Dream Performance: Primary Schools Smash Shakespearean Comedy

Hundreds of primary school pupils from nine North East schools have come together to re-enact Shakespeare’s illustrious comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Led by Theatre Royal associate artists, the feast of creativity from almost four hundred nine and ten year olds comprised a series of classroom workshops across Newcastle’s West End.

Making the celebrated playwright’s work relevant for a new generation, the dynamic engagement was delivered by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Schools Programme in partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Each school developed its own section of the play, culminating in a special performance at Broadwood Primary School where pupils performed for each another in a celebration of collaboration, achievement and collective storytelling.
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.Helen Milner, Head of Creative Development, Newcastle Theatre Royal

The initiative reflects the transformative impact of arts education and the vital role of organisations like Newcastle Theatre Royal play in enriching the lives of young people across the region.

Bringing professional artists into schools and supporting teachers to develop new skills, the programme aims to build confidence, communication skills and aspiration among young people throughout the community.

The nine participating schools from are from WEST (West End Schools' Trust), a foundation trust collaborating to raise standards for almost 3,000 pupils. The trust focuses on high-quality teaching, inclusive education, and community partnerships, serving a socio-economically diverse area.

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.

Mrs Wendy Mitcheson, Headteacher at Broadwood Primary School

Newcastle Theatre Royal is one of sixteen regional theatres partnering with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Schools Programme across England.

Designed to embed the active teaching of Shakespeare in the curriculum, it provides high-quality professional development for teachers alongside meaningful creative opportunities for students.

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