To See Or Not To See; The Shakespeare Schools Festival At The Civic
The Civic presents Shakespeare Schools Festival, All the World’s Our Stage
The Civic brings the largest youth drama festival in the UK to Barnsley. Abridged Shakespeare plays will be performed by local schools, showcasing an interpretation of the Bard as never seen before. Over two evenings, six local schools will be performing classics such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
The performances come as a part of Shakespeare Schools Festival, seeing 30,000 young people take to the stage nationwide and celebrating the 400th anniversary of the great playwright’s death.
“My heart was beating really fast until I had said all my lines and my bit was over. Then I felt like I wanted to do it all again… It has changed my life.” Jacub, pupil on his performance at the 2015 Festival
Shakespeare Schools Festival gives primary, secondary and special school pupils from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre, ultimately transforming lives.
“Children who hate books start to love an Elizabethan poet. They discover that making a play can still be what is says on the tin: play.” Sir Nicholas Hytner, SSF patron and former Artistic Director of the National Theatre
“At SSF, we don’t just believe in the limitless power of Shakespeare to amuse and terrify, move and inspire, we believe that something as scary, as aspirational, as wonderful as doing Shakespeare (as one ten year old put it) has the power to change lives – and, crucially, the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in this country.” Ruth Brock, Chief Executive at Shakespeare Schools Festival
All are welcome to this inspiring evening of theatre. Whether you are a parent, friend or another local school, SSF is a wonderful way to experience the language, magic and possibilities of Shakespeare.
Also, to get you in the Christmas spirit The Civic have an alternative to the traditional Christmas Pantomime with Pif-Paf and Tell Tale Hearts’ rendition of Snow White.
“A supreme success…delightfully funny…an immersive and intense experience…good overcoming evil, hope in the face of adversity – reveals the beauty of self-sacrifice and communal love…a good Christmas message at its very heart” Yorkshire Post
Set in our very own Yorkshire landscape this production weaves aerial feats, live music, comedy and compelling performances to give all the family a special treat this Christmas. Get your ticket before they sell out!
Shakespeare School Festival is at The Civic on Tuesday 22 November and Wednesday 23 November at 7pm. Tickets are £9 full price, £7 concessions and £6.50 child.
Snow White is at The Civic from Wednesday 14 December until Saturday 24 December at various times. Tickets are £12 full price, £10 concessions and £8 children.
For more information and to book visit www.barnsleycivic.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01226 327000.