the £38million Shakespeare North Playhouse.

This first glimpse of the venue shows its breath-taking galleried interior, built with 60 tons of beautiful English oak. The 470-capacity playhouse in the Knowsley town of Prescot will contain some ‘pit’ seating just feet from the actors, ensuring an electrifying and intimate experience for audiences.

The playhouse will bring some tourism to the second most deprived borough in England

And the flexible stage configuration will enable shows to be put on ‘in the round’. Designed by architect Dr Nick Helm, it is an exact replica of a ‘cockpit-at-court’ theatre commissioned for James I almost 400 years ago.

Knowsley is the second most deprived borough in England.

But councillor Tony Brennan said the playhouse is projected to attract 140,000 visitors a year and bring up to £5.3million into the local economy.

The venue – which has been largely publicly funded – is set to open next month.

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