WITH April 23 marking the birthday of England's finest wordsmith, residents in Knowsley are invited to make their mark in Shakespearian history.

The new Shakespeare North Playhouse is set to open to the public in 2020 providing a new theatre and education centre that is set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe to Prescot.

However, the street on to which the playhouse’s front doors will open, does not currently have a name.

With the address to become one of the most important in Prescot, Knowsley Council is seeking residents' help in giving it a name worthy of its significance.

A spokesperson said the council is seeking "for something unique, memorable and Shakespeare-themed".

They added: "If you live, work or study in Knowsley you have the opportunity to make history by suggesting a new road name for this wonderfully important place – an address that in time millions of people will know and visit.

"We look forward to receiving your suggestions and celebrating Prescot’s Elizabethan heritage with you at the stunning Shakespeare North Playhouse. Good luck!"

To enter:

  •  Email your suggested name and reason for this choice to shakespearenorth@knowsley.gov.uk or complete and post an entry form in one of the mail boxes in the Prescot Heritage Hub, any Knowsley One Stop Shop or at the Prescot Elizabethan Fayre on Saturday, June 2. The closing date is 5pm on Saturday, June 2.

A panel of judges will review all of the entries and a shortlist of the best suggestions will be open to the public to vote for their favourite.

The successful name and winner will be announced in the summer.

Competition rules

1. You can submit am entry from Monday, April 23 (the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and death) up until end of day on Saturday June 2 2018 (date of Prescot’s Elizabethan Fayre).

2. You can email your entry to shakespearenorth@knowsley.gov.uk or by completing and posting an application form in one of our mail boxes in Prescot Heritage Hub, any Knowsley One Stop Shop or at the Prescot Elizabethan Fayre on June 2.

3. Street names should have a proven relevance to Shakespeare. You will also be asked to submit the reasons for your choice. (No Shakeymcshakeface)

4. Entries will be judged by a panel appointed by Knowsley Council, and will be required to conform to Knowsley Council’s Street Naming and Numbering Guidance (2014).

5. The winning name will be chosen by a public vote.

6. By entering the competition you agree to taking part in any publicity the Council produces in connection with the naming of the street.

7. You must live, study or work in Knowsley to enter.