THE world’s most famous playwright will be celebrated in Liverpool during a three-day Shake- speare festival this weekend. Venues across the city and beyond – including Crosby beach – will host dozens of free 45-minute performances as part of the Shakespeare in the City event. All of the abridged shows are created and performed by young people aged between 16 and 21. More than 30 youth theatre groups will take part in the July 5-7 festival, including 26 groups from outside Liverpool. All were selected during the national Shakespeare Youth Festival earlier in the year. Performance venues include Liverpool One, the Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, World Museum Liverpool, St George’s Hall, Lipa, Crosby Beach, St Luke’s Church, and the Cavern. Fazakerley hospital patients can also enjoy a specially-developed show entitled Shakespeare on the Wards being staged this Sunday. Meanwhile, families are being offered a fun introduction to the Bard with the Shakespeare Unmasked workshop at Novas’ Contemporary Urban Centre on July 5-6. The festival will also feature a series of short cameo performances giving people the chance to experience at 15-minute Shakespeare taster. Shakespeare Schools Festival director Chris Grace said: “What thrills me most of all is how people of all ages from all over the UK have been inspired to harness their creative energies.” Organisers are encouraging people to get into the Shakespearean mood by downloading a special mask to wear at performances. The mask is available from www.ssf.uk.com/ shakespeareinthecity. A full performance schedule is also available at www.ssf.uk.com/ shakespeareinthecity or from the 08 Place in Whitechapel. Shakespeare in the City is the last of three Shakespeare events for young people taking place as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture programme. The first, Shakespeare Youth Festival took place between March 15-20, followed by Shakespeare 24 on April 23, the Bard’s birthday. catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk | 
