The magic of Shakespeare cast its spell on Teesside pupils

Representatives from the RSC joined in a day of drama at Archibald Primary School as pupils from seven Teesside schools put on a performance of one of the Bard's best-known plays

The Magic of Shakespeare cast its spell on pupils at Teesside schools as part of a three-year partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Representatives from the RSC joined in a day of drama at Archibald Primary School as pupils from seven Teesside schools put on a performance of one of the Bard’s best-known plays.

Archibald Primary is now in its second year as a (Learning and Performance Network) hub-school working alongside Breckon Hill Primary, Macmillan Academy, Newport Primary, Priory Woods School and Art College, Sunnyside Academy and Acklam Grange Secondary.

For the event, pupils from each of the schools performed a short drama based on scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream including Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding.

A specially invited audience, dressed in wedding finery, watched the performances during a tour of the school.

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Archibald Primary School pupils enjoy day of drama with RSC

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Anita Jefferies, headteacher at Archibald Primary School said: “We were all in our glad-rags.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the day’s outcome which was a culmination of work from all the schools in our Learning and Performance Network. Working with the RCA is a great opportunity for the community - two of our pupils have even met Prince Charles as part of the scheme.

“We will continue to work closely with them for the duration of our three-year partnership.”

The event was part of a LPN scheme between seven schools on Teesside.

Established in 2006, the LPN programme works through partnerships of schools and their local theatre over a three-year period to try to change the way that young people experience the work of William Shakespeare.

The LPN is targeted towards those schools and young people who have least access to Shakespeare, cultural provision and the RSC.

For students, the programme introduces dynamic ways to learn about Shakespeare in the classroom, artist-led projects and performance opportunities.