Shakespeare North Playhouse becomes our 17th regional theatre partner

Shakespeare North Playhouse has joined our Associate Schools Programme to expand arts opportunities for young people across Merseyside.

Lucy Williams_SN_OPENDAY2-72

We are proud to announce Shakespeare North Playhouse - based in Prescot, Merseyside - has become the 17th regional theatre partner in our Associate Schools Programme, creating exciting new opportunities for children, teachers and schools across the region.

Through this partnership, Shakespeare North Playhouse will work alongside local schools and educators to embed creative learning practices that support educational attainment, confidence, wellbeing and a deeper connection to learning. 

The programme is built on the principle that local leadership is key, enabling theatres and schools to respond directly to the needs and aspirations of their communities while benefiting from a nationally connected network of expertise and support.

As we continue to mark 20 years of working in partnership with theatres, schools and communities across England with Building Partnerships: a programme of special events and performances - and in the midst of our Celebrating Partnerships fortnight, dedicated to spotlighting the extraordinary work of our partners across the country - this new partnership comes at a transformative and exciting time.

Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to be joining the RSC's Associate Schools Programme and to be bringing this nationally recognised model of creative learning to Knowsley.

"Regardless of their background, every child deserves access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences. This partnership allows us to work closely with schools, teachers and young people to unlock creativity, build confidence and create meaningful opportunities that will have a lasting impact on learning and life outcomes.

"The programme aligns perfectly with our mission to place our community at the heart of everything we do, while connecting Knowsley and Merseyside to a national network of innovation, excellence and opportunity."

Our Associate Schools Programme is a long-term partnership model connecting schools and regional theatres across England. Built around rehearsal room practice, teacher development, playmaking, youth voice and local leadership, the programme aims to improve outcomes for children and young people through sustained engagement with arts-rich education.

It now connects 280 schools and 17 regional theatres across England, demonstrating the transformative impact that arts-rich education can have on young people's lives.

Our research shows that participation in arts-rich education can improve educational attainment, language development, critical thinking, creativity, wellbeing and resilience. Crucially, it can also help close the gap between children from the most advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds, strengthening young people's sense of self-belief, belonging and future opportunity.

For Knowsley - the borough in which Shakespeare North Playhouse is based and where increasing pressures on schools and reductions in arts funding continue to impact access to creative experiences - the partnership represents a significant investment in the next generation.

The collaboration reflects a shared belief that arts education is not an optional extra, but an essential entitlement for every child. By bringing together schools, theatres and other cultural organisations as well as educators, Shakespeare North Playhouse and the RSC will help create a stronger, more connected pathway for young people to access creativity and realise their potential.

Steve Samosa_Shakespeare North Playhouse Prescot

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE

Shakespeare North Playhouse is a cultural and educational landmark dedicated to theatre, creativity, and community engagement. Since opening in July 2022, it has become a beacon for arts and heritage in Prescot, earning prestigious awards such as Theatre Building of the Year (The Stage Awards 2023), RIBA North West Building of the Year 2024 (RIBA UK Awards 2024), and Entertainment Venue of the Year (Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards).

More than just a theatre, the Playhouse offers world-class performances, interactive learning experiences, community sessions, and artistic opportunities, as well as reconnecting Prescot with its Elizabethan heritage, inspiring communities across the region. Since opening, over 300,000 people have visited, of which 10% had never set foot inside any theatre before.

Shakespeare North Playhouse is a National Portfolio Organisation. Funded by Knowsley Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Arts Council England and the Department for Culture Media and Sport. 

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