THEATREZONE

We reach people who are DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

For details of cost-effective advertising and sponsorship opportunities, call Helen McLoughlin 0151 929 3912 or 07511 839397 GERRY CORNER goes to Prescot and discovers Shakespeare, Johnny Vegas, Doddy, and a welcome extended to all

ALL-INCLUSIVE: Shakespeare North. Visitors with a disabilityhave been impressed with the facilities

JUSTASYOU’D

THERE must surely have been those who thought the good burghers of Knowsley had lost their minds when they dipped into a dwindling pot to gamble £6m of taxpayers’money on a Shakespearian theatre.

It could have felt like one last desperate spin of the roulette wheel for a town rooted in one of the country’s most deprived areas.

Almost a decade had passed since the dream of recreating Prescot’s long-lost medieval playhouse, built around the time Romeo and Juliet was first performed, had collapsed with a failed Lottery bid in 2007.

And while other cities put a new supermarket at the heart of regeneration attempts, Knowsley Council was pinning its hopes on cementing – quite literally – the town’s links with England’s greatest playwright.

The local council’s decision in 2016 to spend millions reviving an enterprise only too vulnerable to snobbery and elitism, in a working-class town starved of jobs and resources, could have gone badly wrong.

Instead, news of the revived project for Prescot was greeted with enthusiasm by locals desperate for something to lift their spirits.

Besides which, the Shakespeare North Playhouse, whose curtain lifted in July with a weekend of free festivities, was always intended to be the most democratic of spaces.

Prescotians may have taken to the place: attending performances in numbers, volunteering their time, contributing to the fixtures and fittings, or just calling in for a coffee.

But the message from those running the show is clear: whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, you are welcome here.

Special place

In the short time since the doors opened, the theatre has hosted everything from Shakespeare’s AMidsummer Night’s Dream, to shared reading sessions, heritage tours, spoken word nights, and an audience with Johnny Vegas.

Creative director Laura Collier said: “Before we opened to the public this summer you could sense the energy of the theatre – it’s truly a special place.

“We want to be bold, brave and inclusive, and celebrate different creative voices. We hope to make Shakespeare North an exciting place where people from all walks of life feel engaged and welcome. ”

On the site of a former car park, right in the centre of town, the £38m venue inc style timber theatre outsid performances; an outdoo gallery; 60-seater studio t café and bar with outdoo

The performance garde Dodd. Doddy played Yori and his widow, LadyAnne the tune of £700,000.

Plans for the original, m were never found, so in c impressive modern exter faithful recreation of Lond Court theatre, with no scr with 60 tons of English oa

Among those who have Beatles legend Paul McC Gordon Brown and Osca Dench, the latter saying s product.

Laura added: “Our prog have a passion for theatr that theatre isn’t for them

“Shakespeare North Pla space where everyone is

’DLIKEIT!

cludes the only 17th centuryde London, featuring candlelit or performance garden; exhibition theatre, learning centre, plus r piazza. en is named in honour of Sir Ken ck in a movie version of Hamlet, e Dodd backed the Playhouse to

mid-1590s Prescot Playhouse, contrast to the building’s ior, the main auditorium is a don’s 17th century Cockpit-inrews or nails used, hand-made ak. e backed the scheme were Cartney, ex-prime minister r-winners Helen Mirren and Judi she was “thrilled” by the finished

gramme considers those who e as well as those who may feel . ayhouse was created to be a s welcome. ”

Determination, daring and the rest is history

n Town historian Frank Bailey had uncovered the existence of The

Prescot Playhouse in the 1950s.

n Half a century on, a plan was hatched to rebuild what was

believed to have been the first purpose-built indoor Elizabethan playhouse outside London, constructed around the time Romeo and Juliet was first staged.

n Back then, the Earl of Derby, resident of Knowsley Hall, funded a

band of actors who performed Will Shakespeare’s plays and went on to join the Bard’s own troupe in London.

n Professor Elspeth Graham, who spent 10 years investigating the

north-south Shakespearian connections, says it is “possible, even probable” that he spent time in the area.

n The plans came to fruition partly thanks to the courage of

Knowsley Council, but also the persistence of people like the building’s architect Nick Helm.

