Pupils’ play is Shakespeare, but shorter

PUPILS at Dover Grammar School for Boys are preparing for their performance of a shortened version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the Quarterhouse, Folkestone on Friday, October 9.

The cast of 13 boys and one girl from Dover Grammar School for Girls has been led by head of drama Michael Thomas, who is a veteran of many previous productions at the school.

They range from Year 8 to Year 11 and include several actors who played leading roles in The Boy Who Fell into a Book which was
performed in February.

They are taking part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival, involving 5,000 young people across the country supported by the National Theatre and the National Youth Theatre.

Each of the 300 schools and youth groups involved works from an abridged 30-minute version of Shakespeare’s original script, aiming to take a creative and inventive approach to staging the play. Four plays will be presented on each evening.

Teacher directors have received training through the National Theatre, including a directing masterclass with Nicholas Hytner, and the pupils have recently taken part in a performing workshop led by staff from the National Youth Theatre.

The emphasis has been to develop ensemble working, shared creativity, enthusiasm and technical skill in delivering Shakespeare’s language for a modern audience.

■ Tickets for the show are on sale direct from the Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone (01303 858500) priced £7.50 and £5.50.