Following a generous grant from the Benefact Group, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s (SBT) learning team has collaborated with schools, practitioners, and four cultural venues across the nation to create inspirational performance opportunities using the new Children’s Folio, released earlier this year.
From Northumberland to Norfolk, school children across the nation have had the unique opportunity to take part in special performances of some of Shakespeare’s most famous works thanks to funding from the Movement for Good Award from the Benefact Group. This forms part of the SBT’s ongoing celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Shakespeare Week, the annual festival inspiring primary school children across the country.
Held at four cultural venues across the UK, these special performances build on the success and ethos of Shakespeare Week, which aims to create a positive first impression of the Stratford-born writer for all children.
On Monday 11 November, the final performance took place at the historic St George's Guildhall in King’s Lynn, where school children, friends, family and cultural partners from across the region came together to celebrate. This event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the young performers, as they walked in Shakespeare’s footsteps and performed his work at this iconic venue - believed to be the only working theatre in the world where the playwright himself performed.
‘’It has been inspiring to follow the journey of school children involved and watch them connect with Shakespeare in a new way through the Children’s Folio.
‘’Thanks to the generous support from the Benefact Group, we have been able to deliver an array of workshops and free resources for schools, giving teachers the confidence to teach Shakespeare. Importantly it has brought Shakespeare to life for more young children, making his iconic works accessible to those who might not have engaged with him otherwise.’’
Said Sally Gray, Shakespeare Week project manager at the SBT.
All the World’s A Stage
Indeed, the funding provided special performance opportunities for children from four schools across the UK, helping to develop oracy and creative skills, and instil a sense of confidence in the young children.
During Shakespeare Week, the first public performance of Romeo & Juliet taken from the specially abridged script in the Children’s Folio featured students from Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School.
The second and third performances in July featured children from Whytrig Middle School in Northumberland and Bishop Martin CE Primary in Liverpool. Using the new Children’s Folio, the students had the opportunity to get creative and have fun performing for their family and friends.
The second show took place at Alnwick Castle, where students from Whytrig Middle School performed Macbeth. At Shakespeare North Playhouse, children from Bishop Martin CE Primary performed scenes from Twelfth Night.
Celebrations in Full Swing at King’s Lynn
After a year of celebration across the nation, the special grand finale took place at St George's Guildhall, the UK’s oldest working theatre and art gallery. Celebrations saw 60 school children from St Martha's CE Primary School in King’s Lynn take to the stage with their captivating rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream to an audience of family, friends and cultural partners.
In the lead-up to this special performance, the young children participated in a week-long exploration of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Guided by talented creative professionals, experienced teachers, and the dedicated learning teams from both SBT and St George's Guildhall, the children engaged in hands-on, high-quality drama, dance and art workshops to gain new skills and delve deep into the iconic play.
‘’We've truly enjoyed collaborating with the school, the team at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and our cultural partners to bring Shakespeare's work to life for these young school children. Watching their creativity and confidence grow in the build up to the performance was inspiring, and their excitement has really been contagious as they have had fun immersing themselves into the magical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’’
Commented Tim FitzHigham, Creative Director of the Guildhall and Creative Hub Site.
‘’We want to ensure that every child has a positive first experience with Shakespeare and the Children’s Folio is another way we can engage and inspire children in an accessible way. Throughout the year, it has been real highlight for our team to watch the performances at the incredible venues as they have demonstrated how children and teachers are being positively impacted by the funding and the Children’s Folio.
‘’Now I hope that we can build upon our partnership with the Benefact Group and our cultural partners across the nation as it enables us to reach more children and establish new connections within communities.”
Added Andy Reeves, Head of Learning Development at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Shakespeare Week will be returning in 2025 with a series of new events and activities. For more information about Shakespeare Week and to access an array of free digital resources, please visit: https://www.shakespeareweek.org.uk/.
More information about the Children’s Folio, please visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/childrens-folio.