Theatre producer Laura Collier is to be the creative director and programmer for the new £19m Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, Merseyside, due to open in 2022.
The playhouse will complete the UK’s Shakespearean triangle alongside Shakespeare’s Globe in London and the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon. Laura, who will begin work this October, will also assist Prescot and Knowsley as the borough gears up to a programme of arts and cultural events during its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, also in 2022.
Laura is a respected producer who has previously worked as head of studio at the National Theatre, as senior producer at Battersea Arts Centre and as associate producer at the Traverse Theatre. Most recently she has worked with Shakespeare’s Globe and Leeds Playhouse, and has significant experience working with both major artists and emerging talent.
She said: "I'm beyond excited to be part of the team that will set out the Shakespeare North's vision and strategy. I look forward to the conversations, work and theatre that will emerge in the coming years”.
The new theatre's chief executive, Ian Tabbron, said: "Laura's creative leadership has generated enormous benefits for theatres, artists and communities across Britain and we really look forward to working with her to shape an extraordinary programme for 2022.”
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