Children from 18 schools were given a chance to design a poster for their upcoming production of Macbeth at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Pupils from 18 associate schools will perform at Blackpool Grand Theatre this week. This will involve over 400 local children performing in 2 separate productions of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

As part of the project, the children have also been involved in all aspects of the show – including the marketing. The children were given a competition to design a poster for the show, which will take place on Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 March.

Katie Jones, aged 9, from Thames Primary Academy designed the winning entry which will be displayed outside Victoria Street Starbucks until the final show on Thursday evening. Katie was delighted to have won the competition and is looking forward to performing on The Grand stage.

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool has been working in partnership with the RSC and local schools for over 5 years. The fundamental ambition of the Programme has remained the same throughout: to bring about a significant change in the way young people experience, engage with, and take ownership of the work of Shakespeare. The aim is to explore Shakespeare with students and teachers in the way actors do in a rehearsal room, using dynamic, active approaches. As a celebration of this work, children from the 18 associate schools, are coming together to put on a one hour edit of Macbeth using original Shakespearian language and text.

Telling a story with this many cast members is a highly ambitious and challenging feet, one that RSC Director Mentor, Amy Draper does not take lightly. Amy has worked alongside the associate schools dedicated and talented teachers to make sure that there is continuity throughout the performances. Just having a visit from a professional director is exciting enough for the young cast members but Amy, as a representative from the RSC, really makes the children aware that this is not just a fantastic regional festival but part of a national programme. Some of the cast will even get the opportunity to travel to Stratford Upon Avon to be part of the national festival at the RSC in July.

Jo Cleasby, Blackpool Grand’s Creative Learning Producer who coordinates this project said; ‘We have the most amazing directors in Blackpool schools that also happen to be full time teachers. Their commitment to the young people with whom they work and the extra hours they put in are hugely appreciated. If they didn’t run rehearsals as extra-curricular activities, make costumes or fill in all the paper work this show would not be possible. Without their dedication this whole programme would not be the success it is.’

Make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing display of local talented youngsters from our associate schools. Witches, Murders and Battles, what more could you want!

Shakespeare Festival – Macbeth

Grand Theatre Blackpool

Tuesday 6 March and Thursday 8 March
1pm and 6pm

Tickets

£7
Our booking fee is included in all stated ticket prices.

Call Box Office on 01253 290 190 or click here.

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