Plans to build a multimillion-pound theatre and arts complex in Prescot were quashed yesterday when the project failed to receive £25 million from the National Lottery.
Major Hollywood players Clive Owen, Helen Mirren and Patrick Stewart were among the celebrities backing Shakespeare North in its attempt to commemorate Knowsley's Shakespearean heritage.
Scholars believe that the Bard visited the estate of Lord Derby during his lifetime, and performed plays in the area. It is thought that in the late 16th century, the Prescot Playhouse was the first freestanding theatre outside London.
The project would have reconstructed an Elizabethan theatre based on actual plans by Renaissance architect Inigo Jones. It was to have been an international centre for the study of Shakespeare, as well as a community resource serving people of all ages throughout the region.
However, plans will have to be scaled down drastically after Shakespeare North missed out on funding, despite having made the final shortlist.
Over 1,000 people nationwide signed up to support the project as Friends of Shakespeare North.
David Thacker, the theatre and TV director at the helm of the project, said they will "move forward with hope and determination."
Council Leader Ronnie Round said, "We are obviously very disappointed not to have been successful in our bid to the Big Lottery on this occasion.
"We remain committed to Prescot, and are looking at how we can develop the heart of the town."
This is a brilliant project which I was lucky to be involved in. I acted as an advocate for young people in the bidding process and talking to big lottery inspectors on their behalf. Its sad we didn't get the funding but the project is still remaining and they will hopefully find funding elsewhere, obviously it will just take more time.
Posted by: Nathan Horan | November 27, 2007 at 11:41 PM