The Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot will offer a year round programme of drama, student and community theatre and other entertainment. Supported by Knowsley Council, the Playhouse has already brought benefits to Prescot town centre, where the evening economy is growing and a new Shakespearean themed hotel is being built. Investors in the local area have been very clear that the Playhouse scheme has led them to invest in the area, showing the importance of the arts in stimulating economic growth in Prescot and the wider Knowsley area.