Rob Brannen, Professor of Arts Education, had his play Strange Tale performed at the newly opened Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot, in November. Seen by around 1,500 people during a week of performances, Strange Tale was only the second play on the main stage and the very first piece of new writing ever to be performed at the brand-new Playhouse.

During 2021/22 Rob made regular visits to Prescot in Merseyside to work in collaboration with community arts practitioners and local community members through workshops and creative tasks that informed the play. This project has allowed for the development of an innovative model for the playwright working in close collaboration with creative industries professionals, community leaders and local participants.  Rob has been liaising closely with DMU’s Impact Officers in terms of the project as an Impact Case Study.

The play has been academically informed through research exploring Shakespeare’s possible connections to the Northwest and draws upon community arts practice as material is generated through interviews, creative tasks, and workshop activities with the local community carried out by Rob during his many visits to Prescot. This large-scale performance with the local community was created in order to foster an initial sense of belonging and ownership for, and understanding of, the new theatre in their midst, including Shakespeare’s potential links to the town as the rationale for the new theatre.  Rob has also submitted two book chapters for publication related to this project.

The initial play run was very favourably received and at the request of Shakespeare North Playhouse, Strange Tale is already being revived for the Spring Season 2023.

Link to Rob Brannen’s Profile