Shakespeare Nation:
A Launchpad for Creativity

Keslowena / Congratulations to our Shakespeare Nation community company, who took to the Cornwall Playhouse stage at the weekend for their star‑crossed swansong - a performance of Romeo and Juliet that packed a proper local punch. 

Our Shakespeare Nation company was made up of local adults who stepped onto our stage with curiosity, generosity, and determination Credit Hugh Hastings 

As the curtain fell, it marked the successful completion of a five‑year partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), which has supported participants to build skills, confidence, and lasting connections by enabling them to work closely with RSC professionals alongside artists, directors and creatives from across the Duchy. 

Romeo and Juliet director, and co-founder of Prodigal Theatre, Alistair O'Loughlin directs the cast. Credit Hugh Hastings

Over five years, that sustained commitment gave participants the chance to try things out, learn from one another, and grow as artists. 

Alongside workshops and in‑house performances, the group’s work also reached wider audiences. This included creating a curtain raiser to open the national tour of Hamlet. 

Creative growth and future plans   

Several participants are now taking further steps through our Husa programme of support for artists, using their experience from Shakespeare Nation as a foundation for new work. 

Three members of the company -  Alison, Michelle and Rose - formed their own company, HotMess CIC, moving into creative leadership and independent making. Michelle has also showcased her work at one of our Made in Cornwall Scratch Night. 

One participant, Tom, has continued to develop his practice as a performer, building physical theatre skills through Creative Rise and presenting work at one of our Made in Cornwall Scratch Nights earlier this year. His journey reflects the wider impact of the programme: skills developed over time and applied in new contexts.

Others have accessed our Husa Voice and Accent Hub, New Artist Network, and even a Games Sharing workshop for practitioners with Deputy Creative Director Helen Tiplady and Get Creative Manager Sally Knight.

Shakespeare Nation participant, Tom, takes to the stage for Romeo and Juliet. Credit Hugh Hastings.

This kind of progression matters to us. It reflects our commitment to long‑term artist development, and to building clear, supported pathways that propel Cornwall’s creatives forward. 

Deputy Creative Director Helen Tiplady commented:  

“What began as a single online workshop grew into something far bigger than we ever imagined. Shakespeare Nation became a shared journey over five years powered by curiosity, generosity, and the belief that Shakespeare is for everyone. What a journey it's been. And this is just the start - we can’t wait to cheer on those who are taking their next steps into creative careers."

Keslowena / Congratulations 

As this chapter closes, we want to say Keslowena to everyone who has been part of Shakespeare Nation – our Get Creative team, the artists, the RSC collaborators, and the audiences who supported the work along the way. And most of all, the participants – who showed what great community theatre can be.  

Shakespeare Nation has now taken its final bow, but the skills, relationships, and confidence built through it continue to shape what happens next. 

“What’s past is prologue...” 

William Shakespeare, The Tempest Act 2, Scene 1