Where there is a Will, we will find a way

THE words inclusive and accessible run through the DNAof Shakespeare North: Adetermination that nobody should feel excluded from one of the North’s great cultural treasures has been designed into every detail.

But, says head of learning and engagement Evonne Bixter, “we are not complacent. If somebody visits us and doesn’t feel comfortable, doesn’t feel we’ve met the stadards that they need, we want to know that, we want to address it, we want to know how we can improve.

“And that is how we will always operate, that isn’t just for our opening; things change, people’s needs change, and so we will change. ”

Act forAction, a local community organisation providing opportunities in the arts for adults with disabilities and additional learning needs, provided information and advice on the access needs of visitors to the Playhouse, while Graeae Theatre, a London-based company working with deaf and disabled artists, were consulted about helping performers with additional needs.

Astrong network of theatres in the region also share best practice around inclusivity.

The building has three floors with lifts to all areas, baby changing facilities, and accessible toilets on every level.

Afully equipped shower facility has been fitted in the ground floor accessible toilet, and Evonne said for people who might otherwise have no choice but to go home part way through a performance “that’s a really big deal” .

Accessible performances will include BSL and autism-friendly versions. Staff have received the most up to date disability awareness training, and you can arrange to go in at a quiet time to discuss any particular access need.

Evonne added: “The theatre network is very much in communication about what’s working, what’s good, what resources can be shared.

“The website has been designed with accessibility in mind so the images, the fonts and all of our branding are very clear.

“One of the things we did in the quiet period before we opened was invited people in who had access needs, so we could ask them how is it, does it work for you, is there anything we need to address now before we open the doors?

“Acouple of gentlemen came in, in different types of wheelchair including a larger electric kind, and they were really impressed with the facilities. ” Only two areas of the building are not accessible, the very top of the building where the candelabras down and the pit of the Cockpit Theatre. However, Evonne said: “The view on the lower gallery is very similar and actually that’s where I like to sit!” Creative director Laura Collier added:At Shakespeare North we place inclusivity and access at the heart of our decision making and operations. Our building is designed with everyone in mind, with accessibility at our forefront. ”

ABIG DEAL: Evonne Bixter

n THERE are five wheelchair

spaces in The Cockpit Theatre, but modular seating means larger groups can be accommodated.

n Seating is unreserved in the

Performance Garden so the numbers are very flexible, while the Studio has three wheelchair spaces, but larger numbers can be accommodated.

Until Feb 23: Disney’s The Lion King.

Palace, Manchester. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms ofAfrica, Disney’s multi award-winning musical is a unique theatrical experience that you will remember forever.

Nov 7-12: The Mousetrap. Liverpool Empire.As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. Nov 7-12: Homotopia Festival. Unity, Liverpool. This year’s festival kicks off with the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel – with a very queer twist. Nov 8: Woman Hood. Unity, Liverpool. Humorous dance performance Woman Hood explores different female worlds in four parts. Nov 8-12. Bugsy Malone. Opera House, Manchester. Prohibition era, New York.A city full of mobsters, showgirls and dreamers. Rival gangster bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads.

Nov 8-13: Rita, Sue & Bob Too!

Theatre Royal, St Helens. Hilarious story of Rita and Sue, two working class girls from a rundown council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle.

Nov 8-12: The Best Exotic Marigold

Hotel. The Lowry, Salford. Get your tickets for a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. Starring Hayley Mills, Paul Nicholas abd Rula Lenska. Audio described/ touch tour, Nov 9; signed, Nov 11. Nov 9: Confetti. Unity, Liverpool.Aqueer rom-com from Will Jackson that follows wedding planner Felix, as he embarks on a romance of his own.

Nov 9: Foster &Allen - We’ll Meet

Again. The Brindley, Runcorn. Foster &Allen are celebrating 40 years together. Nov 10: Queenz. The Brindley, Runcorn. Starring X Factor and Union J pop sensation Jaymi Hensley. Drag like you’ve heard it before. Nov 10: QueerArts North. Unity, Liverpool. Are you a queer artist, duo or theatre company based in the North? Join LGBTQIA+ arts network for an afternoon of workshops, discussion panels and networking.

