Local schoolchildren menaced by 'Scottish play'
Better Bankside backs Playhouse 'Shakespeare for Schools'
For an intense period å between 24th January and 11th February å Southwark Playhouse presented its production of Macbeth to no less than 22 Southwark and Lambeth schools, most of them primary schools. A further seven schools had to be turned away.
Writes Tom Wilson, Director of Education at the Playhouse: 'The popularity of Shakespeare for Schools is evident. Shakespeare is not compulsory at years 5 and 6; but it is quite clear that his vivid language and compelling plots are an established part of the primary schools' curriculum.'
'Some schools were new to us, coming from quite Ëfar flungÓ parts of Southwark. A few performances were host to two schools; this mix of audience often added to the general air of expectation and excitement as I settled audiences.'
'We had over 100 applications to direct Macbeth. Andy Brereton proved to be a very wise choice. His production was clear and vigorous; his young actors looked the part and spoke well. The ensemble playing was fast, well-paced and engaging. As an instance, our gala night invitees shared the evening with a community school: the rapt attention of the young people was a feature of a successful evening, and of other audiences, in a very good run.'
'Time Out gave Macbeth four stars. It is unusual for a Ëschools performanceÓ to be reviewed at all, let alone get such a recommendation.'
Southwark
Playhouse
http://www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/
