Shakespeare North Playhouse, a world-famous Merseyside landmark, will open its doors for a free community heritage celebration on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The open day invites visitors of all ages to explore the stories, skills, and traditions that have shaped Prescot.
Activities and Workshops
Interactive workshops led by the learning and engagement team will encourage creativity and exploration. Behind-the-scenes opportunities will showcase how the charity serves its community beyond performances. Audiences can learn about Shakespeare North's artist development and learning and engagement programmes, alongside the fundraising that makes creative opportunities accessible to the local community.
New Find My Seat Experience
The free open day will also launch a new Find My Seat experience, inviting audiences to explore the theatre from different perspectives. With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, visitors will be encouraged to try a range of seating options and discover how the venue works to ensure everyone can enjoy live theatre in a way that suits them.
Autumn Production of Macbeth
The event will introduce the Playhouse's autumn production of Macbeth, directed by Ben Crystal. Performed using a cue-script based, quick raise process and staged by candlelight, the production reflects the company's commitment to exploring the rich heritage of Shakespeare's original performance practices while bringing them to life for modern audiences.
Heritage Open Days Theme
Coinciding with this year's Heritage Open Days, the free event is inspired by their theme of Everyday Histories and will celebrate the people, places, and everyday moments that connect us across generations. From the crafts and industries that built Prescot's reputation, including watchmaking, cable manufacturing, and farming, to the legacy of Shakespeare's work, the event will shine a light on the hidden histories of the theatre and the stories beyond the stage.
The open day will connect "Prescot's remarkable industrial heritage with contemporary creativity" to invite visitors to consider how everyday lives, past and present, shape the communities we belong to.
About Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days will also offer thousands of free events and experiences taking place across England. The festival, set to run from September 11 to 20, is organised by the National Trust and supported by Postcode Lottery players, with an exciting programme of events delivered locally by thousands of organisations and volunteers.
In previous years, Merseyside locations have included Wavertree's Lock-Up, Hesketh Park Observatory, and the Ancient Chapel of Toxteth. Organisers are yet to confirm the locations taking part in Merseyside this year.
Heritage Open Days marketing and projects manager Liam Montgomery said: "There are so many brilliant stories that are celebrated through the festival each year, but this year I can’t wait to see all those everyday hidden-in-plain-sight stories centre stage in our programming through the 'Everyday Histories' theme. I’m so excited to see our community uncover new stories and delve deeper than ever before."
Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission. For further information, and to register your event, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk. More information about the open day can be found on the Shakespeare North website.
