Now that ‘spooky season’ is upon us, it feels the perfect time to look back on East Leake Academy’s involvement in the Nottingham Playhouse’s Schools Shakespeare Festival, where last year’s year 7 and 8 students took to the stage to perform one of Shakespeare’s finest spooky tales, Macbeth.
We were proud to be chosen as one of only eight schools across Nottinghamshire to take part in this exciting festival, hosted by the Nottingham Playhouse.
Our students had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with professional directors from the Playhouse, alongside our own performing arts team, to explore and bring to life key scenes from the world-famous tragedy.
As part of the experience, the students enjoyed a full backstage tour, gaining a fascinating insight into the day-to-day running of a professional theatre. They saw first-hand the technical magic that brings a production to life, from lighting and sound to stage management.
The highlight was stepping out onto the Playhouse’s professional stage to perform in front of a sold-out audience, an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
What stood out most was the enthusiasm and commitment of the students. They engaged brilliantly with the Shakespearean text, unlocking its meaning and discovering how to interpret the themes of ambition, fate, and the supernatural for a modern audience. Their creativity and energy on stage made for a truly memorable performance.
