Macbeth Performance at Northern Stage
Young thespians had the opportunity to tread the boards with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company when they performed one of the Bard’s most infamous plays at the Northern Stage. The Year 3 and 4 pupils from St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School in Newcastle took part in the well-known Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth, thanks to the RSC’s long running Associate Schools Programme.
“We have been involved in this project for a few years now, and the children have loved it,” said Emily Barnes, Year 4 teacher at St Catherine’s, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
“Every year the children ask if we will be taking part again.”
Twenty-two budding actors from the school were involved in the production, appearing in classic scenes which included the infamous three witches.
Rehearsals took place after school and during lunch breaks, with the assistance of Miss Barnes and fellow St Catherine’s teacher Racheal Murray, who also helped with costumes for the performers.
The end performance, which took place at Newcastle’s Northern Stage theatre, was enjoyed by an audience of around 500 people, and featured pupils from several other primary schools in the area.
“They loved it,” continued Miss Barnes. “It was a brilliant experience for all the children involved. These opportunities give the children a fantastic opportunity to perform on a lovely stage. This builds confidence in so many children.”