We were completely in awe of the young people that performed on our stage in the Schools Shakespeare Festival, Macbeth.

The 18 associate schools taking part in our Regional Schools’ Shakespeare Festival with over 400 local children performing were astounding in their performances of Macbeth. The creative direction of the teachers and the young people’s ideas meant that both shows were completely different but equally brilliant in their telling of this Shakespearean masterpiece.

Pupils also helped run the theatre for the day. From a 9-year-old, duty manager to exceptional young ice cream sellers, they were superb.

Students from across the Associate School Hub will now come together to rehearse a new section of Macbeth that will be performed on the RSC Main Stage at Stratford Upon Avon in July. This new ensemble of Blackpool students will perform alongside young people from 6 other regions across the country.

Feedback from young people and teachers involved in this project has been exceptionally positive. Students surveyed so far have reported a 100% increase in their speaking and listening skills. Teachers have had their classroom practice rejuvenated and some have found this project the highlight of their careers.

We have also had our regional Shakespeare Ambassadors programme recognised by the RSC. This is a small group of representatives from each school that come together to share their passion for Shakespeare. Our young advocates for the Bard will soon be receiving personal letters from RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran as well as official RSC badges of recognition.

It seems fitting to end this post with a massive thank you to all students, parents and teachers that worked so hard on the festival performances. Without you we would not get verbatim comments like this; “It was the best experience a 12 year old can dream of.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the work our Creative Learning Team do check out our news page by clicking here.  

Don’t forget you can still get tickets to see The Jungle Book from 8-12 May at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here, or alternatively you can call our Box Office on 01253 290190.