Nov 10-12: Sherlock Holmes and the

Valley of Fear. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 11-Jan 21: The Scouse Jack

& The Beanstalk. Royal Court, Liverpool. Deffo not for kids so leave them at home and treat yourselves to a great night out! Age advisory 16-plus – some strong language. Nov 11: Utopian (t & c’s apply). Unity, Liverpool. Filled with high-heel rollerskating, hula-hooping, strip-teasing, and queer party madness.

Nov 11: Some Guys HaveAll The Luck.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Rod Stewart tribute show. Nov 11: John Cale. Liverpool Philharmonic.

BOX  OFFICE  CONTACTS Christmas crackers

BLACKPOOL

Grand Theatre: 01253 290190

BOLTON

Octagon: 01204 520661

CHESTER

Storyhouse: 01244 409 113

CREWE

Lyceum: 01270 368 242

LIVERPOOL

Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Philharmonic Hall: 0151 709 3789 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Unity 0151 709 4988

LLANDUDNO

Venue Cymru: 01492 872000

MOLD:

Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565

MANCHESTER

Opera House: 0870 401 9000 Palace: 0870 401 3000

SALFORD

The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Access line: 0333 320 2838

NEW BRIGHTON

Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000

RHYL:

Pavilion: 01745 330 000

RUNCORN

The Brindley: 0151 907 8360

ST HELENS:

Theatre Royal: 01744 756000

STOKE:

Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

CHESTER:

Storyhouse: 01244 409 113

THEY’RE back with a treat for Christmas. Aled Jones and Russell Watson reunite for a 21-date festive special.

(Nov 13: Opera House, Manchester and Nov 19: Venue Cymru, Llandudno)

An evening with Monty

BBC Gardeners’World presenter Monty Don shares his passion for gardens – and is ready to answer your gardening conundrums – in his autumn tour.

Nov 20: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Takeyourseats. . .

Nov 12:An Evening with Sharon le Grand

and Friends. Unity, Liverpool. Get ready for an evening of cabaret, live music, queer comedy and full-blown mayhem. Handbags at the ready! Strong language, sexual references. Nov 12: This Charming Man. Unity, Liverpool.An exploration of masculinity, gender and identity from a self-identifying butch woman who has an unhealthy obsession with The Smiths. Nov 12: Leo Sayer. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Nov 12: The Greatest Hots of Motown.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 12: Flo & Joan: Sweet Release.

Liverpool Playhouse. Multi-award winning musical comedy duo (and sisters) Flo & Joan are climbing out of their pits, armed with a piano and percussion section to bring you a brand new show of their critically acclaimed songs and comedy.

Nov 13: The King is Back – Ben

Portsmouth is Elvis. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 13: Brown Girls Do It Too –

Mama Told Me Not To Come. The Lowry, Salford. Fierce, funny and frank, Poppy and Rubina have sex and they aren’t ashamed to talk about it. Expect songs, sketches and some very graphic content!

Nov 13: Christmas withAled Jones and

Russell Watson. Opera House,Manchester. Nov 15: Squeeze. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The band are back on the road.Manchester. Nov 15-16: Fairytale of New York. Opera House, Manchester. Feelgood Irish-inspired Christmas show. Nov 15-20: SIX. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Nov 15-17: Opera North – La Traviata. The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 15-19: Beautiful: The Carole King

Musical. Liverpool Empire. The inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom. Nov 15-19: Elf – The Musical. The tale of a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. It’s sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf!

Nov 16: Colin Hoult – The Death ofAnna.

Royal Court, Liverpool. Fresh from a smash-hit, critically acclaimed, sold out run at Edinburgh Fringe –Anna Mann is going on tour! The acclaimed actress, singer & welder (gotta have a back up) returns after five long years to tell the incredible story of her life in the arts in this: her final hour. Nov 16: Brit Floyd. Liverpool Philharmonic. Tribute show.

