Budding dramatists from Cheltenham College Junior School were chosen out of a cast of 500 schools to perform a Shakespearian play to the National Governors Association AGM at the Council Chambers in Birmingham. Our talented youngsters performed an abridged version of Much Ado about Nothing in front of over 200 delegates on Saturday 7th November, receiving a standing ovation for their stunning performance.

The Junior was one of 2 schools out of 500 to be chosen for this honour, having been recommended after the pupils' outstanding performance at The Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Now in its 8th year, the Shakespeare Schools Festival is the UK’s largest youth drama festival. Between18th September and 12th November, over 10, 000 school pupils aged between 11 and 18 performed abridged productions of Shakespeare most famous plays in 67 professional theatres around the UK.

Following personal praise of their production from Chris Grace, Founder and Director of the Shakespeare Schools Festival, 12 of our pupils were invited back to perform part of their play at Birmingham's Council House as a showcase for the Festival. It is a stunning achievement for the pupils and real affirmation of the incredible talent amongst the original 26 strong cast, all aged between 11 and 12.

Jill Douglas, Head of Drama at Cheltenham College Junior School commented: “It is a real honour to have been chosen out of 500 schools to perform in front of such an important audience and in such a magnificent setting. The pupils’ talent and the professionalism with which they approached each performance were simply outstanding and they fully deserved their standing ovation. We produce several drama productions throughout the school year and we are looking forward to helping pupils develop their talent and potential still further.”

Imogen Barnes, one of the year 8 pupils, added: "I loved being in a real theatre in front of a massive audience. It was a really enjoyable experience."

Thursday 16th November 2009