ArtsGroupie presents:

A Portrait of William Roscoe

by John Maguire

ArtsGroupie are proud to share that we have been able to produce and perform A Portrait of William Roscoe thanks to funding from Arts Council England (ACE).

Celebrating a renowned writer and one of England’s first abolitionists, ‘A Portrait of William Roscoe’ will see the man come magically alive and out of his portrait to talk about his life and times.

Using puppetry, physicality and traditional storytelling.

A poet, historian, and patron of the arts, William Roscoe was responsible for helping to establish the first botanical garden in Liverpool in 1802. In that same year, he wrote a children’s poem, The Butterfly’s Ball and The Grasshopper’s Feast for his son, Robert, which won him international fame.

Roscoe was a social activist throughout his life and an advocate for the environment and racial justice. He became an MP in Liverpool to vote against slavery and this led to the abolition of slavery in 1807. Journey with us back to see Liverpool through the eyes of this distinguished gentleman.

“A Portrait of William Roscoe” is a stageplay and immersive community workshops. The shadow puppet workshops involve refugee children and draw from Roscoe’s “The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast,” highlighting Roscoe’s contributions to Liverpool’s history, arts, and culture.
This multi-partner project focuses on the forgotten legacy of William Roscoe, a significant figure in British history who defied humble origins. The play emphasises his championing of the arts for well-being, support for freelancers, and his role as one of Britain’s first slave abolitionists.
Through theatre and community workshops, the project fosters arts participation, and stimulate conversations on the enduring impact of universal racism. Refugee community involvement enriches the project, using shadow puppetry workshops to enhance integration and well-being, highlighting relevant aspects of Roscoe’s legacy. Refugee children’s shadow puppets will be utilised in the play’s staging, symbolising their voices alongside Roscoe’s message.

ArtsGroupie would like to thank Andrew AB Photography for the wonderful show photography from the productions at Shakespeare North and the Athenaeum. Check out Andrew’s exceptional portfolio.