Year 5 and 6 Bring Shakespeare to Life in Romeo & Juliet Workshop
Year 5 and 6 pupils enjoyed an inspiring and immersive morning of drama as the Young Shakespeare Company visited school to deliver a fully interactive Romeo and Juliet workshop. Making full use of the fantastic space in Penryn Hall, the company transformed the room into a lively performance arena, offering pupils the chance to see one of Shakespeare’s most famous stories burst into life in a fun, modern and accessible retelling.
The workshop began with an introduction to the key characters and themes, with actors inviting pupils to share what they already knew about the play from their English lessons. This immediately set an enthusiastic tone and helped reinforce classroom learning, bridging the gap between text and performance.
As the story unfolded, pupils were encouraged to step directly into the action. The Young Shakespeare Company’s trademark interactive approach meant that children weren’t simply watching the drama—they were part of it. Volunteers took on roles ranging from feuding Montagues and Capulets to key figures in the unfolding tragedy, bringing humour, energy and impressive creativity to their performances. Even those not on stage were fully involved, supporting scenes with sound effects, movement and responses that helped reshape Shakespeare’s world for a modern audience.
Penryn Hall proved to be the perfect setting, offering enough space for large-group activities, dynamic staging and moments of high drama. Teachers commented on how captivated pupils were from start to finish, noting that the workshop deepened their understanding of both the plot and the emotional power of Shakespeare’s language.
By the end of the session, pupils had not only watched a story they had studied come alive before them—they had helped tell it. The workshop was hailed as a fantastic experience that strengthened confidence, boosted engagement and enriched their English curriculum. Staff hope to welcome the Young Shakespeare Company back for more unforgettable storytelling soon.
