A group of Year 9 students recently brought Shakespeare to life during an unforgettable visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, as part of the school’s Drop-Down Day trips programme.
The visit began with an engaging guided tour of the iconic theatre, where students explored the rich history of theatre in Shakespeare’s time. They learned about the unique staging of plays at the Globe, the challenging performance conditions faced by actors, and how audiences experienced theatre over 400 years ago. Standing in the space where Shakespeare’s plays are still performed today proved both inspiring and eye-opening.
Following the tour, students were taken to the Globe Theatre’s rehearsal spaces for an exciting and highly interactive workshop focused on Romeo and Juliet, a text they will be studying next term in English. During the session, students explored a variety of rehearsal techniques and drama games designed to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s language and characters.
Highlights included learning how to deliver authentic Shakespearean insults, experimenting with vocal techniques to communicate meaning and emotion, and watching a lively performance of the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet. The practical nature of the workshop allowed students to build confidence, creativity, and a greater appreciation of Shakespeare’s work.
The trip provided a valuable opportunity to link classroom learning with real-world experiences, leaving students inspired and well-prepared for their upcoming studies of Shakespeare.