West End Primary Schools Bring Shakespeare to Life in a Spectacular Shared Performance

More than 380 year five pupils from across Newcastle’s West End joined forces in a joyful celebration of creativity and performance as they presented a vibrant retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Schools Programme, delivered in partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Through a series of engaging workshops led by Theatre Royal associate artists and embedded in classrooms in all nine Primary Schools across the West End School’s Trust, pupils and teachers explored exciting and accessible ways to bringing Shakespeare to life – making the work of one of the world’s greatest playwrights relevant and enjoyable for a new generation.

Each school developed its own section of the play, culminating in a special performance at Broadwood Primary School on Friday 26 June. Pupils performed for one another in a celebration of collaboration, achievement and collective storytelling.

Helen Milner, Head of Creative Development at Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “This playful and inspiring project has been a fantastic opportunity for young people across Newcastle’s West End to explore one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and imaginative plays. Our associate artists have enjoyed spending the last few months working closely in schools, supporting both pupils and teachers to develop their confidence, creativity and passion for drama.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is full of mischief and humour, with themes that young people can really relate to - friendship, identity and emotions. It’s been wonderful to see how these schools have embraced the story and made it their own.”

Mrs Mitcheson, Headteacher at Broadwood Primary School, added: “Watching the children perform with such confidence, energy and pride was incredibly rewarding. The project gave pupils the opportunity to work creatively together, try something new and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

“For many children, performing Shakespeare might once have felt intimidating, but this programme made it accessible, exciting and fun. Seeing all nine schools come together to support and celebrate one another was a really special moment for our whole community.”

This project highlights the transformative impact of arts education and the vital role organisations such as Newcastle Theatre Royal play in enriching the lives of young people across the region. By bringing professional artists into schools and supporting teachers to develop new skills, the programme helps to build confidence, communication skills and aspiration among young people throughout the community.

To find out more about Newcastle Theatre Royal’s work with schools, visit https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/take-part/schools/