It is a silver lining of the Covid-19 environment that Cook is still in New Zealand and again sharing their talents with the city production.
Show dates are March 4-7 (matinee on Sunday) and March 10-13 at the Victoria Esplanade.
A graduate of RADA's Acting BA and Birkbeck University of London's MFA in Theatre Directing, Cook has led multiple productions for theatres in the United Kingdom and United States.
Producer Rachel Lenart says audiences can expect to see some great theatrical talent on show.
"Auditions were fantastic, we had around 35 people audition and a whole heap of fun in workshopping the text with our hugely talented community. Fifteen have been cast in the play from ages 18-74."
Manawatū Summer Shakespeare, supported by Massey University, received $4000 under the Creative Communities Scheme, which is a partnership between Palmerston North City Council and Creative New Zealand to fund local arts and cultural projects.
Council community funding co-ordinator Brooke Carter says round 1 of the Creative Communities Scheme for 2020-21, which closed last August, disbursed $54,615.84 to 15 successful applicants.
The budget for 2020-21 round 2 is $72,725.82 and applicants will be notified of the decision by April 1.
Carter says the scheme's support of art in the community contributes to the vibrancy and attractiveness of Palmerston North.
"There are no set numbers as to how many people will receive funding. It is dependent on the quality of applications and how many people apply."