Nov 15-19: FranticAssembly – Othello.

The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 16-17: Mark Thomas: Black and

White. Liverpool Playhouse. Expect creative fun from one of our oldest surviving alternative comics. Nov 16: The Illegal Eagles. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Nov 17: That’ll Be The Day. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 17-Jan 14:AChristmas Carol.

Octagon, Bolton. While Christmas cheer and goodwill thrive across Victorian England, tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no compassion or

DaDa back on the radar with pen pals and poets

DaDaFest International Festival is back, showcasing the talents of disabled, deaf and neurodivergent artists and performers.

The festival operates a “pay what you decide” pricing with tickets for individual events ranging from a suggested £10 general admission to £8 concessions, £5 half price, and free. Mon Nov 7: Keep Clear. St Helens Library.An exhibition of photography by Mark Peachey.

Mon Nov 7: DaDaAcademy

Digital Showcase. Online exhibition of work by talented young people as part of theAlder Hey Project and the Young Musicians Ensemble.

From Wed Nov 16 (10am-5pm): Shielded in the Community

Exhibition. Museum of Liverpool. Adisabled-led project that gathered responses to shielding from disabled people .

Wed Nov 23 (7.30pm):Amina

Atiq. Bluecoat.Amina is a YeminiScouse poet, award-winning activist, and performance artist whose previous work for DaDaFest includes Broken Biscuits.

Fri Nov 25 (7.30pm): Dada

Ensemble Concert. Bluecoat. Featuring disabled, deaf and neurodivergent musicians aged 12 to 25. Both Bluecoat events will be filmed and available on demand from Nov 28 to Dec 18. Mon Nov 28: Pen Pals. Online. The British Council-funded crosscultural project brings together disabled artists associated with three international disability arts festivals in Liverpool, Indonesia and Nigeria.

Sat Dec 3: Edward Rushton

Lecture. Museum of Liverpool and online. This year’s lecture, named after the Liverpool blind poet, activist and abolitionist, is given by writer and artist Khairani Barokka and will also be live streamed. n www.dadafest.co.uk/

Dukes of the ukes

TAP your toes with the royalty of the ukulele scene. The world’s very first Ukulele Orchestra is not just about ukuleles – it is about entertainment, joy, fun, strum and artistry.

Nov 19: George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Simply Wonderful

CHRISTMAS wouldn’t be Christmas without this film classic. George Bailey, played by James Stewart, finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve, until Clarence, his guardian angel intervenes.

Dec 24: It’s a Wonderful Life. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

andtapthosetoes

Nov 18: That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Nov 18: The Take That Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 18: Opera North – Orfeo ed Euridice.

The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 18-19: Les Dawson: Flying

High. Liverpool Playhouse. Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers, The Impressions Show) stars in this funny, affectionate and poignant celebration of the much-missed comedy legend. Nov 19: Opera North – Orpheus. The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 19-Jan 14: Robin Hood; The

Rock ‘n’Roll Panto. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Grab your arrows, pull on your tights, Robin’s coming home and the future’s looking bright! Audio described, captioned, touch tour, Dec 4; signed, touch tour, Dec 8 and Jan 7; relaxed, Dec 15.

Nov 19: Christmas withAled Jones &

Russell Watson. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Nov 19: Ghost Hunt. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 19: George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele

Orchestra of Great Britain. Liverpool Philharmonic. Nov 19: Calan. The Brindley, Runcorn. Multiaward-winning Welsh folk band. Nov 20: We Three Kings of Rock ‘n Roll. The Brindley, Runcorn. West End artists Darren Page, Marc Robison and Steve Halliday celebrate of the music of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, and Elvis.

Nov 20:An Evening with Monty Don.

Liverpool Philharmonic. Top gardener Monty shares his passion for gardens and the unique role they play in human inspiration and wellbeing. Nov 20: Crimes on Centre Court. The Lowry, Salford. Multi-award-winning New Old Friends are touring with another dose of mirth, murder and mayhem.

