Group of KS1 children, some wearing workshop costumes, concentrating. One wearing a crown with his hand up to answer a question.

5 year olds doing Shakespeare? Pardon?

For 120 five to seven year olds to sit quietly, fully focused and thoroughly engaged for this length of time – albeit with opportunities to stand up and yell at each other – was quite remarkable and is testament to this lovely school. Nick and I hugely enjoyed our morning with Year 2 being entertained by some cracking actors. The children in Year 1 in the afternoon were equally delightful and, even if the voices were naturally quieter, the laughter wasn’t! There is something heartwarming about a room full of young children giggling and gasping as a story, written 400 years ago, unfolds. St Edburgs, Bicester

Talking of 4-11 year olds performing Shakespeare in 4 days, Richard and I finished off June in style (and insane heat) at Barkston & Syston CE Primary, a gorgeous little school in Lincolnshire. This was our fourth visit in five years and this time we tackled the tragedy of ROMEO & JULIET.

A drawing of blonde Juliet in a pink dress on her yellow balcony with Romeo in a blue hat, jacket and knickerbockers, kneeling beneath with his right hand raised up towards her.
Post Workshop image drawn by a talented young man in Y4.

There were many entertaining moments here, not least the five year old Romeo & Juliet blowing kisses to each other after their secret wedding. You can always rely on the cute factor to steal the show!

Juliet’s balcony, lovingly made by Mrs Brown