Were you there at the Broadway Theatre on 2 November, watching four Shakespeares in one evening? It was a pleasure to plunge into a primary school’s version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, swiftly followed by ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘As You Like It’ and finally the JAGS ‘Macbeth’. We were gripped and took so much from the raw energy, enthusiasm and commitment of each performance.

Shakepeare Schools' Festival organiser Lydia Lewison sent her special congratulations to the director, Mr Alex Kerr and the whole JAGS company:  

“Your ‘Macbeth’ was an extraordinary example of ensemble work - I have rarely seen it so well done. Every single member of the cast was absolutely committed to their performance, and nobody missed a beat.  It must have taken so much hard work and dedication to create such a detailed and polished piece.  The actors' timing was incredible.  I was particularly impressed when they spoke together - even the inflection of the words was matched so that it really sounded like one voice.  Your ensemble created the world very powerfully, each scene, whether it was the court or the forest, had a very definite sense of place, supported by your sound and lighting choices. 

It is a testament to the strength of your leads that they were able to hold the audience's attention, even when there was such detailed and eye-catching ensemble work going on behind them.  Every actor spoke with excellent projection, clarity and intention.

There were so many memorable moments:  when the witches first came together as one terrifying being, the horrifying moment when the inhabitants of the castle were all slain, when Lady Macbeth's body was held aloft, Macbeth chased down by the army, and that final ensemble look to the audience.  The whole production was incredibly chilling and powerful. 

I am sure you are hugely proud of your young people, and that all of the staff, friends and family who came to see your show were full of praise for what you all achieved.
 
It is an extraordinary thing you do to enable a group of young people to perform Shakespeare to such a high standard on a professional stage, and I am in awe of what teachers, who are already so busy, achieve in the Festival.  I hope the confidence and all the other benefits your young actors gained from the process will stay with them for a long time.” 
 
Lydia Lewison, SSF organiser