Nov 20: The George Michael Legacy

featuring Wayne Dilks. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Nov 20: The Spirit of Elvis. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Nov 22-26: Noughts & Crosses. Liverpool Playhouse. Gripping Romeo and Juliet story. Captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.

Nov 22-26: Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping

Beauty:AGothic Romance. The Lowry, Salford. Get ready to be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day.

Nov 22: Bob Floyd:ADavid Gilmour Live

Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn. Bob Floyd interprets and recreates the musical works of over 50 years of Pink Floyd. Nov 22: Fairytale of New York. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Nov 23: Swan Lake. The Brindley, Runcorn. Nov 23: The Tell-Tale Heart. The Brindley, Runcorn. Supernatural murder mystery based on EdgarAllan Poe’s classic Victorian chiller. Imagine you have committed a murder.And what is that noise in your ears that grows ever louder? Suitable for 15 plus years. Nov 24: Blake. The Brindley, Runcorn. Brit award-winning vocalists. Celebrating a new decade together, they have chosen their all-time favourites, bringing you an extraordinary show that highlights their harmonies better than ever. Nov 24: Don’t Stop Believin. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 24: Bye Bye Baby: Celebrating Franki

Valli and The Four Seasons. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 24: Glyndebourne – The Marriage of

Figaro. Liverpool Empire. When a womanising aristocrat tries to seduce his valet’s pretty young fiancée, his wife and servants conspire to teach him a lesson in fidelity he’ll never forget.

Nov 25: Glyndebourne – Mozart’s Requiem.

Liverpool Empire. The composer’s emotionallycharged final work takes listeners from the darkness of the Day of Judgement through grief and loss to consolation and redemption in some of the greatest music Mozart would ever write.

Nov 25-Jan 14: The Rock ‘n’Roll Panto –

Red Riding Hood. Liverpool Everyman. You might think you know the story, but this is the tale told Everyman style! Relaxed, Jan 9; audio described, Jan 12; captioned, Jan 14. Nov 25: Michael Starring Ben. Rhyl Pavilion. Take a journey back in time to remember Michael Jackson – the man, the music and the magic. Direct from the West End.

Nov 26: The Sensational 60s Experience.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Mike Pender, The

Trems, Dozy Beaky Mick and Tich, and The

Fortunes. Nov 26: The Best of John Williams. Opera

House, Manchester.

Nov 26: Glyndebourne – La Boheme.

Liverpool Empire. When seamstress Mimì meets the struggling writer Rodolfo they are instantly drawn together.

Nov 27: The Muppet Christmas

Carol in Concert. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 27: HomeAlone in Concert.

Film with live orchestra. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 28-Dec 30: The Mousetrap. Opera

House, Manchester.

Nov 28: LoveActually in Concert. Liverpool Philharmonic.Afull, live orchestra performs CraigArmstrong’s evocative score, with the film being projected onto a huge screen.

Nov 29-Dec 3: The Osmonds Musical.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 30: Rick Wakeman. Liverpool

Philharmonic.

Dec 1-3: Shrek the Musical. Liverpool

Empire.

Dec 1-2: Ballet Black – Double Bill. The

Lowry, Salford. Two new works – Say It Loud and Black Sun.

Dec 2-Jan 1: Sleeping Beauty Pantomime.

The Grand, Blackpool. Audio described/signed, Dec 10, Dec 17 and Dec 29. Relaxed, Dec 28.

Dec 3: Genesis Visible Touch.

Liverpool Philharmonic. Tribute show. Dec 3-17: Christmas Festival. Unity, Liverpool. Music, cabaret, circus, workshops, shopping and family events.

Dec 3-Jan 8: Cinderella – Christmas

Panto. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Dec 3-Jan 2: Cinderella. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Starring Lee Latchford-Evans as the handsome Prince, CBeebies presenter Katrina Bryan, Sean Jones, Gwynfrny West, and Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph as the Ugly Sisters! Signed, Dec 11;Autism friendly/relaxed performance, Dec 30. Dec 4: The Bootleg Beatles. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Dec 4:AChristmas Carol,As Told by Jacob

Marley (Deceased). Lyceum, Crewe.

CONTINUED

PAGE 22