A university and a theatre have joined forces to drive social change in the community.

Edge Hill University in Ormskirk has become the first higher education partner of Shakespeare North Playhouse.

The theatre, which opened in 2022 in Prescot, will work with the university to create social impact and place-based change.

Laura Collier, creative director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, said: "The alignment of our shared values — community, empowerment, inclusivity, excellence, and access to opportunity— enables this collaboration to have a profound and lasting effect.

"Together, we are poised to not only nurture talent and enhance employability for young people, but also to ignite new research, innovation, and cultural initiatives that will strengthen communities and create real change."

The partnership will focus on developing cultural experiences, providing learning opportunities, supporting the community's health and wellbeing, contributing to a vibrant community, and bolstering the local economy.

Generate real social change

Edge Hill University Pro Vice-Chancellor Liam Owens said: "We are proud to be embarking on this new partnership with Shakespeare North Playhouse.

"We want to demonstrate how higher education and cultural institutions can collaborate to generate real social change through improved wellbeing, enhanced employability and community cohesion.

"We are looking forward to exploring new opportunities for research and knowledge exchange, and, importantly, for improving the skills and employability of our students."

The partnership will give Edge Hill students hands-on experiences through placements, live briefs, and employability initiatives.

It will also deliver co-designed workshops in local schools, aiming to inspire young people through creativity and learning.

Enhancing life chances

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, pro vice-chancellor and dean of education, added: "We are delighted that the Faculty of Education’s relationship with Shakespeare North Playhouse has led to this higher education partnership with Edge Hill.

"Our faculty vision of ‘working creatively with others to enhance life chances’ resonates so closely with Shakespeare North’s social objectives.

"Together, I hope we can continue to work creatively for the benefit of our students, partner schools, colleges and local communities, exploring how children, young people and their families can access creative activity, such as theatre and performance, to boost their aspirations, broaden their experiences and improve their mental health and wellbeing."

Shakespeare North Playhouse was inspired by Shakespeare and aims to foster a vibrant cultural community through theatre, activities, and conversations.

Established in 1885, Edge Hill University is committed to broadening access to knowledge and empowering its students to create positive change.