In March, a talented group of 15 Year 5 pupils from our school had the opportunity to take part in the Shakespeare School’s Theatre Festival hosted at Durham University.

This unforgettable production was the result of weeks of dedication, teamwork, and creativity—and what a journey it was! From designing and making our own props, to exploring movement and stage presence, to learning lines that at times felt like Shakespearean jibberish, every step of the process brought laughter, challenge and achievement. Of course, none of this would have been complete without plenty of Mini Cheddars along the way!

Under the guidance of Miss Zajaczkowska, the children approached every rehearsal with enthusiasm, resilience, and a real sense of fun. Together, they created something truly special—proving that teamwork, determination and a little bit of imagination can bring even the most complex stories to life.

The performance itself was nothing short of magical. A creative and humorous Gogglebox-inspired adaptation provided a fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic, while the children’s commitment, confidence and characterisation shone throughout. From inventive costumes and thoughtful stagecraft to strong ensemble performance, the children captivated their audience from start to finish.

We were thrilled to receive such wonderful feedback following the performance. The production was described as “a magical and glorious Gogglebox themed The Tempest by a focused cast of skilled young actors.”

The children were praised for their professionalism, excellent listening skills, and the way they fully committed to their roles as their confidence grew across the day. Particular highlights included the creative storytelling, attention to detail in costume and characterisation and the imaginative staging that brought humour and clarity to the performance. 

Most importantly, this experience showed just how powerful performance can be—bringing learning to life and allowing young people to reinterpret classic texts in exciting and meaningful ways.

We are so proud of every single child involved. Their hard work, determination and teamwork made this production a truly memorable experience for everyone who watched.

Well done, Year 5—you did it together! 🎭✨