Leading North West law firm Napthens has partnered with Shakespeare North Playhouse to provide HR and employment support over the next two years.

Based in Prescot, the 420 seat Shakespearean-era inspired playhouse opened in July 2022 as part of a £38m project to bring heritage and culture to the heart of the North West. The new theatre will serve as a hub for theatre performances, educational learning opportunities for local school children, as well as host visiting theatre companies and cultural events in the region.

Napthens will provide Shakespeare North with a combination of employment law and HR services such as contract drafting, appraisal process development, recruitment and induction process development, as well as assistance in upskilling line managers. Through the partnership, Napthens will also act as Shakespeare North’s outsourced HR partner to support the internal HR function and senior leadership team, ensuring the business’ objectives can be achieved by harnessing the potential of the workforce.

Jenny Heyes, head of People Projects at Napthens, said: “We’re proud to be supporting this exciting cultural project in the historic town of Prescot. As Shakespeare North Playhouse continues to grow, we’ll be providing HR and employment law support and helping Melanie and her team to create an inclusive and rewarding working environment that people are proud to be a part of and eager to join. Building a vibrant workforce can be an organisation’s best asset and we’re looking forward to helping the team achieve this goal.”

Melanie Lewis, chief executive at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said: “Partnering with Napthens has given us the reassurance that our employment and HR functions will be taken care of. As we look to create some of the North West’s most exciting theatre productions, and grow our team significantly in the process, it is crucial that we have rigorous employment processes in place. Having worked together with Jenny and her team in the past, I’m full of confidence that our HR operations are in safe hands.”

Kieran Donovan, partner and head of Napthens Liverpool office, said: “The opening of the Shakespeare North Playhouse is a defining moment for the arts community in the North West and it’s no surprise to see Liverpool City Region leading the way, as it’s always been a centre for culture and the arts in the UK. I’m incredibly proud that the relationships the team have built over the years give us the opportunity to work with such incredible organisations and partner with those at Shakespeare North once again.”