Shakespeare North Playhouse will host its first-ever Gala Night on Saturday 31 January, delivering on the organisations mission to be bold and brave in its approach to Shakespeare’s work and in turn raise money to support artists of the future to do the same.
Set within the oak-framed Cockpit Theatre, the evening will bring together Shakespeare’s sonnets and music inspired by his writing, performed by an outstanding line-up of leading actors, writers, and performers from stage and screen. Directed by James Dacre, the event focusses on Shakespeare’s verse as a living art form; meant to be spoken aloud, shared collectively, and reinterpreted by every generation.
The line-up includes:
- Frank Cottrell-Boyce
- Ben Crystal
- Les Dennis
- Daniel Francis
- Julie Hesmondhalgh
- Sally Hodgkiss
- Rufus Hound
- James Nelson-Joyce
- Mike Noble
- Ashley Nugent
- Michael Starke
- Cathy Tyson
- Sarah White
The evening is held in support of Shakespeare North’s artist development and participation programmes, including ORIGIN8 and the Shakespeare North Young Company. ORIGIN8 provides artists with time, space, and professional guidance to develop new work and sustain long-term careers in the arts. The Young Company offers children and young people aged 7–16 the opportunity to engage with theatre as a space for creativity, confidence, and connection.
“This Gala Night happens because artists believe in supporting other artists. Every performer involved has donated their time so that all money raised through ticket sales can go directly into our artist development and youth theatre programmes”, said Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse.
“Many of the artists taking part in the Gala Night have personal and professional connections to the North West. Their involvement reflects a commitment to reinvesting in the places and communities that shaped them, and to strengthening a creative ecosystem where opportunity, mentorship and support are rooted locally and shared widely.”
“So, by coming together in this way, established artists are helping to build the conditions in which new talent can emerge, develop and sustain a future in the arts. It is a collective act of support; ensuring that artists at all stages of their careers, and the artists of tomorrow, have the opportunity to thrive.”
The Shakespeare North Gala Night offers audiences a celebratory and entertaining evening, featuring much-loved performers from stage and screen, sharing great writing, music, and performance in an intimate and striking setting. An opportunity to enjoy outstanding talent coming together for a one-off night.