A DORCHESTER headteacher has praised his pupils’ performance of Romeo and Juliet in this year’s Shakespeare in Schools Festival.

Year 4 pupils from The Prince of Wales School joined Year 5 children from St John’s Primary School in Weymouth and Year 8 children from Sunninghill Preparatory School at The Weymouth Pavilion on Wednesday, November 6 for the 2019 Shakespeare in Schools Festival.

Shakespeare School’s Foundation (SSF) runs the event, an award-winning cultural education charity that gives young people across the UK confidence and skills to help them succeed in later life.

The Prince of Wales School performed Romeo and Juliet at the festival, bringing the setting of the classic play up-to-date with some inspired props including lightsabers, scooters and skateboards.

Speaking about the performance, headteacher Gary Spracklen said: “We have a passion for classic literature at The Prince of Wales School.

“Our pupils have loved every minute of taking part in this year’s Shakespeare in Schools Festival and have been inspired to learn more not only about William Shakespeare but also about the period in which he lived and the authors and playwrights he inspired.

“The incredible performance itself at the Weymouth Pavilion was a culmination of months of hard work and dedication not only from the pupils but also from our incredible staff team. As a Headteacher, I have never been prouder.”

Year 4 pupil Kurtis said: “We have all really enjoyed learning about Shakespeare’s works and performing to a live audience of over 300 people was amazing.

“It was nervous waiting to go on stage, but from the moment we acting our lines, the nerves went and we all had the most fantastic of times.”

SSF chief executive Ruth Brock, said: “Performing Shakespeare on a professional stage opens doors to the future.”