Elgin youngsters in dream stage production
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN ELGIN class have taken their Shakespeare learning to the big stage as part of a UK-wide festival.
Primary 7 pupils at St Sylvester’s Primary School spent 10 weeks learning about Shakespeare which culminated in their performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Eden Court, in Inverness, on November 7. It is the third time the school has taken part in the enriching programme.
This autumn, more than 20,000 young people from 750 schools will take to stages at 118 professional venues around the UK as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival.
The pupils worked with the national festival team to produce and star in the play. The project brings schools together onto a big stage in their area and St Sylvester's was joined by pupils from Drummond School in Inverness and pupils from the Mallaig cluster. The company produces a script which can be adapted by the classes to suit their needs and the pupils then work on issues such as lighting and sound to polish the plays.
Proud teacher Kirstin Player said: "The elation and pride that they all felt at the completion of the play was huge.
"I am exceptionally proud of all that they have achieved.
"We look forward to seeing what this group of amazing young individuals will achieve next."
One class member, Lillia, said: "My Shakespeare Schools Festival experience was absolutely incredible – even better than I could have imagined. Even if anybody forgot their lines we always supported them. We all gained confidence and it inspired us to challenge ourselves to learn new skills. While we were doing this experience we had a lot of ups and downs but we stuck our head back down and rallied. I could never have asked for better classmates to complete this experience with."
Classmate Lucas said: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lifted our confidence. It took a lot of time to adjust to the new Shakespearian language and to understand the script but it was worth it."
Mrs Player added: "It has let them shine in a new way. They have learnt so many new skills and many of them surprised themselves with what they were able to achieve and participate in."
