Shakespeare theatre given architectural award

Shakespeare North Playhouse was hailed as a "theatre for the people" when it opened in 2022

A theatre in Merseyside has won a national architectural award.

Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot jointly won the award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) with Knowsley Council.

The Client of The Year award commends those who "champion innovation in architecture and give inspiration to the design team, demonstrating an active involvement within the design process".

The state of the art building rivals London's Globe and was hailed as a theatre "for the people" when it opened in July 2022.

Historic roots

Built on a former council-owned car park, the building cost £30 million and is the only historically accurate re-creation of an Elizabethan theatre.

It was designed by London-based architectural firm, Helm Architecture, and Liverpool-based firm, Austin-Smith:Lord, with the support of Knowsley council.

RIBA's judges described the theatre as an "ambitious regeneration project", and praised its "dedication to social purpose and local investment".

They saluted the architects and local council for creating "a cultural and social space that has inspired and invigorated an historic Merseyside town".

Shakespeare North Playhouse is the only historically accurate re-creation of an Elizabethan theatre

Prescot is believed to have been the site of the only purpose-built Elizabethan theatre outside London, built in 1593, and Shakespeare is believed to have belonged to a troupe of actors who performed there.

Today, Shakespeare North puts on plays reinterpreting the works of the English playwright and promotes learning and experimentation of his works.

Its most recent shows include a 1990s-set adaption of Shakespeare's comedy Love's Labour's Lost and a retelling of Romeo and Juliet with an ensemble of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors.

Knowsley Council leader, Graham Morgan said: "Our aim was always to deliver something which was accessible to all and we very much had the local community at the heart of its development."

Knowsley Council and Shakespeare North came out on top against Derbyshire County Council's Alfreton Park Community Special School, Belfast City Council's Falls Community Council, and an accommodation complex in Dorset for those with disabilities.