Liverpool based PurpleCoat have been successful in their bid for Arts Council Funding.

After seven years producing work with their adult and youth cast, staging productions in Liverpool and on tour across the U.K., they have been awarded a small amount of funding to allow them to continue. To celebrate, they return to Liverpool this Christmas with a double bill of ‘Shakespeare’s two greatest plays.’

After their five star success of Hamlet in Ireland in April, followed by a sell-out run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bombed Out Church’s ‘Raise the Roof’ festival, PurpleCoat bring Henry IV Part 1 and 2 to the Arts Club, Liverpool from 16th-19th December. The plays tell an epic story of the dividing of Britain and the precursor to the landmark victory of the Battle of Agincourt, which changed the face of Britain forever. It is a play incredibly of our time, looking at issues of immigration, nationalism, independence, and, in PurpleCoat’s telling, the role of women.

‘In our production, we have altered two of the play’s most iconic characters, Falstaff and Prince Hall, into women,’ says Artistic Director, Karl Falconer. ‘We did the same thing with Hamlet, which really helped to redefine and make fresh such a well-known play. It’s another way in which we can make Shakespeare’s stories speak to everyone, today.’ The double bill is told across two nights, and Karl says it is an experience not to be missed. ‘This is Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones. The opportunity to return to a story for a second night and see its sequel: it’s the original HBO box set. It’s nothing like we’ve ever done before, it’s exciting.’

Tickets for Part 1 and 2 are on sale now from artsclubliverpool.com. Adults: £11.50, Concessions are available at £9.50 or book for both parts for £16.