In this final episode of season one, we chat to the director behind A Christmas Carol, Ellie Hurt. Lovingly adapted for the stage by writer Nick Lane, this production is Dickens like you’ve never seen before! A fast, furious and whacky musical retelling of the original text but with a distinctly Prescot feel. Having received multiple 4 and 5 star reviews this production is a must see and is running until the 7th of January.

Our resident spoken word artist Charlie Staunton is this episode’s interviewer. A writer and performer of spoken word for nearly 10 years, Charlie is also an experienced producer, facilitator, actor, director and musician. His performances tell stories that keep you hooked through intricate wordplay and rhythms. His work has been commissioned by the likes of the BBC, Channel 4 and The National Trust and has been heralded for its sensitive, comedic and playful style. He also runs our Itch and Scratch spoken word nights that run throughout the year for new and experienced spoken word artists. Which you can find out more about Itch and Scratch on our website.

This podcast was hosted by Charlie Staunton and produced by Neve McLaughlin. With special thanks to the creatives of A Christmas Carol. Thanks for listening and we'll see you in 2023 for season two!

https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/a-christmas-carol/

https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/itch-spoken-word-night-2/

https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/scratch-spoken-word-night-2/

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In this episode we head to the Imaginarium Bistro and chat to artistic director of Imaginarium Theatre Gaynor La Rocca and writer Rob Brannen, about their upcoming production Strange Tale that will be staged at Shakespeare North Playhouse the 2nd-5th of November.

Drawing on factual historical research, with lashings of artistic license, and an abundance of fun, this zany and fabulously funny new play invents an exciting new mythos of Prescot and its historic connection to the Bard. Presented by the multi-award winning Imaginarium Ensemble, and created through a series of devising workshops over the last year, 22 local community actors will stage an exciting town takeover of Shakespeare North Playhouse.

The Imaginarium bistro is just opposite Shakespeare North and is a intimate, cosy hideaway that does a range of amazing food and drink alongside having live music every Friday night. Our marketing officer Francesca Bennet hosted today’s podcast, Fran has a real passion for the arts and is always the best person to go to if you want a belter recommendation for a show to go and see on the weekend. So join us as we head to the Imaginarium bistro to chat to Gaynor and Rob

This podcast was hosted by Francesca Bennet, Record by Meg Terzza and produced by Neve McLaughlin. With special thanks to Gaynor, Rob and The Imaginarium Bistro. 

https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/strange-tale/

https://www.imaginariumbistro.co.uk/

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In this episode we chat to the team behind Forgotten Voices. Writer and producer David Moorhead and actress Shareesa Valentine. Forgotten Voices is the remarkable real-life story of David’s grandmother Eva Moodhead Kadalie, widow of South Africa’s first black national trade union leader, Clements Kadalie. A couple who fought for freedom together for over 30 years and paved the way for Nelson Mandela’s rise.

This one-woman show starring Shareesa as Eva, spans a turbulent time in South Africa’s history, and is set in 1956 following the death of her husband. A story of joy and pain, sacrifice and struggle. Eva was strong and resilient, glamorous and warm-hearted, and way ahead of her time.

Project producer Emily Parr hosted today’s podcast. Whether writing, acting, directing or teaching, the arts and cultural heritage have always been central to Emily’s life and work. We recorded this episode over zoom inside our cafe/ bar at Shakespeare North (which technically still counts as a local) but we apologize for any audio issues. So join us as we chat to David Moorhead and Shareesa Valentine.

https://www.storyhouse.com/event/forgotten-voices

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In this episode we chat to curator of the Derby collection at Knowsley hall, Dr Stephen Lloyd, about the links between Shakespeare, Prescot and The Earls of Derby. Stephen takes us all the way back to Jacobean England as we explore Prescot’s original cockpit, Shakespeare’s connections to the area and the history of theatre at Knowsley Hall. 

We recorded this podcast at The Lord Strange pub which is quite fitting considering the podcast! Another one of Prescot’s gems The Lord Strange is a comfy cozy pub that serves up amazing food and cocktails alongside a great selection of boss European beers. If you’re ever on Prescot’s high street make sure to dip in, you can’t miss it the building has a huge graffitied Shakespeare on the side. So join us as we head to The Lord Strange to chat to Doctor Stephen Lloyd!

https://knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/thelordstrange/?hl=en

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In this first episode we chat to the creatives behind A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Director Matthew Dunster, co-director Jimmy Fairhurst and musician Nadine Shah who plays the role of Titania. Just a heads up this episode was recorded a few weeks ago during rehearsals. A Midsummer Night's Dream is running from now until the 22nd of October.

This production produced in collaboration with Not Too Tame and Northern Stage promises to be a ‘riot in the woods’ where traditional notions of Shakespeare is thrown to the side instead making way for a bold and unapologetically anarchic performance. In this chat we explore Jimmy’s theatre company Not Too Tame and what it means to both create and deliver working class theatre and theatre that is for everyone. We delve into the process of adapting A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the challenge of making a Shakespearian text accessible for all.  

We recorded this podcast at the mermaid tavern in Prescot which is newly opened and just round the corner from the playhouse. It’s the perfect spot to kick back with a pint and listen to some local musicians we've popped some more details about them below.

For more information and to buy tickets for A Midsummer Night's Dream head to our website https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/a-midsummer-nights-dream/

The Mermaid Tavern Prescot https://www.themermaidtavern.co.uk/menu

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