UNIVERSITY students will be bringing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play to local schools before premiering to the public in Bournemouth.
Students at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) will be touring schools across Dorset and Hampshire in a production that is partnered with industry professionals.
Jonny Hoskins, creative producer at AUB Productions, said: “Last year’s school tour with Macbeth was such a phenomenal success that we knew we had to do it again this year.”
He added: “It's great to be able to support local schools and teachers as they inspire and introduce the next generation to Shakespeare.”
The performances will take place every day until November 15 at schools such as Poole Grammar School, Poole High School, Queen Elizabeth School, The Burgate School, Oak Academy, and Durlston Court School.
Fiona Ross, director and associate with the Royal Shakespeare Company, said: “I’m especially excited that this production is touring schools as many young people don’t get the chance to experience a theatre production.”
Owen Hudson, assistant director and third year BA (Hons) Acting student who plays Paris in the play, said: “When I was 13, my school participated in a Shakespeare competition in which multiple schools from across Birmingham performed a shortened version of a popular Shakespeare play.
“I played Banquo in Macbeth.
“This was one of my first experiences with Shakespeare's work and it was incredible.
“Learning his language through performance made it so much easier to understand the text and character intentions.”
Rebecca Mckinnon, a third year BA (Hons) Acting student who lays the Prince, the Apothecary, as well as being Fight Captain, said: “Being from a small corner of northeast Scotland, my Academy had very limited drama.
“I wish there was a Shakespeare tour that had come to my school as this would have opened so many more doors for me.
“I am glad to be a part of this school tour and hopefully bring excitement to the students we will be performing for.”
Tickets are available on the AUB website for the public performances on November 16 at the Palace Court Theatre.
The matinee performance tickets are ‘pay what you can’ and the evening show tickets are £10 for adults or £4 for concessions.
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