Sector: Leisure

Featured product: Hollington Plank

The Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot is a £38 million project that brings a unique cultural venue to life, inspired by the historic Cockpit-in-Court Theatre. The centrepiece of this project is a 470-seat timber auditorium, designed to offer an authentic Shakespearean experience. Ted Todd contributed by providing engineered wood flooring, to fulfil the project vision while ensuring modern durability and functionality.

The auditorium's timber construction reflects traditional craftsmanship, creating an intimate and immersive environment for performances. Ted Todd's involvement ensured the flooring complemented the overall design, using sustainably sourced materials that aligned with the project's environmental goals. The wood's natural beauty and resilience make it an ideal choice for the high-traffic areas of the playhouse.

Hollington, from Ted Todd's Classic Tones collection, is a timeless flooring option that merges the traits of slow-grown European oak with traditional sawing techniques, resulting in a durable hardwood floor. Crafted from FSC-certified timber, Hollington features a variety of natural characteristics, including knots, sap, and colour variations. It is finished with a Matt Lacquer, providing a transparent, soft finish that retains the natural 'unfinished' look of the wood. With a 6mm wear layer, this floor is extremely durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

The playhouse serves as a cultural hub, celebrating Prescot's theatrical heritage and offering a space for education, community engagement, and world-class performances. The thoughtful integration of historical elements with contemporary design showcases how modern interventions can honour and revitalize historic legacies. The Shakespeare North Playhouse stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Shakespearean theatre and the importance of cultural preservation.

To explore this project further click here

Architects: Helm Architecture London / Austin Smith Lord

Image Credit: Andrew Brooks Photography