AS a supplement to their study of Shakespearean comedy this term, all Year 9 students have had the opportunity to travel to London to see an afternoon performance of As You Like It in the location the original audiences would have experienced it: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Sets 1 and 4 went on June 8th and Sets 2, 3 and 5 went on June 13th. Fortunately, on both days, the weather mirrored the positive emotions stirred by the performance (which goes ahead regardless of downpours!) resulting in an enjoyable day out for all.

Teacher of English at King’s Ely Senior, Theo Wakeley, said: “For some students, this was their first experience of Shakespeare live, and of how immersive and interactive his comedies can be. The director’s decision to use gender blind casting in a play already seeped in mistaken identities, disguise and cross-dressing had the potential to be confusing but instead provided much intentional laughter.

“Perhaps the most entertaining moment in both performances was the famous ‘All the world’s a stage’ speech: the line about “the whining schoolboy, with his satchel” was delivered directly to some lucky Year 9s right at the front of the pit providing much amusement for the whole audience.

“We may have left the theatre with aching legs (from standing for 2 hours and 45 minutes!) but that feeling was overpowered by the smiles on our faces.”

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