The Playhouse will be built to designs drawn in 1629 by Inigo Jones, the greatest English architect and theatre designer of his day.

Jones created The Cockpit in Whitehall, for the exclusive use of the Court of King James I. He designed the perfect stage on which to present the plays of his time, the most celebrated of which were Shakespeare’s.

Helm Architecture, with Liverpool practice Austin-Smith:Lord, have taken the archive designs and faithfully replicated the Inigo Jones vision. As such The Playhouse will be unique – the only replica of this indoor Jacobean Court Theatre in the world.

Shakespeare North will draw theatre-goers from all over Britain and the world who will have motorway access to within five minutes’ drive of Prescot. Thus The Playhouse will complete a Shakespeare triangle: Stratford, London, and the North West.