The event is taking place this weekend
The Shakespeare North Playhouse is set to host its first-ever gala night. The world-famous theatre, which is in Prescot, will host the event on Saturday, January 31, in an effort to raise funds to support artists of the future. The evening will bring together Shakespeare’s sonnets and music inspired by his writing, performed by an outstanding line-up of leading actors, writers, and performers from stage and screen.
Directed by James Dacre, the event focusses on Shakespeare’s verse as a living art form, meant to be spoken aloud, shared collectively, and reinterpreted by every generation.
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said: “This Gala Night happens because artists believe in supporting other artists. Every performer involved has donated their time so that all money raised through ticket sales can go directly into our artist development and youth theatre programmes.
“Many of the artists taking part in the Gala Night have personal and professional connections to the North West. Their involvement reflects a commitment to reinvesting in the places and communities that shaped them, and to strengthening a creative ecosystem where opportunity, mentorship and support are rooted locally and shared widely.
“So, by coming together in this way, established artists are helping to build the conditions in which new talent can emerge, develop and sustain a future in the arts. It is a collective act of support; ensuring that artists at all stages of their careers, and the artists of tomorrow, have the opportunity to thrive.”
The evening is held in support of Shakespeare North’s artist development and participation programmes, including ORIGIN8 and the Shakespeare North Young Company.
ORIGIN8 provides artists with time, space, and professional guidance to develop new work and sustain long-term careers in the arts. The Young Company offers children and young people aged seven to 16 the opportunity to engage with theatre as a space for creativity, confidence, and connection.
The line-up includes:
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Ben Crystal
Les Dennis
Daniel Francis
Julie Hesmondhalgh
Sally Hodgkiss
Rufus Hound
James Nelson-Joyce
Mike Noble
Ashley Nugent
Michael Starke
Cathy Tyson
Sarah White
More information can be found on the Shakespeare North website.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.liverpoolecho.co.uk ’














