{"id":143039,"date":"2025-05-30T03:08:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T03:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/143039\/"},"modified":"2025-05-30T03:08:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T03:08:09","slug":"shakespeare-north-playhouse-is-seeking-a-naming-rights-partner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/143039\/","title":{"rendered":"Shakespeare North Playhouse is seeking a naming rights partner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shakespeare North Playhouse \u2013 the award-winning theatre which opened in July 2022 in Prescot, Merseyside, is looking to secure a corporate naming rights partner to support the theatre\u2019s ambitions over the next decade.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When secured, it is thought that this will be the first deal of its kind for an established regional theatre in the UK.<\/p>\n

The partnership, which is likely to exceed \u00a3300,000 annually, will help to drive forward Shakespeare North and Knowsley Council\u2019s vision for the Playhouse, Prescot and the wider borough. The deal will also help to secure the venue as a cultural asset for generations to come as funding for the arts continues to be challenging nationally.\u00a0 This innovative project provides a unique opportunity for a commercial sponsor to support a flagship arts organisation as it scales to become a cultural powerhouse in the North.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Shakespeare North is home to the only 17th-century style, timber-built \u201cCockpit\u201d theatre outside London. Prescot in Knowsley was home to the first purpose-built theatre outside the capital during the Sixteenth Century. The \u00a335m project is a living example of how arts, history, and community empowerment can reshape a region. It is central to Knowsley Council\u2019s work to regenerate and grow the borough \u2013 one of the most deprived areas of the UK \u2013 and bring new opportunities and experiences to local people\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Credit:Credit: Shakespeare North Playhouse<\/p>\n

Shakespeare North brings people together to participate in a unique programme of performances, activities and conversations, inspired by Shakespeare. Despite being less than 3 years old, it\u2019s impact in communities is already being seen through regeneration, employment opportunities, raising aspirations and improving health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Since opening, the theatre has welcomed over 300,000 visitors, 10% of whom had never set foot in a theatre before. It has won 34 awards including prestigious RIBA awards and Theatre building of the year 2023 (The Stage). The likes of Les Dennis, Steve Coogan, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Johnny Vegas, Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson and Stephen Graham have already appeared on stage in productions and events.<\/p>\n

Partnerships through naming rights have the potential to be a significant part of the arts funding landscape and have existed within other sectors (in particular sport) for decades, helping to support financial sustainability for future generations. Cultural institutions welcome corporate sponsorship as part of a diverse funding model including public sector investment, earned income and other forms of philanthropic support. It is likely that this deal will mark a shift in Culture as part of the evolving story of arts funding in the UK<\/p>\n

The project is being led by Cultural Capital Partners \u2014 a consultancy co-owned by Martin Prendergast and Elliot Willis, who secured a landmark \u00a335.2 million naming rights deal for Aviva Studios in Manchester in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lisa Allen, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, Shakespeare North Playhouse said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn keeping with our values, this is a bold and brave move for Shakespeare North which will ensure future sustainability for many years to come. We have ambitious plans to bring Shakespeare and theatre experiences to the broadest range of people as possible, including in communities across Knowsley and beyond. Naming rights will support our passionate belief that culture can change lives \u2013 allowing us to reach more people and continue to produce high quality, accessible art. We are so excited to be working towards securing this significant partner, who will align with our beliefs and values, and work with us to shape our next decade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ShakespeareCredit: Meg Terzza
\nDarren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn just a few years, Shakespeare North has established itself as a creative powerhouse. It\u2019s putting Prescot on the cultural map, developing deep and meaningful relationships with communities who live and work nearby. At the same time, it\u2019s growing an\u00a0impressive national reputation, occupying an important position in England\u2019s cultural landscape as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cShakespeare North has quickly become a cultural hub not only for Prescot, but for our entire city region. Because, quite simply, it\u2019s so much more than just a theatre \u2013 it\u2019s a catalyst for regeneration, education and opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a short space of time it\u2019s made and incredible impact on the local community and it\u2019s my hope that it will continue to inspire, educate, and bring people together for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visit the Shakespeare North Playhouse website here.<\/a>
\nFind out the latest in Liverpool here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n